Packaging

Abstract

To improve the cushioning performance of the packaging. [Solution] The packaging comprises an outer box 10 for housing the image forming apparatus 100, and a corrugated cardboard sheet cushioning material 20 positioned between the image forming apparatus 100 and the outer box 10. The outer box has a first inner surface 11, a second inner surface 12 adjacent to the first inner surface 11, a third inner surface 13 adjacent to the first inner surface 11 and the second inner surface 12, and a ridge portion 14 located between the second inner surface 12 and the third inner surface 13. The cushioning material 20 has a first sheet 30, a second sheet 40, and a third sheet 50. The first sheet 30 extends along the ridge portion 14 and has a first outer edge 31 facing the ridge portion 14 and a second outer edge 3 facing the first inner surface 11. The second sheet 40 engages with the first sheet 30 and has a third outer edge 41 facing the second inner surface 12 and a fourth outer edge 42 facing the third inner surface 13. The third sheet 50 engages with the first sheet 30 and the second sheet 40 and has a fifth outer edge 51 facing the first inner surface 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a packaging body for an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a packaging body for an image forming apparatus, which includes an outer case that accommodates the image forming apparatus, and a cushioning material positioned between a corner portion of the image forming apparatus and the outer case. The cushioning material is a combination of a first sheet, a second sheet, and a third sheet, each of which is an L-shaped corrugated cardboard sheet. The first sheet, the second sheet, and the third sheet each have an edge portion facing the inner surface of the outer case and an edge portion facing the side surface of the image forming apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Such a cushioning material provides high cushioning performance when a force is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the outer case if the outer case is dropped. Incidentally, the cushioning material is required to provide high cushioning performance not only when a force is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the outer case but also for various dropping directions.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure aims to improve the cushioning performance of the packaging body.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the packaging of the present disclosure comprises an outer box for housing an image forming apparatus and a cushioning material made of corrugated cardboard sheet. The outer box has a first inner surface, a second inner surface, a third inner surface, and a ridge. The second inner surface is adjacent to the first inner surface. The third inner surface is adjacent to the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The ridge is located between the second inner surface and the third inner surface. The cushioning material is located between the image forming apparatus and the outer box and has a first sheet, a second sheet, and a third sheet. The first sheet extends along the ridge and has a first outer edge facing the ridge in the opposing direction and a second outer edge facing the first inner surface. The second sheet engages with the first sheet and has a third outer edge facing the second inner surface and a fourth outer edge facing the third inner surface. The third sheet engages with the first and second sheets and has a fifth outer edge facing the first inner surface.

[0007] The cushioning material is located between the image forming apparatus and the outer box and comprises a first sheet, a second sheet, and a third sheet. The first, second, and third sheets are engaged with each other. Furthermore, the first, second, and third sheets have outer edges that face the first, second, and third inner surfaces of the outer box. The first sheet further extends along the ridge of the outer box and has an outer edge that faces the ridge in the opposing direction. As a result, impact is absorbed not only when a force is applied perpendicular to the surface of the outer box, but also when a force is applied to the ridge of the outer box, improving the cushioning performance of the packaging.

[0008] The first sheet may have a plurality of first slits. The second sheet may have second slits extending in the opposite direction and engaging with the first slits. The third sheet may have third slits engaging with the first slits.

[0009] The first sheet has a first slit that engages with the second and third sheets, ensuring that the sheets are securely joined together.

[0010] The first and third slits may extend in opposing directions.

[0011] Because the first and third slits extend in opposing directions, the second and third sheets can be assembled to the first sheet in the same direction.

[0012] The third and fourth outer edges of the second sheet may extend in a direction perpendicular to the ridge. The third sheet may also have a sixth outer edge and a seventh outer edge. The sixth outer edge faces the second inner surface and extends in a direction perpendicular to the third outer edge. The seventh outer edge faces the third inner surface and extends in a direction perpendicular to the fourth outer edge.

[0013] By extending the outer edge of the second sheet perpendicular to the ridge, it can better absorb impact when force is applied to the ridge of the outer box.

[0014] The third sheet may have a first outer slit located at the sixth outer edge and a second outer slit located at the seventh outer edge. The second sheet may have a first inner slit that engages with the first outer slit and a second inner slit that engages with the second outer slit.

