GB2517003A

GB2517003A - Box

Info

Publication number: GB2517003A
Application number: GB1403210.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Henry
Original assignee: D & J Henry Ltd
Current assignee: D & J Henry Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-07
Filing date: 2014-02-24
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Also published as: GB2516938A; GB201403210D0; GB201314171D0

Abstract

A container 100 comprising an outer box 1, an inner sleeve 2, and at least one spacer 5 disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer box. The inner sleeve is cushioned to protect an item from damage during transport. The box is suitable for transporting a flat screen television or monitor, for example for repair or recycling. The inner sleeve may have cushioned or inflatable pockets, with an undulating outer surface. There may further be securing means such as hook and loop fasteners on straps 11, and a lid comprising flaps 6, 7, 8 with reinforced eyelets 9, 10 configured to overlap each other in a closed position, co-aligning the holes and allowing for fixing means to be received therein. Alternatively, self-adhesive strips (figure 8) may be provided to seal the flaps of the lid shut. Reinforcing struts may also be present. The stand of the television or monitor may be secured within the box without disassembly. There may be a plurality of spacers made of resiliently deformable material such as foam and triangular in shape. A method of transporting televisions or monitors in the box is also disclosed.

Description

The present invention relates to a box for a television or a monitor, more specifically to a box for transporting a flat screen television or monitor.

It is sometimes necessary to transport a television, for example for repair, disposal, recycling, etc. The owner of a television may not have retained the packaging in which the television was originally slLpplicd. If such packaging has been retained it is often inconvenient to use. For example. the packaging may be relatively inaccessible in a loft. Furthermore, it is generally necessary to disassemble a television in order to repackage it in its original box, by at least removing the stand that is necessary for a flat screen television to be freestanding. Furthermore, original television packaging typicafly comprises muftipe fitted parts that must be placed around the television, and then the television and fitted parts must be inserted into the outer box, without knocking the fitted parts off This can be difficult, particularly with large and/or heavy televisions.

It is known to transport flat screen televisions using a plastic tote box, between layers of sponge type foam. A layer of sponge foam is placed in the tote box, the television placed on top, a flLrther layer of sponge is placed on top of the television, and the lid is placed on the box.

There are some problems with this approach. The totes are limited in size, and the maximum television size that can be accommodated is approximately 81.3cm (32 inches) in screen diagonal. The tote boxes are relatively expensive, and the layers of sponge foam may need to be adjusted to suit the television being transported.

Furthermore, it may be necessary to remove the stand of a television so that it will fit in the box. This can be time consuming and/or require the use of tools, which may not always be available.

It is an object of the present invention to address at least some of the above mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a box for transporting a flat screen television. comprising: an outer box; an inner sleeve; and at least one spacer disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer box; wherein the inner sleeve is cushioned to protect the television from damage during transport.

A box is thereby disclosed that is cost effective enough and easy enough to use S to facilitate use by a courier, Such a box does not require compkx assemb'y of packaging elements around a television, and requires only that the television is inserted directly into the sleeve, which may then be inserted into the box, and supported in position within the box by at least one spacer. A box according to an embodiment may enabk cost effective centralised repair or recychng of large flat screen televisions, which have hitherto proven prohibitively expensive to transport.

The opening through which, in use, the flat screen television or monitor is inserted into the outer box may be provided in the top of the outer box and/or in at least one side of the outer box, The inner sleeve may have an undulating outer surface. The inner s'eeve may comprise one or more cushioned pockets, The present applicant has found that sleeves comprising one or more inflatable pockets provide a high degree of protection, and are robust and economic. When inflated, each inflatable pocket may have a vo'ume greater than 1 cm3. 2 cm3, 5 cm3, cm3. 20 cm3, 50 cm' or 100 cm3.

The inflatabk pockets may comprise one or more inflatable tubes, In an embodiment, one or more of the inflatable tubes may be up to 1 m long, The inflatable tube(s) may have a diameter of up to 4 cm.

Where the inner sleeve comprises one or more inflatabk pockets. the inner sleeve may be provided to a user in an inflated or an uninflated state, In use, the or each inflatable pocket may be inflated to provide a desired level of cushioning either before a television or monitor is placed in the inner sleeve or after a television or monitor has been placed in the inner skeve. Advantageous'y, the capability of a given box to accommodate and protect flat screen tekvisions or monitors of varying thicknesses may be improved.

In an embodiment. the inner sleeve may have a closed end and an open end.

