Abstract:
A method for packaging coca beans and like bean-shaped natural products, wherein the cocoa beans are packaged in ventilating, at least partially relatively form-retaining and stackable packaging devices. Packaging devices for cocoa beans or like bean-shaped, natural products, which packaging device comprises a frame and a sack-shaped element suspendible therein, wherein a filling opening is provided for bringing the products into at least the sack-shaped element and wherein the frames with filled sacks are stackable.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/NL01/00823, entitled “Method and device for packaging cocoa beans and such natural products” to Hoogland, Hendrik, Antonius, having an international filing date of Nov. 14, 2001, (now abandoned) and claiming priority to Netherlands Patent Application Serial No. 1016609, having a filing date of Nov. 15, 2000, and the specifications thereof are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a method for packaging cocoa beans and like bean-shaped natural products. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Usually, cocoa beans are picked and transported in bulk to storage devices such as, for instance, silos. Therein, the cocoa beans are stacked high in that they are poured in bulk prior to further processing. Such a method has as a drawback that ventilation of the cocoa beans is virtually impossible, notably of cocoa beans lower in the stack. As a result, mold formation and heating occur which has to be prevented by, for instance, regularly turning over the poured beans. A further drawback of such a method is that there is a great risk of vermin among the beans. Further, this known method has as a drawback that different loads of cocoa beans will become mixed, thus making it very difficult, if not impossible, to take away beans from a specific load for, for instance, further processing. The fact is that, generally, by pouring the beans in bulk the last poured beans will be taken away first. 
   Further, it has already been proposed to package cocoa beans in individual sacks, in particular burlap sacks, in which the beans can be transported from, for instance, plantations to storage positions, where the cocoa beans are stacked in the sacks in sheds. Thus, the advantage is achieved that individual sacks of cocoa beans can be placed and taken away, for instance to be processed further, without mixing of different loads of cocoa beans occurring. However, this method has as a drawback that here, also, bad ventilation of the cocoa beans occurs, so that mold formation and heating can still occur. Moreover, the relatively small sacks will have to be repositioned regularly when sacks are to be taken away for further processing. This is particularly inconvenient and time consuming when sacks are stacked relatively high. A further drawback is that the full weight of the beans is carried by sacks lower in the stack. This means that the sacks cannot be stacked particularly high, because, otherwise, the lower cocoa beans will experience undesirably high pressures and can become crushed. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention contemplates a method of the type described in the preamble, wherein the drawbacks mentioned are avoided while maintaining its advantages. To that end, a method according to the present invention is characterized by a packaging device for cocoa beans or like bean-shaped natural products, which packaging device comprises a frame and a sack-shaped element suspendible therein, which sack-shaped element is ventilating, wherein a filling opening is provided for at least bringing said products into the sack-shaped element and wherein the frames with the filled sacks are stackable, wherein the sack-shaped element is removably suspended within said frame and is substantially manufactured from textile woven plastic and/or ventilating film, wherein the frame is substantially foldable and/or detachable. 
   Packaging the cocoa beans or such products in ventilating, at least partly relatively form-retaining and stackable packaging devices offers the advantage that the cocoa beans can be transported in the respective package and can be stored by stacking the packaging devices, while occurring forces are transmitted by the packaging devices. This means that the cocoa beans themselves are not loaded by cocoa beans in other packaging devices stored on them or next to them. Moreover, such a method has the advantage that ventilation of the cocoa beans remains possible in a simple manner, per individual packaging device as well as with stacked packaging devices. Then, the relatively form-retaining packaging devices offer the advantage that they can be stacked and destacked relatively simply, and, more generally, can be handled more easily, for instance during loading and unloading of transport means such as ships and trucks, in storing spaces such as silos and in further processing apparatuses. 
   In an advantageous further embodiment of a method according to the invention packaging devices are used, characterized by a packaging device as previously described wherein the frame comprises a bottom frame and two frame wall parts, wherein the frame wall parts extend at two opposite ends of the bottom frame and are connected therewith via hinging means, such that the frame wall parts can be brought into in a first position wherein they extend approximately parallel to the bottom frame and into a second position wherein they extend approximately at right angles to the bottom frame. 
