PACKING CASE UNIT INCLUDING BUFFER MATERIAL

Abstract

A packing case unit including a case main body and a first buffer material. The first buffer material is formed of a pulp-molding material. The case main body includes a first buffer material mounting hole, a first covering portion, and a first fitting hole. To the first buffer material mounting hole, the first buffer material is inserted. The first covering portion includes a first main covering portion and a first fitting piece. The first main covering portion covers the first buffer material, by being folded. In the first fitting hole, the first fitting piece is fitted by being folded.

Claims

1. A packing case unit comprising: a case main body formed of a cardboard plate material; and a buffer material formed of a pulp-molding material with a mold, through a pulp molding process, and fixed to the case main body, wherein the buffer material includes: a first planar portion including a first face which is flat; and a buffer portion including a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape extending from an outer circumferential edge of the first planar portion, in a direction opposite to the first planar portion, and a flange portion extending from an end portion of the cylindrical portion on an opposite side of the first planar portion, to an outer side and parallel to the first face of the first planar portion, the case main body includes: a main portion and a buffer material fixing section formed in the main portion, and used to fix the buffer material, and the buffer material fixing section includes: a buffer material mounting hole formed so as to penetrate through the main portion, to allow the buffer material to be inserted, with the first planar portion directed forward; a covering portion including a main covering portion having a part of a perimeter thereof connected to the main portion, and a remaining part separated from the main portion, and configured to cover, by being folded along the part of the perimeter, at least a part of a surface of the flange portion on the opposite side of the first planar portion, of the buffer material inserted through the buffer material mounting hole, and a fitting piece extending outwardly from the main covering portion; and a fitting hole formed so as to penetrate through the main portion, to allow the fitting piece, folded along a boundary with the main covering portion, to be fitted in the fitting hole.

2. The packing case unit according to claim 1, wherein the first planar portion of the buffer material includes a hole, and the buffer material further includes another buffer portion, including: another cylindrical portion of a cylindrical shape, located on an inner side of the cylindrical portion of the buffer portion, and extending from an inner circumferential edge of the first planar portion in the direction opposite to the first planar portion; and a second planar portion extending inwardly from an end portion of the other cylindrical portion on the opposite side of the first planar portion, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion.

3. The packing case unit according to claim 1, wherein the packing case unit further includes another buffer material different from the buffer material, the other buffer material includes: another first planar portion including another first face which is flat; and a third buffer portion including a third cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape extending from an outer circumferential edge of the other first planar portion, in the direction opposite to the other first planar portion, and a second flange portion extending from an end portion of the third cylindrical portion on the opposite side of the other first planar portion, to an outer side and parallel to the other first face of the other first planar portion, the case main body further includes another buffer material fixing section different from the buffer material fixing section, the other buffer material fixing section includes: a second buffer material mounting hole formed so as to penetrate through the main portion, to allow the other buffer material to be inserted, with the other first planar portion directed forward; a second covering portion including a second main covering portion having a part of a perimeter thereof connected to the main portion, and a remaining part separated from the main portion, and configured to cover, by being folded along the part of the perimeter, at least a part of a surface of the second flange portion on the opposite side of the other first planar portion, of the other buffer material inserted through the second buffer material mounting hole, and a second fitting piece extending outwardly from the second main covering portion; and a second fitting hole formed so as to penetrate through the main portion, to allow the second fitting piece, folded along a boundary with the second main covering portion, to be fitted in the second fitting hole, the cylindrical portion of the buffer material has a circular cylindrical shape, the third cylindrical portion of the other buffer material has a circular cylindrical shape, and a maximum size of an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion and a maximum size of an outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion are different from each other, and a size of the buffer material mounting hole corresponds to the maximum size of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion, and a size of the second buffer material mounting hole corresponds to the maximum size of the outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion.

4. The packing case unit according to claim 2, wherein a size of the buffer portion along a direction of a perpendicular line to the first face of the first planar portion, and a size of the other buffer portion along the direction of the perpendicular line to the first face of the first planar portion, are equal to each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a packed object, packed in two packing case units according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing one of the packing case units of FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the packing case unit of FIG. 2A, seen from a different direction;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the packing case unit shown in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the packed object, packed in two packing case units in a different form;

[0012] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a first buffer material included in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3;

[0013] FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the first buffer material of FIG. 5A, seen from a different direction;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first buffer material shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first buffer material, taken along a line A-A in FIG. 6;

[0016] FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a second buffer material included in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing the second buffer material of FIG. 8A, seen from a different direction;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second buffer material shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second buffer material, taken along a line B-B in FIG. 9;

[0020] FIG. 11 is an unfolded view of the case main body constituting one of the packing case units shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 12A is a schematic drawing for explaining an exemplary operation process, performed by an operator to fix the buffer material to the case main body;

[0022] FIG. 12B is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12A, performed by the operator to fix the buffer material to the case main body;

[0023] FIG. 12C is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12B, performed by the operator to fix the buffer material to the case main body;

[0024] FIG. 12D is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12C, performed by the operator to fix the buffer material to the case main body;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the first buffer material of FIG. 5A, fixed to the case main body of FIG. 11;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the second buffer material of FIG. 8A, fixed to the case main body of FIG. 11; and

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first buffer material, to be used for a packing case unit according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereafter, a packing case unit according to some embodiments of the disclosure will be described, with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

[0029] Packing case units 2 and 3 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure will be described hereunder, with reference to the drawings.

