Patent Description:
A tile, used for cladding or flooring, can be made of various materials (majolica, porcelain, stoneware, glass, artificial marble, enamelled metal, plastic, etc.) and have various shapes.

In general, a tile comprises an upper face, which is the face of a tile that remains in view once the tile has been used, which has a perimeter edge portion and a central portion that is internal of the perimeter edge portion.

With the aim of transporting and stocking at least a tile (or for example a stack of tiles), a packaging of at least a tile is known which comprises a first flap and a second flap which cover a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face of the tile.

The known packaging, therefore, leaves the central portion of the upper face of the tile free, so that the decoration applied on the upper face of the tile remains in view.

This however exposes the central portion of the upper face of the tile to impacts and scratches during transport and storing, to the point where the tile can become unfit for use and has to be rejected.

Document <CIT> discloses a method for packing at least a flat article, comprising following steps: a) supplying a pair of blanks made of a packing material, each comprising a central region; an upper flap connected to a first side of the central region; a lower flap connected to a second side of the central region; a first lateral flap, connected to a third side of the central region and identifying a free end; a pair of first folds, connected to two opposite sides of the first lateral flap; a second lateral flap connected to a fourth side of the central region and identifying a free end; a pair of second folds connected to two sides of the second lateral flap; b) covering two opposite lateral flanks of the article with the central region of each blank; c) partial covering of the opposite surfaces of the article with the upper flap and lower flap of each blank; d) covering the remaining lateral flanks of the article with the first and second lateral flaps of each blank such as to superpose the free ends of the lateral flaps, such as to identify two zones of first lateral superposing; e) partial covering of the opposite surfaces of the article with the first folds and the second folds of each blank, such as to define, for each surface of the article, four zones of corner superposing and two zones of a second lateral superposing, in which the first folds and the second folds of each blank are superposed; f) stabilising of the superposing zones by stabilising means.

Document <CIT> discloses a packing apparatus comprising pushers (<NUM>) that fold two opposite flaps of a carton (<NUM>) on the two opposite faces of a pile of tiles (T) that rests on a chain conveyor (<NUM>). A belt conveyor (<NUM>) will be lifted to interact with the pile such that the lower flap of the carton is maintained pressed by the weight of the pile whilst the pile is moved away from the belt conveyor. It will thus be possible transferring the pile to a subsequent strapping station, maintaining the lower flap of the carton in position.

Document <CIT> discloses a package for sheet material, comprising a stack of flat material and a couple of caps. The caps are made from blanks of cardboard and enclose opposite sides of the stack, and in particular are adapted to fit snugly on the stack. Surrounding the caps and the stack are suitable binding elements, for example stele straps, which are secured by fastenings.

In the light of the above, the aim of the present invention consists in obviating the above-cited drawback.

The above aim is attained by a packaging of at least a tile according to claim <NUM>.

The first protection element advantageously carries out a function of protection for the central portion of the upper face of the tile, while leaving the decoration applied on the same upper face of the tile in view: this is made possible by a sparing use of additional material with respect to the known packaging.

Further, considering that the transport of the packaged tiles is carried out by stacking the packages of tiles one on another, the first protecting element performs a damping function on the tile. In particular, during transport the tiles are subjected to stresses such as might produce cracks in the tile arranged at the bottom (especially in the case of large-dimension tiles): the first protecting element has the advantage of reducing the tensions acting on the tile so as to lessen the possibility of its getting damaged.

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the following parts of the present description, according to what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the appended tables of drawings, in which:.

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, reference numeral (<NUM>) denotes a packaging of at least a tile. It is understood that the present packaging (<NUM>) can be used for packaging a tile (<NUM>) or a stack of tiles. Likewise, the present method for packaging at least a tile (<NUM>) is suitable for packaging a tile (<NUM>) or a stack of tiles.

A tile (<NUM>) comprises an upper face (<NUM>) having a perimeter edge portion and a central portion (20a) which is internal of the perimeter edge portion.