   Using at least one sack-shaped element suspended in a frame, at least in one packaging device according to the invention, offers the advantage that in a relatively simple manner a bulk package for cocoa beans is obtained which, nevertheless, can be handled individually. Here, the frame presents a relatively rigid part of the packaging device, with which the packaging device can be held, lifted and stacked, the sack-shaped element offering the necessary space for the pouring of the cocoa beans. Thus, the frame offers the support for the sack-shaped element. Preferably, the sack-shaped element can be emptied by tilting the frame with the sack-shaped element. 
   Then, it is preferred that packaging devices are used which, when stacked, leave a space between the various individual sack-shaped elements, such that therebetween ventilation air can be circulated which can flow around and through the packaging devices, in particular the sack-shaped elements and the cocoa beans received therein, while, if desired, it can be forced through between the cocoa beans. Preferably, the packaging devices are dimensioned such that they can be fittingly stacked in standard containers so as to virtually completely fill them. Thus, the processing of the cocoa beans is further simplified. Further, it is preferred that the packaging devices are foldable or detachable, such that, in empty condition, they take up a considerable smaller volume than in set-up, operative condition. This means that storage and transport of the empty packaging devices is possible in a simple manner, while little space is taken up, while the packaging devices in set-up condition offer a suitably large volume. 
   The invention further relates to a method for handling cocoa beans or like products, characterized by a packaging device as previously described wherein, in operative condition, the sack-shaped element at least comprises an upstanding wall closed in itself and a bottom connected thereto, wherein the parts of the wall opposite each other are connected to each other by at least one dividing wall, wherein the or each dividing wall has a height smaller than the distance between the bottom and the free longitudinal edge of the wall, the arrangement being such that adjacent at least one dividing wall an opening is formed between the bottom and the edge of the respective dividing wall proximal to the bottom. 
   With such a method, in a simple manner, packaging devices can be transported to a site of harvest, be filled there with cocoa beans or like products and be discharged in filled condition, for instance to storage locations or apparatuses for further processing. The frames used are preferably foldable or detachable, so that transport of the empty packaging devices takes up very little space. 
   The invention further relates to a packaging device for cocoa beans or like products, characterized by a frame forming a packaging device as previously described. 
   Such a packaging device offers a relatively large volume for storing cocoa beans, wherein the frames are stackable, such that, when stacked, the cocoa beans are not loaded, so that a relatively high stack can be formed without undesired load on the cocoa beans. Moreover, with a packaging device according to the present invention, a frame offers the advantage that it enables a simpler handling of the packaging device, for instance during transport and storage or during emptying of the package, while the sack-shaped element offers a suitable space for receiving the cocoa beans. Here, it is preferred that the frame is substantially foldable and/or detachable so it can be stored and transported with relatively small volume prior to the beans being received therein or after they have been taken out. 
   In an advantageous embodiment, a packaging device according to the invention is further characterized by a method for packaging cocoa beans and like bean-shaped natural products, wherein the cocoa beans are packaged in ventilating, at least partly relative form-retaining and stackable packaging devices according to a packaging device previously described. 
   In such an embodiment, when the frame is folded, the frame wall parts can be received against or in the bottom frame, while, at a second position, they extend approximately at right angles to the bottom frame and offer space for suspending the sack-shaped element. 
   In a further advantageous embodiment a packaging device according to the invention is further characterized by a method as previously described wherein frames are used of a modular size with a length of approximately 0.6 meter, a width of approximately 0.5 meter and a height of approximately 0.6 meter. 
   With such an embodiment, when the packaging device is set-up, it is provided that the sack-shaped element always retains the desired shape and is held in the desired position relative to the frame, also when this frame is, for instance, tilted for at least partly emptying the sack-shaped element. Detachably connecting the sack-shaped element with the frame offers the advantage that this sack-shaped element can be stored and transported separately and can be cleaned prior to reuse. 
   The invention further relates to an assembly of a container and a series of packaging devices, characterized by a method for handling cocoa beans or like bean-shaped, natural products, wherein a series of frames is transported to a position near a harvesting location for cocoa bean, as well as a series of sack-shaped elements, wherein at said position the frames are positioned, the sack shaped elements are suspended in the frames such that a filling opening is created and the sack-shaped elements, via the filling opening, are filled with cocoa beans, whereupon the frames with the filled sack-shaped elements are discharged and wherein the sack-shaped elements are emptied and thereupon folded together, after which the sack-shaped elements are returned to said position or such location for reuse and wherein the packaging devices are emptied by tilting them. 
