Modular packaging for elongated drill tools

Abstract

Packaging for elongated articles comprises a plurality of modular plastics units capable of assembling together to form an elongated packaging. Each unit has a lower portion engageable with an upper portion to close the unit and form therebetween a bore and a bore opening in at least one end of the modular unit. An elongated article is supported through the bore and bore opening and spans across at least two modular units.

1 . Packaging for elongated articles comprising a plurality of modular units each having a lower portion engageable with an upper portion to close the unit and form therebetween a bore, at least one end of each modular unit having a bore opening and engaging means at the bore opening end for securing the modular unit end to end to another modular unit, or a connecting unit, to form an elongated packaging comprising two or more modular units through which an elongated article is supported. 
   
   
       2 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein each modular unit is directly joined to an adjacent modular unit to form an elongated packaging. 
   
   
       3 . The packaging claimed in  claim 2  wherein the packaging comprises three to eight modular units joined in line. 
   
   
       4 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the engaging means are interlocking end profiles. 
   
   
       5 . The packaging claimed in  claim 4  wherein the interlocking end profiles are such to allow the modular units to be assembled while open or closed. 
   
   
       6 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the modular units are indirectly joined to one another by way of a tubular sheath extending between modular units, the modular units and sheath forming the elongated packaging. 
   
   
       7 . The packaging claimed in  claim 6  wherein the packaging includes at least three units spaced apart by sheaths located therebetween. 
   
   
       8 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  including internal sleeves inserted inside the bore to reduce the bore diameter to support smaller articles. 
   
   
       9 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  including dampening ribs provided on the bore inside the units to protect the elongated article. 
   
   
       10 . The packaging claimed in  claim 8  wherein the dampening ribs are made of a resilient and absorbent material and are fastened around the circumference of the bore in recesses spaced at intervals along each modular unit. 
   
   
       11 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the modular units are made of plastics. 
   
   
       12 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the lower and upper portions are lower and upper casings respectively that are hinged together to securely close and encapsulate an elongated article. 
   
   
       13 . The packaging claimed in  claim 12  wherein pneumatic or hydraulic struts are provided between the upper and lower casing. 
   
   
       14 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the bore is substantially circular in cross section. 
   
   
       15 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the upper and lower portions have formations that correspond with physical features of the article to be packaged to thereby securely accommodate the article. 
   
   
       16 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the exterior of the modular units are substantially rectangular such that the units have a flat base and are capable of being stacked one next to the other and one on top of the other. 
   
   
       17 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein lugs, or other anchor points, spaced along the exterior of each unit allow the packaging to be lifted. 
   
   
       18 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  wherein the underside of the lower portion is provided with forklift recesses. 
   
   
       19 . The packaging claimed in  claim 1  including a global positioning system tracking device capable of tracking the location of the packaging and communicating with a remote processor.