CONTAINER FOR THE PACKAGING AND TRANSPORT OF DEVICES

Abstract

 A container (1) for packaging and transport of devices comprises a box-shaped body (9) having a base (10) and an opening (15) at least partially defined by the base (10); the container (1) comprises a support (19) accommodated in the box-shaped body (9) on the base (10); the support (19) has a first seat (23) opposite to the base (10) and configured to at least partially accommodate a device to be packaged; the support (19) is configured to be pulled out by sliding along the base (10) toward the opening (15).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for the packaging and transport of devices such as, for example, cooking fume extractor hoods, typically for kitchen use.

Background art

[0002] Packaging containers are known in the art. These containers comprise a parallelepipedal cardboard box, which is particularly used for packaging items, for example the aforementioned extractor hoods. The hoods to be packaged comprise a main body and a covering glass pane placed on top of the main body.

[0003] More in detail, the box has a base that defines a standing surface. The base is delimited by first and by a second pairs of parallel sides. In particular, the sides of the first pair have a greater length than the sides of the second pair. Four side walls are perpendicularly connected to the sides of the base and define an upper opening at the top, opposite to the base. Four folding flaps are connected to the side walls proximate to the opening. In particular, each side wall is connected to a respective folding flap. The box is closed by placing the flaps above the opening. An adhesive tape fixes the flaps together.

[0004] The container further comprises two wooden boards arranged inside the box along the longer sides of the base. In particular, each longer side contacts a respective wooden board. Two expanded polystyrene (EPS) supports, designed to contain the hood body, are placed on the base between the two wooden boards. In addition, the container comprises an enclosure for the auxiliary components of the hood, such as, for example, the filter and the duct. This enclosure rests on the base of the container and has four side walls, three walls contacting the walls of the box and the other contacting the supports. Thus, the box is organized into two compartments. In particular, a first compartment is designed to contain the hood, and a second compartment accommodates the auxiliary components. Further reinforcements made of cardboard are located in the first compartment, to stiffen the container once the hood has been packaged.

[0005] The prior art includes the contents of US 2,706,590. This document discloses in insert for dishware packaging cartons. Such packaging is tailored to the item it has to contain, particularly glasses, and is not suitable for use with cooking fume extractor hoods.

Problem of the prior art

[0006] One drawback of prior art containers is that the hood has to be lifted from the top and pulled out through the opening, which will involve the application of force to the covering glass pane, that is the least resistant part of the hood. There involves a risk of damage to the hood.

[0007] In addition, two persons are required for safer removal of the hood from the container.

Object of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the technical purpose of the present invention is to provide a container for packaging and transport of devices that can obviate the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

[0009] Particularly, one object of the present invention is to provide a container for packaging and transport of devices that can afford considerably reduces risks of failure of its contents.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to allow one person to safely remove the contents from the container.

[0011] The aforementioned technical purpose and objects are substantially fulfilled by a container for packaging and transport of devices that comprises the technical features as disclosed in one or more of the accompanying claims.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] In particular, a container for packaging and transport of devices according to the present invention comprises a box-shaped body. Such box-like body has a base, and an opening at least partially defined by the base. A support is placed in the box to accommodate, for example, a fume extractor hood. The support rests on the base and has a first seat, facing away from the base and configured to at least partially accommodate the main body of the hood. In particular, this support is designed to be pulled out of the box by sliding it along the base toward the opening.

[0013] This container solves the aforementioned technical problem by the provision of a lateral opening, through which the support may be pulled out by sliding along the base. This operation, which does not require the hood to be lifted, may be safely carried out by a single person, as there is a risk that the hood may get out of hand and be dropped while it is being pulled out.

[0014] In addition, this container affords a reduction of the overall volume and weight of the box. The support has a first seat and possible additional seats, which are designed to accommodate the main body of the hood and the auxiliary components. This affords a more efficient arrangement of the hood and the auxiliary components in the container. Also, this support acts as a bearing member, thereby reducing the need for auxiliary supports and enclosures.

