WO2001044078A1

WO2001044078A1 - Packaging of sheet metal coils

Info

Publication number: WO2001044078A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/004549
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil O'halloran
Original assignee: VIA ISON Ltd
Current assignee: VIA ISON Ltd
Priority date: 1999-12-13
Filing date: 2000-11-29
Publication date: 2001-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2002-06-13
Also published as: AU1717001A; GB9929441D0

Abstract

A packaged coil assembly comprising a coil of sheet metal having a mass of greater than two tonnes and two reusable plastic end pieces (1) is described. The end pieces (1) are connected to each other by straps (13). Each of the two end pieces (1) covers a part of the end of the coil. Each end piece (1) has a central flanged collar (2) and a plurality of peripheral portions in the form of curved angle pieces (3), the central collar (2) covering a part of the surface of the central passageway (4) of the coil and each peripheral angle piece (3) covering a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil. The position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions (3a) is adjustable relative to the position of the central collar (2), and relative to each other, by means of adjustable straps (7, 10). Each end piece (1) may therefore be reused in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different size, for example, external diameter or other dimensions.

Description

Packaging of Sheet Metal Coils

This invention relates to the packaging of large, heavy, sheet metal coils. For example, the invention is of particular application to containing high value sheet metal, for example tinplate, aluminium, stainless steel, special coated metals etc., in the form of sheet material wound into coils, the coils having a mass greater than two tonnes, the heavier coils having a mass of about 25 tonnes. A single sheet of strip metal once wound into a coil is commonly stored at the place of manufacture and then transported. Generally coils are transported to a place for further processing, for example a press shop or canning factory etc., where they are again stored. The sheet metal wound into a coil generally has a thickness in the range of .15mm to 10mm. In such coils, it is usual for each layer of the metal sheet to be in direct contact with the adjacent layers. The overall density of the coil (excluding the volume of the central bore) is similar to that of the metal that forms the coil.

In the sometimes lengthy time between manufacture and being processed further (usually at a location remote from the place of manufacture) the metal may suffer damage including both physical and chemical damage. Physical damage can arise when coils of sheet metal are knocked during transportation. After production of the coil, the coil is generally moved by suitable load handling equipment, into temporary storage. The load handling equipment usually lifts a coil by engaging the interior surface of the coil with one or two arms, the arms extending into the central bore of the coil . The width of the strip may be as great as 1.8m and the coil may have a diameter of up to about 2.0m. It is therefore common for damage to occur to a coil of sheet metal especially on the sides of the coil adjacent to the inner and outer extremities thereof.

Chemical damage can arise through corrosion, thereby causing undesirable deterioration in the surface of the sheet metal. It is common when storing or transporting sheet metal, especially high value sheet metal to wrap the coil in a protective layer to reduce the amount of moisture in contact with the surface of the metal and therefore mitigate corrosion and deterioration of the metal. Other components may be used to provide protection to a sheet metal coil including pallets, cores, inner bore protectors, core tubes side protectors, covers and straps etc., made out of various materials such as paper, steel, or cardboard etc., all of which are discarded as waste after only one use. If such components were reused, they would be able to be reused only a few times.

In the specification of International Patent Application No. PCT/GB98/00765 (WO 98/40177), the whole contents of which specification are incorporated herein by reference, we describe with reference to the drawings in that specification a container for a sheet metal coil that overcomes or mitigates many of the disadvantages referred to above. In certain illustrated examples of that specification sheet metal is wound onto a core member and end pieces are then secured to the core member to support the weight of the coil and the core member. Damage to the coil is mitigated by virtue of the coil being prevented from contacting the ground, the entire weight of the coil being supported by the end pieces. The end pieces therefore have to be strong enough to support the mass of the coil . Those exemplary packaging systems of WO 98/40177 are able to provide very good protection for the coil and are reusable, but they suffer from the potential disadvantage that the end pieces, whilst reusable are relatively expensive to manufacture and are relatively bulky and massive. Furthermore, at least the core member has to remain within the coil until the entire coil has been unwound. In some applications that may be desirable but, in other cases, we believe that a user may wish to remove all the packaging and have it available for re-use at an earlier stage and the inability to remove at least the core member from the coil may be disadvantageous. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide an alternative to the various examples of packaging described in International Patent Application No. PCT/GB98/00765 and to provide a packaged sheet metal coil assembly and a method of packaging a sheet metal coil that overcomes or mitigates the disadvantages that can arise in some circumstances when using the particular examples of packaging of PCT/GB98/00765.