[0030] Referring first to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the packing case units 2 and 3 according to the first embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a packed object 4, packed in two packing case units 2 and 3. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the packing case unit 2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the packing case unit 2 of FIG. 2A, seen from a different direction. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the packing case unit 2.

[0031] The packing case unit 2 includes a case main body 2A formed of a cardboard plate material (e.g., paperboard composed of flat sheets (liner) and corrugated paper (core) bonded together by an adhesive), and a buffer material (hereinafter referred to as first buffer material, where appropriate) 1 formed of a pulp-molding material with a mold, through a pulp molding process, and fixed to the case main body 2A. The packing case unit 2 also includes another buffer material (hereinafter referred to as second buffer material, where appropriate) 5, different from the first buffer material 1.

[0032] The packing case unit 3 includes a case main body 3A formed of the cardboard plate material, and a buffer material (first buffer material) 1 formed of a pulp-molding material with a mold, through the pulp molding process, and fixed to the case main body 3A. The packing case unit 3 also includes another buffer material (second buffer material) 5, different from the first buffer material 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the packing case unit 2 and the packing case unit 3 pack the packed object 4, such as a multifunction peripheral, so as to hold from the left and right sides.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3, in the packing case unit 2, the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 are attached to the case main body 2A, with a first planar portion 11, 51 of the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 to be subsequently described, located so as to make contact with the packed object 4. In the packing case unit 3, the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 are attached to the case main body 3A, with the first planar portion 11, 51 of the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 to be subsequently described, located so as to make contact with the packed object 4.

[0035] Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 may be attached to the case main body 2A, 3A of the packing case unit 2, 3, with the first planar portion 11, 51 of the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 to be subsequently described located on the side of a colliding object, and with a flange portion 15, 55 of the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 to be subsequently described located on the side of the packed object 4, and the packing case unit 2 and the packing case unit 3 configured as above may be used to pack the packed object 4, so as to hold from the left and right sides.

[0036] Hereunder, the first buffer material 1 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 will be described, with reference to FIG. 5A to FIG. 7. FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the first buffer material 1 included in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3. FIG. 5B is a perspective view showing the first buffer material 1, seen from a different direction. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first buffer material 1 shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first buffer material 1, taken along a line A-A in FIG. 6.

[0037] The first buffer material 1 is, as described above, made from a pulp-molding material using a mold, through a pulp molding process. The first buffer material 1 includes a first planar portion 11, a first buffer portion 12, and a second buffer portion 13.

[0038] The first planar portion 11 includes a first face which is flat. In the first embodiment, the first planar portion 11 has an annular shape, having a circular opening formed at the central portion.

[0039] The first buffer portion 12 includes a first cylindrical portion 14 of a cylindrical shape extending from the outer circumferential edge of the first planar portion 11, in the direction opposite thereto, and a flange portion 15 extending outwardly from the end portion of the first cylindrical portion 14 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. In the first embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 14 has a circular cylindrical shape, and the flange portion 15 has an annular shape. The surface of the flange portion 15 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 is parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

[0040] The size of the first buffer portion 12 along the direction of a perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is denoted as h1. A first thickness of the first cylindrical portion 14 (distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion 14, along the direction of a perpendicular line to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface) is denoted as t1, which is constant. In addition, the first cylindrical portion 14 is inclined by a first angle 1 with respect to the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, such that the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 becomes larger in the direction away from the first planar portion 11. The first angle 1 corresponds to the draft angle for drawing out the buffer material 1 from the mold, in the direction opposite to the first planar portion 11, to form the first cylindrical portion 14. The first angle 1 is, for example, 5 degrees. The diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 at the position most distant from the first planar portion 11, in other words the maximum diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14, is denoted as r1.

[0041] The second buffer portion 13 is formed on the inner side of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12, and includes a second cylindrical portion 16 having a cylindrical shape extending from the inner circumferential edge of the first planar portion 11, in the direction opposite thereto, and a second planar portion 17 extending inwardly from the end portion of the second cylindrical portion 16 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. In the first embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 16 has a circular cylindrical shape, and the second planar portion 17 has a circular shape. The surface of the second planar portion 17 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 is parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

[0042] The size of the second buffer portion 13, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is denoted as h2. A second thickness of the second cylindrical portion 16 (distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion 16, along the direction of a perpendicular line to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface) is denoted as t2, which is constant. In addition, the second cylindrical portion 16 is inclined by a second angle 2 with respect to the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, such that the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 16 becomes larger in the direction toward the first planar portion 11. The second angle 2 corresponds to the draft angle for drawing out the buffer material 1 from the mold in the direction ahead of the first planar portion 11, to form the second cylindrical portion 16. The second angle 2 is, for example, 5 degrees.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the size h1 of the first buffer portion 12, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, and the size h2 of the second buffer portion 13, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, are equal to each other (h1=h2). In other words, the end portion of the first buffer portion 12 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the flange portion 15 of the first buffer portion 12 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), and the end portion of the second buffer portion 13 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the second planar portion 17 of the second buffer portion 13 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), are located on an identical plane parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. With such a configuration, the first buffer portion 12 and the second buffer portion 13 are subjected to an impact load at the same time.

