Patent Description:
When installing windows in a roof it is vital to ensure that the roof window itself is securely attached to the roof structure and that the joint between the roof window and the roof structure is properly weather proofed. It is therefore important that all components of roof window products, such as the roof window itself or a flashing assembly for a roof window, are used and are used in the right way. To facilitate this, the components are typically arranged in a box in an intended order of use and small components, such as screws, are kept in plastic bags. Furthermore, blocks of expanded polystyrene or similar shock absorbing material are used for protecting the product and/or for keeping the components in the intended position within the box. An example of a packed roof window, where these principles are used, is known from <CIT> and an example of a packed flashing assembly for a roof window is known from <CIT>. Traditionally small components have been attached to the box or to larger components, for example by means of an adhesive, to prevent them from becoming lost, either inside the box or when removed from the box, and/or they have been accommodated by a sub-packaging, such as a plastic bag or a smaller box, thereby also preventing them from scratching or otherwise damaging other components. Larger components have traditionally been kept in place in the box by being attached to the box by means of an adhesive or by being fixated between blocks of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which blocks themselves either fill out the space in the box e.g. from one side to another or are glued to the box, and some have been covered by a protective plastic film to prevent them from being scratched.

While this has functioned well in terms of protecting the components, it has remained a problem that sometimes a sub-packaging move around in the box during handling and transportation, making them difficult to find when unpacking the roof window product and potentially causing damage to components of the product or to surfaces thereof. To solve this, sub-packagings as well as components have been attached to the box by glue or adhesives, but glue and adhesives are not easily removed from the packaging material and when recycling material comprising too much foreign matter it may lead to the material being classified as a lower grade of material, and hence e.g. being combusted rather than recycled.

With this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a packed roof window product with improved recyclability without increasing the risk of errors in the installation of the product and while maintaining a good protection of the components during transportation.

These and further objects are achieved by a first aspect of the invention as defined in claim <NUM> providing a packed roof window product of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which is furthermore characterised in that the sub-packaging comprises an attachment flap projecting from the main body, and that the sub-packaging is retained in relation to the first component by the attachment flap being positioned in the internal space of the first component.

By providing a sub-packaging with an attachment flap, the sub-packaging can be attached to the first component, which keeps the sub-packaging in place in the box. Hence, separate fastening means for the sub-packaging are eliminated, potentially reducing the number of packaging pieces, which increases the likelihood of the packaging material being recycled by reducing the need for the installer to collect and sort different types of packaging after installing the window.

The main body and the attachment flap can be made from the same material to improve the recyclability. In a presently preferred embodiment, the entire sub-packaging is made from a paper-based material.

Attaching the sub-packaging to the first component also allows the first component and second component or component collection to be retrieved from the box as a unit, and hence components, which are to be used alongside the first component, can be packed in the sub-packaging. In this way the installer has the required components at hand when installing the first component.

Another potential advantage of having the sub-packaging retained in relation to the first component is that the sub-packaging may be used as a positioning element for the first component in the box, for example by spacing the first component to another component or the side wall of the box.

Suitably, the sub-packaging is retained in relation the first component by the attachment flap or a section thereof being constrained in the internal space of the first component. The constrained state arises when the section is restricted under tension between internal surfaces of the internal space of the first component. Corrugated cardboard is a suitable material as it has sufficient flexibility to allow it to be deformed when positioned in the internal space of the first component, but also sufficient rigidity for it to retain its position once positioned inside the internal space.

The attachment flap is herein described with reference to a proximal end of the attachment flap which is adjacent to the main body of sub-packaging and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. The distal end of the attachment flap will generally be positioned inside the internal space of the first component, whereas the proximal end will generally be outside the internal space of the first component. The distal end comprises a free edge of the attachment flap.

The box may be of a rectangular configuration where the top side and bottom side extend in parallel to each other and four side walls extend perpendicularly thereto in between the bottom and top sides. In such a case the height axis is parallel with the side walls and two side walls extend along the primary axis and the remaining two side walls extend along a secondary axis, which is perpendicular both to the height axis and to the primary axis. The primary and secondary axis may be denoted a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, respectively.

The box is suitably a flat box, wherein the top side and bottom side form major sides of the box and the side wall are minor sides. Major and minor here refers to the relative area of the respective sides. In flat boxes a height of the box is smaller than the other dimensions, i.e. length and width. The width may be larger than the length.

