A frame assembly for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging

Abstract

A frame assembly for facilitating the withdrawal of flexible elongate members from an article of packaging. The frame assembly forms a frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use. There are wall-interior and wall-exterior frame parts for forming the frame. There is securing means for securing the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part on the wall of the article of packaging.

Description

[0001] A FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR AN OPENING IN A WALL OF AN ARTICLE OF PACKAGING FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a frame assembly for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members for facilitating the withdrawal of flexible elongate members from within the article of packaging in use.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Flexible elongate members, such as cable ties, are commonly sold in packaging in the form of a tube-shaped flexible plastic bag or pouch. After purchasingthe packaged container of cable ties, the user may store the cable ties in the bag or pouch in which they are sold and withdraw the cable ties as needed therefrom during use.

[0005] The bag or pouch may be provided with one or more lines of weakness across an end of the bag or pouch for the user to form an openingfor the withdrawal of cable ties therefrom. It is also common for cable tie packaging to be formed without lines of weakness and in this case the end user may more-or-less haphazardly tear open the bag or pouch to access the cable ties. This particular method is imprecise and does not facilitate the withdrawal of cable ties from the packaging. Also, the hole formed does not retain its shape due to the flexibility of the packaging, making it difficult to grasp a tie while avoiding the packaging, and the hole can become larger by repeated removal of cable ties which can allow the ties to fall out. Another common feature of articles of packaging is a resealable closure at one end thereof. This allows the article of packaging to be sealed once contents are withdrawn from the packaging, thereby preventing the contents falling out of the packaging through the resealable closure when the resealable closure is closed.

[0006] These methods can be frustrating because the packaging is not typically designed for the repeated removal of a precise number of cable ties in a controlled manner.

[0007] A problem with forming an opening at the end of the bag or pouch is that cable ties may fall out of the bag or pouch through the opening if inadvertently held upside down. Also, because the bag or pouch is formed from flexible material, regardless of how the bag is opened, the wall(s) of the packaging may rest at a position in close proximity to the cable ties, making it difficult to pinch the correct number of cable ties for withdrawal, while avoiding the flexible container walls. There exists rigid containers for flexible elongate members which are adapted for containing and withdrawing cable ties, however these containers are purchased separately to the cable tie packaging and can be somewhat costly. Also, the rigid containers are adapted to cable ties of a particular length, and they are not suitable for cable ties either longer or shorter than this length, whereas the packaging of cable ties is manufactured according to the length of the cable ties therein and so is already suitable for the particular cable tie. Accordingly, there is a need for providing a means of adapting flexible cable tie packaging for users who frequently use cable ties but who are not prepared to make a more significant investment of a rigid container for cable ties.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems outlined above.SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention addresses the problem of how to facilitate withdrawal of flexible elongate members from an article of packaging.

[0010] The problem is solved by providing a frame assembly for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members, the frame assembly forming a rigid edge around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging which maintains the shape of the opening of the article of packaging thus facilitating a user to reach through the opening and grasp a flexible elongate member and avoiding the wall of the article of packaging.

[0011] The invention is set out in the claims.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention provides a frame assembly for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members for facilitating the withdrawal of flexible elongate members from within the article of packaging in use, the frame assembly suitable for forming a frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use for withdrawal of flexible elongate members through the frame in use, the frame assembly comprising a wallinterior frame part and a wall-exterior frame part for forming the frame in use, the frame assembly comprising a securing means, wherein the securing means is suitable for securing the wall-interior frame part in an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use, and wherein the securing means is suitable for securing the wallexterior frame part outside an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0013] Advantageously, the frame, secured around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging, maintains the shape of the opening, thus facilitating a user to reach through the opening and grasp a flexible elongate member and avoiding the wall of the article of packaging because the portion of the packaging around the opening does not move when the user reaches into the packaging and withdraws a flexible elongate member. Further advantageously, the frame assembly of the invention can be fitted to articles of packaging which the flexible elongate members are sold in, thus obviating the need for the user to own various containers for different lengths of flexible elongate member.

[0014] By ‘interior’ and ‘exterior’ used in this context we mean interior and exterior of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members, the flexible elongate members being contained in the interior volume of the packaging. That is, the wall-interior frame part is insertable into the article of packaging and the wall-exterior frame part is configured for placement on an external surface of the wall of the article of packaging and the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame parts are adapted to accept the wall of the article of packaging therebetween.

[0015] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part is / are rigid parts for creating a rigid edge around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging of flexible elongate members.Advantageously, the wall-interior frame part and / or wall-exterior frame part being rigid parts provides a means to maintain the shape of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging. By ‘rigid’ we mean that the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame maintains a preformed shape when, during use, a user reaches into the packaging and withdraws a flexible elongate member.

[0016] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part is / are constructed at least partially from a rigid material.

[0017] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part is / are constructed at least partially from one or more rigid materials comprising one or more of a thermoplastic material and / or an elastomeric material and / or rubber and / or metal.

[0018] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a tubular frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0019] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0020] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a polygonal shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0021] By polygonal, we mean a shape having at least three connected straight sides.

[0022] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a circular or elliptical loop shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0023] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming a tubular frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0024] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming a shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0025] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are of the same shape and / or dimension. Advantageously, the wall-interior and wall-exterior frame parts being of the same shape and / or dimension permits the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to be aligned in use which provides a through passage for flexible elongate members.

[0026] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge comprising one or more curved rigid edge portions extending around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging. Advantageously, one or more curved rigid edge portions extending around at least part of the opening is suitable for use with a convex shaped opening which facilitates access to the interior volume of the article of packaging. The curved edge portions may be an arc of a circle in one example.

[0027] Alternatively, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge comprising one or more straight rigid edge portions extending around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

[0028] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being a continuous unbroken rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging. Advantageously, this means that the entire edge around the opening of the wall of the article of packaging is maintained in shape, thus facilitating a userto reach through the opening and grasp a flexible elongate member and avoiding the wall of the article of packaging.