[0015] The third and second sheets engage with each other through the outer and inner slits, thereby improving the strength of the cushioning material.

[0016] The third outer edge may extend in the direction of the cardboard width, and the sixth outer edge may extend in the direction of the cardboard flow.

[0017] Because the third outer edge extends in the direction of the cardboard width, the cushioning material is less likely to be crushed even when subjected to force from the second inner surface.

[0018] The fourth outer edge may extend in the direction of the corrugated cardboard's flow, and the seventh outer edge may extend in the direction of the cardboard's paper width.

[0019] Because the seventh outer edge extends in the direction of the cardboard width, the cushioning material is less likely to be crushed even when subjected to force from the third inner surface.

[0020] The third sheet may have the sixth outer edge and the seventh outer edge extending perpendicularly to each other in the unfolded state.

[0021] The first sheet may include a first plate, a second plate, a first connection plate, a first bent portion, and a second bent portion. The first plate and the second plate have a second outer edge. The first connection plate connects the first plate and the second plate. The first bent portion extends between the first plate and the first connection plate. The second bent portion extends between the second plate and the first connection plate. The first sheet is bent at the first bent portion and the second bent portion such that the first plate and the second plate are parallel to each other. The first connection plate forms a first outer edge facing the ridge portion.

[0022] Since the first connection plate forms the first outer edge facing the ridge portion, it is possible to further absorb impact when a force is applied to the ridge portion of the outer box.

[0023] The first plate may have a first inner edge facing the first bent portion and facing the image forming apparatus. The second plate may have a second inner edge facing the second bent portion and facing the image forming apparatus. The first plate may have a first slit at the first inner edge that engages with a second slit, and the second plate may have a first slit at the second inner edge that engages with the second slit.

[0024] The first sheet may include a first inclined edge that obliquely connects the second outer edge and the first bent portion, and a second inclined edge that obliquely connects the second outer edge and the second bent portion. The first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the third inner surface may form a corner portion of the outer box, and the first inclined edge and the second inclined edge may be spaced apart from the corner portion.

[0025] Since the first inclined edge and the second inclined edge are spaced apart from the corner portion of the outer box, the corner portion is allowed to collapse when a force is applied to the corner portion of the outer box, whereby the impact is absorbed.

[0026] The first sheet may include an inclined plate extending from the first connection plate and facing the corner portion. The inclined plate extends along the first inclined edge and the second inclined edge, and is spaced apart from the corner portion.

[0027] The third sheet has a second connection plate having a third slit, and the sixth outer edge and the seventh outer edge may extend in a direction perpendicular to the second connection plate.

[0028] The third slit may be located at the fifth outer edge.

[0029] The third sheet may have a third bent portion, a fourth bent portion, a fifth bent portion, a sixth bent portion, and a seventh bent portion. The third bent portion extends in the opposing direction. The fourth bent portion is located between the third bent portion and the sixth outer edge, and is parallel to the sixth outer edge. The fifth bent portion is located between the fourth bent portion and the sixth outer edge, and is parallel to the sixth outer edge. The sixth bent portion is located between the third bent portion and the seventh outer edge, and is parallel to the seventh outer edge. The seventh bent portion is located between the sixth bent portion and the seventh outer edge, and is parallel to the seventh outer edge. In the unfolded state of the third sheet, the angle of the fourth bent portion relative to the third bent portion is 45 degrees. Further, in the unfolded state of the third sheet, the angle of the sixth bent portion relative to the third bent portion is 45 degrees, and the third sheet has a W-shape. Effects of the Invention

[0030] Shocks are absorbed not only when a vertical force is applied to the outer box, but also when an oblique force is applied to the outer box, so that the cushioning performance of the package is improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the package according to the first embodiment that accommodates the image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the cushioning material arranged in the outer box, which is (a) a view seen from the inner side and (b) a view seen from the outer side. [Figure 3] It is a developed view of each sheet of the cushioning material, which is (a) a view showing the first sheet, (b) a view showing the second sheet, and (c) a view showing the third sheet. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view showing the assembly procedure for the first sheet, with (a) a diagram showing the flap and plate folded, and (b) a diagram showing the engagement plate further folded. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the first sheet in its assembled state. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the third sheet, showing (a) the folded state and (b) the assembled state. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the cushioning material. [Figure 8] This is a diagram of the cushioning material sheet according to the second embodiment, showing (a) the first sheet and (b) the third sheet. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the third sheet according to the second embodiment, (a) showing the tab portion and the plate in a folded state, and (b) showing the assembled state. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of the cushioning material according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an unfolded view of the first sheet relating to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Next, the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in Figure 1, the packaging 1 comprises an outer box 10 and eight cushioning materials 20.