According to the present invention, there is provided a packaged coil assembly comprising a coil of sheet metal having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the coil having a curved exterior surface extending between the two ends of the coil and a central passageway extending between the two ends of the coil, the assembly comprising two end pieces, each end piece covering at least a part of a respective one of the two ends of the coil and each end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, the central portion covering a part of the surface of the central passageway of the coil and each peripheral portion covering a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil, wherein each end piece is so configured that the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions is adjustable relative to the position of the central portion, whereby each end piece may be reused in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different external diameter from that of the coil first mentioned above.

The coil can thus be protected from damage caused, for example, during handling of, or transit of, the packaged coil assembly by virtue of the shape and positioning of the end pieces. The end pieces are advantageously so shaped and positioned to mitigate the damage that could otherwise be caused to the ends of, and especially the edges, of the coil, which are easily damaged unless suitable precautions are taken. Since the end pieces are not required to hold the coil clear of the ground by supporting the weight of the coil by its central passageway, the end pieces may be relatively light and simple in construction. Also, because all of the packaging can be removed from the coil without unwinding the coil, it is possible for a user to choose at what stage to remove the packaging from the coil thereby making at least the end pieces of the packaging available for reuse. Similarly the end pieces are preferably securable to the coil after winding of the coil so that a user also has freedom of choice as to the stage at which to put on the packaging to protect the coil . In this way it becomes possible for each user to make the most efficient use of the reusable end pieces. At least the end pieces of the packaging are preferably reusable a multiplicity of times .

The end pieces are advantageously so configured that the position of one end piece is adjustable relative to the other, whereby the end pieces may be re-used in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different length. Each end piece is advantageously so configured that the end piece may be re-used in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil having a central passageway of a different diameter.

Preferably, each of the peripheral portions covers a part of one of the two ends of the coil. The peripheral portion may act as the part of the end piece that covers at least a part of the end of the coil.

The end pieces are preferably so configured that the packaging consisting of the end pieces forms an open structure on the coil . Preferably the surface area of the external surfaces of the coil (excluding the surface defining the central bore) covered by the end pieces is less than half of the total surface area and more preferably less than a quarter of the total area. The area covered by the end pieces may even be less than 10% of the total surface area. Such an open structure of the packaging may still provide beneficial protection from physical damage to the coil, and also allow the packaging used to be extremely light weight. The percentage of area of the end faces of the coil covered by the end pieces is preferably less than 75%, more preferably is less than 50%, yet more preferably is less than 25% and may even be less than 10%.

Advantageously, each of the peripheral portions is in the form of a curved angle piece. The curved angle piece may thus protect a length of the outer edge of the coil from damage. The curvature of the angle piece is preferably identical or very similar to the curvature of the curved exterior surface of the coil .

Preferably, the peripheral portions are so configured that they may be reused to package further coils. The peripheral portions are preferably reusable a multiplicity of times. Each peripheral portion is advantageously so configured that it is able to adopt degrees of curvature corresponding to the curvature of the curved exterior surface of each of a plurality of coils of different diameters. The flexibility of the peripheral portions may be improved by the shape and configuration of the peripheral portion and/or may be improved by the choice of the material (s) from which the peripheral portions are made. For example, the shape of each peripheral portion may be such that there is at least one region of greater flexibility (in comparison to other regions of the peripheral portion) . Having one or more regions of greater flexibility allows the peripheral portion to be flexible without detracting greatly from its ability to protect against physical damage.

Preferably, the peripheral portions are made of a plastics material. The plastics material is preferably recycled plastic. The plastics material is preferably recyclable.