The spacer may retain the inner sleeve in a desired position, e.g. centrally, and/or a desired orientation, e.g. substantiafly verticafly, within the outer box,vhich S may be sized to accommodate a stand, The spacers thereby address the conflict between sizing a box or liner to fit snugly to a flat screen, at the same time as accommodating a stand of the television. The spacer enables an inner sleeve to be used that is tailored to the proportions of the screen, within a larger box sized and dimensioned to accommodate a television with a stand attached thereto. whfle supporting the sleeve in position in the outer box.

A spacer, or each spacer, may comprise a resiliently deformable material, such as a foam or sponge. The, or each spacer may comprise a plastics material.

The, or each spacer may be fixed, or fixable, to at least one of the inner sleeve or the outer box (or both).

The, or each spacer may be configured for insertion into the box after the television has been positioned within the box, inside the inner sleeve which is in turn positioned within the outer box. This is in contrast to prior art original equipment packaging arrangements in which foam elements must be assembled around the sides of a television before it is inserted into a box. Such arrangements typically preclude the insertion of one (or all) of the spacers after the television has been inserted into the makes packaging a television more difficult and time consuming.

The, or each spacer may comprise cardboard. The, or each, spacer may comprise a triangular cross section. The spacers may thereby be used with a flat face of the triangular section against an interior wall of the outer box, with a point of the triangle facing the inner sleeve. The point of the triangle and an undulating outer surface of the inner sleeve may provide a synergistic advantage, by aflowing the interaction point between the inner sleeve and the spacer to vary and/or to be adjusted.

For instance, the point of the spacer may be received within a trough of the inner sleeve (between inflated tubes). Altemativey, a thinner television may be better accommodated by positioning the spacer so that the point is received by at kast one peak of the inflated tubes.

It will be appreciated that a given box may be able to accommodate safely flat screen televisions of a range of thicknesses, since the point of the spacer may be received within a trough at a range of depths. By providing this variability or tolerance in the thickness of fiat screen televisions that can be accommodated, the S versatility of the box may be increased. In addition, in use, the likelihood of the box being caused to bulge by a television inside it may be reduced. This may be advantageous, since bulging can make it harder to stack boxes, e.g. during transportation or storage. Furthermore, bulging may alter the maximum dimensions of the box in such a way that a courier carrying the box would charge an additional carriage fee, There may be a plurality of spacers. At least one spacer may be positioned in front of a television screen when the television is in the box, and at least one spacer may be positioned on the opposite side of the television screen, The spacers on opposite sides may be slLbstantially coincident in location, so that they are aligned in a direction normal to the screen.

An array of spacers may be disposed in corresponding locations on either side of the inner sleeve.

The box may comprise securing means for fixing the television in position within the box when the television is within the inner sleeve. Thc possibility of damage to the television in transport is thereby further reduced, since the television cannot shift with the box, The securing means may comprise a hook and loop fastener on a strap, the strap being fixed to the outer box or the inner sleeve. A hook and loop fastener strap provides a robust. low cost, easy to use means of fixing the television in place.

The securing means may be fastened to the outer box by stapling or gluing it to an internal surface thereof Alternatively, the securing means may be threaded through a hole through the outer box. The securing means may include a flange member that cannot be withdrawn through the hole.

There may be two securing straps, either side of a central region of a television in the bom The securing straps may be configured to accommodate a wide range of sizes of television, for example. from 48 cm (19 inches) to 178 cm (70 inches) diagonal, say from 71 cm (28 inches) to 117 cm (46 inches) diagonaL The outer box may comprise a lid, the lid comprising at least one flap. The lid may assist in retaining the television within the box, and may further prevent access to the television, and consequential potential for damage. The lid being integral with the box (as a flap thereof) prevents the lid being ost or misplaced.

The lid may comprise at least two flaps. A first flap may comprise a first hole and a second flap may comprise a second hole. The first and second flap may configure to at least partially overlap in a dosed position, so that the first and second holes are substantially co-aligned, The first and second holes may be configured to receive a fixing means for securing the first flap to the second flap in a closed position.

The box may further comprise a fixing means for securing the first flap to the second flap in a closed position. The fixing means may be configured to be received by the first and second holes. The fixing means may comprise a security seal.

The use of overlapping flaps allows a fixing means to be used to keep the boxed closed. The fixing means may be provided within the box, so that a courier or third party is not required to have packing tape to seal the box.

The use of a security seal may provide a degree of tamper proofing. or at least evidence of any tampering with the contents of the box.

The first and/or second hole may comprise a reinforced eyekt. Damage to the box around the fixing means may thereby be prevented. This makes the box more reusable, and may enhance any tamper proofing provided by the fixing means.