[0033] The outer box 10 is made of cardboard and houses the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the outer box 10 is rectangular in shape.

[0034] The cushioning material 20 is made of corrugated cardboard and is located between the image forming apparatus 100 and the outer box 10. More specifically, the cushioning material 20 is located between each corner of the image forming apparatus 100 and each corner 15 of the outer box 10.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the outer casing 10 has a first inner surface 11, a second inner surface 12, a third inner surface 13, a ridge 14, and a corner 15. The second inner surface 12 is adjacent to the first inner surface 11. The third inner surface 13 is adjacent to both the first inner surface 11 and the second inner surface 12. The ridge 14 is located between the second inner surface 12 and the third inner surface 13. The corner 15 is formed by the first inner surface 11, the second inner surface 12, and the third inner surface 13.

[0036] The cushioning material 20 comprises a first sheet 30, a second sheet 40, and a third sheet 50. The first sheet 30, the second sheet 40, and the third sheet 50 engage with each other to constitute the cushioning material 20.

[0037] The first sheet 30 has a first outer edge 31, a second outer edge 32, a first inner edge 33, a second inner edge 34, a third inner edge 35, and a fourth inner edge 36. The first outer edge 31 extends along the ridge 14 and faces the ridge 14 in the opposite direction. The second outer edge 32 faces the first inner surface 11. The first inner edge 33 and the second inner edge 34 face the side surface of the image forming apparatus 100. The third inner edge 35 and the fourth inner edge 36 face the bottom or top surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0038] The second sheet 40 has a third outer edge 41, a fourth outer edge 42, a fifth inner edge 43, and a sixth inner edge 44. The third outer edge 41 faces the second inner surface 12. The fourth outer edge 42 faces the third inner surface 13. The third outer edge 41 and the fourth outer edge 42 extend in a direction perpendicular to the edge 14. The fifth inner edge 43 and the sixth inner edge 44 face the side surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0039] The third sheet 50 has a fifth outer edge 51, a sixth outer edge 52, a seventh outer edge 53, a seventh inner edge 54, an eighth inner edge 55, a ninth inner edge 56, and a tenth inner edge 57. The fifth outer edge 51 faces the first inner surface 11. The sixth outer edge 52 faces the second inner surface 12 and extends perpendicular to the third outer edge 41. The seventh outer edge 53 faces the third inner surface 13 and extends perpendicular to the fourth outer edge 42. The seventh inner edge 54 and the eighth inner edge 55 face the side surface of the image forming apparatus 100. The ninth inner edge 56 and the tenth inner edge 57 face the bottom or top surface of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0040] The third outer edge 41 extends in the direction of the cardboard width, and the sixth outer edge 52 extends in the direction of the cardboard flow. Also, the fourth outer edge 42 extends in the direction of the cardboard flow, and the seventh outer edge 53 extends in the direction of the cardboard width.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the first sheet 30 includes a first plate 30A, a second plate 30B, a first connecting plate 30C, an inclined plate 30D, two flap portions 30E, and an engaging plate 30F. The first sheet 30 further includes a first bent portion 39A, a second bent portion 39B, a third bent portion 39C, two fourth bent portions 39D, and a fifth bent portion 39E. The first sheet 30 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis of symmetry X1.

[0042] The first plate 30A and the second plate 30B are L-shaped and have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry X1. The first plate 30A and the second plate 30B have a first extension portion 301 and a second extension portion 302 that extends perpendicularly to the first extension portion 301.

[0043] The first plate 30A has the second outer edge 32, the first inner edge 33, and the third inner edge 35 described above. The first plate 30A further has a first inclined edge 37 that diagonally connects the second outer edge 32 and the first bent portion 39A. The second plate 30B has the second outer edge 32, the second inner edge 34, and the fourth inner edge 36 described above. The second plate 30B further has a second inclined edge 38 that diagonally connects the second outer edge 32 and the second bent portion 39B.