Preferably, the central portion covers a part of one of the two ends of the coil. The central portion may, by itself or with the peripheral portions, act as the part of the end piece that covers at least a part of the end of the coil. The central portion is preferably in the form of a flanged collar, the body of the collar being accommodated by the central passageway of the coil and the flange of the collar covering a part of the end of the coil in the region of the central passageway. The diameter of the flange of the collar is preferably small in comparison to the diameter of the coil. The diameter of the flange of the collar, whilst being less than the diameter of the coil, may alternatively be such that the flange covers a relatively large area of the end of the coil. The collar may at the end opposite the flange be open ended, closed or substantially closed.

The central portion is advantageously made of a plurality of separate pieces, so connected to each other that the external diameter of the central portion may be varied, whereby each end piece may be reused in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different core diameter from that of the coil first mentioned above. The separate pieces may be so shaped and configured that the central portion is in the form of a flanged collar, similar to that mentioned above. Advantageously, each separate piece of the central portion is so configured that it is able to adopt degrees of curvature corresponding to the curvature of the central passageway of each of a plurality of coils having central passageways of different diameters. The flexibility of the separate pieces of the central portion may be improved by the shape and configuration of those separate pieces and/or may be improved by the choice of the material (s) from which the pieces are made. For example, the shape of each separate piece may be such that there is at least one region of greater flexibility (in comparison to other regions of the separate piece) . There need only be two separate pieces of the central portion. Preferably, there are four separate pieces.

The central portion is preferably made of a plurality of separate pieces, the separate pieces being so connected and the end pieces being so configured that the end pieces, once removed from the coil, may be folded into a folded position and so that the end pieces may be fastened once in the folded position. Thus, the end pieces, on removal of the end pieces from the coil, may each be folded into the folded position and fastened to prevent them from unfolding, so that the end pieces may be stored and/or transported more easily. The peripheral portions of the end piece may be so arranged that each peripheral portion has a corresponding peripheral portion to which it is arranged to be fastened when the end piece is folded. The peripheral portions may include a peripheral portion that is able to fold onto itself, or may include two peripheral portions that are positioned either side of the notional line of folding (relatively near to each other compared with the separation of the other peripheral portions) , to assist the folding of the end piece. There need only be two such separate pieces of the central portion. Preferably there are four such separate pieces .

Of course, in the case where the central portion of an end piece is made of a plurality of separate pieces, the end piece may both be able to be used with coils of different core diameters as described above and able to be folded into a folded position as described above.

Preferably, the central portions may be reused to package further coils. The central portions are preferably reusable a multiplicity of times .

Preferably, the central portions are made of a plastics material. The plastics material is preferably recycled plastic. The plastics material is preferably recyclable. Preferably, an adjustable fastening passes from a peripheral portion of an end piece to the central portion. Preferably a plurality of adjustable fastenings pass from respective peripheral portions of an end piece to the central portion of that end piece. Not all of the peripheral portions of an end piece need to be provided with such a fastening; preferably there are between 3 and 6 (inclusive) peripheral portions to which the central portion is fastened by means of such a fastening.

Preferably, an adjustable fastening passes between two of the peripheral portions of one end piece. More preferably, all of the peripheral portions of an end piece are linked by an adjustable fastening that extends circumferentially around the exterior curved surface of the coil. Such an adjustable fastening need not be fixedly attached to any of the peripheral portions, but need only be fastened to itself, the fastening being merely in sliding engagement with each peripheral portion.

Preferably, an adjustable fastening passes between the two end pieces . Such fastenings may extend between the end pieces at positions on or near the periphery of each end piece. For example, a plurality of ties may each extend between the respective peripheries of the two end pieces. The fastening (s) may be in tension so that the end pieces are pressed against the opposite ends of the coil . Such pressing of the end pieces against the ends of the coil serves to retain the end pieces securely in the correct position on the coil. Advantageously, the adjustable fastening passing between the two end pieces is such that the fastening has two portions, each fastening portion being connected at one end to a respective end piece, the other end being provided with a connector, the connector of a fastening portion of such a fastening being connectable to the connector of the other fastening portion of the fastening. The connectors are advantageously so configured that any connector is able to connect to any other connector. Thus, which of the peripheral portions of each end piece that are connected together is not important and also any given end piece can be used with any other given end piece to package a coil. (There is no need to have a left-hand end piece and a right-hand end piece.) For example, the connector of each fastening portion may be comprise a male connecting portion and a female connecting portion, the connector being connectable to a further connector by connecting the male connecting portion and the female connecting portion of the connector with the female connecting portion and the male connecting portion, respectively of the other connector. At least one adjustable fastening may pass from one of the two end pieces to the other along the curved exterior surface of the coil. Additionally, or alternatively, an adjustable fastening may pass through the central passageway of the coil and between the respective central portions of the two end pieces. One fastening may both pass from one of the two end pieces to the other along the curved exterior surface of the coil and pass through the central passageway of the coil and between the respective central portions of the two end pieces. For example, a fastening may extend around a portion of the coil, the fastening passing along the curved exterior surface of the coil and through the central cylindrical passageway, via the two end pieces. Whilst the fastening or the portion or portions of the fastening that pass through the central passageway may extend substantially along the axis of the coil, the fastening (or the relevant portion of the fastening) preferably extends along, and on or near to, the surface of the coil that defines the central passageway.

