Patent Application
20070272577
This application is based on Canadian Patent Application No. (Not Assigned), filed Apr. 3, 2007 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2006-0030503, filed Apr. 4, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Embodiments of the present invention encompass a packaging case for a wiper blade used to wipe rain or dirt from a windscreen of automobiles, and more particularly to a wiper blade packaging case that has not only a fundamental function of accommodating and packaging wiper blades in a compact state, but also additional functions of protecting an appearance of the wiper blades thereby to prevent damage of the wiper blades during delivery or distribution. The present invention further encompasses a packaging case for automotive wiper blades that prevents deformation of wiper blades during storage, while reducing packaging volume and space required for transport and display, and is, at the same time, inexpensive to manufacture.
Almost all automobiles are equipped with a wiper blade serving to clean or wipe the windshield of contamination due to dirt in air or various weather conditions. The wiper blade wipes the windshield while pivoting at a predetermined angle in a state of closely contacting the windshield, thereby securing a driver's sight for safe driving.
When the wiper blade is worn out or lowered in contacting or wiping force due to long term use, it is necessary to replace it with a new wiper blade, which is usually sold in a separate packaging case.
The conventional wiper blade packaging case as shown in
Referring to
For the packaging case 30 having such a configuration as mentioned above, the protrusions 33 are press-fitted and secured into the recesses 35, with the cover 34 covering the body 32.
However, since the packaging case 30 is not provided with means to hold the wiper blade 40 securely therein, the wiper blade 40 accommodated in the packaging case 30 is likely to experience scratching, peeling-off of paint, and the like due to contact with the packaging case 30 during delivery or distribution. Furthermore, since the wiper blade 40 is accommodated in a curved shape corresponding to a rounded face of the windshield, the packaging case occupies a large volume in a packaging state, causing an increase in delivery and distribution costs.
Further, wiper blade packaging cases of the prior art are formed in curved or straight designs according to the curvatures of the blades they are to hold. Because the widths of such cases are inappropriately broad in comparison to the lengths, the case takes up too much space when loaded for transport or arranged for display. Accordingly, the quantity of wiper blades that can be transported in a given container is reduced so that the cost of shipping increases, and a wider display area is required. To overcome this problem, the prior art proposes a two-part packaging case that consists of a case that straightens a wiper blade and a case that packages the straightening case. Because the two cases are manufactured separately, which requires additional manufacturing processes and materials, the manufacturing cost increases.
Thus, there is a need for a windshield wiper blade packaging case that can accommodate wiper blades of various shapes and sizes, while providing a protective housing to secure the wiper blade for shipping and transporting, all while providing a single-unit packaging case, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, and providing a case that does not bend or alter the shape of the wiper blade.
The wiper blade packaging case encompassed by the present invention provides a packaging case which protects a wiper blade from external force to prevent damage of the wiper blade during delivery and distribution, and provides a compact, simple and secure packaging of the wiper blade such that the packaging case is not easily separated during the distribution.
Further, the present invention encompasses an automotive wiper blade packaging case including: a lower case having a wiper storage compartment opened upward and concaving downward; a locating plate connected along the length of one edge of the lower case by a film hinge, to be disposed in the upper portion of the storage compartment, and having two linearly arranged rows of pluralities of locating tabs with a space therebetween for inserting a wiper blade; and an upper case connected along the length of another edge of the lower case by a film hinge, and having a storage compartment opened upward and a plurality of locking protrusions around a perimeter thereof for coupling with the lower case, wherein the lower case, the locating plate, and the upper case are formed in one piece of a transparent synthetic resin.
Additionally, disposed on the bottom of the storage compartment of the lower case are fastening columns corresponding in number to the locating tabs on the lower case and having a respective fastening receptacle for coupling with each locating tab. The locating plate has a locating enclosure for enclosing a central portion of the wiper blade disposed in the lower case.
In one embodiment of the invention, a packaging case for a wiper blade is provided, comprising: a body having an accommodation space to accommodate the wiper blade and an opening to open the accommodation space; a cover connected pivotally to one side of the body via a first connecting part to cover the opening; and a locking section connected pivotally to the other side of the body via a second connecting part to be engaged with the body with one end of the cover interposed between the locking section and the body.
In another embodiment of the invention, a packaging case for a wiper blade is provided, comprising: a body having an accommodation space to accommodate the wiper blade and an opening to open the accommodation space; a cover to cover the opening; and locking sections respectively connected pivotally to opposites sides of the body in a longitudinal direction via connecting parts to be engaged with the body with one end of the cover interposed between each of the locking sections and the body.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting parts each have a ring-shaped cross-section and are elastically deformable.