The first and second flap may be configured to completely overlap each other in the closed position. Comp'ete ovedapping of the flaps improves the strength of the box, and improves the stiffness of the lid. Fixing means may thereby be inserted through the first and second flaps with a reduced risk of the flaps being pushed into the box, In an embodiment, the hd may comprise one or more flaps provided with at S least one seW adhesive strip. The lid may be configured such that the outer box can be scaled, in use. using the self adhesivc strip(s), In an embodiment the lid may comprisc a major flap or a major panel with one or more flaps attached thereto, the one or more flaps being provided with at least one self adhesive strip.

The self adhesive strip(s) may be located a distance from the major flap or the major panel. The distance from the major flap or the major panel to a given self adhesive strip may be at least half of the distance from the major flap or the major panel to the distal portion, e.g. the opposite edge, of the flap carrying the given self adhesive strip. For instance, the distance from the major flap or the major panel to a given self adhesive strip may be 60% or more or 70% or more of the distance from the major flap or the major panel to the distal portion, e.g. the opposite edge, of the flap carrying the given self adhesive strip.

Each self adhesive strip may be covered with a peelable protective strip.

The or each flap carrying a self adhesive strip may be provided with a marking or indication to indicate where to cut the flap(s) in order to open the outer box after it has been closed and sealed using the self adhesive strip(s).

The outer box may further comprise struts, arranged to strengthen the box.

The crush resistance of the box in a particular direction may thereby be improved, enabling tiDed boxes to be stacked with a reduced risk of damage (or for boxes to be stacked higher).

The striLts may be oriented substantially parallel to the direction in which a television is loaded into the box through the opening.

Further advantages of improving the strength and rigidity of the box, e.g. with struts, are that, iii use, a television may be better protected and bu'ging of the box may be minimised and preferably avoided.

S The box may comprise an internal region for receiving a stand of the television, wherein the stand is fixed to the television, The television can thereby be loaded into the box without the need for a stand to be removed from the television first. Removing the stand of a television may be problematic, because it takes too long, and may require tools that are not avaflable, The box may be deep enough to accommodate most stands, for example, stands up to 30cm deep, In the closed position, at least one flap of the lid may be configured to secure the stand in position within the outer box.

The box may be provided with a cushioned stand cover. In use, the cushioned stand cover may be placed in the internal region for receiving a stand of the television, the internal region typicafly being located beneath the lid of the outer box and adjacent a stand attached to a television in the box, Accordingly, the cushioned stand cover may protect the television if the box is turned upside down.

The cushioned stand cover may be separate from the box., Alternatively, the cushioned stand cover may be fixable to or permanently fixed to the inner sleeve or to the lid, e.g. to a flap, of the outer box.

The cushioned stand cover may comprise one or more cushioned pockets. The or each cushioned pockets may be inflatable, For instance, the cushioned stand cover may comprise one or more inflatable tubes.

The box may be configured to receive flat screen televisions and monitors having a wide range of sizes. The box may be configured to receive a flat screen television or monitor having a screen diagonal of at least 48 cm (19 inches). The box may be configured to receive a flat screen television or monitor having a screen diagonal of up to, or at least, 178 cm (70 inches).

In an embodiment the box may be configured to receive a television with a screen diagona' of at least 813cm (32 inches). The box may be configured to receive a television with a screen diagonal of up to, or at least: 81.3cm (32 inches), 86.4cm (34 inches). 91.4cm (36 inches), 965cm (38 inches), 1016cm (40 inches). 1067cm (42 inches), 1168cm (46 inches), and/or 127cm (50 inches).

The box may provide an important improvement over the prior art boxes for transporting tclevisions for rcpair/rccycling, which typically cannot accommodate larger televisions or monitors.

In an embodiment, thc box may be fixed or secured to a rigid base or substrate.

The rigid base or substrate may be made from wood or plastic. The rigid base or substrate may comprise a p&let. Embodiments in which the box is fixed or secured to a rigid base or substrate may be particularly well suited for transporting very large scrccn flat scrcen tclcvisions or monitors. c.g. a flat scrcen tclevision or monitor having a screen diagonal of 152 cm (60 inches) or more or 178 cm (70 inches) or more.

An outer surfacc of the outer box may comprise instructions, describing how to securc a tclevision within the box.

The instructions may furthcr comprise instructions describing how to return thc television in the box for repair or recycling. The box is thereby made more straightforward for a courier or third party to use.

The box may comprise a television within the box, The television may be asscmbled. with a stand attachcd thcrcof Thc box is configured to allow assembled televisions to be transported without removing the stand.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an outer box for use in transporting a flat screen television, the outer box comprising a box body and a lid having one or more flaps provided with at least one self adhesive strip, wherein the lid is configured such that the outer box can be sealed, in use, using the self adhesive strip(s).

