US20070241027A1

US20070241027A1 - Lock-packing box structure

Info

Publication number: US20070241027A1
Application number: US11/403,063
Authority: US
Inventors: Jia-Zhi Yang
Original assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-12
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2007-10-18

Abstract

A lock-packing box structure includes a packing container, a fixing base and a positioning top plate. The packing container has an inner space to accommodate the fixing base and the positioning top plate which are functioned to mount a lock device or the like. Provided on the fixing base and the positioning top plate are positioning portions aligned each other to form an engaging space for the lock device. The positioning portions of the fixing base and the positioning top plate can position the lock device at a predetermined position of an inner space of the packing container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lock-packing box structure. Particularly, the present invention relates to the lock-packing box structure having positioning portions of a fixing base and a positioning top plate aligned each other for mounting a lock device or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to the lock-packing box structure having an engaging space formed between the positioning portions of the fixing base and the positioning top plate for mounting the lock device or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Referring initially to FIG. 1, a conventional lock-packing box typically includes a packing container 6, a tool kit 7 and a fixed support 8. The packing container 6 is made of a material selected from paper or plastics (i.e. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) and has an inner space 60. The tool kit 7 and the fixed support 8 are stacked in the inner space 60 of the packing container 6 in place. In general, the tool kit 7 accommodates lock accessories and a set of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) tools for installation purpose. Functionally, the fixed support 8 is used to mount a lock device 9 or the like at a predetermined position in the interior of the packing container 6.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the fixed support 8 has an upright wall and a lock-mounting hole 81 formed on the upright wall. The lock-mounting hole 81 connects through opposite surfaces of the upright wall. In assembling operation, parts of the lock device 9 are disassembled in a first step and then are reassembled on the lock-mounting hole 81 of the fixed support 8. Preferably, the lock device 9 extends through the lock-mounting hole 81 and thus the fixed support 9 mounts it for preventing any unwanted displacement in the packing container 6. In packing operation, the fixed support 8 and the lock device 9 are subsequently received in the packing container 6. Accordingly, the fixed support 8 can mount the lock device 9 for storage and shipment purposes.
A number of design limitations exist for this conventional structure of the fixed support 8 due to repeatedly complicated steps for assembling or disassembling the lock device 9 in packing and unpacking operation. For instance, at least two parts of the lock device 9 must be taken apart and then is inserted into the lock-mounting hole 81 from either side of the upright wall. Accordingly, the fixed support 8 can support the lock device 9 in the packing container 6. Although it would be advantageous to support the lock device 9 in this manner, the structural limitation of the fixed support 8 is susceptible to inefficiencies in packing for storage and shipment.
Another problem with the supported lock device 9 is susceptible to occurring free rotation itself in the lock-mounting hole 81 of the fixed support 8 in shipment since the lock-mounting hole 81 with a predetermined diameter does not fittingly engage with an outer circumference of the lock device 9. In some circumstances the lock device 9 may be even fallen off from the lock-mounting hole 81 of the fixed support 8. Inevitably, a correct alignment of the lock device 9 with respect to the packing container 6 cannot be ensured that may affect the appearance of product qualities.
Another design-limiting problem with such a structure of the fixed support 8 is the more difficulty in unpacking the lock device 9 or drawing out it from the lock-mounting hole 81 of the fixed support 8 in normal circumstances. For instance, the parts of the lock device 9 must be taken apart prior to drawing it out from the fixed support 8 or else the fixed support 8 must be broken. Hence, there is a need for improving the packing structure of the lock-packing box for the lock device.
As is described in greater detail below, the present invention intends to provide a lock-packing box structure having positioning portions of a fixing base and a positioning top plate to provide an engaging space therebetween. In packing operation, a lock device can be easily placed and securely mounted in the engaging space the engaging space in such a way as to mitigate and overcome the above problem. Furthermore, an engaging protrusion is formed in the positioning portion of the fixing base such that any free rotation of the lock device with respect to the positioning portion will be prevented. Advantageously, the lock-packing box structure can carry out higher packing efficiency and quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a lock-packing box structure, wherein an engaging space is provided between positioning portions of a fixing base and a positioning top plate for mounting a lock device. Accordingly, the lock-packing box structure can simplify steps in packing operation and increase the reliability of packing qualities.