[0029] Alternatively, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge comprising a gap, such as a C-shape. Advantageously, a rigid edge with a gap provides rigidity to the edge around the opening of the packaging while at the same time requiring less materialthanforforminga continuous unbroken edge.

[0030] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming a polygonal shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0031] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being a polygonal shaped rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

[0032] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming a circular or elliptical loop shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0033] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being a circular rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging. Advantageously, a circular edge is convenient to facilitate a user to reach through the opening to grasp a flexible elongate member. Further, a circular loop shaped frame allows the flexible elongate members to be guided, as they are pulled from the packaging through the opening, towards a centre of the circular loop shaped frame, where the opening is widest, which assists in the withdrawal of flexible elongate members which are not initially aligned with the longest dimension of the frame due to the lesser deformation of the elongate members required at this point.

[0034] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being an elliptical rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging. Advantageously, an elliptical edge allows the flexible elongate members to be withdrawn with less deformation due to the increased length of the opening along the major axis of the ellipse. Further advantageously, the major axis of the ellipse can be aligned with the lengths of the flexible elongate members when in use which will cause the flexible elongate members to be biased into an orientation parallel with the major axis of the ellipse and the other flexible elongate members in the packaging, thus reducingthe chance of a flexible elongate member being removed from being caught by another flexible elongate member.

[0035] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having an opening internally of the frame in the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0036] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part comprises a wall-exterior frame part engaging means.

[0037] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises a wall-interior frame part engaging means.

[0038] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part engaging means of the wall-interior frame part comprises one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions and the wall-interior frame part engaging means of the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions, wherein the one or more surface portions of the wall-exterior frame part engaging means and wall-interior frame part engaging means are suitable for clamping the wall of the article of packaging between the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions and the wall-interior frame part facing surface portions when the wall of the article of packaging is directly mechanically secured between the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part in use.

[0039] By ‘directly mechanically secured’ we mean the wall of the article of packaging is in contact with the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions and the wallinterior frame part facing surface portions which exert a clamping force on the packaging wall by the wall-exterior and wall-interior frame part facing surface portions being moved towards one another on either side of the packaging wall.

[0040] Ideally, the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions and the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions are flat.

[0041] Ideally, the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions and the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions are polygonal or circular or elliptical loop shaped surface portions.

[0042] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions at an inner edge of the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions to a free edge located on the wall-interior frame part away from the one or more wallexterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0043] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the wall-interior frame part is formed in a flared shape with the one or more inner-facing walls flaring outwardly in a direction from a portion of the wall-interior frame part located towards the wall-exterior frame part in use towards a free edge located away from the wall-exterior frame part in use. Advantageously, the flared shape of the wall-interior frame part facilitates the withdrawal of flexible elongate members because the size of the wall-interior frame part is greater at the free edge from where the flexible elongate member is initially pulled through the wall-interior frame part in use.

[0044] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part are formed closer together at a portion of the one or more inner-facing walls which are located closer to the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions compared with a portion of the one or more inner-facing walls located closer to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions, thereby forming an opening between the one or more inner-facing walls which is more narrow towards the one or more wallexterior frame part facing surface portions and more wide towards the free edge located away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions. Where the wall-interior frame part has only one inner-facing wall, the inner-facing wall is closer to itself towards the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions than towards the free edge.

[0045] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part extend further away from each other as the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0046] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part do not extend closerto each other as the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wallexterior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions at any portion of the inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part.

[0047] Advantageously, this forms an inner-facing surface of the wall-interior frame part which continuously expands from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions or in other words the wall-interior frame part has a flared shape about the one or more inner-facing surface. When the flexible elongate members are pulled through the frame in use by pulling a middle portion of the flexible elongate members through the frame, the flared surface of the wall-interior frame part smoothly guides flexible elongate members through the wall-interior frame part and the frame including gradually deforming the flexible elongate members between a state of lesser deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part is more wide at the free edge of the wall-interior frame part to a state of greater deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part is more narrow at the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0048] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions at an inner edge of the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions to a free edge located on the wall-exterior frame part away from the one or more wallinterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0049] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the wall-exterior frame part is formed in a flared shape with the one or more inner-facing walls flaring outwardly in a direction from a portion of the wall-exterior frame part located towards the wall-interior frame part in use towards a free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part in use. Advantageously, the flared shape of the wall-exterior frame part facilitates the withdrawal of flexible elongate members because the size of the wall-exterior frame part is greater at the free edge from where the flexible elongate member is initially pulled through the wall-exterior frame part in use.

[0050] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part are formed closer together at a portion of the one or more inner-facing walls which are located closerto the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions compared with a portion of the one or more inner-facing walls located closerto the free edge located away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions, thereby forming an opening between the one or more inner-facing walls which is more narrow towards the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions and more wide towards the free edge located away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions. Where the wall-exterior framepart has only one inner-facing wall, the inner-facing wall is closer to itself towards the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions than towards the free edge.

[0051] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part extend further away from each other as the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wallinterior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions.

[0052] Ideally, the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part do not extend closerto each other as the one or more inner-facing walls extend from the one or more wallinterior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions at any portion on the inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0053] Advantageously, this forms an inner-facing surface of the wall-exterior frame part which continuously expands from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions to the free edge located away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions orin other words the wall-exterior frame part has a flared shape about the one or more inner-facing surface. When the flexible elongate members are pulled through the frame in use by pulling a middle portion of the flexible elongate members through the frame, the flared surface of the wall-exterior frame part smoothly guides flexible elongate members through the wall-exterior frame part and the frame including gradually straightening the flexible elongate members between a state of greater deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part is more narrow at the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions to a state of lesser deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls of the wallexterior frame part is more wide at the free edge of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0054] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part comprises a convex cross-sectional portion along the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part.

