Unit for packing and displaying an article

Abstract

 The proposed display unit (1) for packing articles (2) includes a support structure (3) featuring at least one seat (3a) for receiving at least one article (2) with a firm removable engagement. The support structure includes a central body (49) with a first flap (50) and a second flap (51) hinged thereto, and each of the flaps has at least one aperture (30a). The flaps (50,51) are brought one towards the other until they overlap and the apertures (30a) match with each other, thus defining the above mentioned seat (3a) in an holding configuration (C) in which said central body (49) is substantially perpendicular to the related overlapped flaps (50,51).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field concerned with packaging generic articles, with either sealed or not sealed packages.

[0002] In this specific case, the invention relates to a display unit used for packing articles, which unit is particularly suitable in the field of floriculture for packing in-pot ornamental plants, bundles of flowers and so on.

[0003] Generally, the packing of articles is carried out in accordance to various means and modes depending on the kind of articles concerned and has usually the aim of increasing the decorative effect of the packaged article, either sealed or not.

[0004] As far as the specific case of the articles for floriculture is concerned, it is known that the packing is carried out by using sheets of nylon, cellophane, opaque paper (crepe paper) or highly transparent paper (wove paper) to obtain a substantially conical envelopes, which enwrap, completely or only partially, the in-pot ornamental plants or bundles of flowers.

[0005] The corner of the cone thus obtained is closed near the ends of the stems of the flowers making up the bundle, or at the bottom of the pot containing the ornamental plant. Then it is decorated with bands and or cords which serve for increasing the aesthetic effect or for locking the envelope.

[0006] When the sheet is used, the petals can either be enclosed by the envelope or protrude therefrom and the sheet of nylon or cellophane can be added with an aluminium sheet situated in the region that encircles the stems of the flowers of the bundle or the pot, so that this part of the packing is made partially watertight.

[0007] In the floriculture field in both cases of retail sale and big chains of distribution (such as big supermarkets, specialised stores, greenhouses, etc.), the bundles of flowers are kept in proper flower holders suitably filled with water.

[0008] Referring to the in-pot ornamental plants, their dimensions are typically within a range of some centimetres to some tenths of centimetres.

[0009] When the plants are particularly delicate and fragile, substantially rigid packing can be used, which generally include a frusto-conical shaped rigid or semi-rigid container.

[0010] In the retail sale, the in-pot plants are generally situated on standard display frames or within showcases, which are cleaned and orderly disposed, so as to create compositions with an appreciable aesthetic effect.

[0011] On the contrary, in the supermarkets, the large number of different species which must be disposed in relatively small exposing areas, necessitate an accurate preparation and maintenance of the exposing arrangement, which is based on best choice of a proper background in relation to the arrangement of a sufficient number of either hanging or self-standing information tags or labels, on the shelves.

[0012] In such cases, it is very important to place the articles on the shelves, in vertical or horizontal rows, in accordance with the necessary number of information tags and with their fixed or relative position.

[0013] Mainly in the big chains of distribution, the high density of different species of in-pot plants arranged in relatively limited areas causes a rather difficult display of the plants and offers little information.

[0014] Therefore, the articles cannot be separated from one another, which negatively affects their aesthetic look.

[0015] Consequently, monochromatic plants (such as evergreen plants) form a unique shrub, in which the single exposed articles cannot be distinguished or marked out. Obviously, this does not attract the buyer and does not make him want to buy the plant.

[0016] In other cases, the limited outer surface of the plant pots cannot bear in a clear way all the necessary information related to the article (such as origin, maintenance and care, price and others).

[0017] Also in those cases, in which the articles are contained in cellophane or nylon wrappings, giving the articles an adequate aesthetic look can be rather difficult. Suitable boxes or areas which contain proper information are difficult to arrange as well.

[0018] All the above remarks, referred to the specific case of the floriculture articles exposed and arranged for sale in supermarkets, can relate to any kind of articles to be packed, either sealed or not, taking into consideration the specific problems of each case.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to overcome all the above mentioned problems by proposing a display support unit which serves for packing articles and which improves the aesthetic appearance as well as the functional and exposing characteristics, while maintaining an extremely easy use by anybody, with the production cost being reduced as much as possible.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a display unit which allows to supply the user with as much information as possible about the packaged articles, and maintains the latter steady and easy to handle during the exposition.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to propose a display unit capable of ensuring a high protection with respect to articles with prickles and/or thorns and which is capable of reducing, as much as possible, the dirt that is generally created while handling these articles.