The secondary objective of this invention is to provide a lock-packing box structure, wherein an engaging protrusion is formed on the positioning portion of the fixing base for engaging with the lock device. Accordingly, the lock-packing box structure can improve an engagement of the packing structure with the lock device.
Another objective of this invention is to provide a lock-packing box structure, wherein a vibration-absorbable material is disposed within a hollow wall of the positioning top plate to absorb impact and vibrations occurring in shipment. Accordingly, the lock-packing box structure can effectively protect the lock device.
The lock-packing box structure in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a packing container, a fixing base and a positioning top plate. The packing container has an inner space to accommodate the fixing base and the positioning top plate which are functioned to mount a lock device or the like. Provided on the fixing base and the positioning top plate are positioning portions aligned each other to form an engaging space for the lock device. The positioning portions of the fixing base and the positioning top plate can position the lock device at a predetermined position of an inner space of the packing container.
In a separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning portion of the fixing base includes a positioning block to receive the lock device.
In a further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning block of the fixing base includes at least one engaging tooth to engage a notch of the lock device.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning block of the fixing base includes two engaging teeth to engage notches of the lock device.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one auxiliary block to receive the lock device; the auxiliary block is located at a position adjacent to the positioning block.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one channel which separates the auxiliary block and the positioning block.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one recessed compartment located at a distal end of the fixing base; the recessed compartment has a stepped structure formed therein.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning top plate includes a hollow wall having an inner space to accommodate a vibration-absorbable material or the like.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the positioning top plate includes a decorative plate.
In a yet further separate aspect of the present invention, the decorative plate has a bottom end inserted into a gap formed between a side wall of the fixing base and an inner wall of the packing container.
Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lock-packing box structure in accordance with the prior art, illustrating a lock device to be packed therein;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lock-packing box structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a lock device to be packed therein;
FIG. 3 is an assembled, cross-sectional view of the lock device mounted in the lock-packing box structure in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a lock-packing box structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating to receive the lock device therein; and
FIG. 5 is an assembled, cross-sectional view of the lock device mounted in the lock-packing box structure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of a lock-packing box structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The lock-packing box structure generally includes a packing container designated numeral 1, a tool kit designated numeral 2, a fixing base designated numeral 3 and a positioning top plate designated numeral 4. In the illustrated embodiment, a lock device 9 is packed in the packing container 1 for preventing from being contaminated with dust or damaged. Typically, the packing container 1 is preferably made of a material selected from paper or plastics (i.e. polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). In general, the tool kit 2 has a casing to accommodate lock accessories and a set of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) tools for installation purpose. In order to limit any displacement in the packing container 1, the casing of the tool kit 2 and the fixing base 3 are preferably sized all the same horizontal area equal to or slightly lesser than that of the packing container 1. The fixing base 3 is preferably made of a flexible material relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or polycarbonate (PC) for example. In use, the fixing base 3 is functioned to support the lock device 9 in the packing container 1, and an outer circumference of the fixing base 3 fittingly abuts against inner surfaces of upright walls of the packing container 1 such that any horizontal movement of the fixing base 3 will be prevented.