[0055] Advantageously, the convex shape of the wall-interior frame part facilitates the withdrawal of the flexible elongate members because as the flexible elongate members are withdrawn from the packaging through the wall-interior frame part, the flexible elongate members deform gradually following the convexshape of the one or more inner-facing walls guided tangentially to the point of contact with the inner-facing walls as the flexible elongate member is pulled through the wall-interior frame part.

[0056] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises a convex cross-sectional portion along the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0057] Advantageously, the convex shape of the wall-exterior frame part facilitates the user reaching through the wall-exterior frame part as they can be physically guided by the convex shape of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0058] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a maximum width towards the free edge of the wall-interior frame part and / or towards the free edge of the wallexterior frame part.

[0059] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a minimum width towards the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions of the wall-interiorframe part and / or towards the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0060] By ‘width’ in relation to the maximum and minimum widths we mean the distance between two angularly opposite points on the one or more inner-facing walls of the wallinteriorframe part / wall-exterior frame part.

[0061] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a maximum width of between 20mm and 100mm.

[0062] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a maximum width of between 40mm and 80mm.

[0063] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a maximum width of 70mm.

[0064] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a minimum width of between 20mm and 100mm.

[0065] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a minimum width of between 40mm and 80mm.

[0066] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a minimum width of 60mm.

[0067] Advantageously, these dimensions of the frame can be configured to prevent or limit the chance that the flexible elongate members fall out of the article of packaging because the portions of the wall of the article of packaging surrounding the frame restricts the flexible elongate members from turning inside the bag and aligning an end of the flexible elongate members with the opening. By this we mean that the frame can be made with dimensions (maximum and minimum widths) smallerthan the length and width of the wall of the article of packaging so that the frame can be secured with a border portion of the packaging preventing an edge of the flexible elongate members passing through the frame without user manipulation.

[0068] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a thickness defined as the shortest distance between the free edge of the wall-interior frame part and the free edge of the wall-exterior frame part of the frame arranged on the article of packaging in use.

[0069] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a thickness of between 5mm and 30mm.

[0070] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a thickness of between 10mm and 25mm.

[0071] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a thickness of between 15mm and 20mm.

[0072] Ideally, the frame assembly is suitable for forming a frame having a thickness of 18mm. Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise means for affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging. Advantageously, this means the frame assembly can be used to move and / or remove a portion of the wall of the article of packaging for forming the opening in the wall of the article of packaging in use which advantageously obviates the need for the opening to be pre-formed.Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise a means for affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging by compressing or clamping the wall of the article of packaging between the two frame parts in use.

[0073] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise an arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging to move and / or remove a portion of the wall of the article of packaging for forming the opening in the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0074] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise a circular or elliptical or polygonal arrangement for cutting or tearing or affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging along a circular or elliptical or polygonal line.

[0075] Ideally, the arrangement for cutting or tearing or affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces for pulling the wall of the article of packaging against the one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces for cutting or tearing the wall of the article of packaging.

[0076] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprises a receiving means for one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces.

[0077] Ideally, the receiving means for the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces comprise one or more grooves.

[0078] Ideally, the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on one or more sharp objects embedded in the receiving means of the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part.

[0079] Ideally, the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on one or more sharp and / or pointed teeth embedded in the receiving means of the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part.

[0080] Ideally, the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on one or more curved blades.

[0081] Ideally, the arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises one or more serrated blades.

[0082] Ideally, the arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises a blade in the shape of a continuous unbroken loop.

[0083] Ideally, the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on a continuous circular, elliptical, or polygonal shaped blade.

[0084] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are two independently movable parts.

[0085] Ideally, the securing means is suitable for securing the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to one another. Advantageously, this provides a simple means for securing both the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to the wall of the article of packaging.

[0086] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are couplable and decouplable usingthe securing means.Ideally, the securing means is suitable for directly mechanically securing the wallinterior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to one another.

[0087] Ideally, the securing means is suitable for directly mechanically securing the wall of the article of packaging between the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part.

[0088] Advantageously, by directly mechanically securing the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part, and the article of packaging between the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part, the frame assembly is secured in one piece at a fixed position on the wall of the article of packaging which maintains the frame assembly in an in use position and prevents the two parts of the frame assembly coming loose from each other or the packaging.

[0089] By ‘directly mechanically secure’ we mean that the securing means is adapted to permit one or more mechanical fastening means to be secured to both the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to secure the two frame parts together and / or the securing means is adapted to permit one or more mechanical fastening means to be secured to the wall-interior frame part and the wall of the article of packaging and one or more mechanical fastening means to be secured to the wall exterior frame part and the wall of the article of packaging.

[0090] Ideally, the securing means of the frame assembly comprises at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part.

[0091] Ideally, the securing means of the frame assembly comprises at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0092] Ideally, the at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wallinterior frame part and the at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part are alignable, wherein a mechanical fastening means is receivable within the aligned mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part and wall-exterior frame part in use, and engageable with the aligned mechanical fastening means receiving means to secure the two frame parts together.

[0093] Ideally, the at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wallinterior frame part comprises a through hole in the wall-interior frame part and the at least one mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part comprises a through hole in the wall-exterior frame part.

[0094] Ideally, mechanical fasteners such as threaded screws or similar are receivable in the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part and mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0095] Ideally, the securing means of the frame assembly comprises at least one housingfor a mechanical fastener in the wall-interior frame part.

[0096] Ideally, the securing means of the frame assembly comprises at least one housingfor a female mechanical fastener in the wall-interior frame part, the female mechanical fastener being movable along a mechanical fastener receivable in the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part. Advantageously, this allows the mechanical fastening means to be moved through the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part followed by the wall-interior frame part, whereby the femalemechanical fastener is able to move along the mechanical fastening means thus engaging the mechanical fastening means and preventing movement of the mechanical fastening means out of the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-exterior frame part and wall-interior frame part.

