WO2015101867A1 - Package and method for packaging a household appliance - Google Patents

Package and method for packaging a household appliance Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015101867A1
WO2015101867A1 PCT/IB2014/066956 IB2014066956W WO2015101867A1 WO 2015101867 A1 WO2015101867 A1 WO 2015101867A1 IB 2014066956 W IB2014066956 W IB 2014066956W WO 2015101867 A1 WO2015101867 A1 WO 2015101867A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
corner piece
corner
base
protrusion
groove
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2014/066956
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marco Pieri
Original Assignee
Indesit Company S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Company S.P.A. filed Critical Indesit Company S.P.A.
Publication of WO2015101867A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015101867A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/053—Corner, edge or end protectors
    • B65D81/054—Protectors contacting two generally perpendicular surfaces of the packaged article, e.g. edge protectors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
    • B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
    • B65B53/06—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat supplied by gases, e.g. hot-air jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/20—Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D61/00—External frames or supports adapted to be assembled around, or applied to, articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/002—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
    • B65D75/004—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films with auxiliary packaging elements, e.g. protective pads or frames, trays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D2585/68—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form
    • B65D2585/6802—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form specific machines, engines or vehicles
    • B65D2585/6815—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for machines, engines, or vehicles in assembled or dismantled form specific machines, engines or vehicles kitchen devices, including unspecified devices, e.g. Haushaltgeräte

Definitions

  • the object of the present invention is a package for packaging a household appliance and a method for packaging a household appliance.
  • corner pieces comprising protrusions that extend along the preponderant direction of extension of the corner pieces and that interlock in precisely complementarily-shaped seats in the base and the top by means of a male-female coupling.
  • the corner pieces, the top, the base and the refrigerator are then wrapped with a heat-shrinkable film.
  • the film contracts in an oven and adheres to whatever is contained within it.
  • the technical task underlying the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to make available a packaging that is rapidly applied and that during application is not subject to deformation induced by the modes of application thereof.
  • a packaging method that affords maximum celerity without compromising proper mutual positioning of the packaging elements is also an aim of the present invention.
  • the defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a package and a method for packaging a household appliance comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
  • - Figure 1 is a view of a package according to the present invention.
  • Figures 2 and 3 are exploded views of two parts appearing in Figure 1 ;
  • a package 1 for a household appliance is indicated by the reference number 1 in the accompanying figures.
  • the package 1 for a household appliance comprises:
  • the base 31 , the top 32 and the plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 define a housing 4 for a household appliance.
  • this household appliance is usually an appliance that falls within the category known as "white goods". This definition is well known in the technical field and comprises for example refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.
  • the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 are at least partly made of expanded polystyrene.
  • the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend at least in part between the lower base 31 and the upper top 32. Conveniently, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend vertically. Conveniently, the base 31 and/or the top 32 extend horizontally.
  • the plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises at least a first corner piece 21 .
  • the package 1 further comprises a film 8 that enwraps (surrounds) the unit, which comprises at least said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 and a first component constituted by the base 31 or by the top 32.
  • This film 8 possibly also overlaps at least part of the base 31 and/or top 32.
  • this film 8 completely enwraps the unit defined by the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24.
  • the film 8 is heat-shrinkable. In an alternative solution, it could be an elastic film 8.
  • the package 1 further comprises means 200 for connecting said first corner piece 21 and said first component.
  • connection means 200 conveniently comprises a first protrusion 21 1 and a first groove 212.
  • the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 define means 20 for guiding the first corner piece 21 along a course of travel of said first corner piece 21 towards the inside of said housing 4.
  • the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are integrated, one in said first corner piece 21 , and the other in the base 31 or top 32.
  • the first protrusion 21 1 is integrated in the first corner piece 21 , whereas the first groove 212 is integrated in the base 31.
  • first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are connected to each other by frictional engagement.
  • the guiding means 20 defines a direction 5 for insertion of the first corner piece 21 towards the inside of the housing 4.
  • the insertion direction 5 is substantially parallel to a diagonal of said base 31 or of said top 32.
