A packaging element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a packaging element suitable for transporting and / or storing a cooking appliance (P), particularly a cooking appliance (P) comprising at least one body with at least one lower section (P1), and at least one upper section (P2) that is also referred to as a user surface, said packaging element comprising: at least a first box (1) in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides; and at least a second box (2) in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides, wherein the second box (2) is placed / fitted over the first box (1), so that the cooking appliance (P) remains therein.

Description

[0001] A PACKAGING ELEMENT

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a recyclable packaging element that limits the freedom of movement of a cooking appliance during transportation and storage, and that maintains the integrity of the cooking appliance by counteracting the forces arising from the transportation process. of the Invention

[0004] The safe transportation and storage of products, particularly from the manufacturer’s standpoint, is a crucial matter. A cooking appliance, particularly an induction cooker, comprises a body, a plurality of support plates, and a control panel with a user interface, thereby providing a flat structure on the upper side and recesses and protrusions on the bottom side. Consequently, this configuration causes difficulties during the packaging process of the cooking appliance. In the state of the art, packaging elements used for such cooking appliances cannot fully prevent the movement of the appliance. As a result, the appliance is exposed to certain forces during transportation, which may damage the appliance and compromise its structural integrity.

[0005] Furthermore, packaging applications disclosed in the prior art commonly employ materials referred to as EPS, either white or in various colors. These materials are non-recyclable and are discarded after transportation and / or upon delivery to the end user. If such EPS materials are not properly collected after disposal, they cause significant environmental harm. Therefore, the packaging elements known in the prior art are typically non- recyclable and, once they lose their function, become harmful to the environment.

[0006] Brief Description of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a packaging element suitable for transporting and / or storing a cooking appliance, particularly a cooking appliance comprising at least one body with at least one lower section and at least one upper section that is also referred to as a user surface. Said packaging element comprises: at least a first box in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides; at least a second box in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides, wherein the second box is placed / fitted over the first box so that the cooking appliance remains therein; the packaging element further comprising:

[0008] - at least a first panel which is placed into an inner chamber of the first box and is form-compatible with the lower section of the cooking appliance so that said lower section is positioned thereon, wherein the first panel comprises:

[0009] • at least two first walls located opposite to each other, each having at least a first recess on a part thereof,

[0010] • at least two second walls located opposite to each other, each having at least a second recess on a part thereof, and connected to the first walls at an angle between 0° and 180°,

[0011] • at least two first protrusions located on the first walls above the first recesses,

[0012] • at least two second protrusions located on the second walls above the second recesses, and

[0013] • at least a third recess located in an inner part of the first walls and the second walls, with a height difference between the first walls and the second walls;

[0014] - a plurality of second panels which are placed into a space formed between the first recess and the inner part of a side of the first box when the first panel is positioned inside the first box, wherein a part of the second panel contacts the body of the cooking appliance;

[0015] - a plurality of third panels which are placed into a space formed between the second recess and the inner part of a side of the first box when the first panel is positioned inside the first box, wherein a part of the third panel contacts the body of the cooking appliance; and

[0016] - at least a fourth panel which is positioned between the first panel and the second box such that, when the cooking appliance is placed on the first panel, one surface of the fourth panel contacts the first protrusions, second protrusions, and the upper section of the cooking appliance, with the cooking appliance remaining between the first panel and the fourth panel. With the packaging element according to the present invention, the cooking appliance is completely secured between the first box and the second box, thereby remaining fixed without movement. The first panel and fourth panel of the packaging element according to the invention protect the cooking appliance against vertical loads, while the second panel and third panel provide protection against both vertical and horizontal loads.

[0017] Object of the Invention

[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging element that limits the freedom of movement of the cooking appliance during transportation and storage.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging element that maintains the integrity of the cooking appliance by counteracting the forces arising from the transportation process.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a recyclable packaging element that minimizes environmental harm.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging element that prevents the upper section of the cooking appliance from breaking when made of glass, or from deforming when made of other materials.

