Packaging box
By installing retractable wheel units at the corners of cardboard boxes and utilizing a two-way ratchet mechanism to achieve the rotational stepping movement of the wheels, the problem of inconvenient handling of large and heavy items during transportation is solved, providing an economical and reliable solution.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AIYANZ PTE LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, large and heavy items are inconvenient to handle and are easily damaged during transportation and delivery. In addition, the existing packaging boxes with retractable wheels are complex in design, costly and unreliable.
Design a wheeled cardboard box by installing retractable wheel units at the corners of the box and using a two-way ratchet mechanism to achieve the rotational step movement of the wheels. The wheels retract during transportation and extend when in use, simplifying the handling process.
It provides a convenient, economical, and reliable method that reduces reliance on handcarts, lowers handling difficulty and risk of damage, and is applicable to existing cardboard boxes without significant changes.
Smart Images
Figure CN122161747A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023903616, filed on 10 November 2023, and Australian Full Patent Application No. 2024203450, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to a packaging box, carton, gift box or the like, specifically for transporting bulky or heavy items for final delivery to the end consumer. Background Technology
[0004] Most consumer goods are sold in one form or another of packaging. For larger and / or heavier items, such as televisions, these items are typically packaged in cardboard boxes or cartons, using expanded polystyrene or foam inserts and / or folded cardboard inserts or similar materials to secure the items and prevent them from moving inside the box. This cushions the items from damage during transport and handling.
[0005] Items are packaged in boxes at the factory and then transported to retail stores or warehouses in containers or similar containers for online sale and delivery. Once purchased, they are delivered to the end customer via courier or other delivery services, or in some cases, the customer picks up the item at the store and drives it home.
[0006] Customers sometimes carry items or place them on a trolley. Couriers and delivery drivers typically use two-wheeled handcarts or similar vehicles for delivery. However, even after the product has been delivered, it usually needs to be moved by the customer to another location, such as the room where the product will be used.
[0007] Moving such large and heavy items can be inconvenient for both delivery drivers and end customers, and improper handling can lead to serious injuries, including back injuries.
[0008] Recently, the mattress industry has undergone a transformation, with mattresses being sold directly to customers that can be compressed, vacuum-packed, and rolled up for storage. Even when compressed, mattresses remain bulky and heavy. It's well known that for very heavy and bulky items like mattresses, boxes and cartons with wheels attached to the corners are provided.
[0009] However, installing the outer wheels is more complex and increases costs, and usually requires wooden inserts that allow the wheels to be attached from the outside. This process can be quite time-consuming, and the end result is not particularly attractive, making the packaging less appealing to customers.
[0010] Numerous solutions have been proposed in the past for packaging boxes including retractable wheels, including US 3462171, US10328961, US 20050217071, and US 20050269791. However, these solutions have been unsuccessful for many reasons, including cost. The added wheels significantly increase packaging costs, are complex and unreliable in design, are often too expensive to implement, and in many cases require too many changes to the cardboard box and design to be implemented cost-effectively.
[0011] The present invention seeks to solve this problem and provides a cardboard box that can solve and at least partially alleviate some of these problems.
[0012] Any discussion of documents, actions, materials, devices, articles, or the like included in this specification shall not be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters constitute part of the prior art or common knowledge in the field relating to this disclosure prior to the priority date of each appended claim. Summary of the Invention
[0013] According to the present invention, a wheeled cardboard box is provided having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, a side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, and a wheel unit for rotating the box, mounted in a recess at a corner of the box. The wheel unit includes a first fixing portion and a second portion. The first fixing portion is capable of being fixed to the box or its contents, the box including packaging contained therein. The second portion includes and supports casters, wheels, or the like, and is pivotally mounted to the first portion via a bidirectional ratchet mechanism that allows the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the wheel of the wheel unit extends beyond the wall of the box to support wheeled movement of the box. In the retracted position, the wheel is substantially contained within the box and does not significantly protrude beyond the wall of the box. The bidirectional ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of relatively rotatable, opposing corrugated mating surfaces.
