CN118891202A

CN118891202A - Supporting foldable element

Info

Publication number: CN118891202A
Application number: CN202380027840.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 达米安·基弗; 本杰明·查萨格纳德; 弗朗索瓦·克鲁泽; 弗洛里安·安托万
Original assignee: Xide Rui Group Co ltd
Current assignee: Xide Rui Group Co ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-14
Filing date: 2023-03-01
Publication date: 2024-11-01
Also published as: WO2023174698A1; EP4245691A1; EP4493489A1

Abstract

A supportive foldable element (3) for supporting an article (2), in particular an article (2) having a cylindrical cross section, the supportive foldable element (3) being configured to be movable from a planar configuration to a folded configuration, and to be movable from the folded configuration to the planar configuration, wherein the supportive foldable element (3) comprises a first portion (5) defining a receiving area (4) in the folded configuration configured to receive a surface of the article (2), and a second portion (37) connected to the first portion (5) defining a supporting area (6) opposite the receiving area (4) in the folded configuration, wherein the receiving area (4) is formed by folding the first portion (5) upwards relative to the second portion (37).

Description

Supporting foldable element

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a supportive foldable element for supporting an article and a packaged product for packaging said product. The invention also relates to a method of packaging an article and to the use of a supportive foldable element or packaged product for packaging an article, in particular a water heater device.

Background

Water heaters are products that currently do not benefit from an effective packaging solution. Indeed, their general nature makes them difficult to package. In fact, these items are large and long products, with a small footprint and a center of gravity that is far from the footprint. In addition, some product technologies, such as heat pump water heaters, may only require vertical transport, making the product easy to fall; horizontal transport is also allowed, but only on one side, not on the heat pump head.

Currently, most water heater packages are made of plastic foam parts (mainly polystyrene), sometimes also wood and cardboard boxes or plastic covers. The foam component is a ligament between the product geometry and the overpack. These solutions are efficient and economical but not environmentally friendly, as the recycling channels for the plastic foam are not developed and the parts cannot be reused directly.

Some all-board solutions are being developed for the top and bottom of electric water heater tanks. This is because the electric water heater is smaller and less fragile and therefore does not require side packaging reinforcement. Other all-board solutions designed for thermodynamic water heaters have four triangular board holders folded by four sides beyond the full height of the product, requiring a large amount of board. Currently, this reinforcement function of the water heater side is mainly filled with plastic or foam.

It is therefore desirable to obtain a packaged product and a packaging method that is efficient and at the same time environmentally friendly. In particular, packaging requires tall items that fit small footprints and high centers of gravity.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is solved by a supportive foldable element for supporting an article, in particular an article having a cylindrical cross section, the supportive foldable element being configured to be movable from a planar configuration to a folded configuration and vice versa, wherein the supportive foldable element comprises a first portion defining a receiving area of a surface configured to receive the article in the folded configuration and a second portion connected to the first portion defining a supporting area opposite the receiving area in the folded configuration, wherein the receiving area is formed by folding the first portion upwards relative to the second portion.

Advantageously, the present support element can be used to support articles in a folded configuration, the element being flat and deployable after use, limiting the space required for transportation and thus reducing the environmental footprint. The present support element further provides reliable package reinforcement at the sides of the product. Furthermore, the support element is a high performance solution to absorb the impact of the article and is compatible with the various phases of use of the article. Furthermore, this is an easy to modify solution, since it does not require major industrial tools.

The present support element is made such that the vertical portion exceeds the centre of gravity of the article and the panel is sufficiently strong. This allows the articles to be placed horizontally when packaged and compatible with the following handling operations: horizontal storage, horizontal transportation and horizontal dumping.

The complete package of the product may be as follows: at least two panels on the sides of the article, a cardboard wedge under the product, a tray under the product, a wedge assembly, and a cardboard box covering the sides and top of the product entirely. This solution can therefore avoid the need for a packing wedge on top of the product, which is an advantage over the existing universal solutions.

According to one example, in the folded configuration, the supportive foldable element extends longitudinally, wherein the receiving area is located at an upper portion of the supportive foldable element, and the supporting area defines a length of the supportive foldable element. In particular, the receiving area and the supporting area may at least partially overlap. Further, the first portion may be connected to the second portion at a connection point, the receiving area may extend between the connection point and the first point, and the support area may extend between the connection point and the second point, wherein a distance between the connection point and the first point may be less than a distance between the connection point and the second point. Further, in one example, the support region defines a length of the supportive foldable element that is greater than a height of a center of gravity of the article. This improves the stability of the article when supported by the foldable element.