[0022] Yet a further object of the invention is to propose a display unit which is extremely functional, which has a reduced volume when non in use, particularly versatile with reference to similar articles or different species which have similar dimensions, and which creates a positive aesthetic effect when the articles are exposed.

[0023] The above mentioned objects are achieved by the features of the independent claim, while preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

[0024] The invention will now be described in a more detailed way with reference to particular, non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective exploded view of the display unit used with floricultural articles including an in-pot plant and a bundle of flowers;
• Figure 2 shows a schematic lateral view of the in-pot plant of Figure 1 when the packing is completed;
• Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of another embodiment of the display unit;
• Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the proposed display unit;
• Figure 5 schematically shows a perspective view of a bundle of flowers supported by the proposed display unit in some modes of use of particular importance;
• Figure 6 schematically shows a side view of a generic article supported by the proposed display unit according to a further embodiment thereof;
• Figure 7 schematically shows a side view of a further embodiment of the proposed display unit;
• Figure 8 schematically shows a plan view of a further embodiment of the display unit subject of the present invention, in non use configuration;
• Figure 9 schematically shows a perspective view of the display unit shown in Figure 8 while a generic article is being disposed therein;
• Figures 10 to 15 schematically show enlarged and perspective views of other embodiments of the proposed unit.

[0025] With reference to the above mentioned Figures, the proposed display unit, indicated by the generic reference numeral 1, is described in the following. The unit is suitable for packing articles 2, in particular floricultural articles such as bundles of cut flowers 10 or in-pot ornamental plants 21.

[0026] However, the preferred embodiments, shown in the Figures, can be used with any kind of articles 2 which can be, or require to be packed by means of the display unit 1 of the present invention.

[0027] The proposed display unit 1 for packing articles 2 includes basically a support structure 3, preferably made from rigid or semi-rigid material, for instance cardboard. The support structure has at least one circular seat 3a for removably and firmly receiving a related article 2, such as a bundle of flowers 10 or the pot of an ornamental plant 20 (See Fig. 1).

[0028] Along its peripheral edge, the seat 3a has stabilising means 17 for firmly holding the articles 2 placed in the support structure 3.

[0029] According to a first embodiment, the stabilising means 17 include a plurality of flexible tongues 4, which extend towards the centre of the seat and are made from the same support structure 3.

[0030] The tongues are kept substantially co-planar with the support structure 3 in a storage configuration A and can be folded to a holding configuration B, in which they are perpendicular to the support structure 3, when an article 2, for instance a bundle of flowers 10 and/or the pot 21 of an ornamental plant 20 is introduced.

[0031] As it appears in Figure 2, the tongues 4 in the holding configuration B are in contact with the article 2, i.e. with the bundle of flowers 10 or with the pot 21.

[0032] With reference to the storage configuration A of the support 3, in order to make a package for a floriculture article, for instance an ornamental plant 20, the pot 21 must be inserted into the seat 3a, taking care not to bring any damage to the plant 20. This can be easily made by inserting only the pot 21 in the seat 3a (see Fig. 1).

[0033] During the gradual inserting of the pot 21 of the plant 20 into the seat 3a, the tongues 4 do not resist the insertion of the pot 21 and get folded progressively up to the holding configuration B, in which the tongues 4 are in full contact with the outer surface of the pot 21 and are substantially perpendicular to the support structure 3 (Fig. 2).

[0034] The insertion of the pot 21 into the seat 3a is completed only when the pot is firmly joined thereto due to the press-fit of the frusto-conical section of the pot 21, or because the outer rim 21a of the pot 21 goes into abutment against the support structure 3 surface.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the stabilising means 17 include annular means 16, capable of high elastic deformation, formed along the peripheral region of the seat 3a.