[0014] Therefore, when the wheel assembly is retracted, the box occupies no more volume than existing wheelless boxes, and can be extended for use by end customers or delivery drivers, thereby eliminating the need for handcarts, trolleys or similar items.
[0015] Typically, the mating surfaces of a two-way ratchet mechanism define radially extending teeth and are connected by a bridging portion.
[0016] Preferably, the radially extending teeth have a triangular cross-sectional shape, and the angle of the side of the teeth is 30° to 60° relative to the base of the triangle.
[0017] Typically, the mating surfaces of a two-way ratchet mechanism are roughly annular.
[0018] Preferably, the first and second parts of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are made of plastic material.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the box includes two wheel units located in a recess on opposite sides of one (bottom) corner of the box.
[0020] In a related aspect, a wheel assembly is provided for insertion into a cardboard box or the like, the wheel assembly for rotating the box on its wheels, the wheel assembly comprising two wheel units and a body portion, each wheel unit comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being fixed to the body portion, the second portion including and supporting a caster, wheel, or the like, and pivotally mounted to the first portion via a bidirectional ratchet mechanism that allows the wheel to rotate and step between a first position and a second position relative to the first portion, wherein the bidirectional ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of opposing mating surfaces capable of relative rotation, wherein the wheel unit is mounted to the body portion when the wheels of the wheel unit are coaxial with each other and the bidirectional ratchet mechanism is coaxial with each other.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the main body includes a head and a rod, the first part of each wheel unit is fixed to the head, and the rod is located between the wheel units, such that when the wheel is in the first position, the overall shape of the wheel assembly is approximately cuboid.
[0022] The main body is typically made of foamed plastic material, preferably polystyrene foam.
[0023] Typically, the first part of the wheel unit is fixed to the body part using an adhesive or similar material.
[0024] Its advantage lies in its ease of use with existing packaging systems, as it can be easily integrated by simply removing a portion of the packaging and positioning the unit within the cavity. Typically, the cavity will be in the form of a cuboid.
[0025] Advantageously, the wheel assembly can be used with any existing cardboard box because it is enclosed within the box and does not need to be manufactured with or become part of the box. All that is required is to identify the location of the box portion that must be removed to accommodate the wheels. Therefore, the wheel assembly is significantly more practical and cheaper to use than previous attempts to produce wheeled boxes.
[0026] On the other hand, a package is also provided comprising a cardboard box having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall and a sidewall extending between the first wall and the second wall. The package contains a product such as an electrical appliance. The package includes a wheel unit mounted in a recess at a corner of the box for rotating the box. The wheel unit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is fixed to the box or its contents. The box includes packaging contained within the box. The second portion includes and supports casters, wheels, or the like, and is pivotally mounted to the first portion via a two-way ratchet mechanism that allows the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the wheel of the wheel unit extends beyond the wall of the box to support wheeled movement of the box. In the retracted position, the wheel is largely contained within the box and does not significantly protrude beyond the wall of the box. The two-way ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of opposing mating surfaces capable of relative rotation.
[0027] In another aspect, a method is provided for providing an apparatus packaged in a wheeled cardboard box, the method comprising the following steps:
[0028] Cardboard boxes are provided;
[0029] The device is provided along with protective packaging for insertion into the box, wherein the packaging defines the space where the wheel assembly according to the first aspect of the invention is located;
[0030] The appliance, the protective packaging, and the wheel assembly are inserted into the cardboard box, wherein the wheels of the wheel assembly are positioned adjacent to the corners of the cardboard box;
[0031] Optionally, the box is cut to define two holes at the corner, thereby allowing the wheel to emerge from the box.