[0044] The first connecting plate 30C connects the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B, and forms the first outer edge 31 described above. The inclined plate 30D extends from the first connecting plate 30C. The two flap sections 30E extend outward from both sides of the inclined plate 30D, parallel to the axis of symmetry X1. The engaging plate 30F extends from the end of the inclined plate 30D opposite to the first connecting plate 30C.

[0045] The first bent portion 39A extends parallel to the first inner edge 33 between the first plate 30A and the first connecting plate 30C. The second bent portion 39B extends parallel to the second inner edge 34 between the second plate 30B and the first connecting plate 30C. The third bent portion 39C extends parallel to the third inner edge 35 and the fourth inner edge 36 between the first connecting plate 30C and the inclined plate 30D. The fourth bent portion 39D extends parallel to the bent portions 39A and 39B between the inclined plate 30D and each flap portion 30E. The fifth bent portion 39E extends parallel to the third bent portion 39C between the inclined plate 30D and the engaging plate 30F.

[0046] The first sheet 30 has four first slits S1, two first engagement slits S8, and two second engagement slits S9. The first slits S1 include two first slits S11 and two first slits S12. The first slits S11 are located at the first inner edge 33 and the second inner edge 34. The first slits S12 are located at the outermost ends of the second extensions 302 of the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B, furthest from the axis of symmetry X1. One of the first engagement slits S8 is located between the second outer edge 32 and the first inclined edge 37 of the first plate 30A. The other first engagement slit S8 is located between the second outer edge 32 and the first inclined edge 38 of the second plate 30B. The second engagement slits S9 are located side by side at the end of the engagement plate 30F opposite to the inclined plate 30D.

[0047] The second sheet 40 has a third plate 40A. The third plate 40A is L-shaped and has a first extending portion 401 and a second extending portion 402 that extends perpendicularly to the first extending portion 401.

[0048] The third plate 40A has the aforementioned third outer edge 41, fourth outer edge 42, fifth inner edge 43, and sixth inner edge 44. The third plate 40A further has an engaging edge 45 extending between the third outer edge 41 and the fourth outer edge 42.

[0049] The second sheet 40 has two second slits S2, a first inner slit S4, and a second inner slit S5. The second slits S2 are located alongside the engaging edge 45. The first inner slit S4 is located on the fifth inner edge 43. The second inner slit S5 is located on the sixth inner edge 44.

[0050] The third sheet 50 has a fourth plate 50A, a fifth plate 50B, and a second connecting plate 50C. The third sheet 50 further has a sixth folded portion 59A and a seventh folded portion 59B. The third sheet 50 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry X2.

[0051] The fourth plate 50A and the fifth plate 50B are L-shaped and have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry X2. The fourth plate 50A and the fifth plate 50B have a first extension portion 501 and a second extension portion 502 that extends perpendicularly to the first extension portion 501.

[0052] The fourth plate 50A has the aforementioned fifth outer edge 51, sixth outer edge 52, seventh inner edge 54, and ninth inner edge 56. The fifth plate 50B has the aforementioned fifth outer edge 51, seventh outer edge 53, eighth inner edge 55, and tenth inner edge 57. The sixth outer edge 52 and the seventh outer edge 53 extend perpendicularly to each other. The second connecting plate 50C connects the fourth plate 50A and the fifth plate 50B. The second connecting plate 50C has a second engaging edge 58 that extends between the fifth outer edge 51 of the fourth plate 50A and the fifth outer edge 51 of the fifth plate 50B.

[0053] The sixth bent portion 59A extends parallel to the ninth inner edge 56 between the fourth plate 50A and the second connecting plate 50C. The seventh bent portion 59B extends parallel to the tenth inner edge 57 between the fifth plate 50B and the second connecting plate 50C. The sixth bent portion 59A and the seventh bent portion 59B are perpendicular to each other.

[0054] The third sheet 50 has two third slits S3, a first outer slit S6, and a second outer slit S7. The two third slits S3 are located side by side on the second engagement edge 58. The first outer slit S6 is located on the sixth outer edge 52. The second outer slit S7 is located on the seventh outer edge 53.