[0015] In the prior art container, the volume of the container and the hood as a whole is 0.41 m³. Conversely, in the container of the present invention, the overall volume is reduced to 0.25 m³. Advantageously, this volume reduction allows a truck to carry twice as many containers in its cargo bay, i.e. from 104 to 208 containers per bay. This will greatly reduce transport costs.

[0016] Such volume reduction entails a reduction of the overall weight of the packaging material. In the case of the prior art container, the weight is 9.8 Kg, and in the container 1 of the present invention the overall weight is reduced to 4,5 Kg.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention will result more clearly from the illustrative, non-limiting description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a container for packaging and transport of devices as shown in the annexed drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 shows a front view of the container for packaging and transport of devices of the present invention in an open configuration;
• Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a closed configuration;
• Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first detail of the container of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 4 shows a front view of the detail of Figure 3;
• Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second detail of the container of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a third detail of the container of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth detail of the container of Figures 1 and 2;
• Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a device adapted to be packaged and transported in the container of Figures 1 and 2; and
• Figure 9 is a plan view of a blank of the present invention for use in the formation of one element of the container of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The container as shown in the accompanying figures shall be deemed to be schematically illustrated, not necessarily drawn to scale, and not necessarily representing the actual proportions of its parts.

[0019] Referring to the annexed figures, numeral 1 generally designates a container for packaging and transport of devices of the present invention. As used herein reference will be made to a cooking fume extractor hood 2 as a device to be packaged and transported, without prejudice to the general scope of the invention.

[0020] Particularly referring to Figure 8, the hood 2 comprises a main body 3. The main body 3 has the purpose to contain a suction unit (not shown) and a duct (also not shown) for directing the fumes into a chimney flue. This duct extends from the main body 3.

[0021] The hood 2 comprises a cover 6 preferably made of glass which is placed on top of the main body 3. This cover 6 is inclined in the direction defined by the main body 3.

[0022] An envelope 7 is placed above the main body 3 and is designed to contain the duct therein. This envelope 7 is defined by a pair of opposite side walls 8a connected by a third wall 8b.

[0023] In addition, the hood 2 provides auxiliary components (not shown) such as a T-joint. These auxiliary components are adapted to be transported in the container 1.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3, the container 1 of the present invention comprises a box-shaped body 9. More in detail, the box-shaped body 9 has a base 10 that defines a standing surface. The base 10 is delimited by a pair of first sides 11 that are parallel to each other and a pair of second sides 12 that are also parallel to each other. Particularly, the first sides 11 are longer than the second sides 12.

[0025] As used herein, the term "width" of the box-shaped body 9 is meant to be the length of the first sides 11.

[0026] The box-shaped body 9 further comprises a first side wall 13a and a second side wall 13b. The first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b are equal and opposite to each other. The first wall 13a and the second wall 13b are each connected to a respective second side 12.

[0027] A top wall 14 is opposite to the base 10 and is interposed between the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b. The top wall 14 has substantially the same size as the base 10.

[0028] Particularly referring to Figure 4, the box-shaped body 9 has an opening 15. This opening 15 is at least partially defined by the base 10. Particularly, the opening 15 is defined by the base 10, the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b and the top wall 14. More particularly, the opening 15 has a pair of first edges 15a and a pair of second edges 15b which are substantially parallel. More in detail, the first edges 11 are longer than the second edges 12. It shall be noted that at least one of the first edges 15a is defined on the aforementioned base 10, as shown for example in Figures 3 and 4.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, an end wall 16 is placed opposite to the opening 15. The end wall 16 is connected to the base 10, the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b and the top wall 14.

[0030] A first folding flap 17a is connected to the first side wall 13a proximate to the wall 15, and a second folding flap 17b is connected to second side wall 13b proximate to the opening 15.

[0031] A third folding flap 18a is connected to the base 10 proximate to the opening 15. A fourth folding flap 18b is connected to the top wall 14 proximate to the opening 15. Preferably, the folding flaps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b have a rectangular shape.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the container 1 comprises a support 19, which is designed to be accommodated in the box-like body 9.