[0032] Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations thereof (such as “comprises” or “comprising”) should be understood to imply inclusion of a stated element, whole or step, or group of elements, whole or steps, but does not exclude any other element, whole or step, or group of elements, whole or steps. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the packaging box, indicating the location of the wheel assembly;
[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of the packaging box, showing the location of the wheel assembly;
[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the corner of the packaging box, showing the wheel assembly in an open or extended state;
[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the corner of the packaging box, showing the wheel assembly in a closed or retracted state;
[0038] Figure 5 This is a top view of a part of the wheel assembly;
[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of a portion of the wheel assembly;
[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Front view of a portion of the wheel assembly;
[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A rear view of a portion of the wheel assembly; and
[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A side view of a portion of the wheel assembly;
[0043] Figure 10 It is a photographic image showing the corner of the television set's packaging box, which shows the wheel assembly in its retracted position;
[0044] Figure 11 It shows the relationship with Figure 10 The same corner, where part of the outer packaging box has been removed to reveal more wheel assembly parts;
[0045] Figure 12 It shows the relationship with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The same corner, where more of the outer packaging boxes were removed to show even more wheel assemblies;
[0046] Figure 13 It shows the relationship with Figures 10 to 12 The same corner, where the wheel assembly has been completely removed, shows the cavity in which the wheel assembly is fixed;
[0047] Figure 14 This is a top view of the wheel assembly;
[0048] Figure 15 This is a top perspective view of the wheel assembly from one side, showing the wheels unfolded;
[0049] Figure 16This is a side view of the wheel assembly; and
[0050] Figure 17 This is a bottom view of the wheel assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0051] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A wheeled cardboard box 10 is shown, with an area 12 around a lower corner of the box highlighted as the location of the wheel assembly. The box is in the form of a cuboid. It has a first or top surface 14 (when the box is oriented on its bottom), a second or bottom surface 16, and side walls / faces in the form of a front wall 18, a rear wall 20, and end walls 22, 24.
[0052] As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the retractable wheel unit 30 is defined on each side of the sidewall 22 in a bottom corner 12 of the box, one adjacent to the front wall 18 and one adjacent to the rear wall 20. Each wheel unit 30 includes a wheel 32. The wheel units 30 are mounted in the box such that the wheels of each assembly are coaxially mounted, as described in more detail below. A handle—typically an inwardly folding flap (not shown) of the box—is defined at least on the side 24 opposite the wheel.
[0053] Figures 5 to 9 The two components of wheel unit 30 are shown; these two components pivot together and can rotate around. Figure 5 The axis “A” shown rotates relative to each other. The assembly includes a mount 40 and a wheel support 42, the wheel support being pivotally mounted to the mount via a two-way ratchet mechanism. Both components are typically molded from a high-strength plastic material to minimize cost, but they can be made from any suitable material, including metal. It should be noted that the wheel unit 30 is typically used only a few times, so while it must be robust enough to function, it does not need to be particularly durable. Furthermore, the fact that the wheel unit typically retracts significantly during transport tends to protect it from damage during transit. The wheel itself is not in... Figures 5 to 9 As shown in the text, but Figures 10 to 17 As shown, these wheels are typically standard commercially available wheels or casters made of plastic and / or elastomeric materials and may include metal axles.
[0054] For reference Figure 5 and 9 Ideally viewed, the mountable component comprises a flat rectangular plate 44, which defines a vertical return portion 46 at one end and a pair of gears or ratchet 48 at the opposite end. (See side view) Figure 9 As can be seen, the depth of side 50 increases toward the gear. Each side defines a through hole 52.