[0097] Ideally, the housing for a female mechanical fastener in the wall-interior frame part is a housingfor a nut.

[0098] Ideally, the housingfor thefemale mechanical fastener in the wall-interior frame part comprises an openingtothe housingforthe female mechanical fastenerfor installation of the female mechanical fastener into the housing, wherein the opening is arranged on an outer surface of the wall-interior frame part.

[0099] Ideally, the opening of the housingforthe female mechanical fastener is a slotted opening.

[0100] Ideally, in use the slotted opening guides the female mechanical fastener into the housing in an orientation whereby an axis of the female mechanical fastener is aligned with an axis of a male mechanical fastener insertable through an opening to the through hole in the wall-interior frame part.

[0101] Ideally, a maximum width of the housing at the opening of the housingforthe female mechanical fastener is smaller than a maximum width of the housing behind the opening of the housing.

[0102] Advantageously, this means that the female mechanical fastener can be inserted through the opening by resiliently deforming the opening which retains the mechanical fastener within the housing.

[0103] Ideally, the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part comprises a housingfor receiving a polygonal shaped female mechanical fastener to be aligned with the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior and wallexterior frame parts.

[0104] Ideally, internally facing walls of the wall-interior frame part forming the housingforthe nut are arranged in a hexagonal arrangement for receiving a hex-nut in the housing.

[0105] Ideally, the maximum width of the opening of the housingforthe nut is substantially equal to, meaning marginally greater than so as to allow smooth insertion, than a width of a hex-nut measured from one of the flat outer wall surfaces of the hex-nut to an opposite flat outer wall surface of the hex-nut and the maximum width of the opening of the housing is smaller than a width of a hex-nut measured from one corner or edge of the hex-nut to an opposite corner or edge of the hex-nut. Advantageously, this means that the hex-nut can be inserted into the housing through the opening wherein the two opposite flat outer wall surfaces of the hex-nut are perpendicular to the opening so that the cross section of the hexnut in the direction of insertion into the opening assumes a smaller width and then the hexnut can be twisted manually or guided by an internal contour of the housing so that the cross section in the direction of insertion into the housing assumes a greater width, so that the hexnut is prevented from falling out of the housing.By ‘marginally’ we mean by a small amount so that manufacturing tolerances do not prevent the installation of the nut as described because the shorter width is greater than the width of the housing.

[0106] Ideally, the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part comprise complementary formed locating means for locating the wall-interior frame part in a predetermined position relative to the wall-exterior frame part.

[0107] Ideally, the wall-interior and wall-exterior frame parts comprise arcuate locating means arranged around the circular or elliptical loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part and the wall-interior frame part.

[0108] Ideally, the locating means of the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part comprise one or more complementary formed pairs of inter-engaging locating parts formed with the wall-interior frame part and formed with the wall-exterior frame part.

[0109] Ideally, the locating means of the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part comprise one or more complementary formed pairs of inter-engaging locating parts formed with the wall-interior frame part and formed with the wall-exterior frame part, wherein the inter-engaging locating parts comprise one or more complementary formed pairs of recessed and protruding parts.

[0110] Ideally, the one or more protruding parts are pointed. Advantageously, this allows the protruding parts to pierce the packaging wall to assist in securing the wall-interior / wall-exterior frame parts on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0111] Ideally, the locating parts of the wall-interior frame part comprise one or more recessed wall-exterior frame part receiving means extending away from the one or more wallexterior frame part facing surface portions, and the locating parts of the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more protruding means extending away from the one or more wallinterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0112] Ideally, the locating parts of the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more recessed receiving means extending away from the one or more wall-interior frame part facing surface portions, and the locating parts of the wall-interior frame part comprises one or more protruding means extending away from the one or more wall-exterior frame part facing surface portions.

[0113] Ideally, the one or more locating parts comprise one or more studs formed in the wallinterior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part and one or more complementary formed holes formed in the wall-exterior frame part and / or the wall-interior frame part.

[0114] Ideally, the one or more locating parts comprise one or more ribs formed in the wallinterior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part and one or more complementary formed channels formed in the wall-exterior frame part and / or the wall-interior frame part.

[0115] Ideally, the one or more studs formed in the wall-interior frame part and / or the wallexterior frame part are evenly distributed in an arcuate arrangement the wall-exterior frame part and / or wall-interior frame part.

[0116] Ideally, the one or more locating parts are located in an arrangement starting from a position slightly anticlockwise of an upper centre of the circular or elliptical loop shaped body of the wall-interior frame part and wall-exterior frame part and extending anticlockwise alongthe circular or elliptical loop shaped body ending in a position slightly clockwise of a lower centre of the circular or elliptical loop shaped body opposite the upper centre of the circular or elliptical loop shaped body.

[0117] Ideally, the one or more locating parts are located in an arrangement starting from a position slightly clockwise of an upper centre of the circular or elliptical loop shaped body of the wall-interior frame part and wall-exterior frame part and extending clockwise along the circular or elliptical loop shaped body ending in a position slightly anticlockwise of a lower centre of the circular or elliptical loop opposite the upper centre of the circular or elliptical loop shaped body.

[0118] Advantageously, the locating parts being offset clockwise / anticlockwise allows the mechanical fastening means receiving means to be accommodated on the loop shaped body.

[0119] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises a means for securing a waste bin attachment to the wall-exterior frame part for managing waste flexible elongate members generated by use of the flexible elongate members.

[0120] Ideally, the means for securing a waste bin attachment to the wall-exterior frame part comprises a closed loop formed extending from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, wherein a loop shaped mechanical fastening means is able to pass through the closed loop of the means for securing the waste bin attachment and through an aperture formed in a receiving means of the waste bin attachment.

[0121] Ideally, the means for securing a waste bin attachment comprises two closed loop securing means extending from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part.

[0122] Ideally, the two closed loop securing means extend from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part at positions 90 degrees angularly separated from one another.