  • This insertion direction 5 is substantially horizontal.
  • the first corner piece 21 comprises a vertex 93 wherein two flanges 94, 95 converge, said first protrusion 21 1 projecting out from one end of said first corner piece 21 and extending along a plane that intersects said vertex 93 and partially extends between the two flanges 94, 95. In particular, this plane extends along a line bisecting the angle formed by the two flanges 94, 95.
  • the base 31 conveniently comprises an edge 96 that extends upwards, a gap in said edge 96 defining said first groove 212. Said groove 212 passes throughout the edge 96.
  • this first protrusion 21 1 projects out starting from a first surface 97 that lies on the bottom of the first corner piece 21 .
  • the first surface 97 lies in contact with an upper surface 98 of said edge 96 of the base 31 .
  • this first protrusion 21 1 projects out and away from the first surface 97 by at least 5 centimetres.
  • the first corner piece 21 has a preponderant direction of extension and comprises a first and a second end 91 , 92.
  • said first protrusion 21 1 which is connected with said base 31 , is afforded at said first end 91 of the first corner piece 21 .
  • An additional protrusion 81 which is connected with the top 32, is present at a second end 92 of the first corner piece 21 .
  • said additional protrusion 81 engages in an additional groove 82 afforded in said top 32.
  • the first corner piece 21 does not project out from a vertical projection of the base 31 or of the top 32.
  • the second corner piece 22 is connected with said first component by means of a second protrusion 221 that engages in a second groove.
  • the second corner piece 22 comprises the second protrusion 221 .
  • the second protrusion 221 engages in a second groove 222 afforded in the base 31 . This second groove 222 defines means for guiding the second protrusion 221 .
  • one or more of the characteristics described with reference to the first corner piece 21 and possibly with reference to its interaction with the first component can be repeated for one or more among the second corner piece 22, a third corner piece 23, and a fourth corner piece 24.
  • first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 involve two lateral edges of the front panel of the household appliance.
  • the first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 can thus be defined as front corner pieces.
  • the points described for the first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 and the interaction with the first component can be repeated for the third or the fourth corner piece 23, 24.
  • a method for packaging a household appliance also constitutes an object of the present invention. This method conveniently enables the realization of a package 1 having one or more of the characteristics described hereinabove.
  • the method comprises the step of positioning a base 31 , a top 32, and a plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 around the household appliance.
  • the base 31 and the top 32 are positioned under and over the household appliance, respectively.
  • the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend between the base 31 and the top 32 and comprise at least a first corner piece 21.
  • the corner pieces comprise at least two flanges 94, 95 that converge in a common vertex 93. This vertex 93 extends along the preponderant direction of extension of each corner piece.
  • the method conveniently comprises the step of wrapping with a film 8 the unit constituted at least by the household appliance and by the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24.
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 with the first component by inserting a first protrusion 21 1 in a first groove 212 only for a section of a course for mutual sliding of the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212.
  • the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are afforded one in said first corner piece and the other in the first component.
  • the first protrusion 21 1 is afforded in said first corner piece 21 , whereas the first groove 212 is afforded in said base 31 .
  • the first protrusion 21 1 extends along a plane that intersects a line along which said vertex 93 of the first corner piece 21 lies, said plane extending between the two flanges 94, 95, in particular along a line bisecting the angle formed by the two flanges 94, 95.
  • the step of wrapping said unit with a film 8 comprises the substep of applying said film 8 around said unit which is constituted by the household appliance, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 and the first component.
  • the film 8 can overlap at least part of the base 31 and the top 32.
  • the film 8 completely enwraps said unit constituted by the household appliance, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24, the base 31 and the top 32.
  • the step of wrapping said film 8 also comprises the substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance, thereby determining the sliding of the first protrusion 21 1 along said first groove 212. Conveniently, this shift towards the household appliance is greater than 2 or 3 centimetres.
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 comprises that said push be achieved by heat-shrinking of the film 8 or by elastic recovery of a previously tensioned film 8.