[0044] The first thickness t1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 and the second thickness t2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 are equal to each other (t1=t2).

[0045] The first angle 1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 and the second angle 2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 are equal to each other (1=2).

[0046] Hereunder, the second buffer material 5 included in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3 will be described, with reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 10. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the second buffer material 5 included in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3. FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing the second buffer material 5, seen from a different direction. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the second buffer material 5 shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second buffer material 5, taken along a line B-B in FIG. 9.

[0047] The second buffer material 5 is, as described above, made from a pulp-molding material using a mold, through the pulp molding process. The second buffer material 5 includes a first planar portion 51, and a buffer portion 52.

[0048] The first planar portion 51 includes a first face which is flat. In the first embodiment, the first planar portion 51 has a circular shape.

[0049] The buffer portion 52 includes a cylindrical portion 54 of a cylindrical shape extending from the outer circumferential edge of the first planar portion 51, in the direction opposite thereto, and a flange portion 55 extending outwardly from the end portion of the cylindrical portion 54 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 51, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 51. In the first embodiment, the cylindrical portion 54 has a circular cylindrical shape, and the flange portion 55 has an annular shape. The surface of the flange portion 55 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 51 is parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 51.

[0050] The size of the buffer portion 52 along the direction of a perpendicular line p2 to the first face of the first planar portion 51, is denoted as h5. A thickness of the cylindrical portion 54 (distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 54, along the direction of a perpendicular line to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface) is denoted as t1, which is constant. In addition, the cylindrical portion 54 is inclined by an angle 5 with respect to the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 51, such that the diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 becomes larger in the direction away from the first planar portion 51. The angle 5 corresponds to the draft angle for drawing out the buffer material 1 from the mold, in the direction opposite to the first planar portion 51, to form the cylindrical portion 54. The angle 5 is, for example, 5 degrees. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 at the position most distant from the first planar portion 51, in other words the maximum diameter of the cylindrical portion 54, is denoted as r5.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1 is larger than the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of second buffer material 5 (r1>r5).

[0052] Instead, the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 and the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 may be equal to each other (r1=r5), or the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 may be made larger than the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 (r5>r1).

[0053] In the first embodiment, the thickness of the flange portion 15 of the first buffer material 1 and the thickness of the flange portion 55 of the second buffer material 5 are the same, and the size h1 of the first buffer portion 12 of the first buffer material 1, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, and the size h5 of the buffer portion 52 of the second buffer material 5, along the direction of the perpendicular line p2 to the first face of the first planar portion 51, are the same (h1=h5). With such a configuration, when the first buffer material 1 and the second buffer material 5 are fixed to the case main body 2A, 3A, the first face of the first planar portion 11 of the first buffer material 1, and the first face of the first planar portion 51 of the second buffer material 5 are located on an identical plane, and the surface of the flange portion 15 of the first buffer material 1 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, and the surface of the flange portion 55 of the second buffer material 5 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 51, are located on an identical plane. Therefore, the first buffer portion 12 of the first buffer material 1 and the buffer portion 52 of the second buffer portion 5 are subjected to the impact load at the same time. As result, the first buffer material 1 and the second buffer material 5 are less prone to be crushed, and provide a sufficient buffering effect against a large impact load.

[0054] Here, for example, the size h1 of the first buffer portion 12 of the first buffer material 1, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, and the size h5 of the buffer portion 52 of the second buffer material 5, along the direction of the perpendicular line p2 to the first face of the first planar portion 51, may be made different from each other (h1h5), while the thickness of the flange portion 15 of the first buffer material 1 and the thickness of the flange portion 55 of the second buffer material 5 are kept equal to each other. In this case, the size h1 may be made larger than the size h5 (h1>h5), or the size h5 may be made larger than the size h1 (h5>h1). In such cases, the impact load is imposed on one of the first buffer portion 12 of the first buffer material 1 and the buffer portion 52 of the second buffer material 5 first, so that the one subjected to the impact load is crushed, and then on the other buffer portion. Therefore, the way to cope with the impact load can be adjusted, according to the mass and the impact resistance of the packed object.

[0055] The crushability of the cylindrical portion 54 differs depending on the thickness t5 of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5. Therefore, by varying the thickness t5, various types of second buffer material 5, different from each other in buffering performance, can be prepared, to cope with the impact load of different levels.

[0056] The crushability of the cylindrical portion 54 differs depending on the angle 5 of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5. Therefore, by varying the angle 5, various types of second buffer material 5, different from each other in buffering performance, can be prepared, to cope with the impact load of different levels.