[0123] Advantageously, the two closed loop securing means being 90 degrees angularly separated means that the waste bin attachment can be hungfrom the securing means at either a vertical or horizontal orientation where one orientation may be more preferable than another in use due to the amount of space in which the frame assembly is being used.

[0124] Ideally, the wall-exterior frame part comprises a means for securing the wall-exterior frame part to a supporting object for hanging the article of packaging containing the flexible elongate members from the supporting object when the frame is formed on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0125] Ideally, the means for securing the wall-exterior frame part to the supporting object comprises at least one loop shaped fixing means projecting from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, wherein the fixing means comprises a through hole for clipping the frame assembly onto an object for hanging the frame assembly from the object in use.

[0126] Ideally, the means for securing the wall-exterior frame part to the supporting object comprises two loop shaped fixing means projecting from the circular or elliptical loop body, wherein each of the two fixing portions comprise a through hole for clipping the frame assembly onto an object for hanging the frame assembly from the object in use.

[0127] Ideally, the two fixing means extend from the circular or elliptical loop body at positions 90 degrees angularly separated from one another.Advantageously, the two fixing means being 90-degrees angularly separated means that the frame assembly and the article of packaging can be hungfrom the fixing means at either a vertical or horizontal orientation where one orientation may be more preferable than another in use due to the amount of space in which the frame assembly is being used.

[0128] Ideally, the at least one fixing means comprise a portion connected to and extending from the circular or elliptical loop body at a first end of the fixing means and a free-end portion at a second end of the fixing means.

[0129] Ideally, the through hole is formed in the fixing means closer to the free-end portion than the portion connected to and extending from the circular or elliptical loop body.

[0130] Advantageously, this makes it easier to clip the fixing means onto the supporting object, such as a carabiner.

[0131] Ideally, the through hole of the fixing means is between 0.5 and 1.5cm in diameter. Ideally, the through hole is 1 cm in diameter.

[0132] Ideally, the fixing portion is pointed at the free-end portion facing away from the circular or elliptical loop body.

[0133] Ideally, the fixing portion is rounded at the pointed free-end portion facing away from the circular or elliptical loop body.

[0134] Advantageously, this facilitates the connection of the fixing portion and the supporting object, such as a carabiner.

[0135] The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

[0136] It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number.

[0137] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0138] The invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0139] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a frame for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging in an embodiment accordingto the invention;

[0140] Figure 2 is a front view of the frame of figure 1 ;

[0141] Figure 3 is a side view of the frame of figures 1 and 2;

[0142] Figure 4 is another side view of the frame of figures 1 to 3;

[0143] Figure 5 is a section view of a hex-nut used in accordance with the embodiment of figure 1 to 4;

[0144] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a wall-interior frame part in the embodiment of figures 1 to 5;

[0145] Figure 7 is a side view of the wall-interior frame part of figure 6;Figure 8 is an isometric view of a wall-exterior frame part in the embodiment of figures 1 to 7;

[0146] Figure 9 is a front view of the wall-exterior frame part of figure 8;

[0147] Figure 10 is a side view of the wall-exterior frame part of figures 8 and 9;

[0148] Figure 11 is an isometric view of a frame for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging in an embodiment accordingto the invention;

[0149] Figure 12 is a front view of the frame of figure 11 ;

[0150] Figure 13 is a side view of the frame of figures 11 and 12;

[0151] Figure 14 is another side view of the frame of figures 11 to 13;

[0152] Figure 15 is an exploded isometric view of the frame in the embodiment of figures 11 to 14 additionally comprising a blade;

[0153] Figure 16 is an exploded side view of the frame of figure 15;

[0154] Figure 17 is an isometric view of a waste bin attachment;

[0155] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a wall-interior frame part in an embodiment accordingto the invention comprising a serrated blade; and

[0156] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a frame assembly in an embodiment according to the invention secured to a wall of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members.

[0157] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0158] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined bythe claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognise that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0159] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used bythe inventorto enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0160] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0161] Referring to the drawings generally there is shown a frame assembly 1 , 101 , 301 for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging 70 (figure 19) of flexible elongate members 72 for facilitating the withdrawal of flexible elongate members from within the article of packaging in use, the frame assembly 1 , 101, 301 suitable for forming a loop shaped frame (see figures 1 to 4 and 11 to 14, and 19) on the wall of the article of packaging in use for withdrawal of flexible elongate members through the loop shaped frame in use, the frame assembly 1, 101comprising a wall-interior frame part 3, 103, 203 and a wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, 305 for forming the loop shaped frame in use, the frame assembly 1, 101 comprising a securing arrangement, wherein the securing arrangement is suitable for securingthe wall-interior frame part 3, 103, 203 in an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use, and wherein the securing arrangement is suitable for securing the wallexterior frame part 5, 105 outside an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0162] The frame assembly 1, 101 , 301 is suitable for forming a tubular frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0163] Theframe assembly 1, 101, 301 is suitable for forming a shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0164] The frame assembly 1, 101 , 301 is suitable for forming an elliptical loop shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0165] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are suitable for forming a tubular frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0166] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are suitable for forming a shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0167] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are suitable for forming an elliptical loop shaped frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0168] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a frame having an opening internally of theframe in the wall of the article of packaging in use.

[0169] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 comprises a wall-exterior frame part engaging arrangement, and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises a wall-interior frame part engaging arrangement.

[0170] The wall-exterior frame part engaging arrangement of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103, 203 comprises a wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27, . 1 (see figure 6 and 18, not visible in figures 11 to 16) and the wall-interior frame part engaging arrangement of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises a wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 (see figures 8 and 9 and 15), wherein the surface portions 27, 29, 129 of the wall-exterior frame part engaging arrangement and wall-interior frame part engaging arrangement are suitable for clamping the wall of the article of packaging between surface portions 27, 29, 129 when the wall of the article of packaging is secured between the wall-interior frame part 3, 103, 203 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 in use.