[0033] The support 19 substantially extends over the entire base 10. More in detail, the support 19 has a first surface 20. When the support 19 is accommodated in the box-like body 9, the first surface 20 faces the base 10. The support 19 further has a second surface 21 opposite to the first surface 20. The first surface 20 and the second surface 21 have substantially the same area as the base 10.

[0034] The support 19 also has a pair of lateral surfaces 43a connected to the first surface 20 and the second surface 21. In operation, these lateral surfaces 43a face the side walls 13a, 13b.

[0035] The support 19 further has a front wall 21 connected to the first surface 20 and second surface 21. The front wall 43b is also connected to the lateral surfaces 43a. In operation, the front wall 43b faces the opening 15 of the box-shaped body 9.

[0036] The support 19 also has a rear wall 43c which is also connected to the first surface 20 and the second surface 21, and is particularly opposite to the front wall 43b. In operation, the rear wall 43c faces the end wall 16 of the box-shaped body 9.

[0037] It shall be noted that, advantageously, the support 19 substantially extends over the entire distance between the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b of the box-shaped body 9. By this arrangement, the support 19 ensures structural integrity of the box-shaped body 9, by supporting the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b when the box-shaped body 9 is compressed.

[0038] The support 40 has a first seat 23 opposite to the base 10. This first seat 23 is configured to at least partially accommodate the main body 3 of the hood 2. In particular, the first seat 23 is defined on the second surface 21.

[0039] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the support 19 has a second seat 24 and a third seat 33 opposite to the base 10 and defined on the second surface 21. The second seat 24 and the third seat 33 are both configured to at least partially accommodate an auxiliary component (not shown) of the hood 2. In particular, such second seat 24 is designed to accommodate the filter, whereas the third seat 33 is used to accommodate the T-joint pipe.

[0040] Advantageously, the provision of the first seat 23, the second seat 24 and the third seat 33 in the support 19 ensures better optimization of the arrangement of the hood 2 and the auxiliary components in the box-shaped body 9.

[0041] The support 19 is configured to be removed from the box-shaped body 9 by sliding along the base 10 toward the opening 15.

[0042] More in detail, this support has a surface 32 in contact with the base 10. The contact surface 32 has a smaller area than the base 10. This contact surface 32 is generally defined by a plurality of bearing elements 25 opposite to the first seat 23, and particularly connected to the first surface 20. Preferably, the bearing elements 25 are located proximate to the second sides 12 of the base 10. It shall be noted that the width of each bearing element 25 is equal to the thickness of a blank 22 that is used to form the support 19, as best shown hereinafter. Furthermore, the bearing elements 25 extend away from the first surface 20 to a predetermined distance that is greater than the thickness of the blank 22.

[0043] Advantageously, the force required to pull out the support 19 is considerably smaller as compared to the case in which the entire first surface 20 contacts the base 10.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1, the container 1 comprises a first stiffening member 26 which is configured to be placed above the support 19 proximate to the opening 15 of the box-shaped body 9. This first stiffening member 26 is particularly placed opposite to the end wall 16.

[0045] More in detail, particularly referring to Figure 6, the first stiffening member 26 comprises one or more flat portions 27 interposed between the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b. The arrangement of the flat portions 27 imparts additional structural integrity to the container 1. The first stiffening member 26 supports the first side wall 13a and the second side wall 13b via the aforementioned flat portions 27 when the box-shaped body 9 is compressed.

[0046] In particular, the flat portions 27 comprise a first front portion 27a and a second front portion 27d. More in detail, once the first stiffening member 26 has been placed in the box-like body 9, the second front portion 27d is parallel to the end wall 16, whereas the first front portion 27a is inclined to the second front portion 27d.

[0047] In addition, this first stiffening member 26 has a housing 29 for one or more auxiliary components of the device to be packaged. In particular, in the case of the package of the hood 2, a rectangular slot 28 is placed between the first front portion 27a and the second portion front 27d. This slot 28 is used to accommodate one of the two side walls 8a of the envelope 7 of the hood 2. On the other hand, the remaining wall 8a of the envelope 7 is accommodated between the support 19 and the base 10 of the box-shaped body 9.

