ITMI20130441A1 - PACKAGING FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES. - Google Patents

Description

Title: â € œPACKING FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCESâ €

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to packaging for household appliances, in particular for the storage and transport of household appliances such as hoods for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Household appliances of considerable size, such as hoods for kitchens, are usually stored and transported inside packaging. These packages have the function of allowing the handling of single household appliances, or more often of a plurality of household appliances, with forklifts and similar lifts. The packaging must therefore safeguard the integrity of the appliance during its handling and transport.

A first type of packaging of the known art consists of a box, usually made of cardboard, inside which the household appliance is placed. Polymeric material, usually polystyrene, is placed between the walls of the box and the appliance to prevent small accidental impacts from damaging the appliance. The boxes containing the household appliances are placed (in predetermined quantities) on wooden pallets in such a way as to create an orderly pile resting on a rigid base.

Using forklifts equipped with lifting tines, it is possible to insert the tines into the wooden pallet, lift and then transport the packaged appliances. However, this type of packaging has the disadvantage of requiring the presence and use of wooden pallets which, as known, have non-negligible production costs, require dedicated spaces for their storage and require special treatments when they must be disposed of.

To obviate these disadvantages, packaging has been developed that does not take into account the use of pallets for the transport and handling of household appliances. This type of packaging includes a cardboard box-like body in which the appliance is housed and also in this case polystyrene is used to protect the appliance from accidental impacts. Inside the box-shaped body, two wooden crosspieces are inserted that extend from one wall to the opposite wall of the box-shaped body. These wooden crosspieces have the function of significantly increasing the compression loads to which the packaging can be subjected without damaging the appliances contained therein. The transport of this type of packaging requires the use of forklifts equipped with hydraulic clamps, with clamping forces varying between 300Kg and 1000 Kg, which grip one or more packages, allowing them to be lifted and transported. The wooden crossbars ensure that the package does not collapse under the compression action exerted by the hydraulic clamps of the forklift. However, this type of packaging also has some drawbacks. In fact, the wooden crosspieces must be subjected to specific treatments in order to be inserted inside the packaging. For example, it is necessary to ensure that the wood does not present mold or parasites and, therefore, the crosspieces must be chemically and thermally treated to make them suitable for use. These treatments, together with the ever-increasing cost of timber, increase the price of the sleepers and therefore of the packaging. Furthermore, the wooden crosspieces are usually positioned in the box-like body in such a way as to remain in position by interference with the walls of the same. This positioning, although very often sufficient to avoid unwanted displacements of the crosspieces, does not guarantee that the crosspieces can move inside the box-like body, ceasing their function of counteracting the hydraulic clamps of the forklift with consequent damage to the appliance. Again, these crosspieces are not reused as the opening of the packaging usually takes place in the appliance sales center if not directly at the end user of the appliance. The sleepers therefore need to be disposed of very often, forcing them to be disposed of in landfills, as the public waste collection service often does not allow the possibility of collecting timber.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide packaging for household appliances capable of obviating the above drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to propose packaging for household appliances having low production and disposal costs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide packaging for household appliances which guarantees a constant and high degree of reliability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the indicated technical task and the specified purposes are achieved by packaging for household appliances in accordance with one or more of the claims reported below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of packaging for household appliances, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging for household appliances according to the present invention in a first assembly step;

- figure 2 shows the packaging of figure 1 in a second assembly phase;

- figure 3 shows the packaging of figure 1 in a third assembly phase; And

- figure 4 shows a variant embodiment of a packaging for household appliances in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual characteristics described with reference to the specific embodiments must be understood as accessory and / or interchangeable with other characteristics, described with reference to other embodiments. Furthermore, the numerical values indicated in the present description and in the attached claims must be understood as preceded by the term approximately and must be understood with a tolerance interval of ± 15%.

A packaging for household appliances in accordance with the present invention has been globally indicated with 1 in the figures.

Packaging 1 comprises a box-like body 2 made of paper material. By paper material we mean a material consisting of mainly vegetable fibrous raw materials, such as cardboard for example. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the paper material used is cardboard having at least one central corrugated layer and two lateral flat sheets. The box-like body 2 defines a cavity designed to house an electrical appliance, such as a hood, with the possible interposition of polystyrene to protect the appliance from accidental impacts.