[0022] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable packaging element.

[0023] Description of the Drawings

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the packaging element according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the cooking appliance packaged with the packaging element according to the invention. Figure 2 is a top perspective view of the cooking appliance, the second panels, and the third panels placed inside the first box of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the first panel and the cooking appliance placed inside the first box of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of the first panel of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the fourth panel of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the fourth panel of the packaging element according to the invention.

[0031] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0032] Cooking appliance (P)

[0033] Lower section (P1)

[0034] Upper section (P2)

[0035] First box (1)

[0036] Second box (2)

[0037] First panel (3)

[0038] First recess (3a)

[0039] First wall (3b)

[0040] Second recess (3c)

[0041] Second wall (3d)

[0042] First protrusion (3e)

[0043] Second protrusion (3f)

[0044] Third recess (3g)

[0045] Second panel (4)

[0046] Third panel (5)

[0047] Fourth panel (6)

[0048] Fourth recess (6a) First section (6b)

[0049] Second section (6c)

[0050] Fifth recess (6d) of the Invention

[0051] Cooking appliances, particularly the lower sections of such appliances, comprise recesses and protrusions, which causes difficulties during the packaging process thereof. With the packaging elements known in the prior art, the movement of the cooking appliance cannot be completely prevented. As a result, the cooking appliance is affected by the forces generated during transportation, leading to damage and impairment of its structural integrity. In addition, the packaging elements known in the art generally comprise foam materials, also referred to as EPS, either white or in different colors, which are not recyclable. Consequently, the packaging elements of the known art harm the environment after losing their functionality. For this reason, the present invention provides a packaging element for overcoming these problems.

[0052] The packaging element according to the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-7, is suitable for transporting and / or storing a cooking appliance (P), particularly a cooking appliance (P) comprising at least one body with at least one lower section (P1), the lower section (P1) preferably comprising components such as a base and a support plate, and at least one upper section (P2) that is also referred to as a user surface. Said packaging element comprises: at least a first box (1) in the form of a hollow chamber, preferably made of a cardboard, and having a corrugated structure with at least four sides; and at least a second box (2) in the form of a hollow chamber, preferably made of a cardboard, and having a corrugated structure with at least four sides, wherein the second box (2) is placed / fitted over the first box (1), preferably enclosing its sides, so that the cooking appliance (P) remains therein; the packaging element further comprising:

[0053] - at least a first panel (3), preferably of honeycomb structure, which is placed into an inner chamber of the first box (1) and is form-compatible with the lower section (P1) of the cooking appliance (P) (i.e. , conforming to the base and support plate of the appliance) so that said lower section (P1) is positioned thereon, wherein the first panel (3) comprises: • at least two first walls (3b) located opposite to each other, each having at least a first recess (3a) on a part thereof,

[0054] • at least two second walls (3d) located opposite to each other, each having at least a second recess (3c) on a part thereof, and connected to the first walls (3b) at an angle between 0° and 180° (preferably at a right angle),

[0055] • at least two first protrusions (3e) located on the first walls (3b) above the first recesses (3a), preferably on a surface of the first walls (3b) not facing the first box (1) (on the upper surface), wherein the first protrusions (3e) are preferably equal in length to the first recesses (3a),

[0056] • at least two second protrusions (3f) located on the second walls (3d) above the second recesses (3c), preferably on a surface of the second walls (3d) not facing the first box (1) (on the upper surface), wherein the second protrusions (3f) are preferably longer than the second recesses (3c), and

[0057] • at least a third recess (3g) located in an inner part of the first walls (3b) and the second walls (3d), with a height difference between the first walls (3b) and the second walls (3d);

[0058] - a plurality of second panels (4), preferably of a honeycomb structure, which are placed into a space formed between the first recess (3a) and the inner part of a side of the first box (1) when the first panel (3) is positioned inside the first box (1), wherein a part of the second panel (4) contacts the body of the cooking appliance;