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking of the film 8 is achieved by heating the film 8. This heating process typically takes place in an oven. Conveniently, the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking the film 8 takes place simultaneously with the step of exerting a push on all of said corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 by means of a heat-shrinking process. To achieve proper pushing, it is important that the film should enwrap the corner piece and the first component at the point of insertion of the corner piece in the first component.
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting a first end 91 of the first corner piece 21 with said base 31 and a second end 92 of the first corner piece 21 with the top 32, by means of a first pair 90 of protrusions that engage in a first pair 9 of grooves.
  • the first pair 90 of protrusions comprises the first protrusion 21 1
  • the first pair 9 of grooves comprises the first groove 212.
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance thus determines the sliding of the first pair 90 of protrusions along the first pair 9 of grooves (the first pair 90 of protrusions and the first pair 9 of grooves are indicated in Figures 2 and 3).
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the second corner piece 22 and the first component by inserting a second protrusion 221 in a second groove 222, said second groove 222 defining means for guiding the second protrusion 221 ; said second protrusion 221 and said second groove 222 are afforded one in said second corner piece 22, the other in said first component.
  • the second protrusion 221 is afforded at a lower end of said second corner piece 22, whereas the second groove 222 is afforded in said base 31 .
  • the substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 and the first component by inserting a first protrusion 21 1 in a first groove 212 comprises initially positioning said first corner piece 21 in such a manner that it protrudes with respect to a vertical projection of the base 31 or of the top 32. This facilitates the next substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking of the film 8.
  • the substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 and the first component first comprises insertion of part of the first protrusion 21 1 in said first groove 212 by frictional engagement. Then the substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by means of heat- shrinking of the film 8 simultaneously creates a push also on the second corner piece 22 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance. This brings about the sliding of the second protrusion 221 along said second groove 222.
  • first and second corner pieces 21 , 22 involve two lateral edges of a front panel of the household appliance.
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the step of applying a third and a fourth corner piece 23, 24.
  • the first, the second, the third and the fourth corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 are located at the same number of vertices of the base 31 , which is quadrilateral.
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push it towards the household appliance comprises pushing the first corner piece 21 along a diagonal of said quadrilateral base 31 .
  • the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by means of heat-shrinking of the film 8 is accompanied by the step of exerting a push, by means of heat-shrinking, also on the second, third and fourth corner pieces 22, 23, 24 so as to move them closer to said household appliance.
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the third corner piece 23 with the first component, by inserting a third protrusion in a third groove, said third groove defining means for guiding the third protrusion.
  • the third groove and the third protrusion are afforded one in said third corner piece 23 and the other in said third base 31 .
  • the third protrusion is afforded on the third corner piece 23 and the third groove is afforded in the base 31.
  • the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the fourth corner piece 24 and the first component by inserting a fourth protrusion in a fourth groove, said fourth groove defining means for guiding the fourth protrusion.
  • the fourth groove and the fourth protrusion are afforded one in said fourth corner piece 24 and the other in said third base 31 .
  • the fourth protrusion is afforded on the fourth corner piece 24 and the fourth groove is afforded in the base 31.
  • the invention makes it possible to achieve multiple advantages.
  • a first advantage consists in rapid assembly of the package 1 .
  • Another significant advantage lies in the resistance to buckling offered by the corner pieces, even in the case in which the corner pieces are found close to curved edges or handles or other discontinuous points of the household appliance.

Abstract

A method for packaging a household appliance, comprising the steps of: - positioning a base (31), a top (32) and a plurality of corner pieces (21, 22, 23, 24) around a household appliance, the base (31 ) and the top (32) being positioned under and over the household appliance, respectively, and the corner pieces (21, 22, 23, 24) extending between the base (31 ) and the top (32) and comprising a first corner piece (21); - wrapping with a film (8) the unit constituted at least by the household appliance and by the corner pieces (21, 22, 23, 24); The step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and the corner pieces (21, 22, 23, 24) comprises a substep of connecting the first corner piece (21) with the base (31) or the top (32) by inserting a first protrusion (211) in a first groove (212) only for a first section of a course for mutual sliding of the first groove (212) and the first protrusion (211), the first protrusion (211) and the first groove (212) being afforded one in said first corner piece (21) and the other in said base (31) or in said top (32); The step of wrapping said unit with the film (8) comprising the following substeps: i) applying said film (8) around said unit constituted by the household appliance and by the corner pieces (21, 22, 23, 24); ii) exerting a push on the first corner piece (21) by means of said film (8) so as to shift the first corner piece towards the household appliance, thereby determining further sliding of the first protrusion (211) along said first groove (212). The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21) by means of said film (8) comprises that said push be achieved by heat- shrinking of the film (8) or by elastic recovery of the film (8), which in this case has been previously tensioned.