[0057] Further, the crushability of the cylindrical portion 54 differs depending on the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5. Therefore, by varying the maximum size r5, various types of second buffer material 5, different from each other in buffering performance, can be prepared, to cope with the impact load of different levels.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 11, the case main body 2A, to which the first buffer material 1 shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 7, and the second buffer material 5 shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 10 are to be attached, will be described hereunder. FIG. 11 is an unfolded view of the case main body 2A, constituting the packing case unit 2.

[0059] The case main body 2A included in the packing case unit 2 is formed of a cardboard plate material, and more specifically, assembled by folding the cardboard plate material. The case main body 2A includes a main portion 20A, and buffer material fixing sections 100, 200, 300, and 400, formed in the main portion 20A to fix the first or second buffer material 1, 5. The buffer material fixing section 100 is used to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A, and will hereinafter be referred to as first buffer material fixing section, where appropriate. Likewise, the buffer material fixing section 200 is used to fix the second buffer material 5 to the case main body 2A, and will hereinafter be referred to as second buffer material fixing section. Since the basic fixing structure of the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A, via different buffer material fixing sections, is similar to each other, only the case of the first buffer material fixing section 100 will be described, in the first embodiment. Likewise, since the basic fixing structure of the second buffer material 5 to the case main body 2A, via different buffer material fixing sections, is similar to each other, only the case of the second buffer material fixing section 200 will be described, in the first embodiment. The case main body 3A included in the packing case unit 3 includes the main portion, and the buffer material fixing sections formed in the main portion to fix the first and second buffer material 1, 5. The buffer material fixing sections include the buffer material fixing sections for fixing the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 3A (of the same basic fixing structure as the first buffer material fixing section), and the buffer material fixing sections for fixing the second buffer material 5 to the case main body 3A (of the same basic fixing structure as the second buffer material fixing section).

[0060] The first buffer material fixing section 100 is, as described above, used to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A. The first buffer material fixing section 100 includes first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B formed so as to penetrate through the main portion 20A, to allow the first buffer material 1 to be inserted with the first planar portion 11 directed forward. In the first embodiment, the first buffer material 1 is inserted through the first buffer material mounting hole 101A, 101B, until the surface of the flange portion 15 on the side of the first planar portion 11 is abutted against the main portion 20A. The first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B each have a size corresponding to the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1. The first buffer material fixing section 100 includes first protrusions 102A, 102B, respectively protruding inwardly of the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B, from the inner edge thereof.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B each have a circular shape in a plan view, and the diameter of the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B is larger than the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1, and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 15. However, for example in the case where the first protrusions 102A, 102B are not provided, the diameter of the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B may be generally the same as the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14.

[0062] Four each of the first protrusions 102A, 102B are provided, such that the diameter of the circle connecting the distal end portions of the respective first protrusions 102A, 102B is larger than the outer diameter of the first planar portion 11 of the annular shape in the first buffer material 1, and smaller than the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1.

[0063] By forming the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B, and the first protrusions 102A, 102B in the mentioned sizes, when the first buffer material 1 is inserted through the first buffer material mounting hole 101A, 101B with the first planar portion 11 of the first buffer material 1 directed forward, the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12 of the first buffer material 1 is caught by the four protrusions 102A, 102B, and when the first buffer material 1 is made to proceed further through the first buffer material mounting hole 101A, 101B, the flange portion 15 of the first buffer material 1 is abutted against the region of the main portion 20A around the first buffer material mounting hole 101A, 101B. The four protrusions 102A, 102B serve to prevent the first buffer material 1 from coming off.

[0064] The first buffer material fixing section 100 includes a first covering portion 103 having a part of the perimeter (folding line FL1) connected to the main portion 20A, and the remaining part other than the folding line FL1 is separated from the main portion 20A. The first covering portion 103 includes a first main covering portion 104, to be set to cover at least a part of the surface of the flange portion 15 on the side of the first planar portion 11 and the opposite side, of the first buffer material 1 inserted through the first buffer material mounting hole 101A, 101B, with the first covering portion 103 folded along the folding line FL1, and first fitting pieces 105, 106, each extending outwardly from the first main covering portion 104. The first fitting pieces 105, 106 are formed so as to be wider, in the direction away from the first main covering portion 104.

[0065] The first buffer material fixing section 100 includes first fitting holes 107, 108 formed so as to penetrate through the main portion 20A, and in which the first fitting pieces 105, 106, folded along the boundary with the first main covering portion 104, are to be respectively fitted. When the first main covering portion 104 is folded by approximately 180 degrees along the folding line FL1, but the first fitting pieces 105, 106 are not yet folded along the boundary with the first main covering portion 104, the first fitting pieces 105, 106 respectively overlap with the first fitting holes 107, 108. In addition, the first fitting pieces 105, 106 and the first fitting holes 107, 108 are formed in such sizes that prevent the first fitting pieces 105, 106, once fitted in the first fitting holes 107, 108, from easily coming off from the first fitting holes 107, 108. For example, the size of the first fitting pieces 105, 106, in the direction along the boundary with the first main covering portion 104, is determined such that, in the state where the first main covering portion 104 is folded by approximately 180 degrees along the folding line FL1, but the first fitting pieces 105, 106 are not yet folded along the boundary with the first main covering portion 104, the width of the distal end portion of the first fitting pieces 105, 106 is wider than the width of the first fitting holes 107, 108, and the width of the proximal end portion of the first fitting pieces 105, 106 is the same as, or narrower than, the width of the first fitting holes 107, 108.