The provision of adjustable fastenings such as those described herein allows the packaging to be secured to coils of a variety of different sizes.

Preferably, in respect of each end piece there is a circumferential fastening linking adjacent peripheral portions, the circumferential fastening being such that the separation of adjacent peripheral portions is adjustable, and there is a radial fastening linking at least two peripheral portions to the central member, the radial fastening being such that the separation of each of said at least two peripheral portions and the central member is adjustable and wherein there is at least one axial fastening securing the two end pieces to the coil. Thus the packaging may be reused with a coil having both a different external diameter and a different length.

The coil assembly may be provided with at least one fastening that is able to resist compression along its length. Such a fastening may be in the form of a bar having an adjustable length. Such fastenings, for example, may connect each peripheral portion of an end piece to the central portion of the end piece. Such a fastening may extend between the central portion of one end piece to the central portion of the other end piece, the fastening preferably extending along the axis of the coil. Preferably, all of the fastenings of each end piece are flexible. For example, each end piece may have flexible fastenings linking the peripheral portions of the end piece, linking each of the peripheral portions to the central portion and furthermore the two end pieces may linked to each other by means of flexible fastenings linking respective peripheral portions of one end piece with corresponding peripheral portions of the other end piece. Preferably, at least one fastening is in the form of an adjustable strap, preferably a nylon strap. The adjustable strap may be provided with a buckle that enables the strap to be tightened, and then fastened, at an appropriate length. The fastening (s) is/are advantageously reusable, preferably a multiplicity of times. The straps may for example be made of nylon. Conventionally packaging has been secured to a coil by means of metal banding, which is normally discarded after one use. Packaging according to the present invention need not be as wasteful . Advantageously, the end pieces and the fastenings are removable from the coil without unwinding the coil . Preferably, the end pieces and the fastenings are so configured that the end pieces may be removed from the packaged coil whilst all of the fastenings remain connected to at least one end piece.

Advantageously, all of the components of the packaging mentioned above in relation to the present invention are reusable to package a different coil. Preferably, each of those components is reusable a multiplicity of times. Preferably, the packaging is a modular system, whereby if a part of the packaging is no longer reusable, for example if the part or a component of the part is damaged, that part may be replaced without needing to replace other parts of the packaging. The end pieces are preferably so shaped and configured in relation to the coil that the packaged assembly cannot be placed on a flat surface in such a way that the coil contacts the surface. The separation of the exterior surface of the coil and the surface on which the packaged coil assembly rests need not be very large in order to protect the coil from physical damage. The peripheral portions of the end pieces can therefore be relatively small in comparison to the size of the coil. Advantageously, each peripheral portion of the end pieces is able to sustain a compression force of at least lOkN (preferably at least 40kN and more preferably at least 500kN) without significant deformation. The peripheral portions do not need to be particularly strong under tensile forces.