Constructions of the packing container 1 shall be described in detail, still referring to FIG. 2. The packing container 1 includes an inner space 10 delimited by the upright walls, and a pair of display windows 11 corresponding to the inner space 10 at different positions. Contained in the inner space 10 are the tool kit 2, the fixing base 3, the positioning top plate 4 and the lock device 9 which are stacked therein. The display windows 11 are arranged on predetermined positions of the upright walls of the packing container 1 so that contents of the packing container 1 can be displayed and examined. Preferably, each of the display windows 11 bears a transparent plate (unlabeled) which can protect the lock device 9. The transparent plates are made of transparent materials relatively rigid and strong to withstand normal usage, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or polycarbonate (PC) for example. The transparent plates are designed for having a certain degree of rigidity that may reduce possibilities of break by accident or tampering.
Constructions of the fixing base 3 shall be described in detail, still referring to FIG. 2. The fixing base 3 is a fixing member and is disposed at a first position of the inner space of the packing container 1. Preferably, the fixing base 3 is substantially rectangular in form and has a first positioning portion. Protruded on the fixing base 3 are a positioning block 31 and a pair of auxiliary blocks 32 between which the positioning block 31 is arranged. A channel 33 separates each of the auxiliary blocks 32 and each side of the positioning block 31. Formed on each distal end of the fixing base 3 is a recessed compartment 34. The auxiliary blocks 32, the channels 33 and the recessed compartment 34 are symmetric on opposite sides of the positioning block 31, and are arranged in order along a lengthwise direction of the fixing base 3 to constitute the first positioning portion. In a preferred embodiment, an upper surface of the fixing base 3 has a configuration substantially complementary to a hemicycle configuration of an outer circumference of the lock device 9 within a predetermined lengthwise section. The positioning block 31, the auxiliary blocks 32, the channel 33 and the recessed compartment 34 constitute the configuration substantially corresponding to contours of the lock device 9. Preferably, cross sections of the positioning block 31 and the auxiliary blocks 32 are selected from semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form. The positioning block 31 has a semicircular recess 310 and engaging teeth 311 formed in the semicircular recess 310. There are as many teeth as desired, but in this instance two engaging teeth 311 are protruded in the semicircular recess 310. In the first embodiment, the engaging teeth 311 are disposed on opposite ends of the semicircular recess 310. When the lock device 9 is received in the semicircular recess 310 of the positioning block 31, the engaging teeth 311 engage with the lock device 9 such that no free rotation of the lock device 9 will occur in the semicircular recess 310 of the positioning block 31. Further, each of the channels 33 is located between the positioning block 31 and the auxiliary blocks 32 to receive a flange of the lock device 9. Yet further, each of the recessed compartments 34 has a stepped structure formed therein to receive one of knobs of the lock device 9.
Constructions of the positioning top plate 4 shall be described in detail, still referring to FIG. 2. The positioning top plate 4 is a movable positioning member and is disposed at a second position of the inner space of the packing container 1 and is movable. The positioning top plate 4 includes a hollow wall 41 and a decorative plate 42, wherein the hollow wall 41 has a bottom recessed to form a positioning notch 411 that provides a second positioning portion. Further, the bottom of the hollow wall 41 is aligned with the positioning block 31 of the fixing base 3 when they are assembled. A vibration-absorbable material 40 is disposed within an inner space of the hollow wall 41, and is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), cotton, rubber or foam for example. The vibration-absorbable material 40 or the like filled within the hollow wall 41 is functioned to absorb any force exerted or impacted on the packing container 1. In assembling operation, the positioning portions of the fixing base 3 and the positioning top plate 4 are aligned each other to form an engaging space for the lock device 9. Preferably, cross sections of the second positioning portion may be selected from semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form. The hollow wall 41 and the decorative plate 42 may be integrally or separately formed from a common material or different materials, thus resulting in a “hybrid” one-piece design of the positioning top plate 4. Furthermore, the decorative plate 42 may be functioned to guide the positioning top plate 4 while inserting into the inner space 10 of the packing container 1 in assembling operation. Advantageously, the decorative plate 42 can increase the additional value of products and enhance the appearance thereof.