[0066] Although the first buffer material fixing section 100 described above includes two first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B, a single first buffer material mounting hole, or three or more first buffer material mounting holes may be provided.

[0067] The second buffer material fixing section 200 is, as described above, used to fix the second buffer material 5 to the case main body 2A. The second buffer material fixing section 200 includes a second buffer material mounting hole 201 formed so as to penetrate through the main portion 20A, to allow the second buffer material 5 to be inserted with the first planar portion 51 directed forward. In the first embodiment, the second buffer material 5 is inserted through the second buffer material mounting hole 201, until the surface of the flange portion 55 on the side of the first planar portion 51 is abutted against the main portion 20A. The second buffer material mounting hole 201 each have a size corresponding to the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5. The second buffer material fixing section 200 includes a second protrusion 202, protruding inwardly of the second buffer material mounting hole 201, from the inner edge thereof.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the second buffer material mounting hole 201 has a circular shape in a plan view, and the diameter of the second buffer material mounting hole 201 is larger than the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5, and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 55.

[0069] Four each of the second protrusions 202 are provided, such that the diameter of the circle connecting the distal end portions of the respective second protrusions 202 is larger than the outer diameter of the first planar portion 51 of the annular shape in the second buffer material 5, and smaller than the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5.

[0070] By forming the second buffer material mounting hole 201, and the second protrusions 202 in the mentioned sizes, when the second buffer material 5 is inserted through the second buffer material mounting hole with the first planar portion 51 of the second buffer material 5 directed forward, the cylindrical portion 54 of the buffer portion 52 of the second buffer material 5 is caught by the four second protrusions 202, and when the second buffer material 5 is made to proceed further through the second buffer material mounting hole 201, the flange portion 55 of the second buffer material 5 is abutted against the region of the main portion 20A around the second buffer material mounting hole 201. The four second protrusions 202 serve to prevent the second buffer material 5 from coming off.

[0071] The second buffer material fixing section 200 includes a second covering portion 203 having a part of the perimeter (folding line FL2) connected to the main portion 20A, and the remaining part other than the folding line FL2 is separated from the main portion 20A. The covering portion 203 includes a second main covering portion 204, to be set to cover at least a part of the surface of the flange portion 55 on the side of the first planar portion 51 and the opposite side, of the second buffer material 5 inserted through the second buffer material mounting hole 201, with the covering portion 203 folded along the folding line FL2, and second fitting pieces 205, 206, each extending outwardly from the second main covering portion 204. The second fitting pieces 205, 206 are formed so as to be wider, in the direction away from the second main covering portion 204.

[0072] The second buffer material fixing section 200 includes second fitting holes 207, 208 formed so as to penetrate through the main portion 20A, and in which the second fitting pieces 205, 206, folded along the boundary with the second main covering portion 204, are to be respectively fitted. When the second main covering portion 204 is folded by approximately 180 degrees along the folding line FL2, but the second fitting pieces 205, 206 are not yet folded along the boundary with the second main covering portion 204, the second fitting pieces 205, 206 respectively overlap with the second fitting holes 207, 208. In addition, the second fitting pieces 205, 206 and the second fitting holes 207, 208 are formed in such sizes that prevent the second fitting pieces 205, 206, once fitted in the second fitting holes 207, 208, from easily coming off from the second fitting holes 207, 208. For example, the size of the second fitting pieces 205, 206, in the direction along the boundary with the second main covering portion 204, is determined such that, in the state where the second main covering portion 204 is folded by approximately 180 degrees along the folding line FL2, but the second fitting pieces 205, 206 are not yet folded along the boundary with the second main covering portion 204, the width of the distal end portion of the second fitting pieces 205, 206 is wider than the width of the second fitting holes 207, 208, and the width of the proximal end portion of the second fitting pieces 205, 206 is the same as, or narrower than, the width of the second fitting holes 207, 208.

[0073] Although the second buffer material fixing section 200 described above includes a single second buffer material mounting hole 201, two or more second buffer material mounting holes may be provided.

[0074] As described above, the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B each have a size corresponding to the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1. Likewise, the second buffer material mounting hole 201 has a size corresponding to the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5. In the first embodiment, in addition, the maximum size r1 of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer material 1 is larger than the maximum size r5 of the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 54 of the second buffer material 5 (r1>r5). With such a configuration according to the first embodiment, the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B are larger in size than the second buffer material mounting hole 201, in a plan view. Therefore, an operator can attach the first buffer material 1 to the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B, and the second buffer material 5 to the second buffer material mounting hole 201, without being confused.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D, an exemplary operation process, through which the operator fixes the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A, will be described hereunder. FIG. 12A is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process, performed by the operator to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A. FIG. 12B is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12A, performed by the operator to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A. FIG. 12C is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12B, performed by the operator to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A. FIG. 12D is a schematic drawing for explaining the exemplary operation process subsequent to FIG. 12C, performed by the operator to fix the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A.

