Transport packaging unit

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a transport assembly, comprising: a box portion, comprising a box surface, a box front, a box rear and a pair of box sides, wherein the box front, the box rear and the box sides each extend from the box surface, wherein a gap extends between each of the box sides and the box front; and a drawer portion, comprising a drawer surface, a drawer front and a pair of drawer sides, wherein the drawer front and the drawer sides each extend from the drawer surface, wherein the drawer surface and the drawer sides define an open rear portion facing the drawer front, wherein a gap extends between each of the drawer sides and the drawer front, wherein the box portion and the drawer portion can be arranged so that the inner surface of the drawer front faces the outer surface of the box front, and the inner surface of each box side faces the outer surface of the corresponding drawer side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport assembly and a method of transporting a packaging unit. Background Art

[0002] In industrial environments, products are often shipped and sold in the form of packaging units. A packaging unit may include a vial, a cartridge, an ampoule, a bottle, or a prefillable syringe. In many industries, these different types of packaging units are collectively referred to as "primary packaging", i.e., packaging that comes into direct contact with the final product. The final product may be a food product, a cosmetic product, or a pharmaceutical product. The primary packaging may undergo many manufacturing processes before being filled with the final product. During these processes, the primary packaging is usually processed in batches.

[0003] US 2017 / 0247132A1 describes a support structure comprising a box-shaped upper part and a box-shaped bottom part. The upper part has a flat rectangular bottom, two side walls, and a front side wall and a rear side wall, each of which protrudes vertically from the bottom. The bottom part has a corresponding shape and comprises a flat rectangular bottom and two side walls, each of which protrudes vertically from the bottom. The front side wall and the rear side wall of the upper part can be folded downwards and then form a common plane with the bottom and folded upwards again to form a box-shaped bottom part. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to alleviating problems associated with known transport assemblies.

[0005] According to a first general aspect of the present disclosure, a transport assembly comprises a box portion, the box portion comprising a box surface, a box front, a box rear, and a pair of box sides, wherein the box front, the box rear, and the box sides each extend from the box surface, wherein a gap extends between each of the box sides and the box front; and a drawer portion, comprising a drawer surface, a drawer front, and a pair of drawer sides, wherein the drawer front and the drawer sides each extend from the drawer surface, wherein the drawer surface and the drawer sides define an open rear portion facing the drawer front, wherein a gap extends between each of the drawer sides and the drawer front, wherein the box portion and the drawer portion can be arranged so that the inner surface of the drawer front faces the outer surface of the box front, and the inner surface of each box side faces the outer surface of the corresponding drawer side. The transport assembly according to the present disclosure can surround a plurality of packaging units from all sides to group, transport, and protect the packaging units.

[0006] Each box side can be releasably latched to the corresponding drawer side. For example, the outer surface of each drawer side can include one or more hooks, and the inner surface of each box side can include one or more notches configured to releasably engage the one or more hooks. The hooks can extend along the length of the drawer side. Each box side can include a plurality of notches spaced apart along the height of the box side.

[0007] The drawer front may be releasably latched to the box front. The outer surface of the box front may include a hook, and the inner surface of the drawer front may include one or more notches configured to releasably engage the hook. The inner surface of the drawer front may include a plurality of notches spaced apart along the height of the drawer front. The drawer front may include two or more protrusions that releasably engage a gap extending between each of the box sides and the box front.

[0008] The box front, the box rear and the box sides may each form an obtuse angle relative to the box surface. The drawer front and the drawer sides may each form an obtuse angle relative to the drawer surface.

[0009] The transport assembly may further include an insert defining a plurality of openings, each opening being configured to receive a packaging unit. Each insert opening may have a substantially hexagonal shape. The insert may include a flexible material and be configured to expand and contract.

[0010] The drawer surface may include one or more ridges extending substantially along the length of the drawer surface.

[0011] One or both drawer sides may include one or more apertures extending through the thickness of the drawer side and disposed adjacent the drawer surface.

[0012] According to a second general aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving a box portion including a box surface, a box front, a box rear and a pair of box sides, wherein the box front, the box rear and the box sides each extend from the box surface, wherein a front gap extends between each of the box sides and the box front; arranging a plurality of packaging units in the box portion; receiving a drawer portion, the drawer portion including a drawer surface, a drawer front and a pair of drawer sides, wherein the drawer front and the drawer sides each extend from the drawer surface, wherein the drawer surface and the drawer sides define an open rear portion facing the drawer front, wherein a drawer gap extends between each of the drawer sides and the drawer front; and arranging the drawer portion relative to the box portion so that an inner surface of the drawer front faces an outer surface of the box front, and an inner surface of each box side faces an outer surface of the corresponding drawer side.