[0171] The wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion T1 and the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 are flat.

[0172] The wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion T1 and the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 are elliptical loop shaped surface portions 27, 29, 129.

[0173] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 comprises an inner-facing wall 35, wherein the inner-facing wall extends from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion T1 at an inner edge of the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 to a free edge located on the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 away from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27.Portions of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 are formed closer to each other at a portion of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 which are located closer to the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 compared with a portion of the one or more inner-facing walls located closer to the free edge located away from the wallexterior frame part facing surface portion 27, thereby forming an opening between the inner-facing wall 35, 135 which is more narrow towards the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion T1 and more wide towards the free edge located away from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion l.

[0174] Portions of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 extend further away from each other as the portions of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 extend from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 to the free edge located away from the wallexterior frame part facing surface portion 27.

[0175] Portions of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 do not extend closer to each other as the portions of the inner-facing wall 35, 135 extend from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 to the free edge located away from the wallexterior frame part facing surface portion 27.

[0176] Advantageously, this forms an inner-facing surface 27 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 which continuously expands from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 to the free edge located away from the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27 thereby smoothly guiding flexible elongate members through the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the frame including gradually deforming the flexible elongate members between a state of lesser deformation where the opening between the inner-facing wall 35, 135 of the wallinterior frame part is more wide at the free edge of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 to a state of greater deformation where the opening between the inner-facing wall 35, 135 of the wallinterior frame part 3, 103 is more narrow at the wall-exterior frame part facing surface portion 27.

[0177] The wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises an inner-facing wall 49, 149, wherein the inner-facing wall 49, 149 extend from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 at an inner edge of the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 to a free edge located on the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129.

[0178] The inner-facing wall 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are formed closer together at a portion of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 which are located closer to the wallinterior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 compared with a portion of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 located closer to the free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129, thereby forming an opening between the inner-facing wall 49, 149 which is more narrow towards the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 and more wide towards the free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129.

[0179] Portions of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 extend further away from each other as the portions of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 extend from thewall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 to the free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129.

[0180] Portions of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 do not extend closer to each other as the portions of the inner-facing wall 49, 149 extend from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 to the free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129.

[0181] Advantageously, this forms an inner-facing surface 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 which continuously expands from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 to the free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 thereby smoothly guiding flexible elongate members through the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 and the frame including gradually straightening the flexible elongate members between a state of greater deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 is more narrow at the wallinterior frame part facing surface portion 29, 129 to a state of lesser deformation where the opening between the one or more inner-facing walls 49, 149 of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 is more wide at the free edge of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0182] The inner-facing walls 35, 49, 149 are convex shaped surfaces.

[0183] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 39 (see figure 2) of between 20mm and 100mm.

[0184] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 39 of between 40mm and 80mm.

[0185] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 39 of 70mm.

[0186] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 41 (see figure 2) of between 20mm and 100mm.

[0187] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 41 of between 40mm and 80mm.

[0188] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a width 41 of 60mm.

[0189] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a thickness 43 (see figure 4) of between 5mm and 30mm.

[0190] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a thickness 43 of between 10mm and 25mm.

[0191] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a thickness 43 of between 15mm and 20mm.

[0192] The frame assembly 1, 101 is suitable for forming a loop shaped frame having a thickness 43 of 18mm.

[0193] Referring now to figures 1 to 18, the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise an arrangement 45, 47, 145 for affecting the integrity of the wall of the article of packaging by compressing or clamping the wall of the article of packaging between the two frame parts 3, 103, 5, 105 in use.The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise an arrangement 45, 47, 145, 146, 246 for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging to move or remove a portion of the wall of the article of packaging for forming an opening in the wall of the article of packaging between the wall-interior and wall-exterior frame parts 3, 103, 5, 105.

[0194] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise a circular or elliptical or polygonal arrangement 45, 145, 47, 146, 246 for cutting ortearing or affecting the integrity or position the wall of the article of packaging along a circular or elliptical or polygonal line.

[0195] The arrangement 45, 145, 47, 146, 246 for cutting or tearing or affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces (146, 246 - see figures 15 and 18) for pulling the wall of the article of packaging against the one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces for cutting or tearing the wall of the article of packaging.

[0196] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise a receiving arrangement 45, 145, 47 for one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces.

[0197] The receiving arrangement 45, 145, 47 for the one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces comprise one or more grooves 45, 145, 47.

[0198] The one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on one or more sharp and / or pointed objects embedded in the receiving arrangement 45, 145, 47 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and / or wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0199] The one or more sharp and / or pointed surfaces are formed on one or more sharp and / or pointed teeth embedded in the receiving arrangement 45, 145, 47 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and / or the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0200] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are two independently movable parts.

[0201] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 are couplable and decouplable usingthe securing arrangement.

[0202] The securing arrangement for securing the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 in an interior volume of the article of packaging and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 outside an interior volume of the article of packaging in use is suitable for directly mechanically securing the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 to one another.

[0203] The securing arrangement for securing the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 in an interior volume of the article of packaging and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 outside an interior volume of the article of packaging in use is suitable for directly mechanically securing the wall of the article of packaging between the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0204] Advantageously, by directly mechanically securing the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 and the article of packaging between the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, the frame assembly 1, 101 is secured in one piece at a fixed position on the wall of the article of packaging which maintainsthe frame assembly 1 , 101 in an in use position and prevents the two parts 3, 103, 5, 105 of the frame assembly 1, 101 coming loose from each other or the packaging.

[0205] By ‘directly mechanically secure’ we mean that the securing arrangement is adapted to permit one or more mechanical fasteners to be secured to both the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 to secure the two frame parts 3, 103, 5, 105 together and / or mechanical fasteners to be secured to the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall of the article of packaging and / or to the wall exterior frame part 5, 105 and the wall of the article of packaging.