In general, the at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise a lower face opposite the upper face (<NUM>) and also having a perimeter edge portion and a central portion which is internal of the perimeter edge portion. Further, a tile (<NUM>) can comprise a plurality of flanks.

A tile (<NUM>) can have various shapes (quadrangular, rectangular, hexagonal).

With reference to <FIG>, the tile (<NUM>) is a parallelepiped and comprises: an upper face; a lower face; a first flank; a second flank; a third flank; and a fourth flank.

The packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>), object of the present invention, comprises: at least a tile (<NUM>); and a first flap (<NUM>) and a second flap (<NUM>) which cover a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>). Further, the packaging (<NUM>) for at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises a first protecting element (<NUM>) for protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>), which first protecting element (<NUM>) is strip-conformed, connects the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) to one another and is arranged so as to face the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), thus dividing said central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) into a first region (<NUM>) and a second region (<NUM>).

The first end of the first protecting element (<NUM>) is fixed to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second end of the first protecting element (<NUM>), opposite the first end of the first protecting element (<NUM>), is fixed to the second flap (<NUM>).

The packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) further comprises first fixing means (for example these might comprise glue or adhesive elements) which fix the first protecting element (<NUM>) to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>).

Preferably, the first protecting element (<NUM>) is at least <NUM> wide for performing the aforementioned function of protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>). Even more preferably, the first protecting element (<NUM>) has a width comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>.

It is preferable for the first protecting element (<NUM>) to have a thickness of at least <NUM> for performing the above-mentioned function of protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>). In this matter, the first protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably made of a yielding material, preferably cardboard for packaging, for protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile during transport, when in particular the packaging (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>) is arranged in a stack and unforeseen stresses might chip the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) or even break the tile (<NUM>).

The first flap (<NUM>) can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging. The second flap (<NUM>) can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging.

The first protecting element (<NUM>) can be made of plastic for packaging.

The first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) are preferably arranged parallel to one another.

The first protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably transversally arranged with respect to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>). In particular, the first protecting element (<NUM>) can be arranged perpendicular with respect to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>).

The first protecting element (<NUM>) comprises a first end portion (5a) and a second end portion (5b). The first end portion (5a) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the first flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a first superposing zone (<NUM>). The second end portion (5b) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a second superposing zone (<NUM>). The first fixing means are arranged at the first superposing zone (<NUM>) and the second superposing zone (<NUM>).

In particular, the first fixing means can be arranged between the first end portion (5a) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the first flap (<NUM>) and between the second end portion (5b) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>).

The first protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably in contact with the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>).

The packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can preferably comprise a third flap (<NUM>) and a fourth flap (<NUM>) which cover a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>).

With particular reference to <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) for at least a tile (<NUM>) preferably comprises a second protecting element (<NUM>) for protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>), which second protecting element (<NUM>) is strip-conformed, connects the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) to one another and is arranged so as to face the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), and to be reciprocally superposed with the first protecting element (<NUM>) so as to divide the first region (<NUM>) and the second region (<NUM>) each into two zones; second fixing means (for example, they can comprise glue or adhesive elements) which fix the second protecting element (<NUM>) to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>).

The first end of the second protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably fixed to the third flap (<NUM>) and the second end of the second protecting element (<NUM>), opposite the first end of the second protecting element (<NUM>), is fixed to the fourth flap (<NUM>).

The protection of the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) is further advantageously increased, in particular at the superposing zone between the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second protecting element (<NUM>). Further, thanks to the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second protecting element (<NUM>), the damping function of the packaging (<NUM>) of the invention is increased: during the transport of the tiles, in which they are stacked on one another, the tensions acting on the tile (<NUM>) are also reduced, so as to further reduce the probabilities of damage thereto.

The third flap (<NUM>) can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging. The fourth flap (<NUM>) can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging.

The second protecting element (<NUM>) can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging.