The box-like body 2 is preferably made from a single blank, that is to say from a single sheet provided with cuts and pre-weakening lines suitable for bending the sheet and defining the box-like body. The box-like body 2 comprises a first pair of side walls 3, 4 parallel to each other and spaced apart and a second pair of side walls 5, 6 also parallel to each other and spaced apart. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls of the first pair are substantially perpendicular to the side walls of the second pair. The dimensions of the side walls can be any, however in the preferred embodiment of the invention, all the side walls have the same height (so as to define a box-like body in the shape of a cube or parallelepiped). The box-like body 2 also comprises a lower wall 7 and an upper wall 8. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower walls are made up of four fins 9 which branch off from respective side walls. These fins 9 are defined by pre-weakening lines placed on the side walls in such a way that the fins can rotate with respect to the side walls and close the box-like body 2 at the top and bottom.

The packaging 1 includes at least one appendix 10 in paper material projecting inside the box-like body 2, that is to say that it can develop and can extend inside the cavity defined by the box-shaped body. The appendix 10 includes a through opening 11 (figure 1).

The packaging 1 comprises a tubular element 12 in paper material which passes through the through opening 11 of the appendix 10.

By tubular element, in the present context, it is meant a solid closed hollow having a constant section in shape and area.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular element 12 has an annular shaped section.

The paper material that constitutes the tubular element 12 can be the same cardboard with which the box-like body 2 is made, or more preferably it is pressed cardboard obtained by working paper fibers (for example recycled) in such a way as to increase the mechanical strength properties.

The tubular element 12 comprises two end portions 12a, 12b opposite each other, each of which abuts against a respective side wall of a pair of side walls in such a way that the tubular element lies substantially parallel to the upper wall and / or lower, as shown in figure 3 and 4.

In other words, the tubular element 12 lies perpendicularly between two opposite side walls and opposes compressive loads directed perpendicular to said walls.

In this way, when the hydraulic clamps of a forklift grab a package, it does not collapse on itself thanks to the resistant action of the tubular element 12.

Note that the appendix 10 allows the tubular element 12 to be kept in position, preventing it from moving from the position of optimal use.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular element 12 engages respective openings 11 of two separate and spaced apart appendages 10, in such a way as to increase the stability of the tubular element 12 inside the box-like body 2 .

Preferably, each appendix 10 lies in a plane perpendicular to one of the side walls.

The tubular element 12 comprises a lateral wall 12c which extends between the two end portions 12a, 12b. The thickness of the side wall 12c is dimensioned in such a way that the tubular element can withstand compression loads, directed along the prevailing development of the tubular element, up to about 2000 kg.

Preferably, the thickness of the side wall 12c is between 2mm and 15mm, preferably between 3mm and 10mm, even more preferably 5mm.

In a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3, each appendix 10 emerges from the upper 8 and / or lower 7 wall of the box-like body 2.

In particular, each appendix 10 is obtained on the fins 9 of the upper and / or lower wall.

In the preferred embodiment, each fin 9 associated with a side wall of the first or second pair of side walls comprises two appendages 10. The appendages are obtained in the tabs 9 by punching them, or in any case by making notches on the tabs 9.

As can be appreciated from the accompanying figures, and in particular from figure 1, each appendix 10 is defined by three notches made on the fin 9, so that the appendix (integral with the fin 9 through a fourth edge not affected by the notches) can rotate with respect to it and position itself substantially perpendicular to it and project inside the box-like body 2.

Each pair of appendages 10 of the same fin 9 is engaged by a single tubular element 12, therefore according to what has been described above, the embodiment of figures 1 to 3 comprises two tubular elements 12 and four appendages 10.

To position the tubular elements 12 inside the box-like body 2, the tabs 9 equipped with appendages 10 are arranged in substantial alignment with the respective side walls and the tubular elements are inserted inside the openings 11 of the appendages 10. They fold back then the fins 9 to arrange them orthogonally to the side walls of the box-like body so that the tubular elements 12 fit inside the box-like body 2 (as shown schematically in figure 3). Note that the length of each tubular element is substantially equal to the distance between two side walls not affected by fins 9 bearing the appendages 10.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the packaging also comprises an insert 13 in paper material inserted inside the box-like body 2.

The paper material of the insert is preferably of the same type as the box body 2.

Appendix 10 is obtained on insert 13.

In particular, the insert 13 comprises two end panels 13a, 13b, lying substantially parallel to the walls of a pair of side walls of the box-like body 2, and at least a first intermediate panel 13c which extends between the end panels 13a, 13b.

Preferably the insert 13 comprises a second intermediate panel 13d. The first intermediate panel 13c is connected to an end panel 13a and to the second intermediate panel 13d which, in turn, is connected to the other end panel 13b (see figure 4). The first intermediate panel 13c and the second intermediate panel 13d lie inclined with respect to the end panels and therefore with respect to the side walls of a pair of side walls.