In one embodiment of the invention, the body of the packaging case further comprises a plurality of securing protrusions formed on a face adjacent to the locking section, and the locking section comprises a plurality of fitting holes press-fitted to the securing protrusions. Also, the packaging case may have a cover comprising a plurality of through-holes through which the securing protrusions pass and are inserted.
In another embodiment of the invention, the packaging case further comprises: a projection formed in the accommodation space of the body to secure the wiper blade accommodated in the body.
In one embodiment the body of the packaging case further comprises a plurality of clips formed therein to secure a document.
In another embodiment of the invention, the accommodation space of the body has a space to accommodate the wiper strip and having a size to prevent the wiper strip from contacting an inner surface of the body when the wiper blade is completely accommodated in the body.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a packaging case for a windshield wiper blade includes a body having an accommodation space to accommodate the wiper blade and an opening to open the accommodation space; a cover connected pivotally to one side of the body via a first connecting part to cover the opening; and a locking section connected pivotally to the other side of the body via a second connecting part to be engaged with the body with one end of the cover interposed between the locking section and the body.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a packaging case for a windshield wiper blade is provided, and includes: a body having an accommodation space to accommodate the wiper blade and an opening to open the accommodation space; a cover to cover the opening; and locking sections respectively connected pivotally to opposites sides of the body in a longitudinal direction via connecting parts to be engaged with the body with one end of the cover interposed between each of the locking sections and the body.
The body of the packaging case may have a plurality of securing protrusions formed on a face adjacent to the locking section, and the locking section may comprise a plurality of fitting holes press-fitted to the securing protrusions. The cover may have a plurality of through-holes through which the securing protrusions pass and are inserted. Further, each of the connecting parts has a ring-shaped cross-section and is elastically deformable. The packaging case may further comprise a projection formed in the accommodation space of the body to secure the wiper blade accommodated in the body. In particular, the accommodation space of the body may have a space to accommodate the wiper strip and preferably having a size to prevent the wiper strip from contacting an inner surface of the body when the wiper blade is completely accommodated in the body. The body may further have a plurality of clips formed therein to secure printed matter.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an automotive wiper blade packaging case is provided, comprising: a lower case including a wiper storage compartment opened upward and concaving downward; a locating plate connected along a length of one edge of the lower case by a film hinge to be disposed in an upper portion of the storage compartment, and having two linearly arranged rows of pluralities of locating tabs with a space therebetween for inserting a wiper blade; and an upper case connected along a length of another edge of the lower case by a film hinge, and having a storage compartment opened upward and a plurality of locking protrusions around an upper perimeter thereof for coupling with the lower case, wherein the lower case, the locating plate, and the upper case are formed in one piece.
The storage compartment of the lower case may also include fastening columns disposed on a bottom thereof, the fastening columns corresponding in number to the locating tabs on the lower case and having a respective fastening receptacle for coupling with each locating tab.
The locating plate may also include a locating enclosure for enclosing a central portion of the wiper blade disposed in the lower case.
In another embodiment, the lower case, the locating plate, and the upper case are formed of a transparent synthetic resin enabling viewing therethrough.
FIGS. 6 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating the packaging case of the wiper blade according to the present invention from an open state to a closed state to accommodate the wiper blade.
Referring to
Generally, the wiper blade 50 comprises a wiper strip 52 to make close contact with the windshield, a frame 54 configured to mount the wiper strip 52 thereon, and a connector 56 coupled to the frame 54 so as to be coupled to a wiper arm of the automobile.
The windshield of the automobile has a predetermined curvature to lessen air resistance and the frame 54 elastically compresses the wiper strip 52 to make close contact with the windshield. Therefore, the wiper blade 50 is given a predetermined curvature corresponding to the curvature of the windshield.
The wiper blade 50 can be sold in a separate packaging case for identification and protection of the products. The packaging case 60 prevents damage of the wiper blade 50 accommodated therein and enables the wiper blades 50 to be maintained in an optimal state. In addition, the packaging case 60 allows the wiper blade 50 to be maintained in an unfolded state, reducing a volume occupied by the wiper blade 50.
Such a packaging case 60 of the wiper blade comprises a body 70 having a predetermined accommodating space 71 defined therein to accommodate the wiper blade 50, and a cover 80 connected with the body 70 to cover the accommodating space 71.
The body 70 has an opening, through which the wiper blade 50 is placed in or taken out from the accommodating space 71, and a flange 72 extending horizontally from the perimeter of the opening.
The cover 80 has a receiving section 81 to receive a portion of the wiper blade 50 accommodated in the body 70 and a cover flange 82 extending from an outer periphery of the receiving section 81.