[0013] Arranging the plurality of packaging units in the box portion may include receiving an insert defining a plurality of openings, each opening being configured to receive a corresponding container and having a substantially hexagonal opening; placing the insert within the box portion; and arranging one of the plurality of packaging units in each insert opening.

[0014] The method may include placing a drawer surface on a support surface; sliding the drawer portion away from the box portion while the box portion remains in place; and lifting the box portion, and optionally the insert, from the plurality of packaging units.

[0015] These and other embodiments described herein can provide one or more of the following benefits. The transport assembly can be made of rigid or semi-rigid materials (e.g., plastic) to protect the packaging units stored in the transport assembly. The transport assembly can be configured to accommodate packaging units of different heights. The transport assembly can increase the density at which packaging units can be loaded in the transport assembly. The same transport assembly can be used to load packaging units facing different directions. The transport assembly can unload multiple packaging units simultaneously. The transport assembly can be suitable for manual and automatic loading and unloading. The components of the transport assembly can be designed to be reusable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Certain embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an example box for transporting an assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example drawer portion for a transport assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an example insert for a transport assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 Shown is the layout Figure 1 In the box part Figure 3 Inserts;

[0021] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 a box portion having a plurality of vials and an insert;

[0022] Figure 6 An example transport assembly according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 7 Another example transport assembly according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 8Shows Figure 6 The transport component is in an open state;

[0025] Fig. 9 Shows from Figure 6 and Figure 8 The transport assembly unloads the vials;

[0026] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig.11A and Fig. 11B Shows Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Optional features of the transport components;

[0027] Fig.12 A stack of drawer sections is shown;

[0028] Fig.13 shows a stack of box sections; and

[0029] Fig.14 is a schematic overview of a method according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Like reference numbers and designations throughout the various drawings represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 A box portion 12 for use in a transport assembly 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The box portion 12 includes a box surface 14, a box front 16, a box rear 18, and a pair of box sides 20. The box front 16, the box rear 18, and the box sides 20 all extend from the box surface 14. A gap 22 extends between each of the box sides 20 and the box front 16. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the gap 22 includes a first gap section 24 and a second gap section 26 disposed on both sides of a corner post 28. In some cases, the gap 22 may include a single section, such as Figure 6 The box portion 12 is designed to cooperate with the drawer portion 30 to form the transport assembly 10.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the drawer portion 30 includes a drawer surface 32, a drawer front 34 and a pair of drawer sides 36. The drawer front 34 and the drawer sides 36 extend from the drawer surface 32 respectively. The drawer surface 32 and the drawer sides 36 define an open rear portion 38 facing the drawer front 34. When viewed from above, the drawer front 34 and the drawer sides 36 can form a U-shape. A gap 40 extends between each of the drawer sides 36 and the drawer front 34. The drawer front 34 includes an aperture forming a handle 42 and a pair of side protrusions 44 coupled to the box portion 12, as shown in the figure, for example, Figure 7 as shown in .

[0033] When the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 are coupled, they form, for example, a transport assembly 10 for a plurality of packaging units. The transport assembly 10 can be used as a secondary package for primary packages in the food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical industries, i.e., a package that groups, stores and protects the primary packages. Although the expression "primary package" may include vials, cartridges, ampoules, bottles and syringes, to name just a few examples, the following description will refer to "vials" for all types of primary packages.

[0034] Although the vials may be loaded into the transport assembly 10 without any additional structure, Figure 3 An example of an insert 46 is shown that can be disposed in the transport assembly 10 to support vials stored in the transport assembly 10. Generally, the insert 46 defines a plurality of openings 48. Each opening 48 is configured to receive a vial ( Figure 5 ). In the illustrated form, each insert opening 48 has a substantially hexagonal shape. Thus, the insert 46 can be said to have a "honeycomb structure". The insert 46 can be made of a flexible material and expand and contract in the direction of arrow 50. In other cases, the insert 46 can include, for example, a substantially circular opening.