[0048] The presence of a housing 29 in the first stiffening member 26 affords a further optimized arrangement of the auxiliary components of the hood 2 in the container 1, and helps to further reduce the overall volume and weight of the container 1.

[0049] Particularly referring to Figure 7, the container 1 comprises a second stiffening member 30.

[0050] This second stiffening member 30 is placed between the second edges 15b of the opening 15. In particular, the second stiffening member 30 extends along the entire width of the box-shaped body 9.

[0051] More in detail, the second stiffening member 30 is placed in front of the first folding flap 17a and the second folding flap 17b and below the third folding flap 18a and the fourth folding flap 18b when the container 1 is in use.

[0052] Advantageously, the second stiffening member 30 allows the container 1 to withstand compressive forces up to 1000 Kg.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, a first belt 33 and a second belt 34 are used to hold the folding flaps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b fixed to each other.

[0054] The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 both have a first end 33a, 34a and a second end 33b, 34b which are opposite to each other in a direction of longitudinal extension of their respective belts 33, 34.

[0055] The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are placed on the exterior of the box-shaped body 9, with the first end 33a, 34a overlapping the second end 33b, 34b for both the first belt 33 and the second belt 34. More in detail, the first belt 33 and the second belt 34 contact the exterior of the base 10, the top wall 14, the folding flaps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b and the end wall 16. Preferably, contact occurs proximate to the first side wall 13a and second side wall 13b. In particular, the first belt 33 is placed proximate to the first side wall 13a, whereas the second belt 34 is placed proximate to the second side wall 13b.

[0056] This closure system that uses the first belt 33 and the second belt 34 increases makes the container 1 more compact.

[0057] Particularly referring to Figure 9 it shall be noted that, according to the present invention, the support 19 is formed from a single blank 22. As used herein, the term "single blank" is intended to designate an element formed by cutting and/or folding a cardboard sheet. As a result, all the elements that are formed by bonding two or more sheets are not deemed to be formed from a single blank. More generally, the support 19 is formed without any bonding or adhesive.

[0058] More in detail, the blank 22 comprises a central zone 40, which is adapted to define the first surface 20. The central zone 40 is particularly delimited by two first parallel fold lines 41a and two second parallel fold lines 41b. The first fold lines 41a are perpendicular to the second fold lines 41b.

[0059] The blank 22 also comprises two lateral portions 42, each being adapted to define a respective lateral surface 43a of the support 19. Each of the lateral zones 42 is joined to the central zone 40 by a respective first fold line 41a. Each lateral zone 42 also has a plurality of first closed cutting lines 45, each being designed to define a respective slot 46 particularly on lateral surfaces 43a of the support 19.

[0060] The blank 22 also has two outer zone 47, each being joined to a respective lateral zone 42, particularly by a respective third fold line 48. Each lateral zone 42 has a respective pair of fourth fold lines 49. The fourth fold lines 49 of each lateral zone 42 are parallel to each other and transverse to the third fold lines 48. Thus, once each lateral zone 42 has been folded, respective trapezoidal portions 52 are obtained. In particular, each outer zone 47 has a plurality of projections 50, each being adapted to fit into a respective slot 46, to stabilize the trapezoidal portions 52.

[0061] It shall be noted that the outer zones 47 are adapted to at least partially define the abode discussed first seat 23, particularly via the trapezoidal portions 52.

[0062] More in detail, the central zone 40 has a plurality of respective second closed cutting lines 51. Each second closed cutting line 51 coincides in at least two distinct portions with a respective first fold line 41a such that, once the blank portion 22 delimited by each second closed cutting line 52 has been removed and once the blank has been folded along the first fold line 41a, a respective bearing element 25 is defined.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 1, the main body 3 of the hood 2 is accommodated in the first seat 23 of the support 19. The filter of the hood 2 is accommodated in the second seat 24, and the T-joint pipe is accommodated in the third seat 33. The support 19 and the hood 2 are placed in the box-shaped body 9, with the first surface 20 facing the base 10. The first stiffening member 26 is placed on top of the support 19. One of the side walls 8a of the envelope 7 of the hood 2 is accommodated in the slot 28, whereas the remaining side wall 8a is accommodated between the base 10 and the support 19. Once the first folding flap 17a and the second folding flap 17b are in overlapping relationship, the second stiffening member 30 is placed in front of these folding flaps 17a, 17b and below the third folding flap 18a and the fourth folding flap18b. The first belt 33 and the second belt 34 are applied as described above to hold the folding flaps 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b fixed to each other.