Description

Package and method for packaging a household appliance
DESCRIPTION
Technical field
The object of the present invention is a package for packaging a household appliance and a method for packaging a household appliance. State of the art
The use of packages that enwrap a refrigerator and that comprise the following elements is known in the prior art:
-a lower base, over which the refrigerator is placed;
-an upper top placed over the refrigerator;
-four corner pieces comprising protrusions that extend along the preponderant direction of extension of the corner pieces and that interlock in precisely complementarily-shaped seats in the base and the top by means of a male-female coupling. These protrusions enable stable positioning of the corner piece in a predetermined position, eliminating any degree of freedom.
The corner pieces, the top, the base and the refrigerator are then wrapped with a heat-shrinkable film. The film contracts in an oven and adheres to whatever is contained within it.
One drawback of this solution relates to the fact that if the corner pieces are located on curved edges or handles, the heat-shrinking of the film could lead to deformation and rotation of the corner pieces and thus compromise the effectiveness of the packaging.
Aim of the invention
In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and to make available a packaging that is rapidly applied and that during application is not subject to deformation induced by the modes of application thereof.
A packaging method that affords maximum celerity without compromising proper mutual positioning of the packaging elements is also an aim of the present invention. The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a package and a method for packaging a household appliance comprising the technical characteristics set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
Brief description of the drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a package and of a packaging method, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, of which:
-Figure 1 is a view of a package according to the present invention;
-Figures 2 and 3 are exploded views of two parts appearing in Figure 1 ;
-Figures 4, 5 and 6 show a sequence of steps of the packaging method according to the present invention.
Detailed descritpion of preferred embodiments of the invention
A package 1 for a household appliance is indicated by the reference number 1 in the accompanying figures. The package 1 for a household appliance comprises:
-a lower base 31 ;
-an upper top 32;
-a plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24.
The base 31 , the top 32 and the plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 define a housing 4 for a household appliance. By way of non-limiting example, this household appliance is usually an appliance that falls within the category known as "white goods". This definition is well known in the technical field and comprises for example refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.
Conveniently, the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 are at least partly made of expanded polystyrene.
The corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend at least in part between the lower base 31 and the upper top 32. Conveniently, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend vertically. Conveniently, the base 31 and/or the top 32 extend horizontally. The plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises at least a first corner piece 21 .
The package 1 further comprises a film 8 that enwraps (surrounds) the unit, which comprises at least said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 and a first component constituted by the base 31 or by the top 32. This film 8 possibly also overlaps at least part of the base 31 and/or top 32. In the preferred solution, this film 8 completely enwraps the unit defined by the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24. Advantageously the film 8 is heat-shrinkable. In an alternative solution, it could be an elastic film 8.
Conveniently, the package 1 further comprises means 200 for connecting said first corner piece 21 and said first component.
The connection means 200 conveniently comprises a first protrusion 21 1 and a first groove 212. The first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 define means 20 for guiding the first corner piece 21 along a course of travel of said first corner piece 21 towards the inside of said housing 4.
The first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are integrated, one in said first corner piece 21 , and the other in the base 31 or top 32.
In the example solution illustrated in Figures 3-6, the first protrusion 21 1 is integrated in the first corner piece 21 , whereas the first groove 212 is integrated in the base 31.
Conveniently, the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are connected to each other by frictional engagement.