   Such an assembly offers the advantage that in a particularly effective manner use is made of the inner space of a container, which container offers the possibility that a relatively large number of packaging devices can be taken up and moved simultaneously. The use of the packaging devices within the container then offers the advantage that individual handling of the packaging devices still remains possible in a simple manner, while ventilation is guaranteed. 
   The invention further relates to a frame and a sack-shaped element for use with a method or packaging device according to the present invention. 
   The invention further relates to a logistic system for transporting cocoa beans from plantations, at least from positions where cocoa beans are harvested and/or collected, characterized by a storage space and processing apparatus for cocoa beans and like bean-shaped products wherein packaging devices as previously described are used for storing the cocoa beans, wherein lifting means are provided for stacking and destacking the packaging devices, wherein, further, means are provided for tilting the packaging devices over at least more than 90° and preferably approximately 180°, for emptying them into the processing apparatus and wherein said tilting means tile the packaging devices over approximately 180°. 
   With such a logistic system, the advantage is achieved that simply, and for the greater part automatically, it can be determined at which moment a suitable number of packaging devices, i.e. for instance frames and sack-shaped elements as well as containers, have to be present at a particular position, for packaging a sufficiently large amount of cocoa beans, for repacking in packaging devices in the respective containers and, subsequently, for transporting the containers to storage locations such as silos, for storage and further processing. 
   The invention further relates to a storage space and processing apparatus for cocoa beans or like products, characterized by a storage space and processing apparatus for cocoa beans and like bean-shaped products wherein packaging devices as previously described are used for storing the cocoa beans, wherein lifting means are provided for stacking and destacking the packaging devices, wherein, further, means are provided for tilting the packaging devices over at least more than 90° and preferably approximately 180°, for emptying them into the processing apparatus and wherein said tilting means tile the packaging devices over approximately 180° and wherein racks with rolling means are provided in which the packaging devices can be arranged such that the packaging devices can be moved over the rolling means within the racks so that, each time, a suitable packaging device can be placed or taken out with the lifting means. 
   A storage space and processing apparatus according to the invention offers the advantage that in a simple and economical manner, the cocoa beans can be stacked in the storage space in individual packages in which the cocoa beans are poured in bulk. Here, the lifting means offer the advantage that the packaging devices can be stacked and destacked in a simple manner, while the means for tilting the packaging device offer the advantage that the beans poured in bulk can be simply poured out of the packaging. The lifting means and the means for tilting can simply be combined, for instance in the form of a fork lifting truck arranged to that end. The packaging devices can then be placed in the storage space in racks, for instance on rolling means, such that the packaging devices can be easily moved in the storage space so that, each time, a suitable packaging device becomes available to be handled by the lifting means. Thus, in a even simpler manner, each time a desired individual packaging device can be taken up and moved, for instance for processing the cocoa beans received therein. Ventilation between and through the packaging devices remains always possible. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further advantageous embodiments of a method and packaging device are further specified in the accompanying drawings. In elucidation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of a method, packaging device, frame and sack-shaped element, a logistic system and storage space with processing apparatus according o the invention will be further elucidated, both individually and in combination, with reference to the drawing. In the drawing: 
       FIG. 1  schematically shows, in perspective view, a first embodiment of a storage device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  schematically shows, in side view, a lower corner of a device according to  FIG. 1 , in set-up condition; 
       FIG. 3  shows the corner of  FIG. 2 , in collapsed condition; 
       FIG. 4  shows a detail with a corner of  FIGS. 2 and 3  of two stacked devices according to  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  shows in perspective front view a part of a device according to  FIG. 1 , in enlargement; 
       FIG. 6  schematically shows, in side view, four devices according to the invention, stacked in a standard container; 
       FIG. 7  schematically shows a method according to the invention; 
       FIG. 8  schematically shows, in side view, a frame for a device according to the invention, in an alternative embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  shows, in enlargement, a corner of a frame according to  FIG. 8 , in set-up condition; 
       FIGS. 10A–D  show in four steps the folding of a frame with sack-shaped element according to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   In this description, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. In this drawing, only exemplary embodiments are shown, which should not be construed as being limitative in any way. 