[0055] Ratchets 48 are parallel and spaced apart, and the outer surface of each ratchet defines an annular ring defining a contoured annular surface 60, which defines an engagement structure. The engagement structure consists of radially extending teeth 61 extending radially from the central axis A of the ratchet, and these teeth have a triangular cross-section and define a triangular wave pattern, as shown in... Figure 5 The best view is from the center. The angle of the side of tooth 61 is typically 30° to 60° with the base of the triangle, most commonly about 45°. The profile surface faces outward. At the center of the ratchet, there is a circular bolt 49 protruding from the annular ring. Axis A (see...) Figure 9 (Pass through the center of stud 49)
[0056] As in Figure 5 and 9 As best seen, the wheel support 42 defines a pair of parallel and spaced-apart opposing annular ratchet 70s at one end. The inner surface of each wheel 70 defines an annular ring, which defines a wavy profile annular surface 72 that mates with the profile surface 60. The engagement structure consists of radially extending teeth 73 extending from the central axis A of the ratchet 70, and these teeth have a triangular cross-section corresponding to the tooth 61 and define a triangular wave pattern. As discussed above, the dimensions and construction of the profile surface 72 are identical to the outer surface 60 of the ratchet 48 of the mountable member 40, such that they mate with each other as... Figure 5 As shown. (As in...) Figure 9 As best seen in the image, at the center of each ratchet 70, there is a circular hole 73 positioned around the stud 49.
[0057] The bidirectional ratchets of the wheel support are positioned and supported by bridging portions 78, which connect them together and bias them to engage with the ratchet 48 of the retainable mount 40. When the component deforms, the wheel support can rotate relative to the retainable mount while the engaging structures slide over each other, and the mating surfaces 60, 72 slightly separate before locking with the mating surfaces that engage with each other.
[0058] As in Figure 5 and 9 As best viewed, two parallel arms 80 extend away from the ratchet, and the distal end of each arm defines a generally circular plate 82 with a central hole 84. In use, as in... Figures 10 to 17 As best seen in the image, the plate support is mounted on shaft 86, which passes through and is located between the center holes (see [reference]). Figure 14 32. Wheels, rollers, casters or similar objects on a wheel.
[0059] In one embodiment, referring back to Figures 3 and 4, during the manufacture of the packaging box, two recesses 100 are defined in a bottom corner of the packaging box. As shown, the recesses 100 are defined on their outer sides by the front wall 18 and the rear wall 20 of the packaging box, and their inner walls are separated by a middle portion 102 of the side walls and the bottom wall. The recesses are rectangular in shape, having a top 100A and vertical end walls (not shown, as they are hidden by the wheel assembly 30).
[0060] The packaging box forms two recesses 100. Any suitable method can be used to form the recesses 100. Once the recesses are formed, the wheel units can be secured in place. This can be done by applying adhesive to the mounting surfaces 44 and 46 of the wheel assembly 30 and adhering these surfaces to the top 100 and end walls of the recesses. An elongated support rod or flat rod (not shown) extends through holes 52 in the arms of the fixing supports of the two wheel assemblies, and this helps to hold the wheel assemblies in place and ensure they are parallel.
[0061] In use, the packaging box is manufactured with the wheels retracted, as shown in Figure 4. Typically, when the packaging box reaches the retailer or end user, the wheels 32 are unfolded for use, as shown in Figures 3 and 2. Pulling the wheels causes the ratchet to rotate around its axis. Figure 2 In the extended or unfolded position shown. If necessary, the wheels can be pushed back into the recess in the opposite direction, but usually the packaging will be processed / recycled once it reaches the end customer.
[0062] Although the described embodiment has only two wheel units in one lower corner, it will be understood that wheel units can be arranged in two or more corners. It will also be understood that while the described embodiment relies on two spaced-apart wheel units, only one wheel assembly can be provided at a corner.
[0063] When not in use, the wheel assembly can be covered, but this is considered unnecessary.
[0064] Figures 10 to 17 Another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. Figures 14 to 17 Wheel assembly 190 was displayed. Figures 10 to 12 The image shows a wheel assembly inside a packaging box, which includes the packaging and a television set inside the box. Figure 13 Cavity 192 in the box containing the wheel assembly is shown.
[0065] First refer to Figure 13Generally, the packaging material protecting television equipment (in this case, foam plastic, typically polyethylene foam, but any suitable packaging material, including foam plastic, paper packaging, expanded polystyrene) usually fills the gaps in the box and extends to the corners to restrict the movement of the equipment during transport. In this case, a rectangular cavity 192 in the shape of a cuboid is formed in one corner of the packaging material.