Turning now to FIG. 3, an assembled, cross-sectional view of the lock device mounted in the lock-packing box structure in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Contents contained in the packing container 1 may be a set of the lock device 9 and the tool kit 2 or the like. The configuration of the fixing base 3 may be changed according to other configurations of the lock device 9, but the positioning top plate 4 may not be changed. In packing operation, the tool kit 2 is located at a bottom of the inner space 10 of the packing container 1 in the first step. The fixing base 3 lies on the tool kit 2 such that the fixing base 3 is disposed at the first position proximate the inner space 10 of the packing container 1. Two notches 911 of the lock device 9 correspondingly engage with the engaging teeth 311 of the fixing base 3 while a main body of the lock device 9 rests on the positioning block 31 with a perfect alignment each other. Accordingly, the lock device 9 is positioned on an upper surface of the fixing base 3. In this manner, the engaging teeth 311 of the fixing base 3 due to the flexible material can be resiliently compressed and fittingly engaged in the notches 911 of the lock device 9. When this occurs, the channels 33, the auxiliary blocks 32 and the recessed compartments 34 of the fixing base 3 can further engage with escutcheons, necks and knobs of the lock device 9 in the event. Consequently, the fixing base 3 can effectively limit any unwanted horizontal movement of the lock device 9.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, when the lock device 9 securely rests on the fixing base 3, the positioning top plate 4 is stacked on the fixing base 3 such that the positioning top plate 4 is disposed at the second position proximate a bottom of the inner space 10. In this circumstance, the bottom of the hollow wall 41 abuts against the positioning block 31 of the fixing base 3 so that an engaging space formed between the positioning block 31 and the positioning notch 411 mounts the lock device 9, as best shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the positioning top plate 4 may limit the lock device 9 not to be fallen off from the fixing base 3. The decorative plate 42 of the positioning top plate 4 may be attached to the inner wall of the packing container 4 that may ensure an alignment of the positioning top plate 4. Consequently, the positioning top plate 4 can enhance the reliability of a packing effect of the packing container 1.
In unpacking operation, the lock device 9 can be drawn out from the packing container 1 by only removing the positioning top plate 4 from the lock device 9. The tool kit 2 can be drawn out from the packing container 1 if the fixing base 3 is removed. As explain above, the lock device 9 may be repeatedly packed in the packing container 1 by reassembling the fixing base 3 and the positioning top plate 4.
By referring again to FIG. 3, the decorative plate 42 has a bottom end 421 inserted into a gap formed between a side wall of the fixing base 3 and an inner wall of the packing container 1. This ensures a certain extent of an assembled relationship between the fixing base 3 and the positioning top plate 4. However, it will be understood that the positioning top plate 4 is movable and may not obstruct the unpacking operation for the lock device 9.
Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, views of the lock-packing box structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. In comparison with the first embodiment, the engaging teeth 311 of the second embodiment are arranged in a position adjacent to a bottom of the positioning block 31. A cross section of the two engaging teeth 311 is M-shaped or V-shaped form. The engaging tooth 311 includes a neck portion to be engaged in the notch 911 of the lock device 9 by referring to FIG. 5. Further, the engaging tooth 311 has a curved surface so as to facilitate engaging operation of the engaging tooth 311 with the notch 911 of the lock device 9. Once engaged, the fixing base 3 and the lock device 9 may not be separated by accident since a distance between two tops of the engaging teeth 311 is relatively greater.
As will be discussed above, the conventional fixed support 8 is only provided with the lock-mounting hole 81 to receive the lock device 9, thus resulting in complicated packing steps, as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the lock-mounting hole 81 of the conventional fixed support 8 cannot prevent any unwanted rotation or longitudinal movement of the lock device 9 due to vibrations. Conversely, the positioning portions of the fixing base 3 and the positioning top plate 4 in accordance with the present invention provide the engaging space for mounting the lock device 9 thereon. Further, the engaging teeth 311 of the fixing base 3 of the present invention engage with the notches 911 of the lock device 9 when being mounted on the positioning portion of the fixing base 3, as best shown in FIG. 3. Yet further, the bottom end 421 of the decorative plate 42 of the present invention is inserted into the gap formed between the side wall of the fixing base 3 and the inner wall of the packing container 1 when the fixing base 3 and the positioning top plate 4 are assembled, as best shown in FIG. 3.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to its presently preferred embodiment, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packing box structure capable of mounting a lock device, said packing box structure comprising:

