FIREWOOD PACKAGE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A firewood packaging assembly for transportation of firewood is disclosed. The firewood packaging assembly comprises a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film comprising a first end and a second end to selectively secure the predetermined sizes of firewood sections arranged in a bundle configuration, wherein the first end and the second end of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film are sealingly engaged via a plurality of ropes wrapped around the bundle to securely hold the firewood sections. A handle is removably attached to the outer surface of the bundle to carry the firewood packaging assembly during the transportation. The ropes are made from a fiber composite material to securely hold the firewood sections in the bundle configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND

Firewood has always been seen as a reliable source of renewable energy. Going by the demand for other fuels like oil and natural gas, firewood plays a significant role to meet the conservative and economic fuel requirements. Therefore, in most of the domestic applications, people have started using firewood extensively. However, the prospects of buying and transporting firewood is a cumbersome task. For instance, splitting the firewood and storage of all the small firewood sections is always labor intensive. There have been many attempts to store and transport all the firewood by using various containers and methods. In some cases, people are still carrying it on their own to meet their domestic fuel needs and during the process, they are injured by the splinters of wood.

Early attempts were aimed at providing a packaging container or a box made of cardboard or paperboard to carry all the firewood. However, these containers were not rigid enough to store the firewood and eventually collapsed. In some cases, a flat horizontal base is used to carry all the small firewood sections but it is not convenient for usage. In recent times, users have started using a container made of rigid composite materials to hold and carry all the firewood. However, these containers are limited for certain sizes of firewood and do not help in carrying firewood of different sizes and dimensions. In certain cases, a strap or a cord is generally tied around the firewood to group them into bundle for transport. All of these prior attempts did not help to hold and carry firewood especially if making the purchase of firewood in smaller amounts.

Prior art reference U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,589 discloses a flexible carrier apparatus comprising two rigid independent rods and two flexible material straps to assist in bundling and transportation of firewood. However, this apparatus is limited for firewood sections that have size limitations.

Prior art reference U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,015 discloses a firewood carrier having a bottom with opposed sides and a pair of handles extending up from the sides and over the bottom to hold a bundle of firewood. But the apparatus is a cumbersome design and does not help to carry the firewood in smaller amounts.

Some of the prior art attempts also include a customized carton, corrugated or a folding package to carry all the firewood which is tied using bands and straps with clips, buckles and staples for fastening the package. However, this too has limitations with respect to the application of use.

In light of the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations, there exists a need for a packaging assembly to securely carry firewood of various predetermined sizes even if the purchase is made in smaller amounts.

SUMMARY

The objective of the present invention is to provide a firewood packaging assembly for transportation of predetermined sizes of firewood in a bundle configuration.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the firewood packaging assembly comprises a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film comprising a first end and a second end to selectively secure the predetermined sizes of firewood sections arranged in a bundle configuration, wherein the first end and the second end of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film are sealingly engaged via a plurality of wire ropes wrapped around the bundle to securely hold the firewood sections.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a handle is removably attached to the outer surface of the bundle to carry the firewood packaging assembly during the transportation. The handle is made from a resilient material to securely grip the firewood sections and adaptively adjusts the weight of the firewood packaging assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a firewood packaging assembly arranged in a bundled configuration, incorporating aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of the firewood packaging assembly secured by the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film, incorporating aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the perspective view of the firewood packaging assembly secured by the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film with a carrying handle, incorporating aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the perspective view of the firewood packaging assembly with two piles of split firewood sections secured by the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film with the carrying handle, incorporating aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DIFFERENT EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is related to a firewood packaging assembly 100 for transportation of predetermined sizes of firewood sections 102 in a bundle configuration even if the purchase is made in smaller amounts.

Referring now to FIG. 1 which illustrates a perspective view of a firewood packaging assembly 100. The firewood packaging assembly 100 comprises a plurality of smaller firewood sections 102 stacked in parallel on a bundle configuration as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the perspective view of the firewood packaging assembly 100 is secured by a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 as disclosed. The polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 is made to selectively secure the predetermined sizes of firewood sections 102 arranged in the bundle configuration. The firewood sections 102 are arranged in such a way that the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 is able to hold and position all the firewood sections 102 together. As shown in FIG. 3, the firewood packaging assembly 100 is secured by a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 with a carrying handle 108 for transportation purpose as shown. The firewood packaging assembly 100 comprises polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 comprising a first end and a second end selectively securing the predetermined sizes of firewood sections 102 arranged in a bundle configuration. The first end and the second end of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 are sealingly engaged via a plurality of ropes 106 wrapped around the bundle to securely hold the firewood sections 102. The firewood sections 102 in the bundle configuration are wrapped by a plastic film, preferably a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 in both clear and white shades. The thickness of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film may vary. In exemplary embodiments, a heavy duty and multi-ply clear or white polyvinyl chloride wrapping film can be used to cover the firewood packaging assembly 100 to keep the firewood sections 102 dry from the external elements. As shown in FIG. 1, the bundled firewood sections 102 comprise a split log configuration wherein the shapes of each of the firewood sections 102 differs from each other and are irregular in shape. However, according to a different embodiment, the firewood sections 102 can have a plurality of shapes and dimensions.