In an embodiment, the lid may be attached to the box body. Alternatively, the lid may be separate from, attachable to and detachabk from the box body.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of S transporting flat screen televisions, comprising placing a television in the box according to the first aspect of the invention or the outer box of the second aspect of the invention, and transporting the box or the outer box with the television inside to a remote location.

The television may be assembled with a stand.

The method may comprise repairing and/or refurbishing the television at the remote location, The box according to an embodiment makes collection and transport of large format flat screen televisions considerably more economic than was hitherto the case, enabling rcpair and/or rcfurbishmcnt at rcduced cost.

The method may further comprise placing the television in a box according to the first aspect of the invention, and returning the television to an owner thereof, The method may comprisc recycling thc television at thc rcmotc location. The method may comprise re-using the same box for more than one, optionally differently shapcd. televisions.

The method may comprise using a plurality of substantially identical boxes to collect and/or transport a plurality of dissimilar televisions, The method may comprise: delivering a box to a third party, who has a television or monitor that needs to be repaired and/or refurbished; placing the third partys television or monitor into the box: delivering the television or monitor to a repair centre, where the box is opened and the television or monitor is subsequently repaired and/or refurbished; and, after the television or monitor has been repaired and/or reflLrbishcd, placing the repaired television or monitor back into the box and returning the repaired and/or refurbished television or monitor to the third party or delivering the repaired and/or refurbished television to a different third party.

Conveniently, a given box may be used for a complete repair and/or refurbishment C YC C. Embodiments of the invention wifl now be described, by way of example. with S reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top down schematic of a box according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the box according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a blank for an outer box according to the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembled outer box, shown in blank form in Figure 3; Fignre 5 is a perspective view of an open outer box according to a second embodiment; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the outer box of Figure 5, when the outer box has been closed and sealed.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a box 100 according to an aspect of the invention is shown comprising an outer box 1 and an inner sleeve 2. The outer box 1 comprises cardboard, for example corrugated cardboard, and is substantiaflv cuboidal in shape.

The outer box has a length, width and depth, with length > width > depth. Faces of the outer box 1 may be identified with reference to the edges they comprise. For instance, an opening is provided in the box 100 for putting a television into the box 100. The opening comprises an edge along the length, and an edge along the depth of the outer box I. The outer box I may comprise a rectangular face with a length to width ratio of approximately 1,5. The outer box may have a depth tess than half of the width.

The outer box I comprises a lid, which may be opened to permit a television to be p'aced in the box 100 through the opening, and closed to prevent access to a television within the box 100,

H

The lid comprises a plurality of flaps 6, 7 8 each flap being attached to an edge of the opening. A pair of short flaps 6 are provided, each attached to an edge along the depth direction. A first flap 7 is attached to a first edge along the length direction, and a second flap 8 is attached to a second edge along the length direction.

The first flap 7 is provided with a pair of holes 9. Thc holcs arc adjacent to the first edge, and are proximate to each end of the first edge. The first flap 7 is dimcnsioncd to corrcspond with thc opening, so that the first flap 7 substantially fills the opening in a closed position.

The sccond flap 8 is provided with a pair of holes 10. The holes 10 of the second flap 8 are arranged to align with the first flap 7. when the first and second flaps 7, 8 are in the dosed position. The hoks to of the second flap are therefore remote from the second edge, nearer to a distal edge of the second flap.

The box 100 further comprises fastening means (not shown), for securing the first and second flap 7, 8 together. The fastening means is inserted through each aligned pair of holes 9, 10 in the first and second flap 7. 8, In some embodiments there may be a different number of holes in each of the first and second flaps 7, 8 (e.g. one, three, four or five).

The fastcning means may comprise a security seal. The fastening means may comprise a plastic toggle fastener, or a zip tie type fastener.

The inner sleeve 2 comprises a plastics material, and comprises a plurality of gas filled, inflated pockets 3. In this embodiment, the pockets 3 consist of tubes, but any suitable configuration may be used, such as, substantially cylindrical pockets.

The inner skeve 2 is configured as a bag. In some embodiments the inner sleeve 2 may be secured to the outer box I, for instance at the closed base thereof.