[0055] Figures 4 and 5 show the procedure for assembling the first sheet 30. First, as shown in Figure 4(a), the first sheet 30 is folded at the fourth folding section 39D so that the two flap sections 30E are parallel to each other. Next, the first sheet 30 is folded at the first folding section 39A and the second folding section 39B so that the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B are parallel to each other.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 4(b), the first sheet 30 is folded at the fifth folding portion 39E so that the engaging plate 30F is brought closer to the flap portion 30E. Then, the first sheet 30 is folded at the third folding portion 39C and the flap portion 30E is pushed between the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B. At this time, the second engaging slit S9 of the engaging plate 30F is engaged with the first engaging slit S8 of the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, when the first sheet 30 is assembled, the first plate 30A and the second plate 30B are parallel. The first inner edge 33 faces the first bent portion 39A, and the second inner edge 34 faces the second bent portion 39B. The inclined plate 30D extends along the first inclined edge 37 and the second inclined edge 38.

[0058] Figure 6(a) shows the procedure for assembling the third sheet 50. The third sheet 50 is folded at the sixth folding section 59A and the seventh folding section 59B so that the fourth plate 50A and the fifth plate 50B are perpendicular to the second connecting plate 50C.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6(b), when the third sheet 50 is assembled, the sixth outer edge 52 and the seventh outer edge 53 extend in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting plate 50C.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the first slit S1, the second slit S2, and the third slit S3 extend in opposing directions.

[0061] When assembling the cushioning material 20, first the first inner slit S4 is engaged with the first outer slit S6, and the second inner slit S5 is engaged with the second outer slit S7. This allows the second sheet 40 to be attached to the third sheet 50.

[0062] Next, the first slit S11 is engaged with the second slit S2, and the first slit S12 is engaged with the third slit S3. This assembles the first sheet 30 onto the second sheet 40 and the third sheet 50. At this time, the first sheet 30 is assembled onto the second sheet 40 and the third sheet 50 along the opposing direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, with the cushioning material 20 positioned between the image forming apparatus 100 and the outer casing 10, the inclined plate 30D faces the corner 15. Furthermore, the inclined plate 30D, the first inclined edge 37, and the second inclined edge 38 are spaced apart from the corner 15.

[0064] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. The cushioning material 20 is located between the image forming apparatus 100 and the outer box 10 and has a first sheet 30, a second sheet 40, and a third sheet 50. The first sheet 30, the second sheet 40, and the third sheet 50 are engaged with each other. The first sheet 30, the second sheet 40, and the third sheet 50 also have outer edges 32, 41, 42, 51, 52, and 53 that face the first inner surface 11, the second inner surface 12, and the third inner surface 13 of the outer box 10. The first sheet 30 further has a first outer edge 31 that extends along the ridge 14 of the outer box 10 and faces the ridge 14 in the opposing direction. As a result, impact is absorbed not only when a force is applied perpendicular to the surface of the outer box 10, but also when a force is applied to the ridge 14 of the outer box 10, improving the cushioning performance of the packaging 1.

[0065] The first sheet 30 has a first slit S1 that engages with the second sheet 40 and the third sheet 50, ensuring that the sheets 30, 40, and 50 are securely fitted together.

[0066] Since the first slit S1, the second slit S2, and the third slit S3 extend in opposing directions, the second sheet 40 and the third sheet 50 can be assembled to the first sheet 30 in the same direction.

[0067] The outer edges 41 and 42 of the second sheet 40 extend perpendicular to the ridge 14, allowing for better absorption of impact when force is applied to the ridge 14 of the outer box 10.

[0068] The third sheet 50 and the second sheet 40 engage with each other through the outer slits S6 and S7 and the inner slits S4 and S5, thereby improving the strength of the cushioning material 20.

[0069] Because the third outer edge 41 extends in the direction of the cardboard width, the cushioning material 20 is less likely to be crushed even when subjected to force from the second inner surface 12.

[0070] Because the seventh outer edge 53 extends in the direction of the cardboard width, the cushioning material 20 is less likely to be crushed even when subjected to force from the third inner surface 13.

[0071] The first connecting plate 30C forms a first outer edge 31 that faces the ridge portion 14, thereby further absorbing impact when force is applied to the ridge portion 14 of the outer box 10.