In an embodiment, according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 3, the firewood packaging assembly 100 comprises the handle 108 removably attached to the outer surface of the bundle to carry the firewood packaging assembly 100 during the transportation. The handle 108 is made from a resilient material so that it can withstand the weight of the firewood packaging assembly 100 and assisting in ease of storage and transportation for a user. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 108 is made from a polymer or a fiber material. The firewood packaging assembly 100 is configured to carry the predetermined sizes of firewood sections 102 that are arranged parallel to one another in the bundle configuration. Further, the firewood sections 102 are stacked accordingly to define any predetermined bundle shape. The firewood sections 102 are stacked together and are generally secured together by the wire rope that is made of stainless steel. In the exemplary embodiment, stainless steel strands and cables can be used to secure the firewood sections 102 together in the bundle configuration. The size, shape and strength of these tying means such as ropes, cables and strands differs according to the size and other dimensions of the stacked firewood sections 102 in the bundle configuration. In some embodiments, a metal band, a tape and a zip tie can be used to secure the firewood sections 102 stacked in the bundle configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the firewood sections 102 stacked in the bundle varies based on the size parameters of each of the firewood sections 102 and also the type of firewood sections 102. For example, if the user wants to purchase the firewood sections 102 in smaller amounts, the bundle will be made small and it will be easier to transport the same. The dimension of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film bundle is configured to have 6 inches to 4 feet in length, width and height. However, other dimensions of the bundle may be considered in the present invention based on the requirements.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first end and the second end of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 in the firewood packaging assembly 100 comprises a plurality of slits 110 at predetermined location along the length of the film. The slits 110 are configured to split the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 to wrap around the bundle to securely hold the firewood sections 102. As the purchase of firewood sections 102 depends upon the requirements, the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 can secure any number of smaller sections of firewood 102. The slits 110 in the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film assists in packaging by selective application of polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 over the firewood packaging assembly 100. In some embodiments, the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 is configured to have air openings to provide ventilation for seasoned and kiln dried firewood sections 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the firewood packaging assembly 100 can selectively secure and handle the firewood sections 102 of any configuration. In preferred embodiments, a plurality of quarter split firewood sections 102 are stacked in parallel on the bundle configuration. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the firewood packaging assembly 100 is configured to wrap two piles of split firewood sections 102 secured by the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 transported with the carrying handle 108.

According to a different embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the firewood packaging assembly 100 comprises the plurality of ropes 106 to wrap around the bundle to securely hold the firewood sections 102. The ropes 106 are made from a fiber composite material. The ropes 106 are manually wrapped around the body of the firewood packaging assembly 100 in a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction to secure the assembled firewood sections 102 and the ropes 106 are tied upon the confronting ends of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 via a knotless loop. In another embodiment, the ropes 106 can also be tied upon the confronting ends of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 via a knotted loop. In some embodiments, a metal seal, a strapping clip, a nail and a wire buckle can be used to fasten the confronting ends of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104.

According to the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a method of packing the firewood packaging assembly 100 is disclosed. The purchase of firewood sections 102 are made according to the requirements. In the present invention, the purchase of firewood 102 are made in smaller amounts. The purchased firewood sections 102 are stacked in parallel arrangement to form the bundle configuration. This is followed by placing the firewood packaging assembly 100 on a flat surface holding the firewood packaging assembly 100 together and preventing it from collapsing. Then, the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 is withdrawn from a PVC bundle and it is selectively applied to secure the stacked firewood sections 102 arranged in the bundle configuration. The selective application of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 can be done in the clockwise or the counter-clockwise direction. Using the slits 110 positioned at predetermined locations along the length of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104, the user can split and separate the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 that is selectively applied over the stacked firewood sections 102. It is followed by enclosing the firewood packaging assembly 100 by using the ropes 106 to substantially secure the stacked firewood sections 102 with the firewood packaging assembly 100 and tying by the knotted loop or the knotless loop fashion. In a different embodiment, the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104 is wrapped around the firewood packaging assembly 100 by at least one of a stretch wrap or a shrink wrap.