[0066] Figures 14 to 17 A wheel assembly 190 is shown fixed within a cavity. The wheel assembly comprises two wheel units 30 mounted to a body portion 200, which is generally T-shaped and has an elongated support leg member 202 and a vertical head 204 located between the two wheel units. The embodiment of the body portion described and shown is formed of polystyrene foam, but any suitable material can be used.
[0067] As in Figure 16 As best seen in the image, the contour and construction of one face 206 of the main body portion are configured to receive and mate with the wheel support 42, which is typically secured to the main body portion 200 with a strong adhesive. Specifically, the main body portion defines a recess / structure 208 to receive and engage with the side 50 of the fixing member, the plate 44, and the return portion 46. (As shown in...) Figure 15 As can be seen, plate 44 and the outer top surface 208 of the main body are generally flush with each other. In this way, when the wheel unit is attached to each side of the main body, with the wheel in the retracted position, as... Figure 16 As shown, the entire final wheel assembly is typically in the shape of a cuboid.
[0068] Wheel assemblies are typically attached to the packaging using strong adhesives.
[0069] refer to Figure 10 and 12 The corners of the box containing the wheel assembly are usually indicated on the outside of the packaging, for example, by an arrow. Wheel assemblies can be used with standard cardboard boxes. No significant changes to the cardboard box manufacturing process are required to use wheel assemblies. (Reference) Figure 13 and 12 The packaging only needs to have a recess / space formed at one corner for attaching the wheel assembly 190. The package, including the wheel assembly and contents (such as a television set), can be inserted into the box. Optionally, after inserting the package and sealing it, as... Figure 10 As shown, two small rectangular pieces of cardboard can be cut out using a box cutter or similar tool to form holes 210 to expose the wheel, or the positions where the cuts should be made can simply be marked on the box. Alternatively, the holes can be simply cut out of the box before inserting the packaging and contents. Preferably, the holes are formed before the delivery of the packaging box and contents.
[0070] Packaging boxes are typically used to transport heavier items, including large appliances such as large and heavy television sets, but they can also be used for any appliance or product, although smaller and lighter appliances that are easy to carry are unlikely to need wheels.
[0071] As used herein, the term “paperboard” encompasses any thicker paper product used for packaging, ranging from cardboard to corrugated fiberboard made of multiple layers of material, including corrugated cardboard / corrugated paperboard and corrugated fiberboard.
[0072] Although the specific embodiment described is a cardboard box, as cardboard boxes are the most common single-use packaging for products and parcels, it will be understood that the box can be made of other similar materials, such as corrugated plastic or a mixture of plastic and cardboard.
[0073] As used herein, the term wheel encompasses any wheel, caster, or other rotating device that rotates on a bearing.
[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes and / or modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad overall scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.
Claims
1. A wheeled cardboard box having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, a side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, and a wheel unit mounted in a recess at a corner of the box for turning the box, wherein the wheel unit includes a first fixed portion and a second portion, the first fixed portion being capable of being fixed to the box or contents of the box, the box including packaging contained in the box, the second portion including and supporting casters, wheels or the like, and pivotally mounted to the first portion by a two-way ratchet mechanism, the two-way ratchet mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the wheel of the wheel unit extends beyond the wall of the box to support the wheeled movement of the box, and in the retracted position the wheel is substantially contained within the box and does not significantly protrude beyond the wall of the box, wherein the two-way ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of opposing corrugated mating surfaces capable of relative rotation.
2. The wheeled cardboard box of claim 1, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism define radially extending teeth and are connected by a bridging portion.
3. The wheeled cardboard box according to claim 2, wherein the radially extending teeth have a triangular cross-sectional shape, and the angle of the side of the teeth is 30° to 60° relative to the base of the triangle.
4. The wheeled cardboard box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are generally annular.
5. The wheeled cardboard box of claim 3, wherein the first and second portions of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are made of plastic material.
6. The wheeled cardboard box according to claim 1, comprising two wheel units located in a recess on opposite sides of one (bottom) corner of the box.