[0072] The first inclined edge 37 and the second inclined edge 38 are spaced apart from the corner 15 of the outer box 10, allowing the corner to collapse when force is applied to it, thereby absorbing the impact.

[0073] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Since the embodiment is a modification of the structure of the first sheet and the third sheet according to the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals will be used for components similar to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8(a), the first sheet 130 includes two first slits S21 and two first slits S22. The first slits S21 are wider than the first slits S11 of the first embodiment. The first slits S21 of the first plate 30A are wider toward the first inner edge 33. The first slits S21 of the second plate 30B are wider toward the second inner edge 34. More specifically, the first slits S21 have a surface F1 furthest from the inclined plate 30D and a surface F2 opposite to surface F1. Surface F2 extends perpendicular to the first bend 39A, and surface F1 extends inclined with respect to surface F2. The first slits S22 are located toward the third inner edge 35 and the fourth inner edge 36.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8(b), the third sheet 150 has a W-shape. The third sheet 150 has a sixth plate 50D, a seventh plate 50E, and two tab portions 50F instead of the second connecting plate 50C. The third sheet 150 further has an eighth bend portion 59C as an example of a third bend portion, a ninth bend portion 59D as an example of a fourth bend portion, a tenth bend portion 59E as an example of a fifth bend portion, an eleventh bend portion 59F as an example of a sixth bend portion, and a twelfth bend portion 59G as an example of a seventh bend portion. The third sheet 50 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the axis of symmetry X3.

[0076] The sixth plate 50D extends from the second extension 502 of the fourth plate 50A. The sixth plate 50D has a fifth outer edge 51. The seventh plate 50E extends from the second extension 502 of the fifth plate 50B. The seventh plate 50E has a fifth outer edge 51.

[0077] The third slit S23 is located at the fifth outer edge 51 of the sixth plate 50D and the fifth outer edge 51 of the seventh plate 50E. The two tab sections 50F are connected to each other on the axis of symmetry X3, connecting the sixth plate 50D and the seventh plate 50E.

[0078] The eighth bent portion 59C extends between the two tab portions 50F. The eighth bent portion 59C is located on the axis of symmetry X3. The eighth bent portion 59C extends in the opposite direction when the cushioning material 20 is located between the image forming apparatus 100 and the outer casing 10.

[0079] The ninth bent portion 59D extends between the tab portion 50F and the sixth plate 50D. The ninth bent portion 59D is located between the eighth bent portion 59C and the sixth outer edge 52 and extends parallel to the sixth outer edge 52. The tenth bent portion 59E extends between the second extended portion 502 of the fourth plate 50A and the sixth plate 50D. The tenth bent portion 59E is located between the ninth bent portion 59D and the sixth outer edge 52 and extends parallel to the sixth outer edge 52.

[0080] The 11th bent portion 59F extends between the tab portion 50F and the 7th plate 50E. The 11th bent portion 59F is located between the 8th bent portion 59C and the 7th outer edge 53 and extends parallel to the 7th outer edge 53. The 12th bent portion 59G extends between the 7th plate 50E and the 2nd extended portion 502 of the 5th plate 50B. The 12th bent portion 59G is located between the 11th bent portion 59F and the 7th outer edge 53 and extends parallel to the 7th outer edge 53.

[0081] The angle between the 9th and 10th bends 59D and 59E with respect to the 8th bend 59C is 45 degrees. The angle between the 11th and 12th bends 59F and 59G with respect to the 8th bend 59C is 45 degrees.

[0082] The assembly procedure for the first sheet 130 is the same as the assembly procedure for the first embodiment. Figure 9(a) shows the procedure for assembling the third sheet 150. First, the third sheet 150 is folded at the eighth folding section 59C so that the tab sections 50F overlap each other. Next, the third sheet 150 is folded at the ninth folding section 59D and the eleventh folding section 59F so that the sixth plate 50D and the seventh plate 50E are positioned almost perpendicular to the tab section 50F. Finally, the third sheet 150 is folded at the tenth folding section 59E and the twelfth folding section 59G.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the third sheet 150 is assembled, the fourth plate 50A and the fifth plate 50B are almost perpendicular to each other.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, the first slit S21 and the second slit S2 extend in opposing directions. The first slit S22 extends perpendicular to the opposing direction, upward in Figure 8. The third slit S23 extends perpendicular to the opposing direction, downward in Figure 8.

