Patent Application
20170291563
The disclosure herein relates to vehicle bumper packaging material and method of using. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle bumper packaging assembly that is adjustable to fit multiple different bumper shapes and sizes, quick to assemble, and easy to store.
Protection of vehicle bumpers for shipping or long term storage typically requires either specifically shaped packaging that matches the shape and size of the bumper or a large rectangular box. When using specifically shaped boxes, the packaging is constructed from a single piece of material that is then manually wrapped around the bumper. When using large rectangular boxes, excessive amounts of padding must be included to support the shape of the bumper. Preparing vehicle bumpers for shipping is a time consuming process. The disclosure herein is directed to improving this process.
The following simplified summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below
The disclosure herein in generally directed to a bumper packaging assembly (herein referred to as “assembly”). The assembly includes a first planar sheet of material having a first end and a second end, and having a generally rectangular shape and a second planar sheet of material having a first end, a second end, a first edge and a second edge, and having a generally rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the second planar sheet is two or more planar sheets that are attached together to make the second planar sheet. In some embodiments, the assembly also include at least two couplers. In other embodiments, the assembly includes at least 4 couplers.
In one embodiment, the first or second planar sheets of material can be made from cardboard or plastic. In another embodiment, the material is cardboard. In another embodiment, the material is plastic.
In one embodiment, the size of the first planar sheet of material may be at least 1500 mm long. In another embodiment, the size of the first planar sheet is less than 4000 mm long. In another embodiment, the size of the first planar sheet is at least 500 mm wide. In another embodiment, the size of the first planar sheet is less than 2500 mm wide.
In one embodiment, the size of the second planar sheet is at least 2500 mm long. In another embodiment, the size of the second planar sheet less than 5000 mm long. In another embodiment, the size of the second planar sheet is at least 500 mm wide. In another embodiment, the size of the second planar sheet is less than 1500 mm long.
In one embodiment, the first and second ends of the first planar sheet can be attached using a slot and tab closing system. In another embodiment, the first and second ends of the first planar sheet can be attached using double sided tape. In another embodiment, the first and second ends of the first planar sheet can be attached using a hook and loop fastener system.
In one embodiment, the first planar sheet and/or the second planar sheet is pre-creased or scored to facilitate folding. In another embodiment, the second planar sheet is pre-cut, perforated, or scored to facilitate shortening. In another embodiment, the second planar sheet has a plurality of pre-cut or punch-out holes along both sides of the long edge.
The disclosure herein is also directed to a method of wrapping a vehicle bumper using the bumper packaging assembly described above. This can be accomplished by a single person. The first planar sheet is laid on the ground. The second planar sheet is laid perpendicularly on top of the first planar sheet forming a cross-like shape. In embodiments where the second planar sheet is made up of smaller pieces, the smaller pieces are attached together to form the second planar sheet. The vehicle bumper is placed on top of the second planar sheet such that the bumper is centered along the length and width of the second planar sheet. The ends of the second planar sheet are wrapped around the ends of the bumper and secured. In one embodiment, the ends are secured using a coupler device. In another embodiment, the ends are secured using double sided tape. In another embodiment, the ends are secured using hook and loop closures. The first planar sheet is then wrapped around the center of the bumper and the ends are secured. In general, the bumper is initially wrapped with the end of the bumper curving upwards. When the first planar sheet is being wrapped around the center of the bumper, it may be helpful to rotate the bumper, such that the bumper is on edge. In one embodiment, the ends of the first planar sheet can be attached using a slot and tab system. In another embodiment, the ends can be attached using a hook and loop fastener system. In another embodiment, the ends can be attached using double sided tape.
Vehicle bumpers are large, bulky, and awkward objects. Packaging them for shipping or long term storage is a time consuming process. Although many automotive manufacturing process have been automated, packing bumpers is still done manually. The disclosure herein is directed to an improved bumper packing method using a new bumper packaging assembly. The improvements include: (1) decreasing the time needed to manually package a vehicle bumper packaging; (2) smaller pieces that are easier to use and store; (3) increased protection around the center of the bumper; and (4) adaptable to work with a variety of different size bumpers with minimal adjustments.
When the terms “one,” “a,” or “an” are used in this disclosure, they mean “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise indicated.
The terms “invention” or “present invention” as used herein are intended to be non-limiting and are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.
The term “assembly” as used herein refers to a group of items that are used together.
The bumper packaging assembly (herein referred to as “assembly”) disclosed herein includes at least two planer sheets of material that wrap around the length and width of a vehicle bumper. In one embodiment, the planer sheet of material that wraps around the length of the bumper (herein referred to as “horizontal sheet”) may be one piece. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet may be two or more pieces that can be connected together before use. In one embodiment, the planar sheet of material that wraps around the width of the bumper (herein referred to as “vertical sheet”) may be one piece. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet may be two or more pieces that can be connected together before use.
In general, the horizontal sheet is roughly rectangular in shape. In embodiments using two or more pieces, each piece may be roughly square or rectangular in shape. Additional shapes that accomplish the same function are also contemplated. In general, the overall length of the horizontal piece is roughly one and a half to three times the length of the vehicle bumper. In one embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 2000 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 2250 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 2500 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 2750 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 3000 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 3250 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 3500 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 3750 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 4000 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 4250 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 4500 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 4750 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 5000 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 5250 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 5500 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 5750 mm long. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 6000 mm long. In one embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 300 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 400 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 500 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 600 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 700 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 800 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 900 mm wide. In another embodiment, the horizontal sheet is at least 1000 mm wide. In embodiments using two or more separate pieces to make up the horizontal sheet, the overall length and width of the pieces when connected are the same as listed above.