a packing container including an inner space formed therein;

a fixing base disposed in a first position of the inner space of the packing container, the fixed base having at least one first positioning portion provided thereon; and

a positioning top plate disposed in a second position of the inner space of the packing container corresponding to the first position thereof, the positioning top plate having a bottom portion to abut against the fixing base, the positioning top plate further having a second positioning portion corresponding to the first positioning portion, thereby forming an engaging space therebetween;

wherein the engaging space formed between the first and second positioning portions is capable of mounting the lock device when the fixing base and the positioning top plate are assembled in the inner space of the packing container.

2. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing base includes a positioning block to receive the lock device.

3. The packing box structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion includes at least one engaging tooth to engage a notch of the lock device.

4. The packing box structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion includes two engaging teeth to engage notches of the lock device; a cross section of the engaging teeth is M-shaped or V-shaped in form.

5. The packing box structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion is selected from a semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form.

6. The packing box structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one auxiliary block to receive the lock device; said auxiliary block is located at a position adjacent to the positioning block.

7. The packing box structure as defined in claim 6, wherein the auxiliary block of the first positioning portion is selected from a semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form.

8. The packing box structure as defined in claim 6, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one channel which separates the auxiliary block and the positioning block.

9. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing base further includes at least one recessed compartment located at a distal end of the fixing base; said recessed compartment has a stepped structure formed therein.

10. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the positioning top plate includes a hollow wall having an inner space.

11. The packing box structure as defined in claim 10, wherein a vibration-absorbable material is disposed within the inner space of the hollow wall, and is made of expanded polystyrene, cotton, rubber or foam.

12. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the positioning top plate includes a decorative plate which is functioned to guide the positioning top plate along an inner wall of the packing container while the positioning top plate is inserted into the inner space of the packing container.

13. The packing box structure as defined in claim 12, wherein the decorative plate has a bottom end inserted into a gap formed between a side wall of the fixing base and an inner wall of the packing container.

14. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the packing container includes at least one display window formed on an upright wall of the packing container.

15. The packing box structure as defined in claim 14, wherein the display window bears a transparent plate.

16. The packing box structure as defined in claim 1, wherein a tool kit is located at a bottom of the inner space of the packing container.

17. A packing structure for a lock device, said packing structure arranged in a lock packing container, comprising:

a fixing member disposed in a first position of the packing container, the fixed base having at least one first positioning portion provided thereon;

a movable positioning member disposed in a second position of the packing container corresponding to the first position thereof, the movable positioning member having a second positioning portion being in alignment with the first positioning portion; and

an engaging space defined between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, said engaging space being used to mount the lock device when the fixing member and the movable positioning member are assembled in the lock packing container.

18. The packing structure as defined in claim 17, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing member includes a positioning block to receive the lock device.

19. The packing structure as defined in claim 18, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion includes at least one engaging tooth to engage a notch of the lock device.

20. The packing structure as defined in claim 18, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion includes two engaging teeth to engage notches of the lock device; a cross section of the engaging teeth is M-shaped or V-shaped in form.

21. The packing structure as defined in claim 18, wherein the positioning block of the first positioning portion is selected from a semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form.

22. The packing structure as defined in claim 18, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing member further includes at least one auxiliary block to receive the lock device; said auxiliary block is located at a position adjacent to the positioning block.

23. The packing structure as defined in claim 22, wherein the one auxiliary block of the first positioning portion is selected from a semicircular, semi-rectangular or semi-polygonal form.

24. The packing structure as defined in claim 22, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing member further includes at least one channel which separates the auxiliary block and the positioning block.

25. The packing structure as defined in claim 17, wherein the first positioning portion of the fixing member further includes at least one recessed compartment located at a distal end of the fixing base; said recessed compartment has a stepped structure formed therein.

26. The packing structure as defined in claim 17, wherein the movable positioning member includes a hollow wall having an inner space.

27. The packing structure as defined in claim 26, wherein a vibration-absorbable material is disposed within the inner space of the hollow wall, and is made of expanded polystyrene, cotton, rubber or foam.

28. The packing structure as defined in claim 17, wherein the movable positioning member includes a decorative plate which is functioned to guide the movable positioning member along an inner wall of the packing container while the movable positioning member is inserted into the inner space of the packing container.

29. The packing box structure as defined in claim 28, wherein the decorative plate has a bottom end inserted into a gap formed between a side wall of the fixing member and an inner wall of the packing container.