The second protecting element (<NUM>) can be the same as the first protecting element (<NUM>). In other words, it is preferable for the second protecting element (<NUM>) to be at least <NUM> wide, in particular it is preferable for it to have a width comprised between <NUM> and <NUM>. It is further preferable for the second protecting element (<NUM>) to have a thickness of about <NUM> for performing the function of protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>). It is also preferable for the second protecting element (<NUM>) to be made of a yielding material, preferably cardboard for packaging.

The third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) are preferably arranged parallel to one another.

The second protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably arranged transversally with respect to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>). In particular, the second protecting element (<NUM>) can be arranged perpendicular to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>).

The second protecting element (<NUM>) is preferably arranged transversally (in particular perpendicularly) with respect to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>).

The first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second protecting element (<NUM>) are preferably arranged perpendicular to one another.

The second protecting element (<NUM>) preferably comprises a first end portion (10a) and a second end portion (10b). The first end portion (10a) of the second protecting element (<NUM>) and the third flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a third superposing zone (<NUM>). The second end portion (10b) of the second protecting element (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a fourth superposing zone (<NUM>). The second fixing means are arranged at the third superposing zone (<NUM>) and the fourth superposing zone (<NUM>).

In particular, the second fixing means can be arranged between the first end portion (10a) of the second protecting element (<NUM>) and the third flap (<NUM>) and between the second end portion (10b) of the second protecting element (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>).

With reference, for example, to a tile conformed as a parallelepiped such as the one illustrated in the figures, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise a first covering portion (<NUM>) (it can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging) which covers the first flank of the at least a tile (<NUM>) and a second covering portion (it can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging) which covers the second flank of the at least a tile (<NUM>). The first flap (<NUM>) can be hinged to the first covering portion (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) can be hinged to the second covering portion.

Further, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise a third covering portion (<NUM>) (it can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging) which covers the third flank of the at least a tile (<NUM>) and a fourth covering portion (it can be made of cardboard or plastic for packaging) which covers the fourth flank of the at least a tile (<NUM>). The third flap (<NUM>) can be hinged to the third covering portion (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) can be hinged to the fourth covering portion.

The packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can be such as to completely cover the lower face of the at least a tile (<NUM>).

Alternatively, according to a first preferred embodiment, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises a fifth flap which covers at least a part of the perimeter edge portion of the lower face of the tile (<NUM>) so as to leave the central portion of the lower face free of packaging. The material used is advantageously limited.

In this case, considering that during transport of a plurality of packaged tiles the tiles are stacked one on another, the upper face (20a) of a first packaged tile faces the lower face of a second packaged tile that is arranged above the first tile. Further, during transport, it might occur that the first packaged tile and the second packaged tile move with respect to one another and this might damage the upper face of the first tile. Thanks at least to the first protecting element (<NUM>), the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) advantageously protects the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), creating a protective packing layer between the first tile and the second tile, with a sparing use of material with respect to the known packaging.

In fact, the first protecting element (<NUM>) is much smaller than the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>). Likewise the second protecting element (<NUM>) also has much smaller dimensions than the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>).

Further, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise at least a sixth flap which covers a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the lower face. The sixth flap can be parallel to the fifth flap. The fifth flap can be hinged to the first covering portion (<NUM>) and the sixth flap can be hinged to the second covering portion.

The packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise a seventh flap which covers a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the lower face. Further the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) can comprise an eighth flap which covers a respective part of the perimeter edge portion of the lower face. The seventh flap and the eighth flap can be parallel to one another.

Further, the seventh flap can be hinged to the third covering portion (<NUM>) and the eighth flap can be hinged to the fourth covering portion.