[0035] Figure 4 1 shows a honeycomb insert 46 disposed in the box portion 12. More specifically, the honeycomb insert 46 is arranged to have a plurality of insert openings 48 disposed facing the box surface 14. The honeycomb insert 46 can be designed to have substantially the same dimensions as the box surface 14. In other words, the side 52 ( Figure 3 ) can abut the inner surfaces of the box front 16, the box rear 18, and the box sides 20. When used in the transport assembly 10, the honeycomb insert 46 (or any alternative insert) can maintain the vials stored in the transport assembly 10 in an upright position and prevent contact between individual vials. This separation of the vials can be useful, for example, when the vials are made of glass.

[0036] In some cases, vertical ribs 47 may be integrally formed along sides 52 of honeycomb insert 46, such as at the corners of the honeycomb shape ( Figure 3 ) or integrally formed along the face of the honeycomb. When the insert 46 is arranged in the box portion 12, these ribs 47 can abut the inner surfaces of the box front 16, the box rear 18, and the box sides 20. The ribs 47 can center the honeycomb insert 46 within the transport assembly 10 and prevent the insert 46 from being crushed when the support assembly 10 is placed at the bottom of a stack of assemblies filled with vials.

[0037] Refer again Figure 3, the honeycomb insert 46 may be designed such that the insert opening 48 extends from one side 52 to the other side of the honeycomb insert 46. Thus, little to no space is lost within the transport assembly 10 to the insert 46. The honeycomb insert 46 may support and protect the vials within the transport assembly 10 without substantially reducing the number of vials that may be accommodated within the transport assembly 10.

[0038] Figure 5 The box portion 12 and the honeycomb insert 46 are shown, wherein a plurality of vials 100 are arranged in respective insert openings 48 of the honeycomb insert 46. In general, the vials 100 may have a substantially cylindrical body 101, a closed bottom end 102, and an open end 104 ( Fig. 9 In some cases, the honeycomb insert 46 is designed so that its top surface 54 and bottom surface 56 ( Figure 3 ) is the same. Thus, the honeycomb insert 46 can be inserted into the box portion 12, and the vial 100 can be inserted so that the bottom end 102 is upward, such as Figure 5 , or with the open end 104 facing upward.

[0039] Once the vials 100 have been loaded into the case portion 12, the drawer portion 30 may be placed on top of the case portion 12, such as Figure 6 As shown by the downward arrow in the Figure 6 The box part 12 and the drawer part 30 are Figures 1 to 5 , but the manner of connecting the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 is the same for both designs.

[0040] Figure 7 Shown include Figures 1 to 5 The transport assembly 10 of the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30. Specifically, the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 are arranged so that the inner surface of the drawer front 34 faces the outer surface 58 ( Figure 1 ), and the inner surface of each box side 20 faces the outer surface 60 of the corresponding drawer side 36 ( Figure 2 ).exist Figure 7 In the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the box front 16, the drawer front 34, the box side 20, and the drawer side 36 form a nested structure that surrounds a plurality of vials 100. The gaps 22, 40 in the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 allow the corresponding surfaces to be nested in this manner. The box surface 14 and the drawer surface 32 may form the top and bottom surfaces of the transport assembly 10. For example, Figure 7 The transport assembly 10 may be placed in a sterile outer bag for further transport and handling.

[0041] Figure 81 shows how in some cases vials 100 can be unloaded from transport assembly 10. Drawer portion 30 can be grasped by handle 42 and pulled away from box portion 12 in the direction of arrow 62. Vials 100 remain contained in box portion 12 and can be secured by applying slight downward pressure to box surface 14. In some cases, drawer surface 32 may include a low friction material that easily slides over vials when drawer portion 30 is moved in the manner shown (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ).

[0042] like Fig. 9 As shown in , the box portion 12 and, if included, the honeycomb insert 46 can be lifted from the vial 100 in a single motion, as indicated by the upward arrow. Fig. 9 , the vials 100 are shown with their open ends 104 facing upward. As previously described, the vials 100 are loaded into the box portion 12 with their bottom ends 102 facing upward (see Figure 5 ). To unload the vial 100 in this orientation, Figure 7 The transport assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be “turned over” so that the drawer portion 30 is positioned at the bottom of the transport assembly 10 .

[0043] To secure the transport assembly 10, for example when it is turned over to unload vials, each case side 20 may be releasably latched to a corresponding drawer side 36. Examples of such latches are shown in FIGS. 10 to 11. Fig.12 Shown in.