[0206] The securing arrangement of the frame assembly 1, 101 comprises mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103.

[0207] The securing arrangement of the frame assembly 1, 101 comprises at least one mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0208] The at least one mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the at least one mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b of the wall-exterior frame 5, 105 part are alignable, wherein a mechanical fastener (see 76 of figure 19) is receivable within the aligned mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b of the wall-exterior frame 5, 105 part in use, to secure the two frame parts together. In particular, mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 107a is alignable with mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 109a, mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7b, 107b is alignable with mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9b, 109b.

[0209] The mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 comprises through holes 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b in the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the at least one mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises a through hole 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b in the wallexterior frame part 5, 105.

[0210] Threaded screws or similar 76 (shown only for frame 301 in figure 19) are receivable in the mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 7a, 7b, 107a, 107b of the wall-interior frame part3, 103 and the mechanical fastening receiving arrangement 9a, 9b, 109a, 109b of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0211] The securing arrangement of the frame assembly 1, 101 comprises at least one housing 11 , 111 for a nut 12 (figure 5) in the wall-interior frame part 3, 103.

[0212] The housing 11, 111 for a nut in the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 comprises an opening 13, 113 to the housing for the nut 11 for installation of the nut into the housing, wherein the opening is arranged on an outer surface of the wall-interior frame part.

[0213] The opening 13, 113 of the housing 11 , 111 for the nut is a slotted opening 13, 113. Advantageously, the slotted opening 13, 113 guides the nut 12 into the housing 11, 111 in an orientation whereby an axis of the nut is aligned with an axis of a screw or similar fastener insertable through a second opening 15, 115 to the housing 11, 111.A maximum width of the housing 11, 111 at the opening 13, 113 of the housing 11, 111 for the nut is smaller than a maximum width of the housing behind the opening 13, 113 of the housing 11, 111.

[0214] Advantageously, this means that the nut 12 can be inserted through the opening 13, 113 by forcing the nut 12 against the sides of the opening 13, 113 to deform the opening 13, 113 to allow the nut to be inserted into the housing 11, 111. The opening 13, 113 is resilient and returns to its original size and this retains the nut within the housing.

[0215] Internally facing walls of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 forming the housing 11, 111 for the nut are arranged in a hexagonal arrangement for receiving a hex-nut 12 in the housing 11, 111.

[0216] The maximum width of the opening 13, 113 of the housing 11, 111 for the nut is marginally greater than a width 17 of a hex-nut 12 measured from one of the flat outer wall surfaces 19a of the hex-nut 12 to an opposite flat outer wall surface 19b of the hex-nut 12 and the maximum width of the opening 13, 113 is smaller than a width 21 of the hex-nut 12 measured from one corner or edge 23a of the hex-nut to an opposite corner or edge 23b of the hex-nut. The maximum width of the housing is marginally greater than a width 21 of a hex-nut measured from one corner or edge 23a of the hex-nut to an opposite corner or edge 23b of the hex-nut. Advantageously, this means that the hex-nut can be inserted into the housing 11, 111 through the opening 13, 113 wherein the two opposite flat outer wall surfaces 19a, 19b of the hex-nut are perpendicular to the opening so that the cross section of the hex-nut in the direction of insertion into the opening 13, 113 assumes the width 17 and then the hex-nut can be twisted manually or guided by an internal contour of the housing 11, 111 so that the cross section assumes the greater width 21 so that the hex-nut is prevented from falling out of the housing.

[0217] By ‘marginally’ we mean by a small amount so that manufacturing tolerances do not prevent the installation of the nut as described.

[0218] A third opening 25 (see figure 6) of the housing 11 , 111 for the nut of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 is smaller than the housing 11, 111 and smaller than width 17 and width 21 of the nut, therefore the nut also cannot fall out through the opening 25. Advantageously, the third opening25 beingsmaller than the housing ll, 111 and the nut means that the nut retains the wall interior frame part 3, 103 in a fixed position relative to the wall exterior frame part because the nut bears against an interior surface of the housing if the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 moves away from the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0219] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise complementary formed locating arrangements 31 , 37, 137a, 137b for locating the wallinterior frame part 3, 103 in a predetermined position relative to the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0220] The wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise arcuate locating arrangements 31, 37, 137a, 137b arranged around the elliptical loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 and the wall-interior frame part 3, 103.

[0221] The locating arrangements 31 , 37, 137a, 137b of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprise one or more complementary formed pairs ofinter-engaging locating parts 31 , 37, 137a, 137b formed with the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and formed with the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0222] The locating parts 31 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 comprise a plurality of recessed wall-exterior frame part receiving arrangements 31 extending away from the wallexterior frame part facing surface portion 27.

[0223] The locating parts 37, 137a, 137b of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises a plurality of protruding receiving arrangements 37, 137a, 137b extending away from the wallinterior frame part facing surface portion 29.

[0224] The locating arrangements are holes 31 of the wall-interior frame part 3, 103 and complementary formed studs 37, 137a, 137b of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105.

[0225] The wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises an arrangement 51 , 151 for securing a waste bin attachment 53 (figure 17) to the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 for managing waste flexible elongate members generated by use of the flexible elongate members.

[0226] The arrangement 51, 151 for securing the waste bin attachment 53 to the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises a closed loop 51 , 151 formed extending from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, 5, 105 wherein a loop shaped mechanical fastening means is able to pass through the closed loop 51 , 151 of the arrangement 51 , 151 for securing the waste bin attachment 53 and through an aperture 61 formed in receiving arrangement 59 in the waste bin attachment 53.

[0227] The arrangement 51 , 151 for securing the waste bin attachment comprises two closed loop securing arrangements 51 , 151 extending from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, 5, 105.

[0228] The two closed loop securing arrangements 51 , 151 extend from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, 5, 105 at positions 90 degree angularly separated from one another.