In one example, the first portion includes at least a first foldable panel, and the second portion includes at least a second foldable panel, a third foldable panel, and a fourth foldable panel. In particular, in the folded configuration, the supportive foldable element may be in a three-dimensional T-shaped structure, wherein the receiving area is arranged laterally with respect to the supporting area.

In order to support an article having a cylindrical cross-section, the receiving area may have a curved profile in the folded configuration.

In a further example, the first panel has a polygonal shape with a central aperture, in particular having an elliptical or circular shape. The first panel is foldable such that a first half of the first panel is folded upwardly relative to a second half of the first panel to form a curved profile.

In another example, the first panel includes at least a first slot disposed on the second half and insertable into a portion of the second panel. Furthermore, the first panel comprises at least a first reinforcing flap arranged on the first half and foldable with respect to the second half. In particular, the first panel may further comprise a second groove arranged on the second half for receiving the first reinforcing baffle, wherein in particular the first reinforcing baffle is hinged to a portion of the central aperture and the second groove is arranged opposite the first reinforcing baffle.

In another example, the second panel has a polygonal shape with a main sub-panel, a first lateral sub-panel, and a second lateral sub-panel, wherein in the folded configuration, the first and second lateral sub-panels are configured with the receiving area of the first portion to horizontally support the article. It is noted that the foldable support element is capable of supporting the weight of the article in the main direction of the first portion. In particular, due to the geometry of the lateral sub-panels and the geometry of the first and second halves of the first panel of the first portion, the article may be supported horizontally, which is important in packaging. The second panel may include at least a third slot and be insertable into a portion of the first panel.

In one example, the third panel and the fourth panel have a polygonal shape, each including a first sub-panel and a second sub-panel. Further, the third panel and the fourth panel may each include at least an opening, and the second panel may include at least two second reinforcing flaps, wherein in the folded configuration the second reinforcing flaps of the second panel are insertable into the respective openings of the third panel and the fourth panel.

In another example, the supportive foldable element is a unitary element made of recyclable material, in particular cardboard. The supportive foldable element may be free of any polymeric material, in particular polystyrene.

The supportive foldable member may be comprised of different types of materials used as panels (e.g., cardboard, extruded plastic, foam board, cellulose board, etc.).

The cardboard sheets may be of several types, such as honeycomb, corrugated, wooden, laminated, glued back, etc.

The use of recyclable materials, which are available and free of recycling channels, makes the element environmentally friendly. Furthermore, the single material part without lamination allows recycling without industrial action.

In one example, the foldable support element forms a three-dimensional structure in a folded configuration extending longitudinally at least partially along an outer surface of the article and covering a distance between a third point located at a bottom of the article and a fourth point located at a center of gravity of the article. This makes possible a good shock absorption and a safe packaging of articles with a high centre of gravity.

Notably, the foldable support element may be advantageously shaped so that it can be inserted into the article or other part of its packaging to ensure its position. In addition, it may be shaped to accommodate other parts, such as accessories or instructions for use.

In another aspect of the invention, a packaged product is provided for packaging an article, in particular an article having a cylindrical cross section, comprising at least one supportive foldable element according to the invention, at least one base element at the bottom of the article, and a containment box element for containing the article, the at least one supportive foldable element and the at least one base element.

In one example, the product includes two supportive foldable elements arranged such that the receiving area of one supportive foldable element faces the receiving area of the other supportive foldable element. In particular, the product may comprise at least two base elements, wherein each supportive foldable element is at least partially inserted in a gap formed between two consecutive base elements.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of packaging an article, particularly an article having a cylindrical cross section, is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

folding the supportive foldable element into the folded configuration using at least one supportive foldable element of the present invention;

Disposing the folded supportive foldable element such that the receiving area faces the surface of the article;

Disposing at least one base element at a bottom of the article; and

A containment box element for containing an article, at least one supportive foldable element and at least a base element is provided, wherein a portion of the containment box element is flush with a support area of the folded supportive foldable element.

In one example, the method includes using two supportive foldable elements, wherein the folded supportive foldable elements are arranged equidistant from each other around the surface of the article.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of the supportive foldable element of the invention or the packaged product of the invention for packaging and articles. The supportive foldable element of the invention or the packaged product of the invention is used for packaging heating devices, in particular water heater devices.