[0044] like Fig. 10A As shown in the figure, the outer surface 60 of each drawer side 36 may include a hook 64. The inner surface of the box side 20 may include one or more notches 66, which are configured to releasably engage the hook 64. In the example shown, the box side 20 includes three notches 66, which are spaced apart along the height of the box side 20. Multiple notches 66 allow the overall height of the transport assembly 10 to be adjusted based on the vials stored in the transport assembly. For example, the hook 64 and the Fig. 10A The topmost notch 66 in the Fig.11A In the embodiment, the hook 64 engages with the bottommost notch 66, which increases the relative Fig. 10A The overall height of the transport assembly 10. Fig. 10B and Fig. 11B Each shows a partial perspective view of the transport assembly 10 when the hook 64 is engaged with the corresponding notch 66 .

[0045] In some cases, the height of the notch 66 can be adapted to a particular vial size so that the box surface 14 and the drawer surface 32 can clamp a variety of vial sizes therebetween. Clamping a vial (not shown) between the box surface 14 and the drawer surface 32 can further secure the vial, as well as reduce the overall size of the transport assembly 10. In some cases, the box surface 14 can also include a texture or corrugated pattern 67 ( Figure 1 ). For example, the pattern can prevent damage to the vials, facilitate sliding of the vials during unloading, and increase the rigidity of the box portion 12. In addition to the texture or corrugated pattern 67, the box surface 14 can also have a smooth coating 14 ( Figure 1 ) to improve the sliding characteristics of the vial during unloading.

[0046] Similarly, the drawer surface 32 may also include a textured pattern. In some cases, the pattern may form a channel for the sterilizing gas to flow under the bottom of the vial. For example, Fig. 10A and Fig.11A Longitudinal ridges 79 are shown in the drawer surface 38, which can promote the flow of gaseous sterilant around the vials (not shown). In addition, apertures 80 can be formed in the drawer side 36 to allow the gaseous sterilant to flow into the transport assembly 10. The apertures 80 can be disposed adjacent the drawer surface 32 to reduce potential obstruction of the box side 20 when the box portion 12 is coupled to the drawer portion 30 ( Fig.11A and Fig. 11B ).

[0047] like Figure 2 and Fig.12 As shown in , the hook 64 can extend substantially along the entire length of the corresponding drawer side 36. In some cases, the hook 64 can include multiple hook portions arranged at discrete intervals along the length of the corresponding drawer side 36. Figure 8 , the hook 64 can remain engaged with the corresponding notch 66 when moving in the manner shown in the figure, and this continuous hook 64 can reduce the friction between the box part 12 and the drawer part 30. On the contrary, the notch 66 can extend substantially along the entire length of the box side 20, such as Figure 6 As shown in , or can be arranged intermittently and in intervals, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0048] In some cases, the drawer front 34 may also be releasably latched to the box front 16. Such a latch may prevent the drawer portion 30 from accidentally sliding away from the box portion 12 (see Figure 8 ). This disclosure shows two examples of such latches.

[0049] like Fig. 10BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the outer surface 58 of the box front 16 may include a hook 68 that releasably engages one or more notches 70 disposed in the drawer front 34. The notches 70 may correspond to the notches 66 in the box side to enable the drawer front 34 to latch to the box front 16 at various heights ( Fig. 11B ). Alternatively, Figure 7 It is shown that the protrusion 44 provided on the drawer front 34 can extend through the first and second gap sections 24, 26 provided between the box front 16 and the box side 20. Compared with the arrangement of Figures 10 and 11, Figure 7 The arrangement is continuously adjustable in height.

[0050] In addition, if Fig. 10A As shown in , the box side 20 and the drawer side 36 can each form an obtuse angle with the box surface 14 and the drawer surface 32, respectively. Such an obtuse angle can allow the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 to be stacked, such as Fig.12 and Fig.13 When the transport assembly 10 is designed to be reused, stacking the box portion 12 and the drawer portion 30 may be useful. The box front 16 and the box side 18 may also form an obtuse angle relative to the box surface 14. Similarly, the drawer front 34 may also form an obtuse angle relative to the drawer surface 32.

[0051] Fig.14 is a schematic overview of a method 200 according to the present disclosure. The method 200 may be implemented, for example, using any of the transport assemblies 10 described above.

[0052] Method 200 includes receiving 202 box parts, which include box surfaces, box fronts, box rears and a pair of box sides. Box fronts, box rears and box sides extend from box surfaces separately, and front gaps extend between each of box sides and the box front. Method 200 also includes arranging 204 a plurality of packaging units in the box parts. Method 200 also includes receiving 206 drawer parts, which include drawer surfaces, drawer fronts and a pair of drawer sides. Drawer fronts and drawer sides extend from drawer surfaces separately, and drawer surfaces and drawer sides define an opening rear part facing the drawer fronts. Drawer gaps extend between each of drawer sides and the drawer front. Method 200 also includes arranging 208 drawer parts relative to the box parts, so that the inner surface of the drawer front faces the outer surface of the box front, and the inner surface of each box side faces the outer surface of the corresponding drawer side.