[0229] Advantageously, the two closed loop securing arrangements 51, 151 being 90 degree angularly separated means that the waste bin attachment 53 can be hung from the arrangements 51 , 151 at either a vertical or horizontal orientation where one orientation may be more preferable than another in use due to the amount of space in which the cable tie frame assembly is being used.

[0230] The wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, 305 comprises an arrangement 63, 163, 363 for securing the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, 305 to a supporting object (not shown) for hanging the article of packaging containing the flexible elongate members from the supporting object when the frame is formed on the wall of the article of packaging. A carabiner 74 for this purpose is shown in figure 19.

[0231] The arrangement 63, 163, 363 for securing the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, 305 to the supporting object comprises loop shaped fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 projecting from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part, 5, 105, 305 wherein the fixing means comprises a through hole for clipping the frame assembly 1 , 101 , 301 onto an object for hanging the frame assembly 1 , 101 , 301 from the object in use.

[0232] The wall-exterior frame part 5, 105 comprises two fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 projecting from the loop shaped body of the wall-exterior frame part 5, 105, 305 wherein eachof the two fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 comprise a through hole for clipping the frame assembly 1, 101 , 301 onto an object for hanging the frame assembly 1 , 101 , 301 from the object in use.

[0233] The two fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 extend from the circular or elliptical loop body at positions 90 degrees angularly separated from one another.

[0234] Advantageously, the two fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 being 90-degrees angularly separated means that the frame assembly and the article of packaging can be hung from the fixing portions at either a vertical or horizontal orientation where one orientation may be more preferable than another in use due to the amount of space in which the cable tie frame assembly 1, 101 is being used.

[0235] The fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 comprise a portion connected to and extending from the circular or elliptical loop body at a first end of the fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 and a free-end portion at a second end of the fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363.

[0236] The through hole is formed in the fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 closer to the free-end portion than the portion connected to and extending from the circular or elliptical loop body.

[0237] The through hole of the fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 are between 0.5 and 1.5cm in diameter.

[0238] The through hole is 1 cm in diameter.

[0239] The fixing arrangements 63, 163, 363 are pointed at the free-end portion facing away from the circular or elliptical loop body.

[0240] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

24CLAIMS1. A frame assembly for an opening in a wall of an article of packaging of flexible elongate members for facilitating the withdrawal of flexible elongate members from within the article of packaging in use, the frame assembly suitable for forming a frame on the wall of the article of packaging in use for withdrawal of flexible elongate members through the frame in use, the frame assembly comprising a wall-interior frame part and a wallexterior frame part for forming the frame in use, the frame assembly comprising a securing means, wherein the securing means is suitable for securing the wall-interior frame part in an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use, and wherein the securing means is suitable for securing the wallexterior frame part outside an interior volume of the article of packaging on the wall of the article of packaging in use.

2. The frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part is / are rigid parts for creating a rigid edge around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging of flexible elongate members.

3. A frame assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part is / are constructed at least partially from a rigid material.

4. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are of the same shape and / or dimension.

5. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing means is suitable for securing the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part to one another with the wall of the article of packaging to be clamped therebetween.

6. A frame assembly according to claim 2, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge comprising one or more curved rigid edge portions extending around at least part of the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

7. A frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being a continuous unbroken rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

8. A frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being a circular rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

9. A frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part are suitable for forming the rigid edge being an elliptical rigid edge around the opening in the wall of the article of packaging.

10. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the wall-interior frame part is formed in a flared shape with the one or more inner-facing walls flaring outwardly in a direction from a portion of the wall-interior frame part located towards the wall-exterior frame part in use towards a free edge located away from the wall-exterior frame part in use.

11. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-exterior frame part comprises one or more inner-facing walls, wherein the wall-exterior frame part is formed in a flared shape with the one or more inner-facing walls flaring outwardly in a direction from a portion of the wall-exterior frame part located towards the wall-interior frame part in use towards a free edge located away from the wall-interior frame part in use.

12. A frame assembly according to claim 10, wherein the wall-interior frame part comprises a convex cross-sectional portion along the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-interior frame part.

13. A frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein the wall-exterior frame part comprises a convex cross-sectional portion along the one or more inner-facing walls of the wall-exterior frame part.

14. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise means for affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging.

15. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part and / or the wall-exterior frame part comprise an arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging to move and / or remove a portion of the wall of the article of packaging for forming the opening in the wall of the article of packaging, wherein the arrangement for cutting or tearing or affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces for pulling the wall of the article of packaging against the one or more sharp and / or pointed blade surfaces for cutting or tearing the wall of the article of packaging.

16. A frame assembly according to claim 15, wherein the arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises a one or more serrated blades.

17. A frame assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the arrangement for cutting or tearing or otherwise affecting the integrity or position of the wall of the article of packaging comprises a blade in the shape of a continuous unbroken loop.

18. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part comprises a mechanical fastening means receiving means, wherein the wallexterior frame part comprises a mechanical fastening means receiving means, wherein the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior and wallexterior frame parts are alignable, wherein a mechanical fastening means is receivable within the aligned mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part and wall-exterior frame part in use, and engageable with the aligned mechanical fastening means receiving means to secure the two frame parts together.

19. A frame assembly according to claim 18, wherein the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior frame part comprises a housing for receiving a polygonal shaped female mechanical fastener to be aligned with the mechanical fastening means receiving means of the wall-interior and wall-exterior frame parts.

20. A frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall-interior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part comprise complementary formed locating means for locating the wall-interior frame part in a predetermined position relative to the wallexteriorframe part.

21. A frame assembly according to claim 20, wherein the locating means of the wallinterior frame part and the wall-exterior frame part comprise one or more complementary formed pairs of inter-engaging locating parts formed with the wallinterior frame part and formed with the wall-exterior frame part, wherein the interengaging locating parts comprise one or more complementary formed pairs of recessed and protruding parts.

22. A frame assembly according to claim 21 , wherein the one or more protruding parts are pointed.

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