In general, the vertical sheet is roughly rectangular in shape. In embodiments using two or more pieces, each piece may be roughly square or rectangular in shape. Additional shapes that accomplish the same function are also contemplated. In general, the overall length of the vertical piece is roughly two and a half to three and a half times the width of the vehicle bumper. In one embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1500 millimeters (mm) long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1700 mm long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1800 mm long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1900 mm long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 2000 mm long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 2200 mm long. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 2400 mm long. In one embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 500 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 600 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 700 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 800 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 900 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1000 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1100 mm wide. In another embodiment, the vertical sheet is at least 1200 mm wide. In embodiments using two or more separate pieces to make up the vertical sheet, the overall length and width of the pieces when connected are the same as listed above.
The thickness of both the horizontal sheet and vertical sheet may be the same or different. In one embodiment, the thickness is at least 5 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 10 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 15 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 20 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 25 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 30 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 35 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 40 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 45 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness is at least 50 mm.
The horizontal sheet and vertical sheet may be made from a variety of different materials that can provide protection during shipping and storing. Additionally, the material should be rigid enough to withstand shipping and also flexible enough to wrap around the edges of the bumper. Non-limiting examples of materials include cardboard and plastic. In some embodiments, the material may also have a coating to further protect against the elements. The coating, the coating may be on one side or both sides of the material. Non-limiting examples of coatings include epoxy, wax, flocking, etc. In other embodiments, the material may be lined to protect against scratching. In Non-limiting examples of lining include felt, foam, etc. In one embodiment, the material is the same for the horizontal sheet and the vertical sheet. In another embodiment, the material may be different for the horizontal sheet and the vertical sheet. In another embodiment, the material may have the same coating for the horizontal sheet and the vertical sheet. In another embodiment, the material may have different coatings for the horizontal sheet and the vertical sheet. In another embodiment, the material may only be coated on one side for either the horizontal sheet or the vertical sheet.
Due to the differing sizes of vehicle bumpers, another embodiment contemplated to have multiple pieces that can be joined together to make the final horizontal sheet and vertical sheets. For example, horizontal pieces roughly 500 mm in length could be combined to make a horizontal sheet that is 2000 mm, 2500 mm, 3000 mm, 3500 mm, etc., in length.
Vertical sheet 10 has a first end 18 and a second end 19. Vertical sheet 10 is designed to fold up into a roughly rectangular shaped cuboid or box with opposing open sides by joining first end 18 and second end 19 (see
Horizontal sheet 11 has a first end 20 and a second end 21. In this embodiment horizontal sheet 11 is made up of at least two pieces 12 and 13. Pieces 12 and 13 each have a first end and a second end. For piece 12, first end is 14a and second end corresponds to first end 20 of horizontal sheet 11. For piece 13, first end is 14b and second end corresponds to second end 21 or horizontal sheet 11. First ends 14a and 14b when attached together form junction 14. First ends 14a and 14b may be attached using a variety of methods. Non-limiting examples include tape 29, glue, hook and loop fastener, etc. Horizontal sheet 11 is designed to wrap around the outer edges of the bumper length and attach to itself using at least one coupler. In the embodiment shown in
Coupler 15 has a joiner piece 16 and two end pieces 17. The parts of coupler 15 can be made from a variety of different plastic or polymer materials. Non-limiting examples include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), nylon, derivatives of the foregoing, etc. The length of the coupler may vary depending on the thickness of the bumper. In general the over length of the coupler is similar or slightly larger than the width of the vehicle bumper. In one embodiment, the couple may be 5% longer than the width of the vehicle bumper. In another embodiment, the coupler may be 10% longer than the width of the vehicle bumper. In another embodiment, the coupler may be 15% longer than the width of the vehicle bumper. In another embodiment, the coupler may be 20% longer than the width of the vehicle bumper. In one embodiment, the length of the couple is at least 75 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 100 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 125 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 150 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the couple is at least 175 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 200 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 225 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 250 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 275 mm. In another embodiment, the length of the coupler is at least 300 mm.
Joiner piece 16 is generally stick-like or strip-like in shape with a flange 28 on each end. In one embodiment, the flange 28 encircles or encompasses each end of joiner piece 16. In another embodiment, the flange 28 is on one side of each end of joiner piece 16. Generally, the flange 28 can be compressed to be pushed through end piece 17. Once through end piece 17, the flange 28 catches on end piece 17 to keep joiner piece 16 attached to end piece 17.
End piece 17 is roughly annular or ring in shape. However, the ring may be based on a circle, square, or other polygonal shape. In the embodiment shown in
The above described bumper packaging assembly is easy to put together and wrap around a bumper. Using multiple smaller pieces is much simpler and easier for a single person to handle as compared to having one large piece. Additionally, the bumper packaging assembly provides extra protection around the center of the bumper via a double layer wrap. Further, the bumper packaging assembly can easily be adapted to fit a variety of different sized bumpers with minimal adjustments. For example, the same bumper packaging assembly could be used to cover a vehicle bumper ranging from roughly 1600 mm up to 2600 mm in length. Having pre-scored, perforated, or pre-cut lines along the width of the horizontal sheet would allow a user to easily trim the horizontal sheet to fit the bumper. Alternatively, the extra length can be wrapped around the bumper to provide additional protection. Also, since the assembly pieces are generally rectangular in shape, they can easily be stored in either a flat or on edge position.
In this example, a person was timed covering a bumper using the bumper packaging assembly described herein. In general, covering a bumper takes over two minutes. Using the bumper packaging assembly described herein, one person was able to cover a bumper in less than one minute.
The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use embodiments of the compositions, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Modifications of the above-described modes (for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the art) are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/560,729, filed on Apr. 8, 2016, and entitled “Vehicle Bumper Cover.” The entire contents of the earlier application are incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29560729 | Apr 2016 | US |
| Child | 15095487 | US |