   In  FIG. 1 , in perspective view, a packaging device  1  according to the invention is shown, which is substantially built up from a frame  2  and a sack-shaped element  4 , which will be further indicated as a sack  4 . In  FIG. 1 , the upper side  6  of the sack  4 , shown from above, is shown in open condition but it can also be closable. Further, the sack  4  comprises two longitudinal walls  8 , two end walls  10  and a bottom  12 , mutually connected for forming a receiving space  14  in which cocoa beans (not shown) can be poured via the open upper side  6 . Between the longitudinal walls  8 , dividing walls  16  are disposed, which have a height smaller than the height of the longitudinal walls  8 . The dividing walls  16  are provided so as to be staggeringly connected to the upper side  6  and to the bottom  12 , so that between a dividing wall  16  connected adjacent the upper side  6  and the bottom  12  a passage opening  18  is provided, while between the dividing wall  16  connected to the bottom  12  and the upper side  6 , a passage opening  20  is provided. This means that in a simple manner, a uniform distribution of cocoa beans in the receiving space  14  can be obtained, so that this can be completely filled. The dividing walls  16  enable the longitudinal walls  8  to be held in the desired position, i.e. substantially vertically and parallel to each other. It will be clear that also other numbers of dividing walls  16  can be provided which can extend also over other heights, optionally the entire height, while, then, a more accurate filling needs to be provided. 
   The sack  4  is at least largely manufactured from an air permeable material, for instance a woven, gauze, light-permeable film, braiding or the like, with openings such that the cocoa beans cannot fall through. Also, the sack  4  can be completely or partly of semi-permeable material. The purpose of this is that the sack  4  is air-permeable and, therefore, can ventilate. This means that rotting or mold formation in the cocoa beans in the receiving space  14  can be relatively easily prevented. Also, in frame parts, perforated panels, gauze parts or the like can be included. In this context a sack-shaped element  4  is also meant to include foldable, crate-like elements, integrated or not integrated in the frame  2 . 
   In a manner to be described further, the frame  2  is foldable between a first position wherein this is folded and takes up a minimal space, and a second position wherein the sack  4  can be suspended within the frame  2  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the first, folded position, the sack  4  can be removed or folded with the frame  2 . Optionally, the frame can also be designed to be fully or partly detachable for obtaining a minimal volume. Moreover, using a frame enhances the stackability, which is of interest notably when packaging rolling products such as cocoa beans. 
   In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a part of the packaging device  1  according to the invention is shown, in particular a left hand lower corner, in elucidation of the rotating and blocking means  22 . Here,  FIG. 2  shows the set-up condition,  FIG. 3  the folded condition. 
   The frame  2  comprises a frame-shaped bottom frame  24 , substantially built up from tubular profiles  26 , rectangular in the embodiment shown. At the four corners a tubular element  28  is provided which, at the upper side, defines a recess  30 . At two sides of the frame  2  located opposite each other a frame wall part  32  is provided, each substantially built up from two legs  34  extending parallel to each other, mutually connected adjacent the upper ends by a cross beam  36 . The lower ends  38  of the legs  34  are put through the recesses  30  mentioned into the tubular elements  28  and, in the set-up condition as shown in  FIG. 2 , rest on the bottom  40  of the respective tubular element  28 . On at least one and preferably both sides of the tubular element  28  a somewhat L-shaped or hockey stick-shaped guideway  42  is provided, an approximately horizontally extending part end  44  of which extends approximately horizontally, adjacent the lower side of the bottom frame  24 , while an inclining part  46  of the guideway  42  reaches adjacent the recess  30  mentioned. The guideways  42  provided adjacent the two ends of the bottom frame  24  are positioned such that the connections between the end parts  44  and the inclining parts  46  are proximal to each other. Each time, the closed end  44   a  of the end part  44  lies approximately straight under the closed end  46   a  of the inclining part  46 . Each time, through the lower end  38  mentioned of the leg  34 , a guiding pin  48  extends into the or each adjacent guideway  42 , such that upon movement of the leg  34 , the guiding pin  48  is guided through the guideway  42  and is limited in its freedom of movement. In the upper edge of the tubular profile, a recess  47  is disposed open towards the top, into which, when the frame is set up, a blocking pin  49  falls, attached in the leg  34 . Thus, a horizontal movement of the leg  34  is effectively prevented. 
   Within the tubular element  28 , against a wall thereof, a spring element, in particular a leaf spring  50  is attached, which reaches downwards at an inclination adjacent the bottom  40  as is clearly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . There, the or each spring element  50  crosses at least the inclining part  46  of the guideway  42  and/or the end part  44  thereof, at least in non-loaded condition. As is clear from  FIG. 2 , with a packaging device  1  in set-up condition, the guiding pin  48  is confined between the closed end  44   a  mentioned and the spring  50 , so that the leg  34  is confined in the vertical position. With the folded condition shown in  FIG. 3 , the guiding pin  48  at least practically abuts the closed end  46   a  of the inclining part  46  of the guideway  42 , while the leg  34  extends approximately parallel to the plane of the bottom frame  24  and can be in contact with it. 