This configuration allows you to insert 2 parts of the appliance into the box-like body both above and below the intermediate panels, creating a sort of partition for the appliance parts contained in the packaging.

It should be noted that the panels of the insert 13 can be bound together in any way. For example, the panels can be hinged together through pre-weakening lines obtained in a single blank that makes the insert, or the panels can be elements physically distinct from each other and joined by mechanical joints obtained directly on the panels themselves.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the insert 13 is made up of two distinct components, a first component which defines an end panel and the two intermediate panels and a second component which defines the other end panel. The two components are mechanically linked to each other.

Appendix 10 is obtained on the first intermediate panel 13c. preferably, the first intermediate panel 13c comprises two appendages 10 side by side and spaced apart and engaged by a single tubular element 12 (Figure 4).

Each appendix 10 is made in the first panel 13c by folding a respective end portion of the same.

In particular, each appendix 10 is obtained by punching or carving a portion of the free end of the first intermediate panel 13c and folding it to allow the tubular element 12 to engage the opening 11. Note that the length of the tubular element 12 is substantially equal to the distance between two side walls not affected by the end panels of the insert 13.

The invention achieves the proposed aims. In fact, when the hydraulic pliers of a forklift grab the packaging, it does not deform (thus avoiding damage to the appliance) thanks to the resistant action of the tubular element 12. The appendages 10 allow to keep in place position the tubular element 12, preventing it from moving during the handling of the packaging. Furthermore, since the entire packaging is made with the same type of material, in particular paper material, it can be easily disposed of and produced at low costs.

Clearly, a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, can make numerous modifications and variations to the configurations described above.

These variants and modifications are all however contained within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Packaging for household appliances comprising a box-like body (2) made of paper material; said box-like body (2) comprising: - a first pair of side walls (3, 4) substantially parallel to each other and - a second pair of side walls (5, 6) substantially parallel to each other; - an upper wall (8) and a lower wall (7) each of which can be rotated with respect to at least one side wall; characterized in that it comprises at least one appendix (10) in paper material projecting inside said box-like body (2) and comprising a through opening (11), said packaging also comprising a tubular element (12) in paper material passing through said opening (11) passing through the appendix (10), said tubular element (12) comprising two end portions (12a, 12b) opposite each other, each of which abuts against a respective side wall (5 , 6) of a pair of side walls in such a way that said tubular element (12) lies substantially parallel to the upper (8) and / or lower (7) wall. Packaging according to claim 1 wherein said tubular element (12) comprises a side wall (12c) which develops between said two end portions (12a, 12b); the thickness of said side wall (12c) being between 2mm and 15mm, preferably between 3mm and 10mm, even more preferably 5mm. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least two appendages (10) each of which is provided with its respective through opening (11); said tubular element (12) engaging both through openings (11). Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each appendix (10) emerges from said upper (8) and / or lower (7) wall of the box-like body (2). Packaging according to claim 4, wherein said upper wall (8) and / or said lower wall (7) comprises four fins (9) each of which rotatable with respect to a respective side wall (3, 4, 5, 6) of the box-shaped body (2), said appendix (10) being formed on at least one of said fins (9). 6. Packaging according to claim 5, wherein two fins (9) of the upper (8) and / or lower (7) wall, each of which fixed to a respective side wall of the first or second pair of side walls, each comprise two appendices (10); each pair of appendages (10) of a tab (9) being engaged by a respective tubular element (12). 7. Packaging according to claim 5 or 6, in which each appendix (10) is constituted by a portion of flap (9) punched and folded towards the inside of the box-like body (2). Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an insert (13) in paper material inserted inside the box-like body (2); said appendix (10) being obtained on said insert (13). Packaging according to claim 8, wherein said insert (13) comprises two end panels (13a, 13b), lying substantially parallel to the walls of a pair of side walls of the box-like body (2), and at least a first intermediate panel (13c) which develops between said end panels (13a, 13b), said appendix (11) being obtained on said first intermediate panel (13c). 10. Packaging according to claim 9, wherein said first intermediate panel (13c) is preferably inclined with respect to the two end panels (13a, 13b), said first intermediate panel (13c) comprising two appendages (11) engaged by said tubular element (12) in such a way that said tubular element (12) lies with its end portions (12a, 12b) in contact with the walls (5, 6) of the pair of side walls not parallel to the two end panels (13a, 13b) of the insert (13).