The term supply condition denotes the packed state of the roof window product, in which it is supplied to the user. The box is described herein with reference to a bottom side and a top side with side walls extending in between. These terms are understood in terms of their function when packing the roof window product, the top side being the side which is open when packing the roof window product, allowing components to be packed in the box, and subsequently the top side is closed to provide the supply condition. The top side may also be denoted a lid of the box. The surfaces the box which face the internal space of the box in the supply condition are denoted as inner surfaces, whereas surfaces facing away from the internal space will be denoted as outer surfaces.

In some embodiments, a section of the attachment flap spans the internal space of the first component, a first edge of the section engaging an internal surface of the internal space of the first component at a first contact position P1 and a second edge of the section engaging another inner surface of the internal space of the first component at a second contact position P2, a distance Di being defined between the first and second contact positions P1, P2 , and a length Ls being defined between the first and second edges of the section of the attachment flap, wherein the length Ls is equal to or greater than the distance Di.

In this way, the attachment flap is constrained between the first and second contact positions, whereby the sub-packaging is retained in relation to the first component. The constrained state of the attachment flap is strengthened by the length Ls exceeding the distance Di, whereby the section of the attachment flap is slightly deformed or bent, increasing the forces acting on the first and second contact position. For some materials one or more of the edges of the section of attachment flap may be compacted, similarly increasing the force acting on the contact positions.

The distance Di is the distance between contact positions P1 and P2 as measured in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the first component. Similarly, the length Ls is the length of the trajectory of the section of the attachment flap extending between contact positions P1 and P2, as measured in the same cross-sectional plane. The first or second edge of the section may be an edge of a folding-zone in the attachment flap, which folding-zone is delimited by two edges. In such a case the length Ls is measured between a first edge of the folding-zone at contact position P1 and a second edge at contact position P2, where the first edge is the edge of the folding-zone which is closest to the second edge. The section of the attachment flap may span across the internal space or it may span along one or more of the internal surfaces.

Suitably, the attachment flap is folded inside the internal space of the first component and wherein a folding-zone of the attachment flap comprises the first and/or second edge. Folding the attachment flap provides an edge in addition to the edge at the distal end of attachment flap, which edges can engage the internal space of the first component to constrain the attachment flap therein. A folding-zone is part of the attachment flap at which the attachment flap folds or bends. Hence, sections of the attachment flap at either side of the folding zone extend in different directions. The folding-zone may be provided by perforating, scoring, or compressing or otherwise weakening the attachment flap to promote folding. The folding zone can be provided by weakening the material along one line, providing a relatively narrow folding zone. It could also be provided by two lines of weakening which are spaced apart, to provide a wider folding-zone, e.g. by two parallel scored lines in the attachment flap. A wide folding zone could also be provided by compression of the material of the attachment flap at the location where the folding-zone is intended to be. The folding-zone may assume a substantially linear extent or could assume a curved extent.

In some embodiments, the first component is a gutter-shaped element of a covering assembly or of a flashing assembly for a roof window.

Gutter-shaped components are typically used to drain off water, for example along the top of a roof window installed in an inclined roof, where a gutter placed under roofing tiles and on top of an underroof supported by the roof structure, drains water out onto flashing components extending along the side(s) of the window. The gutter-shaped component comprises a U-shaped cross-section formed by respective legs of the component, and the internal space is formed as a concave channel or trench between the respective legs. The legs of a U-shape may be curved or joined to each other at an angle. The channel or trench in the U-shape, i.e. internal space of the first component, may suitably have a rectangular cross section, potentially with rounded corners, which provides parallel surfaces between which the attachment flap can be constrained. Alternative cross-sections of the channel or trench in the U-shape could also be used, such as trapezoidal, or curved cross-section. Conceivably, a gutter element having a V-shaped cross section could also be used.

In one embodiment, the attachment flap has a proximal end adjacent to the main body of a sub-packaging and a distal end opposite to the proximal end and the gutter-shaped first component comprises a U-shaped cross-section, which U-shaped cross-section is formed by a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, the first and second leg being positioned at opposite sides of the internal space of the first component, and the third leg connects the first and second leg, wherein an open hem is provided at a free edge of the first or second leg, and the distal end of the attachment flap is arranged in the open hem.

By providing an open hem on the first component, the distal end of the attachment flap can be inserted in the open hem to retain the attachment flap in the internal space of the first component. The open hem may constitute the second contact position P2 described above, and a section of the flap may be constrained between the open hem and another contact position in the internal space of the first component. The open hem could alternatively retain the attachment flap by itself, by the distal end, fitting tightly in the open hem, constraining the distal end in the open hem. The term open hem refers to an edge which is bent in on itself or otherwise distanced from the leg of the first component, leaving a gap.