[0036] These elastic annular means 16 can be elastically deformed when the article 2 is inserted within the seat 3a, which fixes the coupling because of the elastic reaction of these means 16 acting on the article 2 (Fig. 6).

[0037] In Figure 1, the peripheral edge of the support structure 3 extends in a circle. In Figure 3 there is shown a support structure having the peripheral edge with a polygonal shape, for instance extending like the points of a star, so that the aesthetic appearance of the packing display unit 1 is improved .

[0038] In Figure 4 there is shown a foldable book-like support structure 300, which includes a base element 301 having a seat 3a and is hinged to a reference element 302 having the task of giving more importance to the communication capability of the display unit 1 by increasing the spaces for carrying information or advertisements.

[0039] With reference to the above mentioned embodiments, the insertion of the article 2, such as a pot 21 or a bundle of cut flowers 10, into the seat 3a of the support structure (3, 300) can be made easier by making at least one cut W in the support structure. The cut allows the insertion of the same pot 21 from a side with respect to the seat 3a. As an example, this is shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0040] In this case, suitable fixing means can be provided (such as staples, adhesive labels or glue) to avoid reciprocal sliding between the facing edges along the cut W. In this way, the coupling pot 21-seat 3a is stabilised.

[0041] According to the desired aesthetic effect, the edges of the cut W can be joined to each other in a way as to give the support structure 3 a plane configuration or a conical shape, with the corner either towards the plant 20 or towards the bottom of the pot 21.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the stabilising means 17 may include a strip 18, which forms the above mentioned seat 3a and extends substantially perpendicular to the support structure 30 (Figure 7).

[0043] The strip 18 removably engages with the article 2, for instance with the pot 21 of the plant 20, and can be equipped with connection means (such as staples, adhesive labels or glue) which make stable the coupling between the article 2 and the seat 3a.

[0044] In this way, the strip 18 can be easily adapted to different diameters of the pots 21 in simple and evident ways.

[0045] The support structure 30 can assume either conical or frusto-conical configurations.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 30 can have a "frame" configuration 30d (indicated with broken line in Figure 7), i.e. defined only by peripheral edges.

[0047] Obviously, if a strip 18 is used, the cut W can be avoided. In Figure 8, there is shown another embodiment, according to which the support structure 3, has a substantially plane shape and forms a central body 49, to which two adjacent flaps, first 50 and second 51, are hinged.

[0048] The flaps 50 and 51 are substantially symmetrical and are equipped with corresponding apertures 30a, which are preferably geometrically similar and arranged one beside another.

[0049] During the packaging, the first flap 50 and second flap 51 of the so obtained support structure 3, get close to each other until the corresponding apertures 30a, made in each of the flaps, are placed to match with each other, thus defining a seat 3a for receiving the article 2.

[0050] The overlapping of the flaps 50, 51 to define the seat 3a, identifies a holding configuration C of the display unit 1, which is characterized by the positioning of the central body 49 substantially perpendicular to the portion defined by the flaps 50, 51 placed one upon the other (Figures from 9 to 15).

[0051] Therefore, when the support structure 3 is in the holding configuration C, it is possible to removably introduce an article 2 into the seat 3a defined by the apertures 30a, place one upon the other.

[0052] Consequently, the introduction of the article 2 allows also to stabilize the group formed by the central body 49 and the flaps 50, 51, so as to overcome the elastic reaction exerted by the material of which the group is made, and to maintain stabile the holding configuration C.

[0053] In order to facilitate the passage of the support structure 3 from the planar configuration to the holding configuration C, during the packaging, it is possible to provide creasing lines, first 50a and second 51a, through which the corresponding flaps, first 50 and second 51, are hinged to the central body 49.

[0054] The creasing lines 50a, 51a are indicated with broken line in Figure 8.

[0055] It is understood that the flaps 50, 51 can be provided with fixing means aimed at stabilizing the configuration in which the flaps 50, 51 are placed one upon the other. The fixing means can be staples, or glue.

[0056] Anyway, it is always possible to add the support structure to the ornamental plant 20, either to its pot 21 or to its flower part, according to the display unit needs.

