DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The support structure for packaging according to a first embodiment of the present invention is formed of a solid or foaming sheet of synthetic resin, which may be polyolefin type resin including polystyrene type, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalete, or any other synthetic resin having suitable rigidity and elasticity and a relatively strong force of restitution. This structure is provided with a stopper function at each end surface of the bottom plate that prevents a corresponding side plate, when folded and erected about a ruled line between itself and the bottom plate, from being bent inwards more than 90 degrees. The structure is configured, when assembled into a package form, to suppress delivery of a shock to packaged items at falling of the package. It ensures excellent shock-absorbing property and prevents falling off of the bottom.

[0028] The support structure for packaging according to a second embodiment of the present invention is provided with another stopper function, offered by concave portions formed on side plates, which contact packaged items in a normal supporting state, and convex portions formed on a top pate. This connects the top plate and the side plates closely together, hindering lateral movement or sinking of the top plate against the side plates. Accordingly, a shock at the falling of the package is prevented from being delivered to the packaged items.

[0029] The support structure for packaging according to these embodiments can be used for packaging electronic components like liquid crystal modules. Specifically, the side surfaces are erected, at 90 degrees, about the ruled lines between themselves and the bottom plate. The end surfaces of the bottom plate come to closely contact the corresponding end surfaces of the respective side plates, preventing bending of the side plates more than 90 degrees. In this state, the items to be packaged are inserted into slit-shaped insert grooves formed at portions of the side plates. Finally, the convex portions formed at the top plate are engaged with the concave portions formed at the side plates contacting the packaged items.

[0030] According to the support structure for packaging of the first embodiment, the end surfaces of the bottom plates closely contact the end surfaces of the side plates on the bottom plate sides. Thus, a strong structure is provided which prevents delivery of a shock to the packaged item at falling of the package. This structure exhibits excellent shock-absorbing property, and maintains sufficient receiving and supporting strength to endure repeated falling thereof, preventing delivery of excessive shocks to the packaged items.

[0031] According to the support structure for packaging of the second embodiment, concave portions are provided to the side plates that contact the packaged items in a normal supporting state of the structure, and convex portions are provided to the top plate, ensuring close engagement between the side and top plates. Accordingly, a shock at falling of the package can be absorbed evenly through the entire support structure, preventing local delivery of the shock to the packaged items.

EXAMPLES

[0032] Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an example of the support structure for packaging of the present invention, which is shown in an unfolded state.

[0034] The support structure for packaging is integrally formed of a solid sheet of synthetic resin, which may be polyolefin type resin including polystyrene type, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalete, or any other synthetic resin having suitable rigidity and elasticity and a relatively strong force of restitution. FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross sectional views of the support structure, taken along the respective lines A-A and B-B in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the structure taken along the line C-C in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion D in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the support structure for packaging.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4 and 5, the support structure for packaging is provided with a bottom plate 2, a first side plate 1 and a second side plate 1. Bottom plate 2 supports electronic components (not shown) from beneath. First side plate 1 and second side plate 1 extend outwards from the respective sides of bottom plate 2 and are folded inwards to become support members for supporting the electronic components from the sides. End surfaces 4 of bottom plate 2 each constitute a first inclined plane that is slanted at a first degree. Respective end surfaces 5, 5 of first and second side plates 1, 1 on the bottom plate side each constitute a second inclined plane that is slanted at a second degree.

[0036] The first degree and the second degree are selected such that, when first and second side plates 1, 1 are folded inwards to cause first inclined plane 4 and second inclined plane 5 to closely contact with each other, first and second side plates 1, 1 are prevented from being bent inwards more than 90 degrees.

[0037] Bottom plate 2 and the pair of side plates 1, 1 are provided with grooves 6 for receiving items to be packaged.

[0038] This support structure for packaging is assembled into a package form by folding side plates 1, 1 about respective ruled lines 3 between themselves and bottom plate 2 at 90 degrees, to cause end surfaces 5, 5 of side plates 1, 1 and end surfaces 4, 4 of bottom plate 2 to closely contact with each other. The items to be packaged are received and set in this package.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the support structure for packaging, which is shown in the state where first and second side plates 1, 1 are now being folded inwards.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the support structure for packaging in its folded state. According to the present invention, end surfaces 4, 4 of bottom plate 2 of the support structure closely contact respective end surfaces 5, 5 of first and second side plates 1, 1 on the bottom plate side. A space is created with bottom plate 2 and side plates 1, 1 against falling of the package, so that it becomes a strong structure capable of suppressing delivery of a shock to the packaged items. The structure exhibits excellent shock-absorbing property against falling of the package, and maintains sufficient receiving and supporting strength to endure repeated falling thereof.

[0041] In the state where side plates 1, 1 are erected at 90 degrees about respective ruled lines 3, the items to be packaged are inserted into slit-shaped insert grooves 6 formed on opposing side plates 1, 1. This ensures secure, fixed positioning of the packaged items, and improves workability thereof.

[0042] FIG. 8A is a top plan view of a top plate for use in the present invention. FIGS. 8B and 8C are cross sectional views thereof, taken along the lines B-B and A-A, respectively, in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top plate.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 7, 8A, 8B and 8C, an outer end surface 5a of first side plate 1 constitutes a first inclined plane. An outer end surface 5b of second side plate 1 constitutes a second inclined plane. Top plate 9 is used, when first and second side plates 1, 1 are erected, to cover them from the top. Top plate 9 has a third inclined plane 9a that closely contacts first inclined plane 5a of first side plate 1, and a fourth inclined plane 9b that closely contacts second inclined plane 5b of second side plate 1.

[0044] Third and fourth inclined planes 9a and 9b are both provided with convex portions 8. First inclined plane 5a of first side plate 1 and second inclined plane 5b of second side plate 1 are both provided with concave portions 7.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, items to be packaged 11 are slid into grooves 6 and covered with top plate 9 from above. At this time, first inclined plane 5a and third inclined plane 9a are connected and fixed with each other as convex portion 8 and concave portion 7 engage with each other. Similarly, second inclined plane 5b and fourth inclined plane 9b are connected securely by engagement of convex portion 8 and concave portion 7.

[0046] According to the support structure for packaging of this example, top plate 9 is prevented from moving in a lateral direction with respect to side plates 1, 1. Top pate 9 is also prevented from sinking below the inclined planes of side plates 1, 1. Accordingly, top plate 9 and side plates 1, 1 are tightly connected, and securely held with each other.

[0047] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross sectional views of the support structure for packaging in the assembled state, taken along the lines E-E and F-F in FIG. 10. FIG. 11C is a detailed view of the encircled portion D in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11D is an enlarged view of the encircled portion E in FIG. 11 A.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D, the item to be packaged 11 is inserted and held in groove 6. Convex portions 8, 8 provided at respective ends of top plate 9 are engaged with concave portions 7, 7 provided at respective side plates 1, 1. First inclined planes 4, 4 at respective end surfaces of bottom plate 2 are closely contacted with second inclined planes 5, 5 provided at end surfaces of respective side plates 1, 1 on the bottom plate sides.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a side sheet shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are a top plan view, a front cross sectional view and a side cross sectional view, respectively, of this side sheet.

[0050] According to the support structure for packaging of the present invention, the bottom plate and the upright side plates at its respective sides are readily positioned and held in a fixed relationship with each other, so that it is possible to easily and safely insert and remove items being packaged.

[0051] Further, as the bottom plate and the side plates are formed as one piece, the parts count is low. As the items being packaged can be stacked one on another, transport cost of the packaged items is advantageously decreased. A bulk ratio of packaging space can also be set small, so that the storage efficiency is improved.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.