A closed hem conversely refers to a fold or the like where there is contact to the leg, leaving no gap. A closed hem could also provide a suitable contact position for an edge of the attachment flap.

Such hemming is common for metal components to reinforce the edge or hide sharp edges, and thus may not require specially designed components. Hems may be formed by folding the edge of the component, e.g. for sheet metal components, but could be also be formed as part of an extrusion process or the like.

In some embodiments the attachment flap is retained or constrained by the distal end of the attachment flap engaging the internal surface of the internal space of the first component at a corner formed by two internal surfaces joined at an angle to each other. Such a corner may for example be provided by making a leg of the first component with a bent edge forming a ledge extending at approximately <NUM> degrees from the leg. The term "joined at an angle" as used herein does not necessarily imply that the surfaces or legs are separate parts having been attached to form a combined element but refers to the surfaces or legs extending at an angle with respect to each other.

Such corners may provide a suitable contact position for an edge of the attachment flap, where the edge is less likely to slide on the internal surface.

In some embodiments, the attachment flap has a first section proximal to the main body and a second section distal to the main body, wherein the first section and second section are delimited from each other by a folding-zone of the attachment flap. Such an attachment flap can be retained in a first component having a U-shaped cross-section by the first and second section contacting the opposite legs at the free edges of the legs. The attachment flap will have a tendency to unfold at the folding zone, which may provide sufficient force acting on the first and second sections to keep them in contact with first component and retain the sub-packaging. This can be achieved e.g. by an attachment flap of corrugated cardboard, where the folding zone is a compressed zone of the attachment flap.

In some embodiments, the first component is carried by the first side wall of the box.

By the first component being carried by the side wall, the height dimension of the box may be used to a greater extent, allowing e.g. the width of the box to be reduced. Hence the material consumption can be reduced leading to a smaller climate footprint and potentially also to more flexibility in handling, storage, and transportation. A further potential advantage is that as the first component and hence also the sub-packaging is kept in place in the box by the side wall, auxiliary fastening means such as adhesives, tape or straps, may be eliminated, potentially rendering the packaging more suitable for easy recycling. It is understood that the first component is carried by the first side wall without the use of fastening means beyond the box itself, i.e. it may hang from or be suspended from the first side wall. The component may be said to be freely suspended from the first side wall. Hence, the first component is carried by the first wall by way of engagement between the first component and the side wall and possibly further panels of the box, such as a lid of the box when the box is closed.

The first component may generally be carried by the first side wall by a part of the side wall being arranged in the internal space of the first component.

In one embodiment, the first component is carried by the upper edge of the first side wall, and the attachment flap of the sub-packaging is folded across the upper edge from the inner surface of the first side wall to the outer surface of the first side wall.

By having the first component rest on the upper edge it is suspended from the side wall providing a position toward the top side of the box in the supply condition. In addition, when the box is closed in the supply condition, the lid of the box will be in contact with the first component, potentially preventing the first component from sliding along the side wall by friction between the first component and the lid. In this way the first component and hence also the sub-packaging is effectively fixed in the box without the use of auxiliary fastening means, beyond the box itself, potentially reducing the amount of packaging material used. The attachment flap is in such an embodiment arranged in between the internal surfaces of the first component and the upper edge of the first side wall.

The upper edge is a free upper edge of a panel of the box forming the side wall. The edge may the formed by a fold between two panels of the box or alternatively by being the extremity of the panel. The term "upper" denotes a position upwards along the height axis, i.e. toward the top side of the box. Suitably the first component is suspended from the upper edge by extending along the upper edge. The first component may engage and rest on the upper edge of the side wall, but particularly in embodiments where two or more sub-packagings are retained by the first component, the first component may rest on the attachment flaps thereof and not be in direct contact with the upper edge of the first side wall.

In one embodiment, a leg of the first component overlaps with the outer surface of the first side wall, and the lid of the box comprises an overlap panel, which overlap panel overlaps the outer surface of the first side wall in the supply condition, so that the overlapping leg of the first component is located between the first side wall and the overlap panel.

In this way the first leg of the first component is covered by the overlap panel and friction between the overlap panel and the component will reduce the tendency of the component to slide on the first side wall. The first leg may be said to sandwiched between the first side wall and overlap panel. The overlap panel may be a flap in the case of a <NUM>-panel folder type cardboard box, or it may be a lid side wall in the case of telescope style cardboard box. In the closed state of the box the overlap panel is suitably fastened to the side wall, preferably by an adhesive.