[0057] In Figures 11, 12 there are shown further embodiments of the display unit 1, according to which the upper part of the central body 49 of the support structure 3, features a couple of substantially parallel notches 90, which support removably and firmly an informative tag 91a, 91b, having rectangular or heart shape, respectively.

[0058] In Figures 13, 14 there are shown other embodiments of the display unit 1, in which the central body 49 of the support structure 3 features a cutout.

[0059] An insert 93a, 93b, complementary to the cutout edges, is placed therein and fastened to the central body 49, e.g. hinged thereto.

[0060] In the holding configuration C of the support structure 3, the insert 93a, 93b, having the rectangular or heart shape, respectively, can be detached physically from the edges of the corresponding cutout, creating a visual contrast with the shape of the central body 49.

[0061] The insert 93a, 93b can be obtained from the central body 49 by cutting thereof.

[0062] In Figure 15, there is shown a still further embodiment of the display unit 1, in which the central body 49 of the support structure 3 features a cutout 92, having a couple of wings 92a hinged vertically to the lateral edges.

[0063] The wings 92a can be also hinged horizontally to the upper edges.

[0064] As far as the above mentioned embodiments are concerned, the central body 49 and the flaps 50, 51 are advantageously obtained by die-cutting from a blank, of e.g. A4 format, (indicated with broken line in Figure 8), in which two holes are made to define the apertures 30a and a cut 53 is made to define the flaps 50, 51.

[0065] Therefore, the so obtained group formed by the support structure and the ornamental plant 20 can be situated on suitable display means 9, e.g. shelves or traditional trolleys.

[0066] During introducing and taking out of the support structure 3, 30, 300 with the ornamental plant 20 from the display means 9, the operator and/or user can advantageously use the support structure to hold the group.

[0067] Therefore, the so obtained display units 1 with the ornamental plants 20 allow to gain considerable free spaces (upper and/or lower) of the support structure, which can be advantageously used for informative, advertisement, promotional messages, thus optimising the articles aesthetic-functional display standards, increasing their information capability.

[0068] In this way, most of the display problems related directly to the correct positioning of the articles 2 with respect to the shelves of suitable backgrounds, are resolved.

[0069] Actually, this way, the articles 2 are always ready-made by themselves, since, when they are placed in the predetermined support structure, they include all the characteristic features of the information tags or labels: the articles need only a relative shelf and/or base.

[0070] Thus, the aesthetic effect of the displayed article 2 is considerably increased, which allows to attract the buyer attention, and make him desire to buy the plant.

[0071] What above, is still more important in all cases of particularly reduced display spaces, as well as in case of monochromatic plants (such as evergreen plants).

[0072] In the latter case, it is possible to avoid the undesired effect of a unique shrub, in which the single exposed articles cannot be distinguished or marked out.

[0073] It is understood that bundles of cut flowers 10 are packed using the same ways and with the possibility to provide suitable cuts W.

[0074] Obviously, also in this case, it is possible to add a support structure to bundles of cut flowers 10, in the stems or flowers area, according to the display unit needs (Figure 5).

[0075] The proposed display unit for packing articles 2, for instance plants 20 and/or bundles of cut flowers 10, can be used either for articles 2 to be packed or articles 2 which are already packed by using e.g. sheets of nylon, cellophane, opaque paper (crepe paper) or highly transparent paper (wove paper).

[0076] The support structures can be made of paper material, or plastic material or flexible metal material, depending on the packing needs and desired characteristics.

[0077] When the bundle of cut flowers 10 or the pot 21 is wholly introduced into the seat 3a, it is easily understandable that the surface of the support structure ensures a high protection with respect to articles with prickles and/or thorns and which is capable of reducing, as much as possible, the dirt that is generally created while handling these articles.

[0078] In any case, the support structure profile, as well as the desired seat 3a, can be obtained by simple cutting.

[0079] This allows a further reduction of the production as well as the final costs of the proposed display unit according to its numerous embodiments.

[0080] With reference to what above, the proposed display unit 1 for packing articles can be equipped with one, two or more seats 3a made in the support structure, according to needs and characteristics of the desired flower composition, so as to combine the articles 2 of the same or different kinds.