Preferably the assembly further includes a cover. Such a cover can provide additional protection for the coil. The cover may be formed of paper, which is wrapped around the exterior surface of the coil, parts of the paper cover being tucked into the ends of the central passageway of the coil. The cover is preferably made of flexible material and more preferably is formed from a length of flexible material in tubular form. Such a tubular cover can be pulled over a complete coil, while the coil is supported by suitable handling equipment engaging in its cylindrical passageway. Preferably the cover extends along the curved exterior surface of the coil and around the ends of the coil and is sandwiched between the end pieces and the ends of the coil. In that case, the cover protects the end faces of the coil and can also be secured by the sandwiching between the end pieces and the coil. Preferably portions of the cover extend inwardly into the central passageway of the coil. In that way the inside of the coil can also be protected by the cover, and the cover can be especially well retained; also the central portions may so shaped that together with the cover they substantially seal the interior of the coil from the environment . The packaging may be used to protect coils weighing from two tonnes up to about 25 tonnes. Preferably the packaging may be reused to package a coil having a weight anywhere within the range of 2 to 25 tonnes.

The invention further provides packaging (or a packaging kit) suitable for producing a packaged sheet metal coil assembly according to any aspect of the invention described herein. Thus according to that aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging for a coil of sheet metal having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the packaging comprising two end pieces, each end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, each end piece being so configured that the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions is adjustable relative to the position of the central portion, wherein the packaging is suitable for packaging a coil to form a packaged coil assembly according to any aspect of the invention described herein. The packaging may of course include any of the features described herein (either separately or in combination) with reference to other aspects of the invention, if appropriate. For example, the end pieces of the packaging are preferably provided with fastenings. More preferably, the end pieces are provided with fastenings sufficient to form a packaged coil assembly. The user, provided with such pre-assembled end pieces, does not therefore need to provide further fastenings, such as straps, to facilitate packaging of a coil, and may therefore be able to form the packaged coil assembly more quickly.

The invention also provides a method of packaging a sheet metal coil having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the coil having a curved exterior surface extending between the two ends of the coil and a central passageway extending between the two ends of the coil, the method comprising the following steps: winding sheet metal into a coil;

covering a part of each respective end of the coil by placing an end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions at each end of the coil including placing the central portion so that it covers a part of the surface of the central passageway of the coil and placing the peripheral portions so that each covers a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil;

in respect of each end piece, adjusting the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions relative to the position of the central portion, so that each of the plurality of peripheral portions are held substantially in position on the coil relative to the central portion;

fastening the end pieces substantially in position relative to the coil to form a packaged sheet metal coil assembly.

The packaged sheet metal coil assembly produced by the method of the invention may be in any of the forms defined above. For example, the end pieces are provided with fastenings as described above and the end pieces are preferably provided pre-assembled. The method preferably includes the step of placing a tubular, flexible, cover over the coil, preferably before the end pieces are placed at respective ends of the coil. The method may further include the step of removing the end pieces from the ends of the coil while the coil is still wound. The method may further include the step of transporting the packaged sheet metal coil assembly. The method advantageously further includes a step of re-using, a multiplicity of times, one of the end pieces to package further different coils. The packaging including the end pieces, after being used to package a coil during its transportation from a first location to a second location, may then be returned to the first location (or even transported to a further location) for packaging a further coil . The packaging including the end pieces may be such that, when being transported without a coil, the packaging is advantageously lightweight and compact, thereby making it economically viable to transport the packaging for re-use. The two end pieces, when re-used to package a further coil, may be re-used together to package a further coil (the same two end pieces being used to package further coils) or one of the two end-pieces may be re-used, with a further end-piece, to package a further coil (the two end- pieces of the original packaged coil assembly not being used together on that further coil) .

Various different aspects of the present invention have been described above. It will be appreciated that features of one aspect of the invention may, if appropriate, be incorporated into another aspect of the above-described invention.

By way of example an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a packaged sheet metal coil assembly,

Fig. 2 is a side, partly sectional, view of the assembly of Fig. 1, the uppermost and lowermost portions of Fig. 2 partly showing the assembly as viewed on the lines B-B of Fig. 1 and the middle portion of Fig. 2 partly showing a section of the assembly along the lines A-A of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic view illustrating the construction of certain components of the assembly of Fig. 1. The packaged sheet metal coil assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 generally comprises a wound sheet metal coil (not shown for the sake of clarity) wrapped in a tubular flexible plastic cover (not shown for the sake of clarity) , two end pieces (only one of which is shown m the Figures) and fastening means holding the two end pieces substantially in position m relation to the coil . The sheet metal coil has a length of about 1.6 m and a diameter of about 1.8 m. The coil has a central cylindrical passageway 2 having an internal diameter of about 400 mm. The coil has a mass in excess of 20 tonnes.