A five-panel fold type box (sometimes referred to as five-panel-folder) is a standard box type, where fifth panel is provided to overlap with another panel in the closed state of the box. Telescopic boxes are also a standard box type, wherein the box comprises two pieces, which can be fitted to each other such that side walls of one piece is overlapped by side walls of the other piece.

In a further development, the overlap panel and/or the first side wall is provided with a zone of reduced thickness, such as a compressed zone, and this zone corresponds in size and shape at least to the first leg of the first component. The zone provides room for the first leg, which could otherwise prevent an adhesive used for attaching the overlap panel to the first side wall from attaching properly or later break the adhesive connection by pressing the overlap panel away from the side wall.

In a further development, the first side wall comprises a receiving section, and wherein the first component is carried by the receiving section. Suitably, the receiving section is a recess in the upper edge of the first side wall.

By providing a recess in the side wall the first component can be arranged in a retracted position in relation to the top side of the box, allowing the box to close in a flush manner. Furthermore, the first component can be arranged in between ends of the recess, which ends keeps the first component in place, preventing it from sliding along the side wall in the direction of the primary axis. In such an embodiment the recess has a length corresponding substantially to a length of the first component.

In some embodiments, the first side wall has a length L along the primary axis and the first component extends over <NUM> to <NUM> % of the length L, preferably over <NUM> to <NUM> % of the length L.

In some embodiments, the attachment flap extends through an opening in the first component into the internal space of the first component and a section of the attachment flap located inside the internal space of the first component has a length La, which is greater than a dimension Do of the opening in the first component, the length La and the dimension Do both extending in the same cross-sectional plane. The cross-sectional plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the first component, which longitudinal extent is parallel with the primary axis when first component is carried by the first side wall. The section of the attachment flap located inside the internal space of the first component may for example be the second section described above, the folding zone, or a section formed by the folding-zone and the second section together. By the section inside the internal space being longer than the dimension of the opening, the section of length La can act as anchor inside the internal space. For a component having a U-shaped cross-section the free edges of the first and second legs delimit the opening and the distance Do is the distance between the free edges in the cross-sectional plane.

In some embodiments, the box and/or the sub-packaging is/are made from a paper-based material such as paperboard or cardboard, preferably corrugated cardboard.

Cardboard and other paper-based material is readily recyclable and by providing all packaging elements made from such materials the likelihood of it being recycled is increased considerably as there is no need for sorting the packaging in fractions. Cardboard can also be made as a material which is suitably compressible for it to be forced into the internal space of the first component, and rigid enough for it to retain its position therein subsequently, to keep the sub-packaging in place. Corrugated cardboard can also easily be made to fold at pre-selected position by compression, perforation or scoring. In this way the length of the section to be restrained or constrained in the internal space can be pre-determined according to the dimensions of the internal space. Corrugated cardboard can also be made sufficiently rigid for the attachment flap to be retained by the distal end being inserted in an open hem of the first component as described above.

In one embodiment, the attachment flap is integrally formed with the main body of the sub-packaging. In this way the likelihood of the material of the sub-packaging material actually being recycled is increased considerably, while also simplifying manufacture of the sub-packaging.

In some embodiments, the sub-packaging comprises a removable portion configured for being separated from the rest of the sub-packaging by a break-zone. A break-zone is understood to be a portion of the sub-packaging which has been deliberately weakened to facilitate tearing, opening or the like of the sub-packaging. The break-zone may comprise perforations or scoring. By providing a removable portion, the installer can easily remove the sub-packaging from the first component. The removable portion may also provide the installer with a way to easily open the sub-packaging and access the component(s) accommodated in the sub-packaging.

In embodiments where the attachment flap is retained in the first component, but where it is sufficiently flexible for being removed therefrom without breaking, the removable portion could be configured to remain attached to the rest of the sub-packaging after the having been used to open the sub-packaging. In this way the sub-packaging is kept in one piece, increasing the likelihood of the material being collected for recycling.

The removable portion may comprise the attachment flap. When the removable portion includes the attachment flap, the break zone is provided at or in connection with the attachment flap. In this way, the break-zone provides a way of separating the main body from the attachment flap, which may thus be left behind in the first component. The break zone may be provided on a wall of the main body from which wall the attachment flap projects. The removable portion may cover at least <NUM> % of the wall of the main body from which the attachment flap projects, preferably at least <NUM> %. In this way the removable portion can provide an opening from which the components of the sub-packaging can be easily retrieved by the installer, which opening may be provided as the main body is separated from the first component. The coverage of the removable portion is calculated as the fraction of the area which is removed from the wall of the main body to the total area of the wall.