The inner sleeve 2 has an opening. In some embodiments the inner sleeve 2 may be secured within the outer box with the opening of the inner sleeve 2 facing the opening of the outer box 1, in the open position, ready to receive a television. In other embodiments it may be more convenient to place the inner skeve 2 over a tdevision before placing the sleeved television into the outer box 1, The box 100 further comprises spacers 5. disposed between the inner sleeve 2 and the outer box I. The spacers 5 may comprise a resiliently defomable material such as a foam or sponge, and may comprise a plastics material. In some embodiments, the spacers may comprise cardboard, In some embodiments the spacers may comprise a substantially triangular cross section. Spacers with a triangu'ar cross scction may bc positioned with a flat face on contact with an inner wall of the outer box, and a peak facing towards the inner sleeve 2. The peak of the triangular shaped spacer may be configurcd to interact with the inflated pockets of the inner sleeve to assist in locating the spacers 5. or to provide additional flexibility in accommodating varying sizes of television. For instance, varying the position of a peak of a spacer 5 with respect to a trough or indent in the inner sleeve 2 may vary the effective spacing defined between the inner sleeve 2 and the outer box 1.

In the present embodiment, four spacers 5 are provided adjacent to each inner face of the outer box having a length and width edge. On each such face, spacers 5 are positioned inward from the corners of the face.

The spacers 5 may be configured for insertion after or before the television, within the inner sleeve 2, has been positioned within the outer box 1, The spacers 5 may thereby function to improve the crush resistance of the box 100, and to locate the television within the box, A degree of deformability in the spacers 5 further assists in cushioning the packaged television from impact.

Alternativdy, the spacers 5 may be fixable or fixed to an inner surface of the outer box, For instance, the spacers 5 may be triangular in cross-section and a face of the spacer may be fixed, e.g. adhered, to an inner surface of the outer box.

Securing means 11 are provided within the box 100, for fixing the television in position within the box 00. In this embodiment, the securing means II comprise Vdcro® straps, each strap being attached to the outer box I. The Vekro® straps are positioned so that they can be fastened either side of the stand of a television within the box 100, to securely fix the television in position within the inner sleeve 2.

Referring to Figure 3. an outer box I according to an embodiment is shown in flat, blank form. In this embodiment the outer box 1 is formed by folding a blank into the desired shape. The length of the outer box 1 is 115 cm, the width 78 cm. and the depth 33 cm, In other embodiments, these dimensions may vary, for example by up to 15cm or more. The ratios of the dimensions may similarly vary, for example by up to 20%, or more.

In this embodiment there are a pair of closely spaced holes 9, 10 adjacent to the centre of the first and second edge of the first and second flap respectively.

Further openings 14 in the outer box 1 arc provided adjacent to an edge in the length direction, near the opening, for use as handks, The openings 14 are in the shape of rounded slots. The openings 14 are positioned so that there is space adjacent thereto within the box 100, when the box has a tclcvision inside, so that a user's hands can easily use the openings 14 as handles.

A box according to an embodiment may be configured to accommodate a television in a range of sizes, for example up to 115 cm (46 inches) in diagonal.

The box 100 may be provided with an internal region for accommodating a stand of the television, The embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 arc deep enough to accommodate a stand attached to the television, in a region adjacent to the lid, The inner sleeve 2 is configured to extend only part of the distance from the base of the outer box I to the opening thereof, so as to allow a television stand to be within the outer box 1. and without the inner sleeve 2, adjacent to the lid. The short lid flaps 6 are configured to support the television stand in the box 100.

The box 100 also comprises a cushioned stand cover (not shown) to further protect the television if the box 100 is turned upside down, The cushioned stand cover (not shown) is placed in the internal region for accommodating a stand of the television, the internal region being located adjacent the lid of the outer box. The cushioned stand cover (not shown) comprises one or more inflatable tubes, The cushioned stand cover (not shown) is attached to the inner s'eeve 2, Alternatively, the cushioned stand cover may be attached to the lid of the outer box or may be separate from the inner sleeve and the outer box.

An example use of a box 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

The box 100 may be for use by a courier, A box 100 according to an embodiment is delivered to a third party, who has a television that needs to be transported. The box may be fiHed with a television whfle a courier waits, or the box may be left for collection by a courier at a later date. The courier or third party simply opens the box 100, removes the inner s'eeve 2 and inserts the television into the inner sleeve 2 with S the stand facing out of the or an open end of the inner sleeve 2. The inner s'eeve 2 with the television inside is then loaded into the box. It will be appreciated that the television may be protected by the inner sleeve 2 as it is loaded into the box.

Typically, the television may be lifted into the box through the opening, with the stand facing out of the opening. WaH mounted televisions, lacking a stand, may be loaded into the box 100 in either orientation, top-up or top-down, Alternatively, the inner sleeve 2 may be held open within the outer box 1 for receiving the television, In any event, it will be appreciated that a single person can quickly and easily load the television into the box 100.