Figures 1 and 2 show an end piece 1 on one end of the coil. The end piece at the other end of the coil is of the same form as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The end piece 1 comprises a flanged collar 2 and 10 peripheral portions 3. The collar 2 is accommodated within the central passageway 4 of the coil and thereby covers, and protects from damage, a part of the surface of the central passageway 4. Damage might otherwise be caused to the coil m the region of the opening of the passageway 4 by load handling equipment. The peripheral portions 3 are arranged around the outer edge 5 of the end of the coil and thereby protect the outer edge of the coil from damage. The peripheral portions 3 are of sufficient thickness (in the radial direction of the coil) that the coil, when the packaged coil assembly is placed on a flat surface, does not contact the surface irrespective of the orientation of the coil assembly.

The collar 2 is formed of four separate similarly shaped collar pieces 2a arranged around the axis of the collar 2. Adjustable straps 8 (not shown in Fig. 2 for the sake of clarity) connect adjacent collar pieces 2a to each other. The flange 6 of the collar 2 covers a portion of the end face of the coil in the region of the central passageway 4 of the coil. The flange 6 is of course formed of the four separate flanges 6a of each collar piece 2a. Each of the peripheral portions 3 are in the form of curved angle pieces (shown schematically in Figure 3), that is they each are defined by a curved surface 18 that extends transversely from an edge 20 of a flat surface 17, the curved surface 18 abutting the curved exterior surface of the coil and the flat surface 17 abutting the end face of the coil . Thus each peripheral portion 3 covers both a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil and a part of the end face of the coil.

Each peripheral portion 3 is sufficiently flexible to adopt a curvature corresponding to the size of either the biggest or the smallest coil that is likely to require packaging (i.e. coils of a mass ranging from 2 tonnes to 30 tonnes and even more) . With reference to Figure 3 which being very schematic illustrates only the principle of construction of the peripheral portions, the flat surface 17 of the peripheral portion has regions 19 where there is less material. Those regions 19 provide notional lines of greater flexibility in the curved surface 18.

Four peripheral portions 3a are tied to the central portion 2 by adjustable radially extending straps 7 (not shown in Figure 2 for the sake of clarity) . The separation between successive peripheral portions around the curved exterior of the coil is adjustable (as is described below) . Thus the position of each of the peripheral portions 3 is adjustable relative to the central flanged collar 2. Each strap 7 is fixed at one end to a peripheral portion 3a and at the other end to a respective collar piece 2a of the collar 2. Each of the relevant peripheral portions 3a and each of the collar pieces 2a are provided with a bar 12 to which the end of the strap may be attached. The straps 7 may be tightened by hand and fastened in position by means of releasable buckles 9.

A circumferentially extending adjustable strap 10 links all of the peripheral portions 3. The strap 10 passes through each peripheral portion 3 via an opening formed in each peripheral portion. Thus, the separation between successive peripheral portions 3 around the curved exterior of the coil is adjustable. The strap 10 may be tightened by hand and fastened in position by means of a releasable buckle 11 that is able to fasten the strap to itself.

The end piece shown in the Figures is connected to the other end piece (not shown) by connecting four adjustable straps 13 to four corresponding adjustable straps of the other end piece. The straps 13 extend substantially parallel to the axis of the coil and along the curved exterior surface of the coil. Each strap 13 is fixed at one end to a peripheral portion 3a and at the other end to the corresponding strap of the other end piece (not shown) . Each of the relevant peripheral portions 3a are provided with a bar 15 to which the end of the strap 13 may be attached. Each strap 13 of the end piece is attached to the corresponding strap of the other end piece and tightened by hand by means of releasable universal buckle 14 provided on the end of each strap. Each universal buckle 14 is connectable to any other universal buckle 14, since each buckle has a male connecting portion and a female connecting portion.