In some embodiments, the main body of the sub-packaging is box-shaped. Box-shaped is typically a rectangular prism shape. In alternative embodiment, sub-packaging comprises one or two open sides, the open sides facing along the primary axis. Such a main-body may have a tubular shape or pipe-shape. In a main body having two open sides, the open sides preferably face in opposite directions along the primary axis, allowing long components to be accommodated by extending through the main body. A main body with one open side can accommodate an end-portion of a component, and two sub-packagings can thus accommodate one component.

The sub-packaging may suitably be folded from a blank, e.g. of the five-panel fold type. In that case the attachment flap is provided as an extension of one of the side panels of the blank.

In some embodiments, the sub-packaging is a bag, such as a paper bag. The attachment flap may be provided an extension of part of the bag or a separate attachment flap, suitably of cardboard or corrugated cardboard, attached to the bag.

In an embodiment, the attachment flap comprises a thick portion, which thick portion has a thickness configured for being retained in the internal space of the first component. This can be achieved by the thickness of the thick portion corresponding to or slightly exceeding a distance between internal surfaces of the first component, whereby the thick portion can be held by tension between the internal surfaces. In embodiments where the first component is carried by the first side wall of the box, the thickness of the thick portion could be configured for being retained between an internal surface of the first component and a surface of the first side wall. The thick portion may be formed by folding the attachment flap onto itself or alternatively by attaching a piece of material, such as a piece of cardboard or corrugated cardboard, to the attachment flap to increase the thickness. The piece could be attached e.g. by an adhesive, glue or similar.

In some embodiments, the box is folded from one or more blanks, preferably a blank of the five-panel fold type or a blank of the telescopic type.

In another aspect of the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a method for packing a roof window product as described herein, which method comprises the steps of: arranging the sub-packaging in the box with the attachment flap extending across the first side wall from the inner surface to the outer surface, arranging the first component on the first side wall with the attachment flap positioned in the internal space of the first component, retaining the sub-packaging in relation to the first component.

When the attachment flap is positioned across the first side wall, and the first component is arranged thereon, the attachment flap will be positioned in the internal space, retaining or constraining the attachment flap therein.

In another aspect of the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a method of unpacking a packed roof window as described herein, which method comprises the steps of: removing the first component from the box, the sub-packaging being retained in relation to the first component, and removing at least a main body of the sub-packaging from the first component.

In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings in which.

Referring initially to <FIG> which shows a perspective view from above of a packed roof window product <NUM> packed in a box <NUM> of cardboard and of the five-panel fold type. The cardboard box is shown in an open state where a lid forming the top side <NUM> is open. The box <NUM> has a rectangular configuration and has a bottom side <NUM> and a four side walls <NUM>-<NUM> which side walls extend along a height axis H which is perpendicular to the bottom side <NUM>. A first of the side walls <NUM> and second side wall <NUM> extend between side walls <NUM>-<NUM> along a primary axis P. Side walls <NUM>-<NUM> extend along a secondary axis S, and both the primary P axis and secondary axis S are perpendicular to the height axis H and mutually perpendicular. The primary axis P is longitudinal, and the secondary axis S is transverse. The top <NUM> and bottom sides <NUM> are seen to be the major sides of the box. The box <NUM> has an internal space which accommodates a plurality of window product related components <NUM> where a majority of components are is placed on the bottom side <NUM>. The components <NUM> include a flashing assembly and insulation frame side members, and a gutter element <NUM>. The gutter element <NUM> embodies the first component and is carried by the first wall <NUM>. The gutter element <NUM> is suspended from an upper edge <NUM> of the first side wall <NUM>. The gutter element <NUM> has an internal space and has been arranged such that the first side wall <NUM> extends into the internal space. A collection of smaller components is accommodated by a sub-packaging <NUM>, which is positioned at the first side wall <NUM> below the gutter element <NUM>. An attachment flap (not visible in <FIG>) is folded inside the gutter element <NUM> and across the first side wall <NUM> whereby the sub-packaging <NUM> is retained in relation to the gutter element <NUM>, which in turn is retained in relation to the first side wall <NUM>. Details on the positioning of the attachment flap in the gutter element is shown in the subsequent figures. See also <FIG> showing the box <NUM> from another angle without the collection of components <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows details of a sub-packaging <NUM> in a box <NUM> before the gutter element <NUM> is mounted on the first side wall <NUM>. The first side wall <NUM> has a receiving section formed by a recess <NUM> from which the gutter element <NUM> is to be suspended. The gutter element <NUM> will extend between two recess ends <NUM>, which keeps the gutter element <NUM> from sliding along the side wall <NUM>. In addition, the recess <NUM> provides a retracted position for the gutter element in relation to the top side <NUM> of box in the supply condition, allowing the top side to close in a flush manner. The sub-packaging is positioned next to the first side wall <NUM>, with a main body <NUM> against the inner surface <NUM> of the first side wall, and an attachment flap <NUM> arranged to extend across the first side wall <NUM> from the inner surface <NUM> to the outer surface. The attachment flap <NUM> has a first section <NUM> extending between a proximal end 521a at the main body <NUM> and a folding zone <NUM>, and a second section <NUM> extending from the folding zone <NUM> to a distal end 523a furthest from the main body <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> are thus delimited from each other by the folding zone <NUM>, where the material has been compressed to promote folding. When the gutter element <NUM> is mounted in the recess <NUM>, the second section <NUM> will fold down along the outer surface of the first side wall <NUM> and the attachment flap will be constrained in the internal space of the gutter element <NUM>.