   The frame wall part  32  can be brought from the position shown in  FIG. 2  to the position shown in  FIG. 3  by, firstly, rotating the frame wall part mentioned in the direction remote to the opposite frame wall part  32  as indicated in  FIG. 2  by the arrow Z and schematically represented in interrupted lines, so that the guiding pin  48  is moved through the end part  44 , while pushing away the spring  50 . Subsequently, the guiding ping  48  can be moved in the inclining part  46 , past the spring  50 , by pulling away the respective frame wall part  32  in upward direction remote from the bottom  40 . Thus, the blocking pen  47  is pulled out of the recess  49 . When the guiding pin  48  strikes the closed end  46   a , this can be rotated in the direction of the bottom frame  24 , approximately about the guiding pin  48  mentioned, in the direction of the arrow K, to the position shown in  FIG. 3 . When setting up the frame from the position shown in  FIG. 3 , evidently the reverse order is kept. As is clear from  FIG. 5 , in the tubular element  28  at the side proximal to the sack  4 , the wall is taken away and in the tubular profile  26  a substantially U-shaped recess  52  is provided, in which the leg  34  can move during rotating. In set-up condition, the leg  34  rests against the opposite wall of the tubular element  28  and the blocking pin  47 . The corner of the lower end  38  of the leg  34 , located adjacent the guiding pin  48  can be rounded, as is represented in interrupted lines, so that it can rotate along the wall of the tubular wall  28  mentioned about the guiding pin  48  mentioned. Also, to that end, the wall mentioned can be somewhat lowered. 
   The rotating and blocking means  22 ,  47 ,  48 ,  49  mentioned offer the advantage that the frame in the set-up condition, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , can simply be picked up and, for instance, turned upside down, without the frame wall parts  32  coming loose or rotating relative to the bottom frame  24 . In particular also because, as will be elucidated later, when the sack  4  is filled, the upper ends of the frame wall parts  32  will be somewhat pulled towards each other, thus obtaining an even better confinement. 
   To each leg or, preferably, tubular element  28 , adjacent the frame part  26  an eye  54  is fastened, while a comparable eye  56  is provided near each upper end of a leg  34 . At its eight corners, the sack  4  is provided with a lip  58  having a hook element  60  at the free end which is hooked in the respective eye  54 . To that end, preferably, the lips  58  are designed to be somewhat elastic. The dimensions of the sack  4 , the lips  58  and the hooking elements  60  are chosen such that the sack  4  is somewhat stretched between the frame wall parts  32 , at least the eyes  54 ,  64 . It will be clear that, naturally, more lips  58  and hooking elements  60  can be provided, which can be fastened to further eyes  54 ,  64 , for instance for further stretching the sack  4 . Naturally, the eyes  54 ,  56  can be provided above or next to the recesses  52 , but can optionally also be attached only to the legs  34  and/or the cross beams  36 . It will be clear that eyes and hooks can be provided at any desired suitable position. 
   As is clearly shown in  FIG. 5 , the sack  4  is manufactured from a ventilating woven, schematically indicated by crosswise hatchings on only a part of the walls  6 ,  8  of the sack  4 . Naturally, the sack  4  can be manufactured entirely or partly from such a ventilating material. 
   In its wall, in  FIG. 5  in its longitudinal wall  8 , the sack  4  is provided with a preferably closable opening  64  through which a sample can be taken of the beans present in the receiving space  14 . Optionally, to that end, a trunk-shaped hose can connect to the opening  64 , so that when the opening  64  is opened, direct release of beans is prevented. 
   As is clear from  FIG. 4 , the packaging devices  1  are stackable in a simple manner. To that end, first stacking means  66  are provided adjacent the upper ends of the frame wall parts  32 , for instance disc-shaped elongations of the legs  34 , while the bottom frame  24  under the legs  34  is provided with second stacking means  68 , for instance welded-on rings in which the first stacking means  66  mentioned can be fittingly received. As a result, a particularly stable stacking is obtained. It will be clear that the first and second stacking means  66 ,  68  can be designed in any other suitable manner. 