[0053] Arranging 208 a plurality of packaging units in a box portion may include receiving an insert defining a plurality of openings, each opening being configured to receive a corresponding container and having a substantially hexagonal opening; placing the insert within the box portion; and arranging one of the plurality of packaging units in each insert opening.

[0054] The method 200 may include placing a drawer surface on a support surface, sliding the drawer portion away from the box portion while the box portion remains in place, and lifting the box portion, and optionally the insert, from the plurality of packaging units.

[0055] A number of embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate many alternative embodiments within the scope of the claims. The embodiments currently described should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A transport assembly comprising: a box portion, the box portion comprising a box surface, a box front, a box rear, and a pair of box sides, wherein the box front, the box rear, and the box sides each extend from the box surface, wherein a gap extends between each of the box sides and the box front; as well as a drawer portion comprising a drawer surface, a drawer front, and a pair of drawer sides, wherein the drawer front and the drawer sides each extend from the drawer surface, wherein the drawer surface and the drawer sides define an open rear portion facing the drawer front, wherein a gap extends between each of the drawer sides and the drawer front, The box part and the drawer part can be arranged such that The inner surface of the drawer front faces the outer surface of the box front, and The inner surface of each box side faces the outer surface of the corresponding drawer side.

2. The transport assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Each bin side releasably latches to a corresponding drawer side.

3. The transport assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The outer surface of each drawer side includes one or more hooks, and wherein the inner surface of each box side includes one or more notches configured to releasably engage the one or more hooks.

4. The transport assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The hook extends along the length of the drawer side.

5. The transport assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each box side includes a plurality of notches spaced apart along a height of the box side.

6. The transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The drawer front is releasably latched to the box front.

7. The transport assembly of claim 6, wherein: The outer surface of the bin front includes hooks, and wherein the inner surface of the drawer front includes one or more notches configured to releasably engage the hooks.

8. The transport assembly of claim 7, wherein: The inner surface of the drawer front includes a plurality of notches spaced apart along the height of the drawer front.

9. The transport assembly of claim 6, wherein: The drawer front includes two or more tabs that releasably engage gaps extending between each of the box sides and the box front.

10. The transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The box front, the box rear, and the box side each form an obtuse angle with respect to the box surface.

11. The transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The drawer front and the drawer sides each form an obtuse angle relative to the drawer surface.

12. The transport assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an insert defining a plurality of openings, each opening being configured to receive a packaging unit.

13. The transport assembly of claim 12, wherein: Each insert opening has a substantially hexagonal shape.

14. The transport assembly of claim 13, wherein: The insert comprises a flexible material and is configured to expand and contract.

15. The transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The drawer surface includes one or more ridges extending substantially along the length of the drawer surface.

16. The transport assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: One or both drawer sides include one or more apertures extending through a thickness of the drawer side and disposed adjacent the drawer surface.

17. A method for transporting a packaging unit, comprising: receiving a box portion including a box surface, a box front, a box rear, and a pair of box sides, wherein the box front, the box rear, and the box sides each extend from the box surface, wherein a front gap extends between each of the box sides and the box front; arranging a plurality of packaging units in the box portion; receiving a drawer portion comprising a drawer surface, a drawer front, and a pair of drawer sides, wherein the drawer front and the drawer sides each extend from the drawer surface, wherein the drawer surface and the drawer sides define an open rear portion facing the drawer front, wherein a drawer gap extends between each of the drawer sides and the drawer front; as well as The drawer portion is arranged relative to the box portion such that an inner surface of the drawer front faces an outer surface of the box front and an inner surface of each box side faces an outer surface of a corresponding drawer side.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein arranging the plurality of packaging units in the box portion comprises: receiving an insert defining a plurality of openings, each opening being configured to receive a corresponding container and having a substantially hexagonal opening; placing the insert within the box portion; as well as One of the plurality of packaging units is arranged in each insert opening.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Place the drawer face on a supporting surface; sliding the drawer portion away from the box portion while the box portion remains in place; as well as The box portions are lifted from the plurality of packaging units.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: The insert is lifted from the plurality of packaging units.

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