Referring now <FIG> where <FIG> shows a step of packing the components where the sub-packaging <NUM> is arranged in the box <NUM>, and <FIG> shows a subsequent step wherein the gutter element <NUM> is packed in the box <NUM>. In <FIG> the sub-packaging <NUM> is placed at the side wall <NUM> with the attachment flap <NUM> arranged above the upper edge <NUM> as in <FIG>. The gutter element has a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM> connected by a third leg <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> is not visible in <FIG> as it is hidden by the second leg <NUM> and the first side wall <NUM>. The first leg <NUM>, second leg <NUM> and third leg <NUM> delimits an internal space in the gutter element <NUM>. When the gutter element <NUM> is placed on first side wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the first side wall <NUM> extends into the internal space of the gutter element <NUM>, and the first leg <NUM> of the gutter element overlaps with the outer surface <NUM> while the second leg overlaps the inner surface <NUM>. As the gutter element <NUM> is placed on the first side wall <NUM>, the second section <NUM> of the attachment flap is folded down along the outer surface <NUM> and the first leg <NUM> and the attachment flap <NUM> is constrained in the internal space of the gutter-element <NUM>. The attachment flap is thus folded across the upper edge <NUM> below the gutter element <NUM>. As can be seen, the sub-packaging is suspended above the bottom side <NUM>, showing that the sub-packaging <NUM> is kept in place in relation to the first side wall <NUM> by being retained in relation to the gutter element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-section of the situation of <FIG> in a plane extending perpendicular to the primary axis in a schematic manner. The gutter element <NUM> is seen to have a U-shaped cross-section formed by the first leg <NUM>, the second leg <NUM> and the third leg <NUM> of the gutter element <NUM>. Internal surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the first, second and third leg delimit an internal space <NUM> of the gutter element, which is a concave channel or trench extending along the primary axis P. The attachment flap <NUM> is folded inside the internal space <NUM> at the folding zone <NUM>. The second section <NUM> spans the internal space <NUM> and an edge of the second section <NUM> at the folding zone <NUM> engages the internal surface of the internal space at a first contact position P1 and the distal end 523a engages the internal surface at a second contact position P2. The distance between the internal surfaces and the contact points P1 and P2 are shown as distance Di. As can be seen the length of the second section Ls is in this embodiment substantially equal to the distance Di, whereby the second section <NUM> is constrained in internal space <NUM> with a minimal tension. In other embodiments the length Ls exceeds the length Di, whereby the second section <NUM> will be further constrained between the first and second contact position P1, P2. In this embodiment the folding zone <NUM> is a wide zone which may be pre-made by compressing the attachment flap or scoring the attachment flap along two folding zone lines. In other embodiments, the folding zone may be narrower than shown, reducing the contact area with the internal surface. This could be achieved e.g. by a single scoring line or compressed line in the attachment flap. When the gutter element <NUM> is retrieved from the first side wall <NUM>, the sub-packaging <NUM> is still retained with the gutter element <NUM>, as the attachment flap <NUM> is constrained between the internal surfaces by the tension of the second section <NUM>. The gutter element <NUM> is here a component with folded edges 34a, 35a for provide a smooth reinforced edge and this provides an open hem supporting the distal end 523a at P2.

