Packaging assembly

Abstract

A reusable packaging assembly is disclosed for the transport of furniture or the like, which assembly includes a durable and flexible tube-like member 11 adapted to receive the furniture therein and support the weight of the furniture; the packaging assembly being adapted to be grasped by a lifter at each end thereof for lifting the furniture. The tube-like member is open at each end and has a pocket 18 at one end of the tube-like member adapted to receive the assembly when stuffed therein to thereby constitute a carry bag or the like for the assembly when not in use.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A reusable packaging assembly for the transport of furniture or the like, the assembly including:—
 a durable and flexible tube-like member adapted to receive the furniture therein and support the weight of the furniture;  
 the packaging assembly being adapted to be grasped by a lifter at each end thereof for lifting the furniture.  
 
     
     
         2 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tube-like member is open at each end.  
     
     
         3 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , and including a pocket at one end of the tube-like member adapted to receive the assembly when stuffed therein to thereby constitute a carry bag or the like for the assembly when not in use.  
     
     
         4 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , and including tie means proximate each open end of the tube-like member for tying together or closing the open ends when in use.  
     
     
         5 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tube-like member has an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion being made from light weight material and the lower portion being made from more durable material than the upper portion.  
     
     
         6 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , and including reinforcing means on the tube-like member for supporting the furniture.  
     
     
         7 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the reinforcing means includes a plurality of strap-like members extending longitudinally therealong.  
     
     
         8 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the strap like members extend longitudinally along the lower portion.  
     
     
         9 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the strap-like members extend beyond the ends of the tube-like member to constitute lifting means.  
     
     
         10 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the strap-like members extending beyond the ends of the tube-like member are adapted to constitute a lifting sling.  
     
     
         11 . A reusable packaging assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the tube-like member is open at one end, and closed at the other end.  
     
     
         12 . A method of transporting furniture or the like, the method including:—
 providing a reusable packaging assembly including a durable and flexible tube-like member adapted to receive the furniture therein and support the weight of the furniture, the packaging assembly being adapted to be grasped by a lifter at each end thereof for lifting the furniture;  
 positioning the furniture within the packaging assembly;  
 transporting the packaged furniture;  
 removing the furniture from the packaging assembly, and  
 reusing the packaging assembly to transport other furniture.