The collar 2 of the end piece shown in the Figures is connected to the collar of the other end piece (not shown) by four adjustable straps (not shown) that extend substantially parallel to the axis of the coil and through the central passageway. Each strap is fixed at one end to a collar piece 2a and at the other end to the corresponding collar piece of the other end piece (not shown) . Each of the relevant collar pieces 2a are provided with a bar 16 to which the end of the strap may be attached. The straps may be tightened by hand and fastened in position by fastening means accessible from the exterior of the coil (for example a releasable buckle positioned within either one of the collars) .

All of the straps of the packaged assembly are made of nylon and the peripheral portions and the collar pieces are made of recyclable plastic. The end pieces can be reused to package further coils a multiplicity of times (for example at least ten times) . The end pieces, comprising components that are releasably fastened to each other, allow damaged components to be replaced without needing to replace other components of the end piece. Furthermore, the packaging, comprising the end pieces and the various fastenings

(straps), may be reused to package coils of different sizes. The straps 8 of the collar 2 may be adjusted to allow the collar to be used with coils of different core diameters; the straps 9 linking the collar and the peripheral pieces and the circumferentially extending strap 10 may be adjusted to allow the end piece to be fitted onto ends of coils of different (external) diameters; and the straps that link the two end pieces (comprising the straps 13 passing along the exterior of the coil and the straps passing through the central passageway) may be adjusted so that the packaging may be used with coils of different lengths (the length of the coil being determined by the width of the metal strip that forms the coil) . Thus the packaging can be used to package a wide variety of different sized coils.

Sheet metal, once wound into a coil, may be packaged with the packaging of the above-mentioned embodiment in the manner described as follows. A flexible tubular plastic cover is placed over the coil, the respective ends of the tubular cover being pushed into the ends of the central passageway, in a way that is known per se. Two pre- assembled end pieces are provided. All of the straps connecting the various components of each end piece and the straps for connecting each end piece to another end piece are secured to the respective components of the end piece. The collars 2 of the two end pieces, pre-adjusted by means of their straps 8 to the appropriate size, are inserted into the ends of the central passageway of the coil and linked by means of straps passing through the central passageway and between the two collars. The peripheral portions of the end pieces are placed in position, the peripheral portions of one end piece are aligned with those of the other end piece and the straps 13 of each end piece are connected to corresponding straps of the other end piece by means of the universal buckles 14. All of the straps are then tightened by hand by means of the various buckles to secure the packaging in position on the coil. The packaged coil assembly may then be transported to the desired location. When the sheet metal is required from the coil, the end pieces are removed by loosening the straps and disconnecting the universal buckles 14. The flexible tubular cover is then also removed. Sheet metal may then be unwound from the coil.

Once the end pieces have been removed, and are no longer required they may be folded for storage. With reference to Figure 1, each end piece is foldable about a notional fold line (that in Figure 1 is the perpendicular bisector of the line A-A) . Each of the components of the end piece above the fold line is associated with a corresponding component below the fold line, each pair of components being so configured that they may be fastened to each other when the end piece is folded. Thus the end piece may be folded in an ordered manner to facilitate easy storage and transportation (for reuse for example) of the end pieces. Adjacent peripheral portions in the region of the fold line are arranged closer to each other than other adjacent peripheral portions to aid the folding of the end piece .

It will be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made to the design described above some of which are described below.

To improve the flexibility of the collar pieces 2a (to improve the range of different core diameters with which the flanged collar 2 can be used) the collar can be provided with notional lines of increased flexibility by providing the flange 6a of each collar piece with regions of less material (for example regions that have been cut away) . There need only be two, rather than four as described above, collar pieces 2a to form the collar 2. The collar could even be of one piece construction, so that the collar is designed to be used with coils having particular core diameter. Since coils are mostly manufactured with one of only a small number of standard core diameters, the versatility of the packaging would not be greatly reduced. The collars of the two end pieces need not be linked together by straps passing through the central passageway; they need not be directly linked or they may be linked by a single central core member having an adjustable length, that need not be flexible and could be such that it resists compression along its length. Rather than having straps that link the peripheral portions to the collar and separate straps that link the respective end pieces, a single strap could pass from the collar of an end piece, through a peripheral portion of the end piece, through the corresponding peripheral portion of the other end piece and to the central portion of the other end piece.