Drawings

In the drawings, the subject matter of the present invention is schematically illustrated, with elements of the same or similar function generally having the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1A-C illustrate representative views of a supportive foldable element in a planar configuration and a folded configuration, according to one example.

Figures 2A-C illustrate perspective views of a supportive foldable element and packaged product according to one example.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A shows the supportive foldable element 3 in a planar configuration. It is noted that this configuration may be provided before and after use. The supportive foldable element 3 can thus be transported and/or replaced conveniently in the storage space. The supportive foldable element 3 comprises a first part 5 and a second part 37 connected to the first part 5 at a connection point 38. In particular, the first portion 5 is constituted by a foldable first panel 7 having a polygonal shape. According to the example of fig. 1A, the first panel 7 is square or rectangular with an oval or circular central aperture 14. The second portion 37 is formed by the foldable second panel 8, the foldable third panel 9 and the foldable fourth panel 10. It is noted that a portion of the first panel 7 is connected to a portion of the second panel 8 at a connection point 38 by a first fold line 11. A portion of the third panel 9 is connected to a portion of the second panel 8 by a second fold line 12 and a portion of the fourth panel 10 is connected to a portion of the second panel 8 by a third fold line 13.

Fig. 1B and 1C show the supportive foldable element 3 in a folded configuration. In this configuration, the first portion 5 defines a receiving area 4 configured to receive a surface of an article. In particular, the receiving area 4 has a curved profile which may be adapted to the outer surface of an article having a cylindrical cross section, such as a water heater unit. Opposite the receiving portion 4, a support portion 6 is provided. The support portion 6 is delimited by a second portion 37 in a folded configuration. The support portion 6 has an almost flat surface adapted to be flush with the outer packaging element when provided around the article 2 (see fig. 3C). In the folded configuration, the supportive foldable element 3 forms a three-dimensional T-shaped structure with the receiving area 4 extending laterally to the support area 37.

The receiving area 4 is formed by folding the first part 5 upwards relative to the second part 37. In particular, the first panel 7 of the first portion 5 comprises a first half 15 and a second half 16, and is folded such that the first half 15 is folded upwards with respect to the second half 16 to form a curved profile. In order to keep the first portion 5 in the folded configuration, the second half 16 is provided with two first grooves 18, the first grooves 18 being configured to be inserted into a portion of the second panel 8 of the second portion 37. In particular, two first slots 18 can be inserted into two corresponding third slots 24 present in the second panel 8 arranged close to the first fold line 11.

The first panel 7 of the first portion 5 is also provided with a first reinforcing baffle 17 hinged at the central aperture 14. At least one first reinforcing flap 17 is arranged on the first half 15 of the first panel 7 and a second slot 34 is arranged on the second half 16 of the first panel 7 opposite the first reinforcing flap 17, such that in the folded configuration the first reinforcing flap 17 can be inserted into the second slot 34 when the second half 16 is folded upwards relative to the second portion 37 for receiving the area 4.

The third panel 9 and the fourth panel 10 are folded upwards with respect to the second panel 8 to form the support area 6. In particular, the second panel 8 has a polygonal shape with a main sub-panel 19, a first lateral sub-panel 20 and a second lateral sub-panel 21. The first lateral sub-panel 20 is connected to a portion of the main sub-panel 19 by a fourth fold line 22 and the second lateral sub-panel 21 is connected to a portion of the main sub-panel 19 by a fifth fold line 23. The third panel 9 and the fourth panel 10 have a polygonal shape, each comprising a first sub-panel 25 and a second sub-panel 26. Each first sub-panel 25 is connected to each second sub-panel 26 by a sixth fold line 27, the second sub-panel 26 of the third panel 9 is connected to a portion of the second panel 8 by a second fold line 12, and the second sub-panel 26 of the fourth panel 10 is connected to a portion of the second panel 8 by a third fold line 13.

The third panel 9 and the fourth panel 10 each comprise at least an opening 28 (in the first sub-panel 25), and the second panel 8 comprises at least two second reinforcing baffles 29 (in the main sub-panel 19). In the folded configuration, the second reinforcing baffle 29 of the second panel 8 can be inserted into the respective openings 29 of the third panel 9 and the fourth panel 10 for the purpose of supporting the area 6. Fig. 1C shows a configuration in which the second reinforcing baffle 29 has not been inserted into the opening 28, and the second sub-panel 26 has not been folded up completely relative to the main sub-panel 19 (the first sub-panel 25 has not been drawn for clarity).