[0081] The support structure, as well as the stabilising means 17, according to the indicated embodiments, can be advantageously of the same colour or of different colours, which allow to improve the package aesthetic look.

[0082] The above mentioned advantages are obtained by a display unit for packing, which is simple to produce and formed by few elements, which reduces the production costs.

[0083] The proposed invention has been obviously described with reference to the enclosed Figures, as a mere, unlimited example, with reference to the particular case of floriculture articles.

[0084] It is understood that the proposed technical solution, according to its different embodiments, can be applied to any kind of articles 2, which can be removably and firmly introduced into the seat/seats 3a, which can be placed one upon another.

Claims

1. Display unit for packing articles, characterised in that it includes a support structure, which features at least one seat (3a) capable of receiving at least one related article (2) with a firm removable engagement, the support structure including a central body (49) to which at least a first flap (50) and a second flap (51) are hinged, each of said flaps featuring at least an aperture (30a), and in that the said first and second flaps (50, 51) can be moved toward each other until the said apertures (30a) match with each other to define said seat (3a) in a holding configuration (C) in which said central body is substantially perpendicular to said overlapped flaps (50,51).

2. Display unit for packing articles, characterised in that it includes a support structure with at least one seat (3a) for holding at least one article (2) with a removable and stable engagement relation, said seat having all around means (17) for stabilising the engagement between said article (2) and said support structure.

3. Display unit according to claim 2, characterised in that the said stabilising means (17) include a plurality of flexible tongues (4) formed along the periphery of the said seat (3a) and extending towards the centre thereof, the tongues being capable of stabilising the above mentioned engagement of said article (2) with respect to said support structure due to gripping action of said tongues (4) on said article (2).

4. Display unit according to claim 2, characterised in that said stabilising means (17) include annular means (16) with high elastic deformation capability, formed along the periphery of said seat (3a) and capable of being resiliently deformed by the introduction of said article (2) into said seat (3a), thus stabilising the above mentioned engagement due to the elastic reaction of said annular means (16) on said article (2).

5. Display unit according to claim 2, characterised in that said stabilising means (17) include at least a strip (18) which forms the above mentioned seat (3a) capable of firmly and removably engage with the above mentioned article (2) in such a way that the seat is substantially perpendicular to the support structure, and in that gripping means are connected to said strip (18) for firm and removable engagement of said article (2) relative to the same strip (18).

6. Display unit according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that said support structure has a cut (W), which allows the insertion of the said article (2) from one side into said seat (3a), and includes fixing means capable of preventing reciprocal movements between the edges of said cut (W), after the article has been inserted.

7. Display unit according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the above mentioned support structure is either rigid or semi-rigid.

8. Display unit according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the above mentioned support structure is made from paper material or plastic material or flexible metallic material.

9. Display unit according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the above mentioned support structure is substantially shaped like a book and includes a base element (301), featuring the said seat (3a), to which a reference element (302) is hinged.

10. Display unit according to claim 3, characterised in that said plurality of tongues (4) is integral with said support structure.

11. Display according to claim 1, characterised in that said flaps (50,51) has stabilising means for stabilising the matching configuration of said apertures (30a) when the structure is in said holding configuration (C), said stabilising means basically including fixing means of said flaps (50,51).

12. Display unit according to claim 1 or 11, characterised in that the said first and second flaps (50,51) are hinged to said central body (49) along corresponding first and second creasing lines (50a,51a), which are aimed at making easier changing said support structure to said holding configuration (C).

13. Display unit according to claim 1 or 11, or 12, characterised in that said central body (49) features a slit (90) capable of removably and firmly holding and information tag (91a, 91b).

14. Display unit according to claim 1 or 11, or 12, o 13, characterised in that said central body (49) features at least a cutout (92) with at least a wing (92a).

15. Display unit according to claim 1 or 11, or 12, o 13, o 14, characterised in that said central body (49) features at least a cutout (49), within which there is placed an insert (93a,93b) with a shape complementary to the said cutout, and joined to said central body (49) in a way such that it can be physically detached from said cutout, thus crating a visual contrast with respect to the above mentioned central body (49).

16. Display unit according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it is obtained by die-cutting from a blank.

Drawing