7. A wheel assembly for insertion into a cardboard box or the like, the wheel assembly for actuating the box on its wheels, the wheel assembly comprising two wheel units and a body portion, each wheel unit comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being fixed to the body portion, the second portion comprising and supporting a caster, wheel, or the like, and pivotally mounted to the first portion via a bidirectional ratchet mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the bidirectional ratchet mechanism comprises two pairs of rotatable mating surfaces, wherein the wheel unit is mounted to the body portion when the wheels of the wheel unit are coaxial with each other and the bidirectional ratchet mechanism is coaxial with each other.
8. The wheel assembly of claim 7, wherein the main body portion includes a head and a rod portion, the first portion of each wheel unit is fixed to the head, and the rod portion is located between the wheel units such that when the wheel is in the first position, the overall shape of the wheel assembly is generally cuboid.
9. The wheel assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the main body portion is made of foamed plastic material, preferably foamed polystyrene.
10. The wheel assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first portion of the wheel unit is fixed to the body portion using an adhesive or the like.
11. The wheel assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism define radially extending teeth and are connected by an integrally molded bridging portion.
12. The wheel assembly of claim 11, wherein the radially extending tooth has a triangular cross-sectional shape, and the angle of the side of the tooth is 30° to 60° relative to the base of the triangle.
13. The wheel assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are generally annular, and / or the first and second portions of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are made of plastic material.
14. A package comprising a cardboard box having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall and a sidewall extending between the first wall and the second wall, the package containing a product such as an electrical appliance, the package including a wheel unit mounted in a recess at a corner of the box for turning the box, wherein the wheel unit includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being fixed to the box or contents of the box, the box including packaging contained therein, the second portion including and supporting casters, wheels or the like, and pivotally mounted to the first portion by a two-way ratchet mechanism, the two-way ratchet mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the wheel of the wheel unit extends beyond the wall of the box to support the box for wheeled movement, and in the retracted position the wheel is substantially contained within the box and does not significantly protrude beyond the wall of the box, and wherein the two-way ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of opposing mating surfaces capable of relative rotation.
15. The wheel assembly of claim 14, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are connected by an integrally molded bridging portion and define radially extending teeth having a triangular cross-sectional shape, and the angle of the side of the teeth preferably being 30° to 60° relative to the base of the triangle.
16. The wheel assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the opposing mating surfaces of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are generally annular, and the first and second portions of the bidirectional ratchet mechanism are made of plastic material.
17. A method of providing an appliance packaged in a wheeled cardboard box, the method comprising the steps of: Cardboard boxes are provided; Provide an appliance and a protective package for inserting the appliance into the box, wherein the package defines the space where the wheel assembly is located according to any one of claims 7 to 13; The appliance, the protective packaging, and the wheel assembly are inserted into the cardboard box, wherein the wheels of the wheel assembly are positioned adjacent to the corners of the cardboard box; Optionally, the box is cut to define two holes at the corner, thereby allowing the wheel to emerge from the box.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hole is formed in the box before or after the package and the appliance are inserted into the box.
19. A wheeled box having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, and a side wall extending between the first wall and the second wall, and a wheel unit mounted in a recess at a corner of the box for turning the box, wherein the wheel unit includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being fixed to the box or the contents of the box, the box including packaging contained in the box, the second portion including and supporting casters, wheels or the like, and pivotally mounted to the first portion by a two-way ratchet mechanism, the two-way ratchet mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate and step relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the wheel of the wheel unit extends beyond the wall of the box to support the wheeled movement of the box, and in the retracted position the wheel is substantially contained within the box and does not significantly protrude beyond the wall of the box, wherein the two-way ratchet mechanism includes two pairs of rotatable opposing corrugated mating surfaces, the rotatable opposing corrugated mating surfaces being in the form of radially extending teeth connected by bridging portions.
20. A package comprising a carton, a product contained in a package such as an electrical appliance, wherein the package includes a recess adjacent to a corner of the carton, and a wheel assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 13 is located in the recess.