As shown, the receiving area 4 is located at an upper portion of the supportive foldable element 3, and the support area 6 defines a length of the supportive foldable element 3, wherein the receiving area 4 partially overlaps the upper portion of the support area 6. In particular, the receiving area 4 extends between the connection point 38 and the first point 39, and the support area 37 extends between the connection point 38 and the second point 40. It should be noted that the distance L1 between the connection point 38 and the first point 39 is smaller than the distance L2 between the connection point 38 and the second point 40.

Figures 2A-2C show the use of a supportive foldable element 3 for supporting an article 2 and for packaging the article 2. For example, the article 2 is a device having a cylindrical cross section, in particular a water heater unit.

For supporting the article 2, two supportive foldable elements 3 in a folded configuration may be used. Accordingly, after folding each of the two supportive foldable elements 3, they are arranged with the receiving area 4 facing the surface of the article 2. Fig. 2A shows the situation without the article 2, while fig. 2B shows the situation where the article 2 is placed between two supportive foldable elements 3. The two supportive foldable elements 3 are arranged opposite each other and are inserted in a gap 35 formed between the two base elements 32. It is noted that the base element 32 may be, for example, a cardboard foldable element. As shown in fig. 2B, the two supportive foldable elements 3 have the function of reinforcing the sides of the article 2 (i.e. the water heater) without filling the package with plastic or foam. The foldable support element 3 in the folded configuration forms a three-dimensional structure extending longitudinally at least partially along the outer surface of the article 2 and covering the distance between the third point 30 and the fourth point 31. Specifically, the third point 30 is located at the bottom of the article 2 and the fourth point 31 is located at the center of gravity of the article 2. This results in a better stability of the package. In fact, this configuration prevents the articles 2 from falling during, for example, transport.

In order to improve the movement of the article 2, the article 2 with the supportive foldable element 3 and the base element 32 may be arranged on a tray element 36.

Packaging of the article 2 may be accomplished by providing a containment box element 33. As shown in fig. 2C, the containing box element 33 contains the article 2, the supportive foldable element 3 and the base element 32, thereby constituting the packaged product 1. It is noted that the portion accommodating the box element 33 is flush with the support area 6 of the folded supportive foldable element 3.

Reference marks

1. Packaging product

2. Article and method for manufacturing the same

3. Supporting foldable element

4. Receiving area

5. First part

6. Support area

7. First panel

8. Second panel

9. Third panel

10 Fourth panel

11. First folding line

12. Second folding line

13. Third folding line

14. Center hole

15. First half part

16 Second half

17. First reinforcing baffle

18. First groove

19 Main sub panel

20 First lateral sub-panel

21. Second lateral sub-panel

22. Fourth folding line

23. Fifth folding line

24 Third groove

25 First sub-panel

26 Second sub-panel

27 Sixth folding line

28 Openings

29 Second reinforcing baffle

30 Third point

31 Fourth point

32 Base element

33 House box elements

34 Second groove

35 Gap

36 Tray element

37 Second part

38 Connection point

39 First point

40 Second point.

Claims

1. A supporting foldable element (3) for supporting an object (2), in particular an object (2) having a cylindrical cross section, the supporting foldable element (3) being configured to be movable from a planar configuration into a folded configuration and from a folded configuration into a planar configuration,

The supportive foldable element (3) comprises a first part (5) and a second part (37) connected to the first part (5), wherein the first part (5) defines a receiving area (4) configured to receive a surface of the article (2) in the folded configuration, and the second part (37) defines a supporting area (6) opposite to the receiving area (4) in the folded configuration, wherein the receiving area (4) is formed by folding the first part (5) upward relative to the second part (37).

2. The foldable element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the folded configuration, the supporting foldable element (3) extends longitudinally and:

a. The receiving area (4) is located in the upper part of the supporting foldable element (3), and the supporting area (6) defines the length (L2) of the supporting foldable element (3); and/or

b. the receiving area (4) at least partially overlaps the supporting area (6); and/or

c. the first part (5) is connected to the second part (37) at a connection point (38), the receiving area (4) extends between the connection point (38) and a first point (39), the supporting area (37) extends between the connection point (38) and a second point (40), wherein the distance between the connection point (38) and the first point (39) is smaller than the distance between the connection point (38) and the second point (40); and/or

d. The support area (6) defines a length (L2) of the supportive foldable element (3), the length (L2) being configured to be greater than the height of the center of gravity of the object (2).