[0064] The hood 2 will be pulled out of the container 1, once the belts 33, 34 have been removed, by simply sliding the support 19 toward the opening 15 along the base 10.

Claims

1. A container (1) for packaging and transport of devices, particularly cooking fume extractor hoods, said container (1) comprising:

- a box-shaped body (9) having a base (10), and an opening (15) at least partially defined by the base (10);

- a support (19) designed to be accommodated in the box-shaped body (9) in contact with the base (10) and configured to be pulled out of the box-like body (9) by sliding along the base (10) toward the opening (15), said support (19) having a first seat (23) opposite to the base (10) and configured to at least partially accommodate a device to be packaged, said support (19) having a contact surface (32) for contact with the base (10) of said box-like body (9), said contact surface (32) having a smaller area than said base (10), said support (19) comprising a plurality of bearing elements (25) opposite to said first seat (23) to define said contact surface (32),

characterized in that said support (19) is formed from a single blank (22).

2. A container (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support (19) substantially extends over the entire base (10) of said box-shaped body (9).

3. A container (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said support (19) is formed without any bonding.

4. A container (1) as claimed in in any of the preceding claims, wherein each bearing element (25) has a width that is equal to a thickness of said blank (22).

5. A container (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said base (10) is delimited by a pair of first sides (11) and a pair of second sides (12),which are parallel to each other, the first sides (11) being longer than the second sides (12), said bearing elements (25) being located proximate to said second sides (12).

6. A container (1) as claimed in in any of the preceding claims, wherein said support (19) has a first surface (20) facing the base (10), said bearing elements (25) extending away from said first surface (20) to a predetermined distance that is greater than the thickness of said blank (22).

7. A container (1) as claimed in in any of the preceding claims, wherein said support (19) has a second seat (24) which is configured to at least partially accommodate one or more auxiliary components.

8. A container (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one first stiffening member (26) which is designed to be placed above the support (19).

9. A container (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said stiffening member (26) has a housing (29) for at least one auxiliary component of the device.

10. A container (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening (15) has at least one pair of opposite edges (15b), said container (1) further comprising a second stiffening member (30) disposed between said edges (15b).

11. A container (1) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support (19) has a first surface (20) that faces the base (10) of the box-shaped body (9) and a second surface (21) facing away from the first surface (20), said first seat (23) being defined on said second surface (21).

12. A blank (22) for use in the formation of a support (19), for housing a device to be packaged, characterized in that it comprises:

- a central zone (40) configured to define a first surface (20) and at least partially delimited by the two first parallel fold lines (41a) and two second parallel fold lines (41b), said first fold lines (41a) being perpendicular to said second fold lines (41b);

- two lateral zones (42) configured to define a respective lateral surface (43a) and joined to said central zone (40), each by a respective first fold line (41a), each lateral zone (42) having a plurality of first closed cutting lines (45) each adapted to define a respective slot (46);

- two outer zones (47), each joined to a respective lateral zone (42) by a respective third fold line (48) and each having a respective pair of fourth fold lines (49) which are parallel to each other and transverse to the third fold lines (48), said outer regions (47) being adapted to at least partially define a first seat (23) which is configured to at least partially accommodate a device to be packaged; each outer zone (47) having a plurality of projections (50) each being adapted to fit into a respective slot (46);

said central zone (40) also having a plurality of respective second closed cutting lines (51) each coinciding in at least two distinct portions with a respective first fold line (41a) and adapted to define a respective bearing element (25) seamlessly extending from a respective lateral surface (43a).

Drawing