The guiding means 20 defines a direction 5 for insertion of the first corner piece 21 towards the inside of the housing 4. The insertion direction 5 is substantially parallel to a diagonal of said base 31 or of said top 32. This insertion direction 5 is substantially horizontal. The first corner piece 21 comprises a vertex 93 wherein two flanges 94, 95 converge, said first protrusion 21 1 projecting out from one end of said first corner piece 21 and extending along a plane that intersects said vertex 93 and partially extends between the two flanges 94, 95. In particular, this plane extends along a line bisecting the angle formed by the two flanges 94, 95.
Along several sections of the perimeter, the base 31 conveniently comprises an edge 96 that extends upwards, a gap in said edge 96 defining said first groove 212. Said groove 212 passes throughout the edge 96.
Conveniently, this first protrusion 21 1 projects out starting from a first surface 97 that lies on the bottom of the first corner piece 21 . The first surface 97 lies in contact with an upper surface 98 of said edge 96 of the base 31 .
Conveniently, this first protrusion 21 1 projects out and away from the first surface 97 by at least 5 centimetres.
The first corner piece 21 has a preponderant direction of extension and comprises a first and a second end 91 , 92. In particular, said first protrusion 21 1 , which is connected with said base 31 , is afforded at said first end 91 of the first corner piece 21 . An additional protrusion 81 , which is connected with the top 32, is present at a second end 92 of the first corner piece 21 . In particular, as shown in the example appearing in Figure 2, said additional protrusion 81 engages in an additional groove 82 afforded in said top 32.
Preferably, the first corner piece 21 does not project out from a vertical projection of the base 31 or of the top 32.
Conveniently, the second corner piece 22 is connected with said first component by means of a second protrusion 221 that engages in a second groove. In the preferred solution, the second corner piece 22 comprises the second protrusion 221 . Conveniently, the second protrusion 221 engages in a second groove 222 afforded in the base 31 . This second groove 222 defines means for guiding the second protrusion 221 .
Conveniently, one or more of the characteristics described with reference to the first corner piece 21 and possibly with reference to its interaction with the first component can be repeated for one or more among the second corner piece 22, a third corner piece 23, and a fourth corner piece 24.
Conveniently, the first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 involve two lateral edges of the front panel of the household appliance. The first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 can thus be defined as front corner pieces.
Conveniently, the points described for the first and the second corner pieces 21 , 22 and the interaction with the first component can be repeated for the third or the fourth corner piece 23, 24.
Further characteristics of the package 1 may also be described below.
A method for packaging a household appliance also constitutes an object of the present invention. This method conveniently enables the realization of a package 1 having one or more of the characteristics described hereinabove.
The method comprises the step of positioning a base 31 , a top 32, and a plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 around the household appliance. The base 31 and the top 32 are positioned under and over the household appliance, respectively. The corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 extend between the base 31 and the top 32 and comprise at least a first corner piece 21. The corner pieces comprise at least two flanges 94, 95 that converge in a common vertex 93. This vertex 93 extends along the preponderant direction of extension of each corner piece.
The method conveniently comprises the step of wrapping with a film 8 the unit constituted at least by the household appliance and by the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24.
Conveniently, the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 with the first component by inserting a first protrusion 21 1 in a first groove 212 only for a section of a course for mutual sliding of the first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212. The first protrusion 21 1 and the first groove 212 are afforded one in said first corner piece and the other in the first component.
In the solution illustrated in Figures 3-6, the first protrusion 21 1 is afforded in said first corner piece 21 , whereas the first groove 212 is afforded in said base 31 . The first protrusion 21 1 extends along a plane that intersects a line along which said vertex 93 of the first corner piece 21 lies, said plane extending between the two flanges 94, 95, in particular along a line bisecting the angle formed by the two flanges 94, 95.
The step of wrapping said unit with a film 8 comprises the substep of applying said film 8 around said unit which is constituted by the household appliance, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 and the first component. Conveniently, the film 8 can overlap at least part of the base 31 and the top 32. In particular, the film 8 completely enwraps said unit constituted by the household appliance, the corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24, the base 31 and the top 32.
