WO2010021538A1

WO2010021538A1 - Storage box

Info

Publication number: WO2010021538A1
Application number: PCT/MY2009/000125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Piau Ong Chin
Original assignee: YEO AIK WOOD Sdn Bhd
Current assignee: YEO AIK WOOD Sdn Bhd
Priority date: 2008-08-18
Filing date: 2009-08-18
Publication date: 2010-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-18

Abstract

A container used for storing, transporting and displaying multiple packages (50). The container may be opened by cutting along a marking (42) along three vertical walls, leaving the two sections joined at the remaining one wall so that the container may be opened for display or closed for storage.

Description

STORAGE BOX

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates ϊo containers, and more particularly to furniture storage boxes.

BACKGROUND ART

Appliances are packaged in fully corrugated boxes or containers for shipping and storing after they have been fully assembled. These appliances may be refrigerators, freezers, laundry machines, dishwashers, water heaters and vending machines. Similarly, furniture that requires self-assembly is first packed into their individual cartons, and then these cartons are packaged in fully corrugated boxes or containers for shipping and storing.

A commonly used full corrugated container for example, comprises corrugated top and bottom caps interlocking coupled to a corrugated tube folding flaps, which are then secured by a horizontal wire or strap disposed on the top and the bottom caps. This kind of corrugated container prevents visual inspection of its contents without opening it.

Fully corrugated containers are also laborious to assemble, produce large amount of waste, and are costly.

Therefore, it is generally not possible for someone to examine the content of the container without destroying the container itself.

This presents a dilemma to merchandisers as they cannot inspect the condition of the product they are selling without opening all the containers. The merchandisers will only be able inspect the products for any defects once they have opened the containers. Also, once the containers are opened, it maybe necessary for the merchandisers to rearrange the products for display outside of the packaging since the containers have been destroyed. Also, once the containers are opened, it may be necessary for the merchandiser to find storage solutions to store the products when they are not on display.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The principal aim of the invention is to provide a container whereby it is possible for the merchandiser to inspect the condition of the products without destroying the container. The container can also be used as a product display for its content once it is opened. Also, the container may be reassembled to store the products when they are not on display, keeping them clean from dust and dirt.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing, transporting and displaying multiple packages, each package storing the components of an article of self-assembly furniture,

wherein the container comprising two integral complimentary sections, the two sections separable on three vertical walls of the container by cutting along a marking that extends over three vertical walls, upon which the two sections are joined at the remaining one wall so that the container may be selectively opened to display and provide access to the packages and closed to store the packages. The container is cut along the marking so that the upper section opens up like a flap and the lower section is used to hold the packages for display. The container need not be destroyed to gain access to the products inside.

In a preferred embodiment, the container further comprises a strap at the middle of the container.

Upon opening of the container, the strap provides reinforcement to the remaining one wall where the upper section and lower section of the container are joined.

In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple packages are storable in the vertical position.

In an embodiment, the container is sized such that the multiple packages fit snugly therein.

As such, when the container is full, the packages are lined up snugly within the container and can be transported steadily.

In an embodiment, the cutting marking on a front wall of the container is at a lesser height than the join of the sections at said one remaining wall. This is advantageous for display purpose and also enables a customer to more easily remove a package from the front of the container with the minimum amount of lifting.

According to one preferred feature, the marking comprises a perforation whereby the two sections are separable by tearing along the perforation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated, but not limited, by the following description of preferred embodiments, that is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows each component of a self-assembly chair.

Fig. 2 shows the front member of a self-assembly chair with the top left and right panel.

Fig. 3 shows the front member of a self-assembly chair with the bottom left and right panel.

Fig. 4 shows the back member with the top left and right panel of a self-assembly chair.

Fig. 5 shows the back member with the bottom left and right panel of a self- assembly chair.

Fig. 6 illustrates how the self-assembly chair comes together.

Fig. 7 illustrates how the screws are used to connect the seat, front member, top left and right panel of the self-assembly chair.

Fig. 8 shows a fully assembled self-assembly chair. Fig. 9 illustrates the container containing packages of pre-assembled self- assembly chairs.

Fig. 10 illustrates the container with the upper section lifted from the lower section.

Fig. 11 illustrates the container with the upper section fully opened.