In another exemplary embodiment, the strands that are used to securely hold the firewood sections 102 generally comprises two or more wires wrapped concentrically in a helix configuration. These strands are wrapped around a center wire and normally referred to a 1 by the total number of wires in the given strand such as 1×7 (1 group of 7 wires) or 1×19 (1 group of 19 wires). Cables and wire ropes refers to construction of wire-rope that fall into the category of aircraft cable. These constructions include 7×7 (7 groups of 1×7 strand) or 7×19 (7 groups of 1×19 strand) respectively. The size, type and strength of these cables, strands and wire ropes varies depending on the actual size of the wood bundle and what may be required for securing the bundles. The wire ropes, strands and cables are manufactured in many different materials. In different embodiments, the wire rope is selected from a stainless steel material and type 302/304, a 1×19 stainless steel wire rope, type 316 extra corrosion resistant, a 7×19 stainless steel wire rope, type 316 extra corrosion resistant, a 7×19 stainless steel wire rope, type 302/304, a 7×7 galvanized wire rope, a 7×19 galvanized wire rope and a 6×37 IWRC stainless steel wire rope, type 316 extra corrosion resistant. In addition, different types of tapes are also used that varies in terms of thickness, width, color and adhesive strength. Various tapes, but not limited to, a box-sealing tape, a double-sided tape, a bondage tape, a duct tape, an elastic therapeutic tape, an electrical tape, a filament tape, a floor making tape, a friction tape, a gaffer tape, a gecko tape, a gorilla tape, a hockey tape, a Teflon tape, a self-amalgamating tape, a scotch tape and a masking tape. In some embodiments, rubber bands and zip ties are used to fasten the bundled firewood packaging assembly 100.

In different embodiments, the fasteners are selected from at least one of a metal clip, a wire buckle, a metal seal, a strapping clip and a nail. In some cases, boxed bundles can also be used to carry the firewood sections 102 and different type of nails can be used to fasten the box. Boxes can be made from a metal or a wood, a corrugated fiberboard, a paperboard and other non-durable materials. The box can have a plurality of shapes like square, elongated, round, oval, sloped or domed configuration. In exemplary embodiment, size of the box could be 0.25 cubic foot to 3 cubic foot. A stretch wrap is also used to tighten the firewood sections 102. It could be a highly stretchable plastic film wherein the elastic recovery keeps the items tightly bound. Stretch wrap configuration is 0.2 ft. through 4 ft. The most commonly used size of the bundle is 0.25 cubic ft. to 4.0 cubic ft. in all shaped and sizes. In addition to the stretch wrap, other wrapping types such as a heat shrink wrap, a PVC shrink wrap, a Polyolefin shrink wrap and a PVC shrink tubing is also used and the configuration is 0.001 ft. through 4 ft. The firewood packaging assembly 100 also comprises different colors of banding and handles for enhanced appearance and visualization. The straps are used to clamp the bundled firewood sections 102 and are selected from at least one of a cam strap, a spring buckle strap, a ratchet strap, a plastic cam strap, a side release buckle strap, a strap adjuster strap, a double ring strap, a camera strap. The materials for these straps are selected from group consisting of a steel, polypropylene, plastic, nylon, polyester and composites. The straps are tied upon the firewood bundle using a knot. The knot is selected from at least one of a Bowline knot, Lackwall hitch knot, Carrick bend knot, Clinch knot, Clove hitch knot, Diamond knot, Double wall knot, Grommet strop knot, Shroud knot, Slip knot, Square knot and Walker knot. However, other types of knot are also considered to be used in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the tree species could be selected from at least one of a Abies Amabilis, Abies Balsamea, Abies Bracteata, Abies Fraseri, Abies Lasiocarpa, Abies Magnifica, Abies Procera, Acer Macrophyllum, Acer Negundo, Acer Pensylvanicum, Acer Rubrum, Acer Saccharinum, Alaska Cedar, Baker Cypress, Baldcypress, Balsam, Balsam Fir, Balsam Fraser Fir, Banksian Pine, Barren Oak, Basswood, Bay Laurel, Beach Pine, Beaked Willow, Bellota, Bigtree, Bitternut, Black Birch, Black Locust, California Juniper, California Laurel, Cascades Fir, Cedar Pine, Cinnamon Oak, Cipres, Coral Bean, Cuban Pine, Desert Fir, Desert Palm, Dog Banana, Duck Oak, Dune Holly, Dwarf Walnut, Enebro, Eastern Larch, European Larch, False Elm, Fire Birch, Golden Fir, Gray Pine, Grey Oak, Holly Bay, Indian Banana, Jersey Pine, Knobcone Pine, Linden, Lovely Fir, Madrono, Monterey Cypress, Nogalillo, Norway Pine, Nut Pine, Oregon Alder, Pecan, Pignut, Quercitron, Red Elm, Roble, Saloop, Sheoak, Slippery Elm, Sourwood, Spruce Pine, Tanoak, Texas Oak, Torrey Pine, Ulmis Americana, Virginia Pine, Water Birch, Water Elm, Western Boxelder, White Ash, White Oak, Wild Plum, Yellow Birch, Yellow Plum, Yew Brush, and so on. However, other types of tree species are also considered to be relevant for the present invention.