[0059] - a plurality of third panels (5), preferably of a honeycomb structure, which are placed into a space formed between the second recess (3c) and the inner part of a side of the first box (1) when the first panel (3) is positioned inside the first box (1), wherein a part of the third panel (5) contacts the body of the cooking appliance; and

[0060] - at least a fourth panel (6), preferably of a honeycomb structure, which is positioned between the first panel (3) and the second box (2) such that, when the cooking appliance (P) is placed on the first panel (3), one surface of the fourth panel (6) contacts the first protrusions (3e), second protrusions (3f), and the upper section (P2) of the cooking appliance, with the cooking appliance (P) remaining between the first panel (3) and the fourth panel (6).

[0061] With said packaging element, the cooking appliance (P) is completely secured between the first box (1) and the second box (2), thereby remaining fixed without movement. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in figures 1—4, a cooking appliance (P), particularly an induction cooker, is packaged with the packaging element developed for the transportation and / or storage processes. For the packaging process, initially, the first panel (3) is placed into the inner chamber of the first box (1) such that the upper surfaces of the first protrusions (3e) and second protrusions (3f) face outward. Then, the cooking appliance (P) is positioned on top of the first panel (3). Here, the portions of the lower section (P1) of the cooking appliance (P) with different heights rest on the first protrusions (3e), second protrusions (3f), and third recess (3g) of the first panel

[0062] (3) in a form-compatible manner. Once the cooking appliance (P) is placed, the second panels (4) are inserted into the spaces formed between the first recesses (3a) and the sides of the first box (1), while the third panels (5) are inserted into the spaces formed between the second recesses (3c) and the sides of the first box (1). In this way, the spaces between the first box (1) and the first panel (3) are filled, and the cooking appliance (P) is clamped from its sides. As a result, its freedom of movement is restricted. Following the placement of the second panels (4) and third panels (5), the fourth panel (6) is positioned within the first box (1) so as to contact the upper section (P2) of the cooking appliance (P). Here, the position of the fourth panel (6) is delimited by the second panels

[0063] (4) and third panels (5). Subsequently, the second box (2) is placed over the first box (1), thereby completing the packaging process. Thanks to the first panel (3) and fourth panel (6) of the packaging element, the cooking appliance (P) is protected against vertical loads, while the second panels (4) and third panels (5) protect the appliance (P) against both vertical and horizontal loads.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second panels (4) of the packaging element have an “L”-shaped form such that one part is positioned between the first recess (3a) and the first wall (3b) of the first panel (3), while another part extends over the first wall (3b). Preferably, there are at least four of the said second panels (4), two for each first recess (3a) and first wall (3b) pair. Thus, the spaces between the first panel (3) and the first box (1) are supported at the corners. The second panels (4) preferably deform under applied loads and distribute the resulting forces. Likewise, the third panels (5) preferably deform under applied loads and distribute the resulting forces. Accordingly, the second panels (4) and third panels (5) prevent the loads transmitted through the second box (2) and first box (1), which surround the cooking appliance (P) externally, from reaching the fragile or damage-prone side surfaces of the upper section (P2) (that is, the user surface) of the cooking appliance (P). For instance, the upper section (P2) of the cooking appliance (P) is prevented from breaking when made of glass, or from deforming when made of a metal.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth panel (6) of the packaging element comprises at least a fourth recess (6a) extending from at least one lateral side toward the center thereof, thereby forming a grip area that facilitates placement and removal of the fourth panel (6) onto and from the first panel (3) and the cooking appliance (P). Said fourth panel (6) preferably comprises at least a first section (6b) forming an opening that allows placement of a document pouch containing printed materials such as manuals or labels, as well as assembly components of the cooking appliance (P). The fourth panel (6) preferably comprises at least a second section (6c) (i.e., a button section) that forms an opening through which, if the cooking appliance (P) is button-controlled, the control buttons protruding from its upper section (P2) can pass. The fourth panel (6) preferably comprises at least a fifth recess (6d) located on a lower side thereof facing the cooking appliance (P), the fifth recess (6d) forming a cable passage through which a cable of the cooking appliance (P) can be routed. By means of the fifth recess (6d), the cable, or particularly an end portion of the cable, is positioned within the second section (6c).