Claims

1. A packaged coil assembly comprising a coil of sheet metal having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the coil having a curved exterior surface extending between the two ends of the coil and a central passageway extending between the two ends of the coil, the assembly comprising two end pieces, each end piece covering at least a part of a respective one of the two ends of the coil and each end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, the central portion covering a part of the surface of the central passageway of the coil and each peripheral portion covering a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil, wherein each end piece is so configured that the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions is adjustable relative to the position of the central portion, whereby each end piece may be reused in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different external diameter from that of the coil first mentioned above.

2. A packaged coil assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the peripheral portions covers a part of one of the two ends of the coil .

3. A packaged coil assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of the peripheral portions is in the form of a curved angle piece.

4. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral portions may be reused to package further coils.

5. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each peripheral portion is so configured that it is able to adopt different degrees of curvature.

6. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral portions are made of a plastics material.

7. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion covers a part of one of the two ends of the coil .

8. A packaged coil assembly according to claim 7, wherein the central portion is in the form of a flanged collar.

9. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion is made of a plurality of separate pieces, so connected to each other that the external diameter of the central portion may be varied, whereby each end piece may be reused in a further packaged coil assembly with a coil of a different core diameter from that of the coil first mentioned above.

10. A packaged coil assembly according to claim 9, wherein each separate piece of the central portion is so configured that it is able to adopt different degrees of curvature.

11. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion is made of a plurality of separate pieces, the separate pieces being so connected and the end pieces being so configured that the end pieces once removed from the coil may be folded into a folded state and so that the end pieces may be fastened in their folded state.

12. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion may be reused to package further coils.

13. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the central portion is made of a plastics material .

14. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an adjustable fastening passes from a peripheral portion to the central portion.

15. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an adjustable fastening passes between two of the peripheral portions of an end piece.

16. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an adjustable fastening passes between the two end pieces .

17. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one adjustable fastening passes from one of the two end pieces to the other along the curved exterior surface of the coil.

18. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein an adjustable fastening passes through the central passageway of the coil and between the respective central portions of the two end pieces.

19. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein in respect of each end piece there is a circumferential fastening linking adjacent peripheral portions, the circumferential fastening being such that the separation of adjacent peripheral portions is adjustable, and there is a radial fastening linking at least two peripheral portions to the central member, the radial fastening being such that the separation of each of said at least two peripheral portions and the central member is adjustable and wherein there is at least one axial fastening securing the two end pieces to the coil .

20. A packaged coil assembly according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein at least one fastening is able to resist compression along its length.

21. A packaged coil assembly according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein at least one fastening is in the form of an adjustable strap.

22. A packaged coil assembly according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the or each fastening is reusable.

23. A packaged coil assembly according to any of claims 14 to 22, wherein the end pieces and the fastenings are removable from the coil without unwinding the coil.

24. A packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein all of the claimed components of the packaging are reusable to package a different coil.

25. Packaging for a coil of sheet metal having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the packaging comprising two end pieces, each end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions, each end piece being so configured that the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions is adjustable relative to the position of the central portion, wherein the packaging is suitable for packaging a coil to form a packaged coil assembly according to any preceding claim.

26. A method of packaging a sheet metal coil having a mass of greater than two tonnes, the coil having a curved exterior surface extending between the two ends of the coil and a central passageway extending between the two ends of the coil, the method comprising the following steps: winding sheet metal into a coil; covering a part of each respective end of the coil by placing an end piece having a central portion and a plurality of peripheral portions at each end of the coil including placing the central portion so that it covers a part of the surface of the central passageway of the coil and placing the peripheral portions so that each covers a part of the curved exterior surface of the coil; in respect of each end piece, adjusting the position of each of the plurality of peripheral portions relative to the position of the central portion, so that each of the plurality of peripheral portions are held substantially in position relative to the central portion; fastening the end pieces substantially in position relative to the coil to form a packaged sheet metal coil assembly.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the packaged sheet metal coil assembly is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A method according to claims 26 or 27 further including the step of placing a tubular, flexible, cover over the coil .

29. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, further including the step of removing the end pieces from the ends of the coil while the coil is still wound.

30. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 29 further including the step of transporting the packaged sheet metal coil assembly.