[0076] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D are enlarged drawings of a region surrounded by dot lines a in the case main body 2A in FIG. 7. The operator attaches the first buffer material 1 to the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B formed in the main portion 20A, by inserting, with respect to the main portion 20A set as shown in FIG. 12A, the first buffer material 1 into the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B formed in the main portion 20A, with the first face 11 of the first buffer material 1 directed forward, such that the first cylindrical portion 104 of the first buffer portion 102 makes contact with the first protrusions 102A, 102B, and further pressing the first buffer material 1 forward, until the surface of the flange portion 15 on the side of the first planar portion 11 is abutted against the main portion 20A. FIG. 12B illustrates the state where the first buffer material 1 has been attached to each of the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B formed in the main portion 20A.

[0077] Upon attaching the first buffer material 1 to the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B formed in the main portion 20A as shown in FIG. 12B, the operator folds the first main covering portion 104 of the first covering portion 103 along the folding line FL1, so as to overlay the first main covering portion 104, on at least a part of the surface of the flange portion 15 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, of the first buffer material 1 inserted through the first buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B. FIG. 12C illustrates the state where the first main covering portion 104 has been overlaid on at least a part of the surface of the flange portion 15 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, of the first buffer material 1.

[0078] After the first main covering portion 104 is overlaid on at least a part of the surface of the flange portion 15 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 of the first buffer material 1, as shown in FIG. 12C, the operator folds the first fitting pieces 105, 106 of the first covering portion 103, along the boundary with the first main covering portion 104, and fits the first fitting pieces 105, 106 in the first fitting holes 107, 108, respectively. As result, the first covering portion 103 maintains the folded posture. FIG. 12D illustrates the state where the first fitting pieces 105, 106 have been respectively fitted in the first fitting holes 107, 108. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of FIG. 12D.

[0079] An exemplary operation process, through which the operator fixes the second buffer material 5 to the case main body 2A, is similar to the process through which the operator fixes the first buffer material 1 to the case main body 2A, described above with reference to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12D. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the second buffer material 5, fixed to the case main body 2A.

[0080] With the arrangement according to the first embodiment, the packing case unit, including the case main body and the buffer material fixed to the case main body, becomes applicable to products of a desired size, including large-sized products, by separately forming the case main bodies 2A, 3A, and the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 to be fixed to the case main bodies 2A, 3A, and employing the cardboard plate material that enables the material of various sizes, from small to large, to be formed, for use as the case main bodies 2A, 2B.

[0081] The first and second buffer material fixing sections 100, 200 formed on the case main body 2A each have a simple structure including the first and second buffer material mounting holes 101A, 101B, 201, to which the first or second buffer material 1, 5 is to be inserted, the covering portions 103, 203 including the first and second main covering portions 104, 204 to be overlaid on the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 by being folded, and the first and second fitting pieces 105, 106, 205, 206 extending from the first and second main covering portions 104, 204, and the first and second fitting holes 107, 108, 207, 208 in which the first and second fitting pieces 105, 106, 205, 206 are to be respectively fitted by being folded. Therefore, the first and second buffer materials 1, 5 can be securely fixed to the case main body 2A, 3A, via the first and second buffer material fixing sections 100, 200 of the simple structure.

[0082] In addition, employing the first buffer material 1 and the second buffer material 5, which are different in crushability from each other, enables the buffering performance to be appropriately adjusted, according to the mass and the impact resistance of the packed object.

[0083] Forming the first buffer material 1 in a double structure, including the first buffer portion 12 and the second buffer portion 13 provided on the inner side of the first buffer portion 12, leads to improved buffering performance of the buffer material, per unit amount of the material and per unit footprint. Therefore, the first buffer material 1, capable of providing a sufficient buffering effect against an expected impact load, can be formed in a smaller size, and the cost of the material for the first buffer material 1 can be reduced. Further, the transport cost can also be reduced, because of the reduction in overall size of the first buffer material 1 and the packing case units 2 and 3, containing therein the packed object 4.

[0084] In the first buffer material 1, the size h1 of the first buffer portion 12, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, and the size h2 of the second buffer portion 13, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, are equal to each other (h1=h2). In other words, the end portion of the first buffer portion 12 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the flange portion 15 of the first buffer portion 12 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), and the end portion of the second buffer portion 13 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the second planar portion 17 of the second buffer portion 13 on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), are located on an identical plane parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. With such a configuration, the first buffer portion 12 and the second buffer portion 13 of the first buffer material 1 start to receive an impact load at the same time, and therefore the first buffer portion 12 and the second buffer portion 13 are less prone to be crushed. As result, the first buffer material 1 of the smaller size provides a sufficient buffering effect, against a large impact load.

[0085] Further, by varying the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 16 of the second buffer portion 13, the buffering performance of the first buffer material 1 can be adjusted according to the mass and the impact resistance of the packed object 4, with the outer size of the first buffer material 1 kept unchanged.