The cover 80 is connected pivotally to one side of the body 70 by means of a first connection part 76 formed therebetween. The first connection part 76 has a ring-shaped cross section and a predetermined elasticity.
Further, the body 70 is formed at the other side with a locking section 90 to restrict the cover 80 when the cover 80 covers the opening of the body 70. The locking section 90 is connected pivotally to the other side of the body 70 by means of a second connection part 78. The second connection part 78 has a ring-shaped cross section so as to have a predetermined elasticity.
With the cover 80 covering the opening of the body, the locking section 90 is coupled to the case flange 72 such that a portion of the cover flange 82 is interposed between the case flange 72 and the locking section 90.
In one embodiment, the case flange 72 is formed with securing protrusions 75 adjacent the locking section 90, and the locking section 90 is formed with fitting holes 95 into which the securing protrusions 75 will be fitted and coupled.
In another embodiment, the cover flange 72 of the cover 80 is formed with through-holes 85 corresponding to the securing protrusions 75. Thus, with the through-holes 85 fitted to the securing protrusions 75, the securing protrusions 75 are inserted into the fitting holes 95 and the locking section 90 restricts the cover 80.
In the embodiment described above, the body 70 and the cover 80 are described as an integral component and are pivotally connected to each other via the first connecting part 76. Alternatively, the body 70 and the cover 80 are formed as separate components, and the first connecting part 76 has the same configuration as that of the second connecting part 78.
Furthermore, the packaging case 60 of the wiper blade according to the present invention may have projections 74 respectively formed on opposite sides in the inner space of the body 70 to secure the wiper blade 50 received therein.
At this time, each of the projections 74 is formed to have a predetermined elasticity, so that, when the wiper blade 50 is packaged in the packaging case, the wiper frame 54 is fitted between the protrusions 74 and maintained in an unfolded state. Each of the protrusion 74 is not necessarily continuous and can be divided so as not to interfere with the connector 56 of the wiper blade 50. Additionally, the protrusions 74 are not necessarily formed in a symmetrical shape. Rather, it is sufficient that the protrusions 74 are disposed to maintain the unfolded state of the wiper frame 54 when the wiper frame 54 is received in the body 70 and secured by the protrusions 74. Furthermore, the protrusions 74 may be disposed in a staggered pattern on the opposite sides in the body, so that the wiper blade 50 can be more easily inserted or taken out from between the protrusions 74.
And, a space where the wiper strip 52 is accommodated, that is, a lower portion of the accommodation space 71 of the body 70 where the wiper blade 50 is accommodated, preferably has at least a size to prevent the wiper strip 52 from contacting the inner surface of the body 70 when the wiper blade 50 is completely accommodated in the body 70.
The body 70 may further comprise a plurality of clips 88 therein to secure printed matter such as publicity prints or product manual. Each of the clips 88 is formed to have a predetermined elasticity and is configured to fit and secure the printed matter therebetween. Preferably, the clips 88 are formed at one side of the cover 80 so that the printed matter can be more easily recognized from the outside.
The packaging case 60 of the wiper blade having such a configuration as described above may be formed of synthetic resins. Specifically, a portion or all of the packaging case 60 may be formed of a transparent material to allow a serviceman or a user to see the interior of the packaging case. Furthermore, the packaging case 60 may have various colors to allow more easy recognition of the products from other products or to provide distinction of the products and more appealing appearance to the products.
The packaging case 60 may have an display part 62 formed at one side such that the packaging case 60 can be hung on and kept in a display rack used for storage or selling of wiper blades encased in the packaging case 60. The display part 62 is formed by combination of a circular hole 63 and a linear groove 64 such that the packaging case 60 can be hung on any display rack having a circular rack rod or a thin plate-shaped rack rod. The circular hole 63 is formed at the center of the linear groove 64. The packaging case 60 of the wiper blade having such a configuration can be displayed in a state wherein the packaging case is suspended from a rack rod of the display rack through the display part 62 when displaying the products for sale and/or storage.
FIGS. 6 to 8 are cross-sectional views illustrating the packaging case for the wiper blade according to the present invention from an open state to a closed state to accommodate the wiper blade.
A process for accommodating the wiper blade in the packaging case according to the present invention is described below, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
First, the wiper blade 50 is put in the accommodating space 71 of the body 70. At this time, when the frame 54 of the wiper blade 50 is forced to be located under lower surfaces of the projections 74 of the body 70, the wiper blade 50 is maintained in an unfolded state without any bending, and, the wiper strip 52 is maintained without contact with the inner surface of the body 70.