The firewood packaging assembly 100 is packed using bags and bundles having various sizes and dimensions. For example, the bag is configured to have 0.25 cubic feet thru 15 cubic feet in measurement. Further, depending on the size irregularities of the firewood sections 102, different configuration of bundles are employed to seal the firewood sections 102 together. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of boxes such as a folding carton, a set up box, a crate, a wooden box and a bulk box are used to store and carry all the firewood sections 102 together. The firewood bundles are packed generally by a manual method or a firewood packer. However, firewood pack netting method is preferably used to bundle the firewood sections 102. These are available in roll or a full pallet of 27 rolls. Firewood pack netting improves the appearance of the firewood bundles and allows for effective packaging. It comprises a diamond mesh pattern which allows the wood to get dried even after packaging. These are available in a plurality of colors such as red, yellow, black and blue. Firewood pack netting allows for easier and faster application of desired length of the firewood sections 102 and to secure the confronting ends of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film 104.

The firewood packaging assembly 100 according to the present invention, assists the user in ease of storage and transport of purchased firewood sections 102 feasibly. The user can make the purchase in smaller amounts or other desired quantity based on their needs and the firewood packaging assembly 100 can be used to effectively carry all the firewood sections 102 in a convenient manner. The firewood packaging assembly 100 is eco-friendly and saves both money and time.

Although the present invention has been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present invention may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present invention as described herein.

Claims

1. A firewood packaging assembly comprising:

a polyvinyl chloride wrapping film, said polyvinyl chloride wrapping film comprising a first end and a second end to selectively secure predetermined sizes of firewood sections arranged in a bundle configuration;

wherein said first end and said second end of the polyvinyl chloride wrapping film are bound via at least one rope wrapped around the bundle to securely hold said handle to the firewood sections; and

a handle, said handle is removably attached to an outer surface of said bundle configuration to carry the firewood packaging assembly during transit.

2. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said firewood sections are arranged parallel to one another in the bundle configuration.

3. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said firewood sections are bundled together to define any predetermined shape.

4. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one slit, said at least one slit disposed at said first end and said second end of said polyvinyl chloride wrapping film.

5. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 4, wherein said at least one slit is configured to split said handle from said polyvinyl chloride wrapping film to facilitate opening of said polyvinyl chloride wrapping film to remove the firewood from the bundle.

6. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one rope is made from a fiber composite material.

7. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle ropes are wrapped around said handle bundle and tied via a knotted loop.

8. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle ropes are wrapped around said handle bundle and tied via a knotless loop.

9. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle and said polyvinyl chloride wrapping film is wrapped by at least one of a stretch wrap and a shrink wrap.

10. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein said handle is durable.

11. A firewood packaging assembly comprising:

a stretch wrap film, said stretch wrap film having first end and a second end to selectively secure predetermined sizes of kiln-dried firewood sections arranged in a bundle configuration;

wherein said first end and said second end of said stretch wrapfilm are bound via at least one rope wrapped around the bundle to securely hold said handle to the kiln-dried firewood sections; and

a handle, said handle is removably attached to an outer surface of said bundle configuration to carry the firewood packaging assembly during transit.

12. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 11, wherein said stretch wrap envelopes the kiln-dried firewood, preventing insects and moisture from entering said stretch wrap.

13. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 11, wherein said stretch wrap is made of cellophane.

14. The firewood packaging assembly of claim 11, wherein said stretch wrap is made of