Second Embodiment

[0086] Hereafter, a first buffer material 1A, to be used for the packing case units 2, 3 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure will be described, with reference to the drawings. In the first buffer material 1 according to the first embodiment, the size h1 of the first buffer portion 12, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, and the size h2 of the second buffer portion 13, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, are equal to each other (h1=h2). In contrast, in the first buffer material 1A according to the second embodiment, the size h2A of a second buffer portion 13A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is smaller than the size h1A of a first buffer portion 12A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11 (h1A>h2A). In the description of the second embodiment, the same elements as those of the first embodiment are given the same numeral, and the description of such elements will not be repeated.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 15, the configuration of the first buffer material 1A, to be used for the packing case units 2, 3 according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, will be described hereunder. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first buffer material 1A to be used for the packing case units 2, 3 according to the second embodiment of the disclosure. To be more specific, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first buffer material 1A, taken along a plane including the perpendicular line p1 passing the center of the first planar portion 11.

[0088] The first buffer material 1A is made from a pulp-molding material using a mold, through a pulp molding process. The first buffer material 1A includes the first planar portion 11, the first buffer portion 12A, and the second buffer portion 13A.

[0089] The first buffer portion 12A includes a first cylindrical portion 14A of a cylindrical shape extending from the outer circumferential edge of the first planar portion 11, in the direction opposite thereto, and a flange portion 15A extending outwardly from the end portion of the first cylindrical portion 14A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. In the second embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 14A has a circular cylindrical shape, and the flange portion 15A has an annular shape. The surface of the flange portion 15A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 is parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

[0090] The size of the first buffer portion 12A along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is denoted as h1A. A first thickness of the first cylindrical portion 14A (distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the first cylindrical portion 14A, along the direction of a perpendicular line to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface) is denoted as t1A, which is constant. In addition, the first cylindrical portion 14A is inclined by a first angle 1A with respect to the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, such that the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14A becomes larger in the direction away from the first planar portion 11. The first angle 1A corresponds to the draft angle for drawing out the first buffer material 1A from the mold, in the direction opposite to the first planar portion 11, to form the first cylindrical portion 14A. The first angle 1A is, for example, 5 degrees. The diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14A at the position most distant from the first planar portion 11, in other words the maximum diameter of the first cylindrical portion 14A, is denoted as r1A.

[0091] The second buffer portion 13A is formed on the inner side of the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, and includes a second cylindrical portion 16A having a cylindrical shape extending from the inner circumferential edge of the first planar portion 11, in the direction opposite thereto, and a second planar portion 17A extending inwardly from the end portion of the second cylindrical portion 16A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11, parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. In the second embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 16A has a circular cylindrical shape, and the second planar portion 17A has a circular shape. The surface of the second planar portion 17A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 is parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

[0092] The size of the second buffer portion 13A along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is denoted as h2A. A second thickness of the second cylindrical portion 16A (distance between the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the second cylindrical portion 16A, along the direction of a perpendicular line to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface) is denoted as t2A, which is constant. In addition, the second cylindrical portion 16A is inclined by a second angle 2A with respect to the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, such that the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 16A becomes larger in the direction away from the first planar portion 11. The second angle 2A corresponds to the draft angle for drawing out the first buffer material 1A from the mold in the direction ahead of the first planar portion 11, to form the second cylindrical portion 16A. The second angle 2A is, for example, 5 degrees.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the size h2A of the second buffer portion 13A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is smaller than the size h1A of the first buffer portion 12A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11 (h1A>h2A). In other words, the end portion of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the flange portion 15A of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), and the end portion of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the second planar portion 17A of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11), are located on different planes, both of which are parallel to the first face of the first planar portion 11. To be more specific, the plane on which the end portion of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the second planar portion 17A of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11) is located, is closer to the first planar portion 11, than is the plane on which the end portion of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the flange portion 15A of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11) is located. With such a configuration, the first buffer portion 12A is subjected to the impact load first, and thereafter the second buffer portion 13A is subjected to the impact load.

[0094] The first thickness t1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A and the second thickness t2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A are equal to each other (t1A=t2A).

[0095] The first angle 1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A and the second angle 2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A are equal to each other (1A=2A).

[0096] According to the second embodiment, the size h2A of the second buffer portion 13A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, is smaller than the size h1A of the first buffer portion 12A, along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11 (h1A>h2A). In other words, the plane on which the end portion of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the second planar portion 17A of the second buffer portion 13A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11) is located, is closer to the first planar portion 11, than is the plane on which the end portion of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11 (surface of the flange portion 15A of the first buffer portion 12A on the opposite side of the first planar portion 11) is located. With such a configuration, the first buffer portion 12A, still undamaged, is subjected to the impact load first, and absorbs the impact by being crushed. As the damage to the first buffer portion 12A spreads, the second buffer portion 13A, still undamaged, is subjected to the impact load, and absorbs the impact by being crushed. By thus absorbing the impact with the first buffer portion 12A, and then with the second buffer portion 13A, the first buffer material 1A, which is small in size along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, can provide a sufficient buffering effect against a large impact load, to suppress the impact load imposed on the packed object.