The step of wrapping said film 8 also comprises the substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance, thereby determining the sliding of the first protrusion 21 1 along said first groove 212. Conveniently, this shift towards the household appliance is greater than 2 or 3 centimetres.
The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 comprises that said push be achieved by heat-shrinking of the film 8 or by elastic recovery of a previously tensioned film 8.
The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking of the film 8 is achieved by heating the film 8. This heating process typically takes place in an oven. Conveniently, the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking the film 8 takes place simultaneously with the step of exerting a push on all of said corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 by means of a heat-shrinking process. To achieve proper pushing, it is important that the film should enwrap the corner piece and the first component at the point of insertion of the corner piece in the first component. Conveniently, the step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting a first end 91 of the first corner piece 21 with said base 31 and a second end 92 of the first corner piece 21 with the top 32, by means of a first pair 90 of protrusions that engage in a first pair 9 of grooves. The first pair 90 of protrusions comprises the first protrusion 21 1 , whereas the first pair 9 of grooves comprises the first groove 212. The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance thus determines the sliding of the first pair 90 of protrusions along the first pair 9 of grooves (the first pair 90 of protrusions and the first pair 9 of grooves are indicated in Figures 2 and 3).
The step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the second corner piece 22 and the first component by inserting a second protrusion 221 in a second groove 222, said second groove 222 defining means for guiding the second protrusion 221 ; said second protrusion 221 and said second groove 222 are afforded one in said second corner piece 22, the other in said first component. In the preferred solution illustrated in Figure 1 , the second protrusion 221 is afforded at a lower end of said second corner piece 22, whereas the second groove 222 is afforded in said base 31 .
The substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 and the first component by inserting a first protrusion 21 1 in a first groove 212, comprises initially positioning said first corner piece 21 in such a manner that it protrudes with respect to a vertical projection of the base 31 or of the top 32. This facilitates the next substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by heat-shrinking of the film 8. The substep of connecting the first corner piece 21 and the first component first comprises insertion of part of the first protrusion 21 1 in said first groove 212 by frictional engagement. Then the substep of exerting a push on the first corner piece
21 determines a shifting of the first corner piece 21 towards the household appliance, which completes the insertion of the first protrusion in the first groove 212.
The points described hereinabove with reference to the connection of the first corner piece 21 with the first component, can also be repeated for one of the remaining corner pieces 22, 23, 24.
The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by means of heat- shrinking of the film 8 simultaneously creates a push also on the second corner piece 22 so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance. This brings about the sliding of the second protrusion 221 along said second groove 222.
Conveniently, the first and second corner pieces 21 , 22 involve two lateral edges of a front panel of the household appliance.
The step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the step of applying a third and a fourth corner piece 23, 24. In the preferred solution, the first, the second, the third and the fourth corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 are located at the same number of vertices of the base 31 , which is quadrilateral. The step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 so as to push it towards the household appliance comprises pushing the first corner piece 21 along a diagonal of said quadrilateral base 31 . In particular, the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece 21 by means of heat-shrinking of the film 8 is accompanied by the step of exerting a push, by means of heat-shrinking, also on the second, third and fourth corner pieces 22, 23, 24 so as to move them closer to said household appliance.
The step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the third corner piece 23 with the first component, by inserting a third protrusion in a third groove, said third groove defining means for guiding the third protrusion. The third groove and the third protrusion are afforded one in said third corner piece 23 and the other in said third base 31 . Preferably, the third protrusion is afforded on the third corner piece 23 and the third groove is afforded in the base 31.
The step of positioning the base 31 , the top 32 and said plurality of corner pieces 21 , 22, 23, 24 comprises the substep of connecting the fourth corner piece 24 and the first component by inserting a fourth protrusion in a fourth groove, said fourth groove defining means for guiding the fourth protrusion.
The fourth groove and the fourth protrusion are afforded one in said fourth corner piece 24 and the other in said third base 31 . Preferably, the fourth protrusion is afforded on the fourth corner piece 24 and the fourth groove is afforded in the base 31.
The invention makes it possible to achieve multiple advantages.