The television is next secured in place within the box 100 using the securing means 11. In some embodiments, securing means comprising velcro straps are fastened tightly over the television to either side of the central stand. The lid of the outer box I is then closed, Firstly, the short flaps 6 are f&ded inwards, thereby limiting lateral movement of the screen. Next, the first flap 7 is folded inwards, followed by the second flap 8.

The first and second flap 7. 8 are then fixed together using a fixing means, that was supplied with the box 100 (for example, inside the box 100). The fixing means may comprise a security seal, which may provide a level of tamper proofing.

The box tOO with a television therein is picked up by a courier, and transported to a location, remote from the third party. The television may be disposed of and/or supplied for compensation to the remote location, Alternatively or additionally, the television may be repaired or recycled at the remote location. The television is removed from the box 100, and the box tOO may subsequently be re-used. For instance, the television may be cofleeted foflowing successful repair, and returned to the third party in a box according to an embodiment.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, an outer box 1000 according to an aspect of the invention is shown, The outer box 1000 comprises cardboard, for exarnpk corrugated cardboard, and is substantially cuboidal in shape. The outer box 1000 has a length, width and depth, with ength > width > depth. Faces of the outer box 1000 may be identified with reference to the edges they comprise. For instance, an opening is provided in the outer box 1000 for putting a television or monitor into the outer box 1000. The opening is substantially rectangular and comprises an edge along the length and an edge along the depth of the outer box 1000.

The outer box 1000 comprises a lid, which may be opened to permit a television or monitor to be placed in the outer box 1000 through the opening, and closed to prevent access to a television or monitor within the outer box 1000.

The lid comprises a major flap 1001, which is attached to a longer edge of the opening and is dimensioned such that the major flap 1001 substantially covers the opening when the lid is dosed.

The lid further comprises three further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004, Each of the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 is attached to an edge of the major flap 1001, The further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 may be trapezium-shaped, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and attached to the major flap 1001 along the base of the trapezium. The further flaps IOOL 1003, 1004 could have any suitable shape.

Each of the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 is provided with a sdf adhesive strip 1005. 1006, 1007, Each self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 is covcred with a peelable protective strip, which can be peeled away, in use, to uncover the self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007. Each self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 rims substantially parallel to the edge of the major flap 1001 to which the further flap 1002, 1003. 1004 carrying the given self adhesive strip 1005, 1006. 1007 is attached. The self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 is ocated a distance from the major flap 1001, The distance from the major flap 1001 to a given self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 may be at least half of the distance from the major flap 1001 to the distal portion, e.g. the opposite edge, of the further flap 1002, 1003, 1004 carrying the given self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007. For instance, the distance from the major flap 100! to a given self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 may be 60% or more or 70% or more of the distance from the major flap 1001 to the distal portion, e.g. the opposite edge, of the further flap 1002, 1003, 1004 carrying the given self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007.

Tn use, the outer box 1000 can be closed and sealed by moving the major flap 1001 into a closed position covering the opening. removing the peelable protective strips and pressing each of the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 against an outer surface of a side wall of the outer box 1000, thereby bringing the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007 into contact with the outer surfaces of the side wafls of the outer box 1000 and sealing the outer box 1000 closed.

Figure 6 shows the outer box 1000 after it has been closed and sealed. Cut lines 1008, 1009 are provided on the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 to indicate to a user where to cut the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004, in order to open the outer box 1001. The ciLt lines 1008, 1009 are located a short distance, e.g. 0.5 cm or less, closer to the major flap 1001 than the self adhesive strip 1005, 1006, 1007 on a given further flap 1002, 1003, 1004. By way of example only and as shown in Figure 6, the cut lines 1008. 1009 may each comprise a dashed line, in fact, any suitable marking or indication may be provided on the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 to indicate where to cut the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004, in order to open the outer box 1001 after it has been closed and sealed using the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007.

Each further flap 1002, 1003, 1004 may be provided with more than one self adhesive strip.

Typically, the outer box 1000 may be used in combination with an inner sleeve and at least one spacer as described above.

In some embodiments, the outer box 1000 may be provided with an internal region for accommodating a stand of (e.g. attached to) the television or monitor.

Alternatively, no internal region for accommodating a stand of the television or monitor may be provided. In use. any stand of the television of monitor would need to be removed before the television or monitor can be sealed within the outer box 1000.

By not providing an internal region for accommodating a stand of the television or monitor, the size of the outer box 1000 relative to the television or monitor therein may be reduced. Accordingly, for a television or monitor of a given size, the outer box 1000 may be easier and/or cheaper to handle and/or transport.