shows a sub-packaging <NUM> retained to a gutter element <NUM> as in <FIG> but in the supply condition where the lid <NUM> of the box is closed. The lid <NUM> is in contact with the gutter element <NUM>, providing additional fixation of the gutter element <NUM> to the first side wall <NUM>. The lid has an overlap panel <NUM> for closing against the outer surface <NUM> of the first side wall by a strip of glue <NUM>. The overlap panel <NUM> comprises a zone of reduced thickness <NUM> which corresponds in size to the size of the first leg <NUM>, reducing the strain on the overlap panel <NUM> in the supply condition.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG> which show a blank for a sub-packaging box <NUM> and sub-packaging box <NUM> folded from said blank, respectively. The blank <NUM> is here of the five-panel fold type, where the main body <NUM> is formed by a lid panel <NUM>, a bottom panel <NUM> and two side panels <NUM>, <NUM> as well as six side flaps <NUM> which will form the remaining two side walls. The dashed lines represent folding lines. In this embodiment the side flaps <NUM> are to be glued together in a folded state to form the main body <NUM>. As an alternative to glue, the blank could have interlocking panels. The lid panel <NUM> has overlap panels <NUM> which in the folded state are glued to the side flaps <NUM> to close the sub-packaging <NUM>. The blank further has panel <NUM>, which in the folded state extends beneath lid panel <NUM> and may be glued thereto.

The attachment flap <NUM> is integrated with main body <NUM>, being an extension of the lid panel <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> are delimited from each other by the folding zone <NUM> which is indicated by dashed folding lines. The position of the folding zone is pre-determined, i.e. it is provided as part of the blank, which allows the dimensions of the first section <NUM> and second section <NUM> to be controlled. In this way it can be ensured that for example the second section <NUM> of the attachment flap <NUM>, is sized appropriately for it to be constrained in the internal space of the gutter element. It is, however, to be understood that this need not be the case and that the attachment flap may be folded and the folding zone <NUM> defined by the force applied when placing the first component on the first side wall <NUM> as described above.

The sub-packaging <NUM> further has a removable portion <NUM>, which here includes the attachment flap <NUM> and a portion of the lid panel <NUM> which is delimited by the break-zone <NUM>. The break zone is here perforation lines <NUM> which are shown as dotted lines. The removable portion <NUM> is thus a weakened portion of the lid panel and by tearing the attachment flap <NUM> from the main body, a part of the lid panel <NUM> will be torn away with the attachment flap <NUM>, providing an opening in the sub-packaging <NUM> through which the contents can be retrieved. In this embodiment, the part of the lid panel <NUM> which is removed covers about <NUM> % of the area of the lid panel <NUM>. The removable portion <NUM> allows the operator to simply tear the sub-packaging <NUM> from gutter element <NUM> in which it is retained by the attachment flap <NUM>, while also opening the sub-packaging <NUM>. The panel <NUM> may also serve to keep the components from inadvertently falling out of the sub-packaging when the removable part <NUM> is removed.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a gutter element <NUM> which has been retrieved from the first side wall (not shown). The gutter element <NUM> is shown in a schematic manner which does not include the entire length of the gutter element <NUM>, and where the portions of the gutter element is drawn with dashed lines. As can be seen the sub-packaging <NUM> is retained with the gutter element <NUM> by the attachment flap <NUM> inside the gutter element <NUM> and has come off the first side wall together with the gutter element. By tearing the main body <NUM> of the sub-packaging <NUM> away from the gutter element, the removable part <NUM> is left in the gutter element <NUM> as the sub-packaging is separated at the break-zone <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. An opening is provided in the lid panel <NUM> of the sub-packaging <NUM> at the same time, from which opening the component collection <NUM> can be retrieved.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows an alternative embodiment of the sub-packaging <NUM>, where the main body <NUM> is box-shaped and has an open side <NUM>. Open-sided sub-packaging can be used for long components where only part of a component is accommodated in the internal space of the sub-packaging. For example, two pieces of sub-packaging each with one open side <NUM> can accommodate either end of a long component. Alternatively, or additionally, the component can extend through one or more sub-packaging with two open sides, facing in opposite directions along the primary axis P.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a gutter element <NUM> which has been removed from the box, where the sub-packaging <NUM> is still retained in relation to the gutter element <NUM> by the second section <NUM> being constrained between a first and second contact position P1, P2. The length of the second section La, as indicated by the displaced trajectory of the curvature of section <NUM>, is seen to exceed the distance Di, and the second section <NUM> has assumed a deformed shape. This may be achieved with a flexible material such as paperboard.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a gutter element <NUM> which has been removed from the box, where the sub-packaging <NUM> is still retained in relation to the gutter element <NUM> by a second section <NUM> of the attachment flap having a greater length La than a dimension Do of an opening in the gutter element <NUM>. The length La and dimension Do both extend in the same cross-sectional plane.