3. The foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that

a. the first portion (5) comprises at least a foldable first panel (7), the second portion (37) comprises at least a foldable second panel (8), a foldable third panel (9) and a foldable fourth panel (10); and/or

b. In the folded configuration, the supporting foldable element (3) is a three-dimensional T-shaped structure, wherein the receiving area (4) is arranged transversely relative to the supporting area (6); and/or

c. In the folded configuration, the receiving area (4) has a curved shape.

4. The foldable element (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that

a. The first panel (7) has a polygonal shape with a central hole (14), the central hole (14) in particular having an elliptical or circular shape, and/or

b. The first panel (7) is foldable such that a first half (15) of the first panel (7) is folded upward relative to a second half (16) of the first panel (7) to form a curved profile.

5. The foldable element (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that

a. the first panel (7) comprises at least a first slot (18), the first slot being arranged on the second half (16) and being insertable into a portion of the second panel (8); and/or

b. The first panel (7) comprises at least a first reinforcing baffle (17), the first reinforcing baffle being arranged on the first half (15) and being foldable relative to the second half (16);

c. The first panel further includes a second groove (34) arranged on the second half (16) for receiving a first reinforcing baffle (17), wherein in particular the first reinforcing baffle (17) is hinged to a part of the center hole (14), and the second groove (34) is arranged opposite to the first reinforcing baffle (17).

6. The foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that

a. the second panel (8) has a polygonal shape having a main sub-panel (19), a first lateral sub-panel (20) and a second lateral sub-panel (21), wherein in the folded configuration, the first and second lateral sub-panels (20, 21) together with the receiving area (4) of the first portion (5) are configured to horizontally support the article (2); and/or

b. The second panel (8) comprises at least a third slot (24) and is insertable into a portion of the first panel (7).

7. The foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that

a. The third panel (9) and the fourth panel (10) have a polygonal shape, each comprising a first sub-panel (25) and a second sub-panel (26); and/or

b. The third panel (9) and the fourth panel (10) each include at least an opening (28), and the second panel (8) includes at least two second reinforcing baffles (29), wherein in the folded configuration, the second reinforcing baffles (28) of the second panel (8) can be inserted into the corresponding openings (29) of the third panel (9) and the fourth panel (10).

8. The foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

a. The supporting foldable element (3) is a one-piece element made of recyclable material, in particular cardboard; and/or

b. The supporting foldable element (3) does not contain any polymeric material, in particular polystyrene.

9. The foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is characterized in that the foldable support element (3) forms a three-dimensional structure in the folded configuration, extending longitudinally at least partially along the outer surface of the article (2) and covering the distance between a third point (30) and a fourth point (31), wherein the third point (30) is located at the bottom of the article (2) and the fourth point (31) is located at the center of gravity of the article (2).

10. A packaging product (1) for packaging articles (2), in particular articles (2) having a cylindrical cross-section, the packaging product (1) comprising at least one supporting foldable element (3) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, at least one base element (32) located at the bottom of the article (2), and a accommodating box element (33) for accommodating the article (2), at least one supporting foldable element (3) and at least the base element (32).

11. A packaged product (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the product (1) comprises two supporting foldable elements (3), which are arranged so that the receiving area (4) of one supporting foldable element (3) faces the receiving area (4) of the other supporting foldable element (3).

12. A packaged product (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the product (1) comprises at least two base elements (32), wherein each supporting foldable element (3) is at least partially inserted into a gap (35) formed between two consecutive base elements (32).

13. A method for packaging articles (2), in particular articles (2) having a cylindrical cross section, the method comprising:

using at least one supporting foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, folding the supporting foldable element (3) into the folded configuration;

Arranging the folded supporting foldable element (3) so that the receiving area (4) faces the surface of the object (2);

at least one base element (32) is arranged at the bottom of the article (2); and

A housing box element (33) is provided for housing the article (2), at least one of the supporting foldable elements (3) and the at least base element (32), wherein a portion of the housing box element (33) is flush with the supporting area (6) of the folded supporting foldable element (3).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises the use of two supporting foldable elements (3), wherein the folded supporting foldable elements (3) are arranged equidistant from each other around the surface of the object (2).

15. Use of a supporting foldable element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a packaging product according to any one of claims 10 to 12 for packaging objects (2), in particular water heater devices.