Packaging for a stack of paper, a method of packaging a stack of paper, and a method of loading a stack of paper into a machine

Abstract

Packaging for a stack of paper sheets is described having a relatively rigid top and bottom sheet, a sleeve, and at least one band to secure the package together around the stack of paper. Also described is a method of packaging a stack of paper by locating a relatively rigid top and bottom sheet on the top and bottom of the stack of paper, and a placing sleeve around the stack of paper, and applying a band to secure the top and bottom sheets and the sleeve in place to form a package. Additionally, there is described a method of loading paper into a drawer of a machine comprising the steps of: placing a package formed in accordance with the above mentioned method into the drawer; cutting the band and removing it; and removing the top sheet and the sleeve from the stack of paper.

I claim:  
     
         1 . Packaging for a stack of paper sheets comprising a package including relatively rigid top and bottom sheets, a sleeve, and at least one band to secure the package together around the stack of paper.  
     
     
         2 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom sheets are substantially the same size as the paper sheets in the stack.  
     
     
         3 . Packaging according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the top sheet includes two cut outs for receipt of the fingers of each hand of a person lifting the package once secured.  
     
     
         4 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein it includes two bands to secure the package together.  
     
     
         5 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is substantially of a length equal to the height of the stack of paper.  
     
     
         6 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom sheets are made from rigid card.  
     
     
         7 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the top and bottom sheets include reinforcing strips along their long edges.  
     
     
         8 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is made from thin relatively rigid card.  
     
     
         9 . Packaging according to  claim 1  wherein the band is made from polypropylene.  
     
     
         10 . Packaging according to  claim 1  further including an outer packaging.  
     
     
         11 . A method of packaging a stack of paper comprising locating relatively rigid top and bottom sheets on top and bottom of the stack of paper, placing a sleeve around the stack of paper, and applying a band to secure the top and bottom sheets and the sleeve in place to form a package.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the top sheet includes a cut out and the band is applied across the cut out to provide a location for a person lifting the package once secured.  
     
     
         13 . A method of loading paper into a drawer of a machine comprising the steps of: 
 placing a package formed in accordance with  claim 11  or  12  into the drawer;    cutting the band and removing it;    removing the top sheet and the sleeve from the stack of paper.