[0085] When assembling the cushioning material 20, first the first inner slit S4 is engaged with the first outer slit S6, and the second inner slit S5 is engaged with the second outer slit S7. This allows the second sheet 40 to be attached to the third sheet 150.

[0086] Next, the first sheet 130 is tilted while engaging the first slit S21 with the second slit S2. At this time, the third inner edge 35 and the fourth inner edge 36 of the first sheet 130 face the fifth outer edge 51 of the third sheet 150. Then, the first slit S22 and the third slit S23 are engaged. In Figure 8, the first sheet 130 is tilted downwards, and while returning the tilt of the first sheet 130 to its original position, the first slit S22 is engaged with the third slit S23 from bottom to top.

[0087] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be used in various forms as illustrated below.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the first slits S1, S21, S22, the second slit S2, and the third slits S3, S23 extended in the opposing direction or in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction. However, the first slits, second slits, and third slits may extend in directions different from those described above. For example, the first slits, second slits, and third slits may extend in directions intersecting the opposing direction and the direction perpendicular to the opposing direction.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the third outer edge 41 and the fourth outer edge 42 of the second sheet 40 extended in a direction perpendicular to the edge portion 14, but they do not have to extend in a direction perpendicular to the edge portion 14. Also, in the above embodiment, the sixth outer edge 52 of the third sheet 50 extended in a direction perpendicular to the third outer edge 41, and the seventh outer edge 53 of the third sheet 50 extended in a direction perpendicular to the fourth outer edge 42. However, the sixth and seventh outer edges do not have to extend in a direction perpendicular to the third and fourth outer edges.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the third sheet 50 had a first outer slit S6 and a second outer slit S7, and the second sheet 40 had a first inner slit S4 that engaged with the first outer slit S6 and a second inner slit S5 that engaged with the second outer slit S7. However, the third sheet and the second sheet do not necessarily have slits that engage with each other.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the first connecting plate 30C formed a first outer edge 31 facing the ridge portion 14, but the first outer edge facing the ridge portion may be formed by the end faces of one or more sheets instead of a plate. Also, in the above embodiment, the first plate 30A was directly connected to one end of a single first connecting plate 30C via a first bent portion 39A, and the second plate 30B was directly connected to the other end of the first connecting plate 30C via a second bent portion 39B. However, two overlapping connecting plates may be provided at positions facing the ridge portion 14, and the first plate and the second plate may be connected with these two connecting plates. For example, as shown in the unfolded view of the first sheet 230 in Figure 11, the connecting plate 230P may be connected to the first plate 230A via a first bent portion 239A, and the connecting plate 230Q may be connected to the second plate 230B via a second bent portion 239B. Alternatively, the first plate 230A and the second plate 230B may be directly connected by an inclined plate 230D. The first plate 230A has a tab 230R, and the second plate 230B has a hole 230S. In this configuration, the connecting plate 230P is placed on top of the connecting plate 230Q, and the tab 230R is inserted into the hole 230S to integrate the connecting plate 230P with the connecting plate 230Q. This makes it possible to obtain a shape that is functionally equivalent to the first sheet 30 of the first embodiment.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the first sheet 30 has a first inclined edge 37, a second inclined edge 38, and an inclined plate 30D extending along the first inclined edge 37 and the second inclined edge 38, with the first inclined edge 37, the second inclined edge 38, and the inclined plate 30D spaced apart from the corner 15. However, the first inclined edge, the second inclined edge, and the inclined plate may be located adjacent to the corner.