Referring now to <FIG>, which shows a second packaging <NUM> being retained to the gutter element <NUM> by a distal end 523a of the attachment flap being inserted in and engaging an open hem <NUM> formed at the free edge of the first leg <NUM> by the fold 34a on the free edge. The distal end 523a fits snugly into the open hem <NUM> and is constrained therein, and as the attachment flap is made from corrugated cardboard which is sufficiently rigid it retains its position in the internal space even though folding zone <NUM> is not in contact with the internal surface of the gutter element.

In each of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the distal end 523a of the attachment flap <NUM> may be said to engage the internal surface of the gutter element at a corner formed by two internal surfaces joined at an angle to each other. In an alternative embodiment where the gutter element has a V-shaped cross section an edge of the attachment flap could engage at the corner at the apex of the V-shape.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a sub-packaging <NUM> of corrugated cardboard where the second section <NUM> spans the internal space of the gutter element <NUM> constituting the first component between contact positions P1 and P2 along the inner surface of the third leg <NUM>. The position of the folding zone <NUM> has been pre-selected such that the second section is constrained between the first and second legs <NUM>, <NUM> of the gutter element.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows a gutter element <NUM> being installed with and above a pair of roof windows <NUM>, the gutter element <NUM> are exemplary embodiments of components having an internal space in which an attachment flap can be retained as described herein and for being carried by a first side wall of the box. Other components having a cross-sectional shape comprising at least two legs extending at an angle to each other forming a concave internal space may potentially also be used.

Referring now to <FIG> which shows another embodiment of the sub-packaging <NUM> of corrugated cardboard. A second section <NUM> of the attachment flap is folded onto the first section <NUM>, to provide a relatively thick portion of the attachment flap <NUM>, which can be fixed between the first leg <NUM> and second leg <NUM> of the gutter element <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The thick portion is in this embodiment formed by scoring and folding the attachment flap but could also be formed by attaching an additional piece of cardboard to the attachment flap <NUM>. The thick portion here has a thickness which is twice the thickness of the attachment flap <NUM>. The thickness of the attachment flap is the thickness of the sheet of corrugated cardboard forming the attachment flap. In this embodiment, the thickness of the attachment flap <NUM> is such that the thick portion fits the internal dimensions of the first component, such as the gutter element <NUM>, such that the attachment flap <NUM> is retained between the internal surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, in embodiments where the first component is carried by the first side wall <NUM>, the thickness of the attachment flap is selected such that the thick portion of the attachment flap is retained between the first side wall <NUM> and a leg of the first component, such as between the inner surface <NUM> of the first side wall and the inner surface <NUM> of the second leg. In <FIG> the main body <NUM> of the sub-packaging <NUM> is an open-type where the component collection <NUM> is packed in plastic bag which is attached to two flaps of the main body <NUM>, but the embodiment where the attachment flap having a thick portion could also be used for other embodiments of the sub-packaging, such as box-type sub-packaging.

Claim 1:
A packed roof window product (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of differently sized roof window related product components (<NUM>) accommodated in a box (<NUM>),
wherein the box (<NUM>) in a supply condition has a bottom side (<NUM>) and a top side (<NUM>), which bottom side (<NUM>) and top side (<NUM>) are spaced apart along a height axis (H), and side walls (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the box extend between the bottom side (<NUM>) and top side (<NUM>) of the box along the height axis (H), said bottom side (<NUM>), top side (<NUM>) and side walls (<NUM>-<NUM>) delimiting an internal space of the box, and
wherein a first side wall (<NUM>) extends along a primary axis (P), which primary axis (P) is perpendicular to the height axis (H), and said first side wall (<NUM>) has an upper edge (<NUM>) extending along the primary axis (P) along the top side (<NUM>), an outer surface (<NUM>) facing away from the internal space, and an inner surface (<NUM>) facing towards the internal space,
wherein a first of said components (<NUM>) comprises an internal space (<NUM>), delimited by internal surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first component,
and wherein a second of the components or a collection of components is accommodated by a sub-packaging (<NUM>), the sub-packaging (<NUM>) being accommodated in the box (<NUM>), the sub-packaging (<NUM>) comprising a main body (<NUM>), which main body (<NUM>) delimits an internal space accommodating the second component or component collection,
characterized in that
the sub-packaging (<NUM>) further comprises an attachment flap (<NUM>) projecting from the main body (<NUM>), and that the sub-packaging (<NUM>) is retained in relation to the first component (<NUM>) by the attachment flap (<NUM>) being positioned in the internal space (<NUM>) of the first component (<NUM>).