[0066] With the packaging element according to the present invention, the cooking appliance (P) is completely secured between the first box (1) and the second box (2), thereby remaining fixed without movement. The first panel (3) and fourth panel (6) of the packaging element according to the invention protect the cooking appliance (P) against vertical loads, while the second panel (4) and third panel (5) provide protection against both vertical and horizontal loads.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A packaging element suitable for transporting and / or storing a cooking appliance (P), particularly a cooking appliance (P) comprising at least one body with at least one lower section (P1), and at least one upper section (P2) that is also referred to as a user surface, said packaging element comprising: at least a first box (1) in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides; at least a second box (2) in the form of a hollow chamber, which has a corrugated structure with at least four sides, wherein the second box (2) is placed / fitted over the first box (1), so that the cooking appliance (P) remains therein; the packaging element characterized by comprising:- at least a first panel (3) which is placed into an inner chamber of the first box (1) and is form-compatible with the lower section (P1) of the cooking appliance (P) so that said lower section (P1) is positioned thereon, wherein the first panel (3) comprises:• at least two first walls (3b) located opposite to each other, each having at least a first recess (3a) on a part thereof,• at least two second walls (3d) located opposite to each other, each having at least a second recess (3c) on a part thereof, and connected to the first walls (3b) at an angle between 0° and 180°,• at least two first protrusions (3e) located on the first walls (3b) above the first recesses (3a),• at least two second protrusions (3f) located on the second walls (3d) above the second recesses (3c),• at least a third recess (3g) located in an inner part of the first walls (3b) and the second walls (3d), with a height difference between the first walls (3b) and the second walls (3d);- a plurality of second panels (4) which are placed into a space formed between the first recess (3a) and the inner part of a side of the first box (1) when the first panel (3) is positioned inside the first box (1), wherein a part of the second panel (4) contacts the body of the cooking appliance;- a plurality of third panels (5) which are placed into a space formed between the second recess (3c) and the inner part of a side of the first box (1) whenthe first panel (3) is positioned inside the first box (1), wherein a part of the third panel (5) contacts the body of the cooking appliance; and- at least a fourth panel (6) which is positioned between the first panel (3) and the second box (2) such that, when the cooking appliance (P) is placed on the first panel (3), one surface of the fourth panel (6) contacts the first protrusions (3e), second protrusions (3f), and the upper section (P2) of the cooking appliance, with the cooking appliance (P) remaining between the first panel (3) and the fourth panel (6).

2. A packaging element according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second panels (4) have an “L”-shaped form such that one part is positioned between the first recess (3a) and the first wall (3b) of the first panel (3), while another part extends over the first wall (3b).

3. A packaging element according to claim 2, characterized in that there are at least four of the said second panels (4), two for each first recess (3a) and first wall (3b) pair.

4. A packaging element according to claim 1 , characterized in that the fourth panel (6) comprises at least a fourth recess (6a) extending from at least one lateral side toward the center thereof, thereby forming a grip area that facilitates placement and removal of the fourth panel (6) onto and from the first panel (3) and the cooking appliance (P).

5. A packaging element according to claim 4, characterized in that the fourth panel (6) comprises at least a first section (6b) forming an opening that allows placement of a document pouch containing printed materials such as manuals or labels, as well as assembly components of the cooking appliance (P).

6. A packaging element according to claim 4, characterized in that the fourth panel (6) comprises at least a second section (6c) that forms an opening through which, if the cooking appliance (P) is button-controlled, the control buttons protruding from its upper section (P2) can pass.A packaging element according to claim 4, characterized in that the fourth panel (6) comprises at least a fifth recess (6d) located on a lower side thereof facing the cooking appliance (P), the fifth recess (6d) forming a cable passage through which a cable of the cooking appliance (P) can be routed.

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