Then, the cover 80 connected to the one side of the body 70 is rotated to cover the opening of the body 70. At this time, the securing protrusions 75 formed on the case flange 72 penetrates the through-holes 85 formed in the cover flange 82 of the cover 80.
Then, the locking section 90 connected to the other side of the body 70 is rotated to force the fitting holes 95 of the locking section 90 to be fitted onto the securing protrusions 75 of the body 70 with the cover flange 82 of the cover 80 interposed between the locking section 90 and the case flange 72 of the body.
On the other hand, the packaging case 60 of the wiper blade is provided therein with printed matter such as publicity paper or product manual by inserting the printed matter into the clips 88 before the cover 80 is coupled to the body 70.
As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, a wiper blade can be held and firmly secured in a packaging case so that the wiper blade can be protected from the outside and prevented from being damaged by the packaging case. Furthermore, since the packaging case according to the preset invention encases the wiper blade in an unfolded state, the packaging volume of the packaging case occupied by the wiper blade is decreased, thereby reducing physical distribution costs related to delivery and distribution. Moreover, since the packaging case can secure a cover to a body of the packaging case with ease and tightness, it can reduce time required for packaging.
Referring to
The automotive wiper case 110 includes a lower case 120, a locating plate 130 connected along the length of one edge of the lower case 120 by a film hinge 131, and an upper case 140 connected along the length of the other edge of the lower case 120 by a film hinge 141.
Here, the locating plate 130 for enclosing and perpendicularly straightening a wiper blade 15, is shorter in length than the upper and lower cases 130 and 140, and has a width approximately equal to the storage compartment 121 of the lower case 120.
The locating plate 130 has two relatively straight rows of pluralities of locating tabs 132 and 133 with a space therebetween for locating the wiper blade 15, and folds into the lower case 120 by means of an intermediate film hinge 131 so that it is disposed in the upper portion of the storage compartment 121.
On the floor of the storage compartment 121 of the lower case 120 are fastening columns 122 corresponding in number to the locating tabs 132 and having a respective fastening receptacle 122a to couple with each locating tab 132. The locating tabs 132 are formed to snap fasten to the fastening receptacles 122a on the fastening columns 122.
In addition, the locating plate 130 has a locating enclosure 135 to enclose the central portion of the wiper blade 15 located inside the lower case 120. The locating enclosure 135 functions to centrally position the wiper blade inside the packaging case.
The upper case 140 is connected to the opposite edge of the lower case 120 by a film hinge 141, and has a plurality of locking protrusions 143 disposed around the upper perimeter of the storage compartment 142 for coupling into locking holes 120a on the lower case 120.
The wiper case 110, having the lower case 120, the locating plate 130, and the upper case 140, is formed in one piece. As shown in
The wiper case 110 assembled in the above order packages a wiper blade 15 so that it is substantially straight in a perpendicular direction.
First, the wiper blade 15 is inserted between the locating tabs 132 and 133 of the locating plate 130. Because the locating tabs 132 and 133 are arranged in two straight rows, the wiper blade 15 is forcefully positioned in a straight manner.
In this state, if the locating plate 130 is pivoted on the film hinge 131, the wiper blade 15 is positioned above the storage compartment 121 of the lower case 120, and the locating tabs 132 are simultaneously snap fitted in the fastening receptacles 122a of the fastening columns 122, as shown in
Accordingly, the locating plate 130 holds the wiper blade 15 above the storage compartment 121.
Further, by pivoting the upper case 140 on the film hinge 141 to close it, the locking protrusions 143 on the upper case 140 snap fasten into the locking holes 120a on the locating plate 130 and the lower case 120.
Consequently, the wiper blade 15 is straightened by the locating plate 130 and centrally packaged inside the upper and lower cases 140 and 120.
The wiper blade case 110, having the three components (being the lower case 120, locating plate 130, and the upper case 140) formed in one piece, is manufactured in a single step, reducing the number of molds and material required. This and the simple assembly process collaborate to significantly reduce manufacturing costs.
Also, the wiper blade 15 is confined to a straight position by the locating plate 130 so that the overall width of the case is reduced, enabling a larger quantity of packaged wiper blades to be shipped or displayed in a given area.
As described above, the automotive wiper blade packaging case of the present invention packages wiper blades in a straight profile by means of a single case, thereby reducing the width of the packaging case. Not only is the overall packaging volume reduced, but a significant reduction of manufacturing processes and cost is also achieved by forming the packaging case in a single piece. The result is an increase in the number of units that can be stored in a given space, and a reduction in the area required to display a given number of units.
It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art may make numerous modifications to the windshield wiper blade packaging case encompassed by the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-2006-0030503 | Apr 2006 | KR | national |