A first advantage consists in rapid assembly of the package 1 . Another significant advantage lies in the resistance to buckling offered by the corner pieces, even in the case in which the corner pieces are found close to curved edges or handles or other discontinuous points of the household appliance.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all of which falling within the scope of the inventive concept characterizing the invention. Moreover, all details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. All the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may in practice be of any type, according to needs.

Claims

1 . A method for packaging a household appliance, comprising the steps of:
-positioning a base (31 ), a top (32) and a plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) around the household appliance, the base (31 ) and the top (32) being positioned under and over the household appliance, respectively, and the corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) extending between the base (31 ) and the top (32) and comprising a first corner piece (21 );
-wrapping with a film (8) the unit constituted at least by the household appliance, the corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) and by a first component constituted by the base (31 ) or by the top (32);
characterized in that:
-the step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and the corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises a substep of connecting the first corner piece (21 ) with said first component by inserting a first protrusion (21 1 ) in a first groove (212) only for a first section of a course for mutual sliding of the first groove (212) and the first protrusion (21 1 ), the first protrusion (21 1 ) and the first groove (212) being afforded one in said first corner piece (21 ) and the other in said first component;
-the step of wrapping said unit with the film (8) comprising the following substeps:
i) applying said film (8) around said unit;
ii) exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by means of said film (8) so as to shift the first corner piece towards the household appliance, thereby determining further sliding of the first protrusion (21 1 ) along said first groove (212), the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by means of said film (8) comprises that said push be achieved by heat- shrinking of the film (8) or by elastic recovery of the film (8), which in this case has been previously tensioned.
2. The method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises the substep of connecting a second corner piece (22) with said first component by inserting a second protrusion (221 ) in a second groove (222), said second groove (222) defining means for guiding the second protrusion (221 ) and said second corner piece (22) being part of said corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24);
said step of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by heat-shrinking or elastic recovery of the film (8), simultaneously creating a push also on the second corner piece (22) so as to push it towards the household appliance, thereby bringing about the sliding of the second protrusion (221 ) along said second groove (222);
said first and second corner pieces (21 , 22) involving two lateral edges of a front panel of the household appliance.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the substep of connecting the first corner piece (21 ) with said first component comprises initially positioning said first corner piece (21 ) in such a manner that it protrudes with respect to a vertical projection of the base (31 ) or of the top (32) so as to facilitate the next substep consisting of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by means of said film (8).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises the step of applying a third (23) and a fourth corner piece (24), said first, second, third and fourth corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) having one end located at the same number of vertices of the base (31 ), which is quadrilateral; the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by means of said film (8) so as so as to shift it towards the household appliance, comprises pushing the first corner piece (21 ) along a diagonal of said quadrilateral base (31 ).
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises the substeps of:
- connecting the third corner piece (23) with said first component by inserting a third protrusion in a third groove, said third groove defining means for guiding the third protrusion;
- connecting the fourth corner piece (24) with said first component by inserting a fourth protrusion in a fourth groove, said fourth groove defining means for guiding the fourth protrusion.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of positioning the base (31 ), the top (32) and said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprises the substep of connecting, by means of a first pair (9) of protrusions that engage in a first pair (90) of grooves, a first end (91 ) of the first corner piece (21 ) with said base (31 ), and a second end (92) of the first corner piece (21 ) with the top (32), said first pair (90) of protrusions comprising said first protrusion (21 1 ), said first pair (9) of grooves comprising the first groove (212); the step of exerting a push on the first corner piece (21 ) by means of said film (8) so as to push and shift it towards the household appliance, determining the sliding of the first pair (90) of protrusions along the first pair (9) of grooves.