     FIG. 6  shows a stacking of packaging devices in a container  70 , in particular a standard container such as a shipping container. As is clear from  FIG. 6 , the outer dimensions of the packaging devices  1 , which are substantially defined by the dimensions of the frames  2 , are chosen such that the container  70  can be fittingly filled with a discrete number of packaging devices. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , at least viewed in side view, four packaging devices  1  fittingly fit into the container  70 , while, for instance, two rows of four packaging devices can be disposed next to each other. For instance, packaging devices according to the invention have a bottom size of 1 m×1.2 m, and a height of 1.2 m, which dimensions are only given by way of example. Naturally, with a suitable choice of the dimensions, other numbers of packaging devices can be fittingly received in a container  70  in a comparable manner. 
   In  FIG. 7  it is schematically represented how packaging devices according to the invention can be used. A number of frames  2 , in folded condition as represented in part in  FIG. 3 , are carried to a plantation  72  preferably in stacked condition, together with a corresponding number of sacks  4 , represented in folded condition. As the packaging devices take up a relatively small volume, a large number of such packaging devices can be transported in a simple manner. At the plantation mentioned, at least at a suitable filling location, the packaging devices  1  are set up by folding out the frames  2  and suspending the sacks  4 . Subsequently, the sacks  4  are filled with cocoa beans from the plantation  72 , whereupon the packaging devices, stacked and preferably packaged in containers  70 , are transported to a storage space and/or processing apparatus  74 , where the packaging devices are taken out of the containers  70  integrally, for instance with a forklift truck, and are positioned in a storage space  74 . To that end, the packaging devices  1  can be restacked, but can also be placed, for instance, in racks or on rollers or the like, so that moving is possible in a simple manner. As the sacks  4  are air-permeable and do entirely abut each other, as a consequence of the frames  2 , during transport and storage ventilation of the cocoa beans in the sacks  4  can be ensured, so that mold formation, rotting and the like can simply be prevented. As the packaging devices can simply be taken up and moved in their entirety, each time a suitable choice from the beans present can be made for further processing. If a particular packaging device, at least the cocoa beans present therein are ready to be processed, the packaging device is simply lifted up, for instance with a suitable forklift truck or the like, whereupon the packaging device  1  can be driven to a pouring location. There, the packaging device  1  is tilted, preferably to a position wherein the open upper side  6  is substantially directed downwards. As a result of the rotating and blocking means  22 , it is then simply prevented that the frame wall parts  32  rotate, so that the sack  4  can be emptied in a simple manner. Thereafter, the sack  4  can be taken from the frame  2 , by detaching the hooking elements  60 , after which the sack can be discharged, for instance to be cleaned. To that end, the sack  4  is preferably of washable design, so that cleaning is possible in a simple manner. The frame  2  can be folded, in an earlier described manner, and be stored for reuse. 
   It is preferred that use is made of a calculating unit with which, each time, the amount of packaging devices  1 , at least frames  2  and sacks  4  can be calculated which have to be transported to a particular plantation  72 , at least assembly point for packaging the cocoa beans or such products available there, while, moreover, it can be calculated how many containers  70  are necessary for storage and transport thereof. Thus, a particularly simple and economically logistic system is obtained. 
     FIG. 8  schematically shows, in side view, an alternative embodiment of a frame  102  for a packaging device  101  according to the invention. Corresponding parts have corresponding reference numerals, increased by 100. In this schematic view, at the left hand side, a frame wall part  132  in set-up condition is shown, at the right hand side in collapsed condition. In  FIG. 9 , in perspective view, a lower corner of a frame according to  FIG. 8  is shown, viewed from the inside. The frame  102  comprises two parallel extending longitudinal girders  126  and two cross beams  126 A mutually connecting the longitudinal girders at their end faces. The girders  126  are manufactured from tubular profiles. In the longitudinal girders  126 , adjacent the ends face on both sides, rectangular recesses  182  are provided, adjacent the lower sides. The frame wall parts  132  comprise two legs  134  extending parallel to each other, connected at the upper end by a transverse connection  136 , while, adjacent the lower ends, the legs are provided with a leg part  180  extending, in set-up condition of the frame wall part  132 , approximately horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal girders  126 . Adjacent the free end of the leg part  180 , a blocking pen  148  is provided which reaches into the rectangular recess  182  and has relatively much play therein. Near a lower end, the two legs  134  are mutually connected by a cross bar  149 , for instance with a circular cross section. This cross bar  149  extends parallel to the crossbeams  126 A, adjacent an upper side thereof. On the upper side of the crossbeams  126 A, a number of hooking elements  147  are fastened, for instance by welding, the open side turned upwards and outward. With a set-up frame wall part  132 , shown in  FIG. 8  at the left hand side,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10A , the cross bar  149  is received within the hooking elements  147 . A sack-shaped element  104  can, again, be attached to the hooking elements  154 ,  156 . When loaded by the sack-shaped element, the frame wall part  132  is loaded in the direction F, so that this, in principle, will have the tendency to rotate about the cross bar  149 , within the hooking element  147 , wherein horizontal leg part  180  is pushed against a horizontal plate part  140  welded between the frame parts  126 ,  126 A, while the blocking pin  148  is pushed into a lower corner of the recess  182  proximal to the cross beams  126 A. Then, the lower end of the legs  134  is pushed against the cross beam  126 A. In this condition, the frame wall part  132  is securely confined and the packaging device  101  can be simply manipulated and, for instance, be held upside down to be emptied. Moreover, on the plate part  140 , a locking projection  181  is provided, against which the free end of the leg part  180  abuts. As a result, the leg  134  cannot rotate without it being at least somewhat lifted up, whereupon the hook  147  will at least somewhat deform as will be discussed further. 