In an embodiment, the lid may be separate from the body of the outer box 1000. Tn such an embodiment, the lid may comprise a major panel of substantiafly the same shapc and dimensions as the opening and flaps attached to one or more of the edges of the major panel, each flap being provided with one or more self adhesive strips. For instance. thc lid may comprise a rectangular major panel and four flaps, one flap being attached to each edge of the major paneL An example usc of an outer box 1000 according to an embodiment will be described. In this use, the outer box 1000 is delivered to a third party, who has a television or monitor that needs to be repaired. The third party's television or monitor is placed into the outer box 1000, which is sealed using the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007. The tclcvision or monitor is then delivered to a repair centre, where the box is opened and the t&evision or monitor is subsequently repaired and/or refurbished, After the television or monitor has been repaired, the repaired television or monitor can be placed back into the outer box 1000 and returned to the third party or delivered to a different third party. Similarly, the outer box 1000 may be used to facilitate thc refurbishment of televisions or monitors. When the outcr box is delivered to the third party to coflect the tekvision or monitor that needs to be repaired and/or refurbished, the outer box may be sealed, typically without using the self adhesive strips, by any suitable means, e.g. glue, tape, staples etc. In addition, when the repaired and/or refurbished television or monitor is returned to the third party or delivered to a different third party, the outer box may be sealed by any suitable means. eg. glue, tape, staples etc. In response to a request to repair a third party's television or monitor, a repair centre can send, e.g. by courier, an outer box 1000, typically containing an inner sleeve and at least one spacer, to the third party. Staff at the repair centre can close and seal the outer box 1000 using masking tape, parcel tape or the like to hold the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 to outer surfaces of side walls of the outer box 1000.

Upon receipt of the outer box 1000 and its contents, the third party can open the box by cutting the masking tape or parcel tape, thereby freeing the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004. After inserting the television or monitor in the inner sleeve and arranging the inner sleeve containing television or monitor iii the box along with the spacer(s), the third party can close and seal the outer box 1000 by moving the major flap 1001 into a closed position covering the opening, removing the peelable protective strips and pressing each of the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 against an outer surface of a S side wafl of the outer box 1000, thereby bringing the self adhesive strips 1002, 1003, 1004 into contact with the outer surfaces of the side walls of the outer box 1000 and sealing the olLter box 1000 closed.

The sealed outer box 1000 with the television or monitor inside can then be transported to the repair centre. where repair centre staff can open the outer box 1000 by cutting the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 just abovc the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007. Where the repair centre staff should cut the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 may be indicated on the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 by any suitabk marking, e.g. a dashed line, and/or a line of weakness formed by scoring, If the outer box 1000 arrives at the repair centre and the seal provided by one or more of the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007 has been broken, then this may indicate that the outer box 1000 has been tampered with on its way to the repair centre.

Following repair of the television or monitor, staff at the repair centre can insert the television or monitor back into the inner sleeve, which is then arranged with the spacer(s) in the outer box 1000. Staff at the repair centre can securely re-seal the outer box 1000 for delivery of the repaired television or monitor using masking tape, parcel tape, staples or the like to hold the shortened (cut) further flaps to outer surfaces of side walls of the outer box 1000.

The size and dimensions of the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 and the location of the adhesive strip(s) 1005, 1006, 1007 on each further flap 1002, 1003, 1004 are selected such that the outer box can be securely sealed using the self adhesive strips 1005, 1006, 1007 and. e.g. using masking tape, parcel tape or the like, after the further flaps 1002, 1003, 1004 have been cut just above the self adhesive strips whfle maintaining the strength and integrity of the lid and/or the outer box 1000.

Advantageously, it wiH be appreciated that a given outer box 1000 may be used for a complete repair cyck, e.g. three journeys: (i) from a repair centre to the third party having a television or monitor in need of repair; (ii) from the third party's address to the repair centre; and (iii) following repair, from the repair centre back to the third party's address.

It will be appreciated that a given box may be able to accommodate and protect flat screen televisions or monitors having a range of thicknesses. This may be particularly advantageous when boxes according to the invention arc used to collect broken or faulty televisions from their owners and transport the televisions to and from a remote location for repair, since not all makes and models of flat screen televisions of a given screen size have the same thickness.