Fig. 12 illustrates the container fully closed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

From Figure 1 , the central point of the back member 10 of a self-assembly chair is fixed between a substantially upright position and an inclined position, thereby providing maximum comfort to the back for all seating positions. A wooden seat 20 is used for the self-assembly chair to provide stability. Top right side panel 21 and top left side panel 211 are located in the middle of the chair, connect to the back member 10 and the front member 30. The top side panels 21 , 211 also support the upper end and lower end of the self-assembly chair and support the sitter's weight. The front members 30 allow the chair to absorb the weight load imposed by the sitter. It also absorbs weight of objects placed on the chair.

The bottom right panel 31 and bottom left panel 311 are included for maximizing safety, strength and durability of the self-assembly chair while minimizing its cost and weight. The bottom panels 31 , 311 connect the back member 10 and the front member 30 at the bottom to sustain the weight of the chair. The top front member 30 has three holes, as shown in Figure 2. Both top right 21 and left side of the panel 211 can fit perfectly into the three holes of the front member 30. Before the screw 212 is mounted into the middle hole of the top right and left side panel, a spring washer is placed into the screw. That way, the side panels will be tightened horizontally at the joint and fit into three holes of the front member 30 using a Allen key.

As shown in Figure 3, the bottom right panel 31 and the bottom left panel 311 will be screwed into the holes of the front member 30 horizontally.

As shown in Figure 4, the middle of the back member 10 has two holes which will combine the joint of the both top right and left side panels 21, 211. The side panels will fit into the back member 10 when the screws 212 are mounted with a spring washer horizontally into the holes of the back member 10.

The bottom right panel 31 and the bottom left panel 311 will be screwed into the holes of the back member 10 horizontally, as shown in Figure 5.

Mounting the screws into the wooden seat 20, top right 21 , left panel 211 and front member 30 as shown in Figure 6 will complete the self-assembly chair's structure.

From Figure 7, the wooden seat 20 are screwed vertically on both sides of the top right 21 and left side panel 211 using the screw 201. Then, the front side of the wooden seat 20 will be screwed with the front member 30 of the chair so all the construction pieces are supported by each of the components. The completed self-assembly chair is shown in Figure 8.

The self-assembly chair in its pre-assembled state is stored vertically in a transparent package that fits into a container as described in the embodiment of the present invention.

A container, which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 9 and in Figure 12, measuring at 670cm x 425 cm x 893 cm. The upper 40 and lower 41 halves or sections of the container do not contain any caps or cover compared to other paper or cardboard containers or boxes. The dotted lines or marking 42 printed on the container allow the merchandiser or the consumer to open the container without destroying the container itself. Fully corrugated packages are usually secured by a horizontal wire or strap disposed on the top and bottom caps.

The container in the present embodiment stores up to eight transparent packages 50, as shown in Figure 10.

The container is opened by cutting along the marking or the dotted lines 42 as show in Figure 11. Alternatively, the dotted lines or marking may be perforation whereby the upper and lower sections 40, 41 of the container may be separated by simply tearing along the perforation. A strap is attached to the middle of the container 40 to provide reinforcement to the joint walls between the upper section and the lower section once the container is opened. The cutting marking on the front wall of the container is also at a less height than the join of the sections 40, 41 at the one remaining wall so the weight of the upper section 40 will keep the container closed when it is used for storage. Conventional corrugated boxers or containers are usually destroyed upon opening, making them unable to protect the items they were used to store and transport.

The container of the present embodiment has one side of its upper section wall still attached to the lower section, making it possible for the merchandiser or the consumer to close the container after opening.

Therefore, this invention is useful in storage, for display at the store and for transportation. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in numerous other ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container for storing, transporting and displaying multiple packages (50), each package storing the components of an article of self-assembly furniture, wherein the container comprising two integral complimentary sections (40, 41 ), the two sections separable on three vertical walls of the container by cutting along a marking (42) that extends over three vertical walls, upon which the two sections are joined at the remaining one wall so that the container may be selectively opened to display and provide access to the packages and closed to store the packages.

2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein the container further comprises a strap (43) at the middle of the container.

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multiple packages are storable in the vertical position.

4. A container according to any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the container is sized such that the multiple packages fit snugly therein.

5. A container according to any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the cutting marking on a front wall of the container is at a lesser height than the join of the sections at said one remaining wall.

6. A container according to any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein said marking comprises a perforation whereby the two sections (40, 41 ) are separable by tearing along the perforation.