   In  FIG. 8  at the right hand side, the frame wall part  132  is brought in folded-down condition. With reference to  FIGS. 10A–D , this will be explained further. 
   From the set-up position, as shown in  FIG. 10A , where a lower corner of the frame  102  is shown, the sack-shaped element  4  is detached from the hooks  154 ,  156 , after it has been emptied. Then, the frame wall part  132  is lifted up somewhat, until the leg part  180  reaches above the locking projection  181 , whereupon it is tilted outwards in the direction T, remote to the arrow F in  FIG. 8 , about the cross bar  149  within the hook-shaped elements  147 , such that the blocking pen  148  is pushed in the upper corner of the recess  182  remote from the cross beam  126 A. When moving the frame wall part  132  upwards, the hook-shaped elements  147  and/or the cross bar  149  are somewhat deformed, so as to enable the desired movement. Due to the position of the blocking pen  148 , further rotation is prevented. This position is shown in  FIG. 10B . From this position, the frame wall part  132  is pulled upwards, approximately parallel to the plane of the frame wall part  132 , such that the cross bar  149  is pulled from the hook-shaped elements  147 . Here, preferably, a slight elastic deformation should occur, so that a good confinement can be obtained. In  FIG. 10C , the cross bar  149  is shown detached from the hook-shaped elements  147 , the frame wall part being moved somewhat up relative to the position as shown in  FIG. 10A , such that the blocking pin  148  is pushed into the upper corner of the recess  182 , proximal to the cross beam  126 A. Then, the frame wall part  132  is tilted in the direction F, to the position shown in  FIG. 10D , wherein the legs  134  extend parallel to the longitudinal girders  126 , while the leg part  180  extends approximately vertically and rests on the plate  140 . Here, the blocking pin  148  lies at the bottom of the recess  182 . 
   It will be directly clear that a frame wall part  132  can be simply brought from the position shown in  FIG. 10D  to the position shown in  FIG. 10A , in an order reverse to the earlier described order for folding. Further, it will be clear that a packaging device  101  according to  FIGS. 8–10  can be used in the same or a comparable manner as the earlier described embodiments. With the embodiments shown, the sack-shaped element can, for instance, be designed as a big bag. A packaging device according to the invention preferably has a modular size fitting to standard (shipping) containers, for instance (x*0.5)m×(y* 0.6)m×(z×0.6 m), wherein x, y and z are integrals. 
   The invention is not in any way limited to the embodiments presented in the description and shown in the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. 
   For instance, the frames can be designed in very many other manners, for instance such that it can be wholly or partly detached instead of being folded. Also, other types of sack-shaped elements can be used. Further, for instance, more than two frame wall parts can be provided, so that various sack-shaped elements can be suspended in de packaging device according to the invention while the frame wall parts can also be built up differently, for instance from wire netting, plate material or the like. Further, a packaging device according to the invention can be used for all sorts of products. Also, the sack-shaped elements and/or the frames can be transported in different manners, combined or separate from each other. Naturally, the sack-shaped elements themselves can be emptied in a warehouse in a manner known per se. However, storage in the packaging devices is preferred in view of the advantageous ventilation and the manageability. 
   These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.