A number of changes and modifications to the invention will be apparent to the skilled person. within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A box for transporting a flat screen television, comprising: an outer box; an inner skeve; and at least one spacer disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer box wherein the inner sleeve is cushioned to protect the television from damage during transport.
2. The box of claim 1, wherein the inner sleeve comprises one or more cushioned pockets.
3, The box of daim I or daim 2, wherein the inner sleeve comprises one or moreinflatable pockets.
4. The box of claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3. wherein the inner sleeve comprises an undulating outer surface.
5, The box of any one of claims 1 to 4. further comprising securing means for fixing the television in position within the box when the television is in the inner sleeve.
6. The box of claim 5, wherein the securing means comprise a hook and ioop fastener on a strap, the strap being fixed to the outer box, and/or the inner sleeve.
7, The box of any preceding claim, wherein the outer box comprises a lid, the lid comprising at least one flap.
8, The box of claim 7. wherein the lid comprises at least two flaps. wherein a first flap comprises a first hole, a second flap comprises a second hole, and the first and second flap are configured to overlap in a closed position, so that the first and second hole are substantially co-aligned.
9. The box of claim 8. further comprising a fixing means for securing the first and second flap in a closed position, wherein the fixing means is received by the first and second hole.
10. The box of daim 8 or 9. wherein at east one of the first and/or second hok comprise a reinforced eyelet.
11. The box of any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein thc first and second flap are configured to fully ovedap one another in the dosed position.
12, The box of any one of claims 1 to 6. wherein the outer box comprises a lid comprising one or more flaps provided with at least one self adhesive strip, the lid being configured such that the outer box can be sealed, in use, using the se'f adhesive strip(s).
13. The box of claim 12, wherein the hd comprises a major flap or a major panel with one or more flaps attached thereto, the one or more flaps being provided with the at least one self adhesive strip.
14. Thc box of claim 13, wherein the self adhesive strip(s) is/are located a distance from the major flap or the major panel,
15. The box of claim 14, wherein the distance from the major flap or the major panel to a given sdf adhesive strip is at least half, e.g. 60% or more or 70% or more, of the distance from the major flap or the major panel to the distal portion, e.g. the opposite edge, of the flap carrying the given self adhesive strip
16. The box of ally one of claims 12 to 15, wherein each self adhesive strip is covered with a peelabk protective strip.
17, The box of any one of claims 12 to 16. wherein each flap carrying a self adhesive strip is provided with a marking or indication to indicate where to cut the flap(s) in order to open the outer box after it has been closed and sealed using the self adhesive strip(s).
18. The box of any preceding claim, wherein the outer box further comprises struts, the struts being arranged to strengthen the box.
19, The box of claim 18, wherein the struts are oriented substantiafly paraflel to the direction of entry of the television to the box.
20. The box of any preceding claim, wherein the box comprises a region for receiving a stand of the television, wherein the stand is fixed to the television.
21, The box of claim 20, dependent directly or indirectly on claim 7, wherein at least one flap is configured, in a closed position, to secure the stand in position within the outer box.
22, The box of claim 20 or claim 21 further comprising a cushioned stand cover adapted to be placed in the region for receiving a stand of the television when the box is dosed.
23, The box of any preceding claim, wherein the box is configured to receive a television with a screen diagonal of at least 81.3 cm (32 inches).
24, The box of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer comprises a resihently deformable material.
25, The box of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer is substantiafly triangular in cross section,
26. The box of any preceding claim, wherein the spacer is configured for insertion between the inner sleeve and the outer box before or after a television is inserted within the box, 27, The box of any preceding claim wherein there are a plurality of spacers, and a first spacer is positioned in a front of a screen of the television, in use. and a second spacer is positioned behind the screen of the tdevision, in use.28. The box of any preceding claim, wherein the outer box comprises instructions describing how to secure a television or monitor within the box.29. The box of daim 28, wherein the instructions further include information about how to return the television for repair or recycling.30. The box of any preceding claim, further comprising a television or monitor within the box, optionally wherein the television or monitor is assembled with a stand.31. A method of transporting flat screen televisions or monitors, comprising placing a television or monitor in the box according to any of claims 1 to 29 and transporting the box to a remote location.32. The method of claim 31, wherein the television or monitor is transported in the box assembled with a stand.33. The method of claim 31 or 32. further comprising repairing and/or refurbishing the television or monitor at the remote location.34. The method of claim 33 further comprising placing the repaired and/or refurbished television or monitor in a box according to any of claims I to 29, and transporting the television or monitor from the remote location.35, The method of claim 31 or 32, further comprising recychng the tdevision or monitor at the remote location.36. The method of any of claims 31 to 35, comprising using a plurality of substantially identical boxes to transport a plurality of dissimilar televisions or monitors, 37. A box substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.38, A method substantiafly as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.