7. A package (1 ) for packaging a household appliance, comprising:
-a lower base (31 );
-an upper top (32);
-a plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) extending between the lower base (31 ) and the upper top (32), said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) comprising at least a first corner piece (21 ); said base (31 ), said top (32) and said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) defining a housing (4) for a household appliance;
-an elastic or heat-shrinkable film (8) that enwraps at least said plurality of corner pieces (21 , 22, 23, 24) and a first component constituted by the base (31 ) or by the top (32);
characterized in that it comprises means (200) for connecting said first corner piece (21 ) with said first component, said means, in turn, comprising a first protrusion (21 1 ) and a first groove (212), said first protrusion (21 1 ) and said first groove (212) defining means (20) for guiding the first corner piece (21 ) along a course of travel of said first corner piece (21 ) towards the inside of said housing (4); said first protrusion (21 1 ) and said first groove (212) being one integrated in said first corner piece (21 ) and the other integrated in the first component.
8. The package according to claim 7, characterized in that said first corner piece (21 ) comprises a vertex (93) wherein two flaps (94, 95) converge, said first protrusion (21 1 ) projecting out from one end of said first corner piece (21 ) and extending along a plane that intersects said vertex (93) and partially lies between the two flanges (94, 95).
9. The package according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said first protrusion (21 1 ) and said first groove (212) are connected to each other by frictional engagement.
10. The package according to claim 7 or 8 or 9, characterized in that said guiding means (20) defines a direction (5) for insertion of the first corner piece (21 ) towards the inside of the housing (4), said insertion direction (5) being substantially parallel to a diagonal of said base (31 ) or of said top (32).
PCT/IB2014/066956 2013-12-30 2014-12-16 Package and method for packaging a household appliance WO2015101867A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000108A ITPR20130108A1 (en) 2013-12-30 2013-12-30 PACKAGING AND PACKAGING METHOD OF A APPLIANCE.
ITPR2013A000108 2013-12-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015101867A1 true WO2015101867A1 (en) 2015-07-09

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Cited By (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3251975A1 (en) * 2016-06-01 2017-12-06 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Packaging for a household appliance, kit comprising a packaging for a household appliance and method to package a household appliance
CN109533655A (en) * 2018-11-26 2019-03-29 惠州市华星光电技术有限公司 A kind of novel buffering device
EP3628602A4 (en) * 2017-06-12 2021-01-27 Daehannetworks Co., Ltd. Rebar packaging method and rebar packaging rectangular tray
WO2022083609A1 (en) * 2020-10-20 2022-04-28 张跃 Special-shaped corner fitting, column having corner fitting, and prefabricated end frame structure

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GB2229416A (en) * 1989-03-18 1990-09-26 Spring Bathrooms Plc Stackable pack
US20050092633A1 (en) * 2003-10-30 2005-05-05 Sonoco Development, Inc. Support post with locking feature
EP1612159A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2006-01-04 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Package, method and kit for stretch hood packaging of home appliances
CN202089441U (en) * 2011-04-21 2011-12-28 苏州三星电子有限公司 Packing structure for household appliance

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GB2229416A (en) * 1989-03-18 1990-09-26 Spring Bathrooms Plc Stackable pack
US20050092633A1 (en) * 2003-10-30 2005-05-05 Sonoco Development, Inc. Support post with locking feature
EP1612159A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2006-01-04 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Package, method and kit for stretch hood packaging of home appliances
CN202089441U (en) * 2011-04-21 2011-12-28 苏州三星电子有限公司 Packing structure for household appliance

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3251975A1 (en) * 2016-06-01 2017-12-06 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Packaging for a household appliance, kit comprising a packaging for a household appliance and method to package a household appliance
CN107444778A (en) * 2016-06-01 2017-12-08 伊莱克斯家用电器股份公司 For the package and packing method of housed device and the external member including the package
CN107444778B (en) * 2016-06-01 2020-07-28 伊莱克斯家用电器股份公司 Package for household appliances, packaging method and kit comprising the package
EP3628602A4 (en) * 2017-06-12 2021-01-27 Daehannetworks Co., Ltd. Rebar packaging method and rebar packaging rectangular tray
CN109533655A (en) * 2018-11-26 2019-03-29 惠州市华星光电技术有限公司 A kind of novel buffering device
WO2022083609A1 (en) * 2020-10-20 2022-04-28 张跃 Special-shaped corner fitting, column having corner fitting, and prefabricated end frame structure

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