With reference to <FIG>, the at least a tile (<NUM>) is a parallelepiped and the packaging (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>) covers: the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) by means of the first flap (<NUM>), the second flap (<NUM>), the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>); the perimeter edge portion of the lower face of the tile (<NUM>) by means of the fifth flap, the sixth flap, the seventh flap and the eighth flap; the first flank by means of the first covering portion; the second flank by means of the second covering portion; the third flank by means of the third covering portion; the fourth flank by means of the fourth covering portion; part of the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) by means of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and/or the second protecting element (<NUM>).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) is realised using a blank, the first covering portion and the first fixing means. With reference to <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises, as well as the blank, the first covering portion and the first fixing means, the second covering portion and the second fixing means.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) is realised using a pair of blanks, the first covering portion and the first fixing means. With reference to <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises, as well as the pair of blanks, the first covering portion and the first fixing means, the second covering portion and the second fixing means.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) is realised using four blanks, the first covering portion and the first fixing means.

With reference to <FIG>, the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises, as well as the four blanks, the first covering portion and the first fixing means, the second covering portion and the second fixing means.

In the following a description is made of the method for packaging at least a tile (<NUM>), not an object of the present invention. Said method comprises steps of: covering a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) with a first flap (<NUM>) and a second flap (<NUM>); arranging a first protecting element (<NUM>) for protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>), which first protecting element (<NUM>) is strip-conformed, so that it connects the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) and which faces the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), so as to divide the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) into a first region (<NUM>) and a second region (<NUM>); fixing the first protecting element (<NUM>) to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>).

The step of covering, with a first flap (<NUM>) and a second flap (<NUM>), a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), is preferably carried out following the step of arranging the first protecting element (<NUM>) so that it connects the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) and faces the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>). In particular, in this case, the first protecting element (<NUM>) is arranged in contact with the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>).

The step of fixing the first protecting element (<NUM>) to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) preferably comprises the step of applying glue.

The step of connecting the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) by means of the first protecting element (<NUM>) can comprise the steps of reciprocally superposing a first end portion (5a) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the first flap (<NUM>), by identifying a first superposing zone (<NUM>) and reciprocally superposing a second end portion (5b) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>), identifying a second superposing zone (<NUM>). Further, the step of fixing the first protecting element (<NUM>) to the first flap (<NUM>) and to the second flap (<NUM>) is done by fixing them (i.e. by predisposing glue) at the first superposing zone (<NUM>) and the second superposing zone (<NUM>).

The method can further comprise steps of: covering a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the lower face of the tile (<NUM>) with a third flap (<NUM>) and a fourth flap (<NUM>); arranging a second protecting element (<NUM>) so that it connects the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) so as to face the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), and to be reciprocally superposed with the first protecting element (<NUM>) so as to divide the first region (<NUM>) and the second region (<NUM>) each into two zones; fixing the second protecting element (<NUM>) to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>).

The step of fixing the second protecting element (<NUM>) to the third flap (<NUM>) and the fourth flap (<NUM>) preferably comprises the step of applying glue.

Claim 1:
A packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>), comprising at least a tile (<NUM>), which tile (<NUM>) comprises an upper face (<NUM>) having a perimeter edge portion and a central portion (20a) which is internal of the perimeter edge portion, in which the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprises a first flap (<NUM>) and a second flap (<NUM>) which cover a relative part of the perimeter edge portion of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>);
the packaging (<NUM>) of at least a tile (<NUM>) comprising:
a first protecting element (<NUM>) for protecting the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the at least a tile (<NUM>), which first protecting element (<NUM>) is strip-conformed, connects the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) to one another and is arranged so as to face the central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>), thus dividing said central portion (20a) of the upper face (<NUM>) of the tile (<NUM>) into a first region (<NUM>) and a second region (<NUM>);
first fixing means which fix the first protecting element (<NUM>) to the first flap (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>);
characterized in that the first protecting element (<NUM>) comprises a first end portion (5a) and a second end portion (5b):
wherein the first end portion (5a) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the first flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a first superposing zone (<NUM>);
wherein the second end portion (5b) of the first protecting element (<NUM>) and the second flap (<NUM>) are reciprocally superposed, identifying a second superposing zone (<NUM>);
wherein the first fixing means are arranged at the first superposing zone (<NUM>) and the second superposing zone (<NUM>).