[0093] The elements described in the above embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 10 Outer box 11. First Inner Self 12. Second Inner Self 13 Third Inner Self 14 Ridge 20 Cushioning material 30 First sheet 31 First outer edge 32. Second outer edge 40 Second seat 41 Third outer edge 42 Fourth outer edge 50 Third Seat 51 Fifth outer edge 100 Image forming apparatus

Claims

1. An outer casing for housing an image forming apparatus, The first inner self, The first inner surface and the second inner surface adjacent to it, The first inner surface and the third inner surface adjacent to the second inner surface, An outer box having a ridge located between the second inner surface and the third inner surface, A cushioning material made of corrugated cardboard sheet located between the image forming apparatus and the outer box, A first sheet having an outer edge that extends along the ridge and faces the ridge in the opposing direction, and a second outer edge that faces the first inner surface, A second sheet that engages with the first sheet and has a third outer edge facing the second inner surface and a fourth outer edge facing the third inner surface, A packaging body characterized by comprising a cushioning material having a third sheet that engages with the first sheet and the second sheet and has a fifth outer edge facing the first inner surface.

2. The first sheet has a plurality of first slits, The second sheet has a second slit that extends in the opposing direction and engages with the first slit, The packaging body according to claim 1, characterized in that the third sheet has a third slit that engages with the first slit.

3. The packaging body according to claim 2, characterized in that the first slit and the third slit extend in the opposing directions.

4. The third and fourth outer edges of the second sheet extend in a direction perpendicular to the ridge, The third sheet is, A sixth outer edge facing the second inner surface and extending in a direction perpendicular to the third outer edge, The packaging body according to claim 2, characterized by having a seventh outer edge that faces the third inner surface and extends in a direction perpendicular to the fourth outer edge.

5. The third sheet is, The first outer slit located at the sixth outer edge, It has a second outer slit located at the seventh outer edge, The aforementioned second sheet is, A first inner slit that engages with the first outer slit, The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized by having a second inner slit that engages with the second outer slit.

6. The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized in that the third outer edge extends in the direction of the cardboard width, and the sixth outer edge extends in the direction of the cardboard flow.

7. The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized in that the fourth outer edge extends in the direction of the corrugated cardboard flow, and the seventh outer edge extends in the direction of the paper width of the corrugated cardboard.

8. The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the third sheet is unfolded, the sixth outer edge and the seventh outer edge extend perpendicularly to each other.

9. The first sheet is, The first plate having the second outer edge, The second plate having the second outer edge, A first connecting plate that connects the first plate and the second plate, A first bent portion extending between the first plate and the first connecting plate, It has a second bent portion extending between the second plate and the first connecting plate, The first plate and the second plate are bent at the first and second bending portions so that they are parallel to each other. The packaging body according to claim 2, characterized in that the first connecting plate forms the first outer edge facing the ridge portion.

10. The first plate has a first inner edge facing the first bent portion, and a first inner edge facing the image forming apparatus. The second plate has a second inner edge facing the second bent portion, and a second inner edge facing the image forming apparatus. The first plate has a first slit on its first inner edge that engages with the second slit, The packaging body according to claim 9, characterized in that the second plate has the first slit on the second inner edge which engages with the second slit.

11. The first sheet is, A first inclined edge that diagonally connects the second outer edge and the first bent portion, It has a second inclined edge that diagonally connects the second outer edge and the second bent portion, The first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the third inner surface form the corners of the outer box. The packaging body according to claim 9, characterized in that the first inclined edge and the second inclined edge are spaced apart from the corner.

12. The first sheet is an inclined plate extending from the first connecting plate and facing the corner, and further having inclined plates extending along the first inclined edge and the second inclined edge, The packaging body according to claim 11, characterized in that the inclined plate is spaced apart from the corner.

13. The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized in that the third sheet has a second connecting plate having the third slit, and the sixth outer edge and the seventh outer edge extend in a direction perpendicular to the second connecting plate.

14. The packaging body according to claim 2, characterized in that the third slit is located at the fifth outer edge.

15. The third sheet is, The third bent portion extending in the opposite direction, A fourth bent portion is located between the third bent portion and the sixth outer edge, and is parallel to the sixth outer edge. A fifth bent portion is located between the fourth bent portion and the sixth outer edge, and is parallel to the sixth outer edge. A sixth bent portion is located between the third bent portion and the seventh outer edge and is parallel to the seventh outer edge, It has a seventh bent portion located between the sixth bent portion and the seventh outer edge, and parallel to the seventh outer edge, The packaging body according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the third sheet is unfolded, the angle of the fourth folded portion with respect to the third folded portion is 45 degrees, and the angle of the sixth folded portion with respect to the third folded portion is 45 degrees, and the packaging body has a W-shape.

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