[0097] By varying the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, and the size h2A of the second buffer portion 13A along the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11, the buffering performance of the first buffer material 1A can be adjusted, according to the mass and the impact resistance of the packed object 4, with the outer size of the first buffer material 1A kept unchanged.

First Variation of First and Second Embodiments

[0098] According to the first embodiment, the first angle 1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12, and the second angle 2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 of the second buffer portion 13, are the same (1=2). According to a first variation of the first embodiment, instead, the first angle 1 and the second angle 2 are different from each other (12). When the first angle 1 and the second angle 2 are set to be different from each other (12), the first angle 1 may be made larger than the second angle 2 (1>2), or the second angle 2 may be made larger than the first angle 1 (2>1). The smaller the first and second angles 1, 2 are, the less prone to be crushed by the impact load, the first and second cylindrical portions 14, 16 of the first and second buffer portions 12, 13 become. Therefore, various types of first buffer material 1, different from each other in buffering performance, can be prepared, to cope with the impact load of different levels.

[0099] According to the second embodiment, the first angle 1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, and the second angle 2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, are the same (1A=2A). According to the first variation of the second embodiment, instead, the first angle 1A and the second angle 2A are different from each other (1A2A). When the first angle 1A and the second angle 2A are set to be different from each other (1A2A), the first angle 1A may be made larger than the second angle 2A (1A>2A), or the second angle 2A may be made larger than the first angle 1A (2A>1A). The smaller the first and second angles 1A, 2A are, the less prone to be crushed by the impact load, the first and second cylindrical portions 14, 16 of the first and second buffer portions 12, 13 become. Therefore, the buffering performance of the first and second buffer portions 12A, 13A can be adjusted in finer increments.

[0100] For example, when the first angle 1A is made larger than the second angle 2A (1A>2A), the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A is more prone to be crushed by the impact load, than the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A. Since the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, which is subjected to the impact load first, is more prone to be crushed, the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A attenuates the impact load by a small attenuation amount, while suppressing the impact load imposed on the packed object. Since the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, which is subjected to the impact load later, is less prone to be crushed, the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A can attenuate the impact load by a large attenuation amount, thereby coping with the impact load, with slight deformation in the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

Second Variation of First and Second Embodiments

[0101] According to the first embodiment, the first thickness t1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12, and the second thickness t2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 of the second buffer portion 13, are the same (t1=t2). According to a second variation of the first embodiment, instead, the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2 are different from each other (t1t2). When the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2 are set to be different from each other (t1t2), the first thickness t1 may be made thinner than the second thickness t2 (t1<t2), or the second thickness t2 may be made thinner than the first thickness t1 (t2<t1). The thicker the first and second thicknesses t1, t2 are, the less prone to be crushed by the impact load, the first and second cylindrical portions 14, 16 of the first and second buffer portions 12, 13 become. Therefore, various types of first buffer material 1, different from each other in buffering performance, can be prepared, to cope with the impact load of different levels.

[0102] According to the second embodiment, the first thickness t1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, and the second thickness t2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, are the same (t1A=t2A). According to a second variation of the first embodiment, instead, the first thickness t1A and the second thickness t2A are different from each other (t1At2A). When the first thickness t1A and the second thickness t2A are set to be different from each other (t1At2A), the first thickness t1A may be made thinner than the second thickness t2A (t1A<t2A), or the second thickness t2A may be made thinner than the first thickness t1A (t2A<t1A). The thicker the first and second thicknesses t1A, t2A are, the less prone to be crushed by the impact load, the first and second cylindrical portions 14A, 16A of the first and second buffer portions 12A, 13A become. Therefore, the buffering performance of the first and second buffer portions 12A, 13A can be adjusted in finer increments.

[0103] For example, when the first thickness t1A is made thinner than the second thickness t2A (t1A<t2A), the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A is more prone to be crushed by the impact load, than the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A. Since the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, which is subjected to the impact load first, is more prone to be crushed, the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A attenuates the impact load by a small attenuation amount, while suppressing the impact load imposed on the packed object. Since the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, which is subjected to the impact load later, is less prone to be crushed, the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A can attenuate the impact load by a large attenuation amount, thereby coping with the impact load, with slight deformation in the direction of the perpendicular line p1 to the first face of the first planar portion 11.

Other Variations

[0104] According to the first embodiment, the first angle 1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12, and the second angle 2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 of the second buffer portion 13, are the same (1=2), and the first thickness t1 of the first cylindrical portion 14 of the first buffer portion 12, and the second thickness t2 of the second cylindrical portion 16 of the second buffer portion 13, are the same (t1=t2). Instead, the first angle 1 and the second angle 2 may be different from each other (12), and the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2 may be different from each other (t1t2). Examples of the combination of the values in such cases include (1) 1>2 and t1<t2, (2) 1>2 and t1>t2, (3) 1<2 and t1<t2, and (4) 1<2 and t1>t2.

[0105] According to the second embodiment, the first angle 1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, and the second angle 2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, are the same (1A=2A), and the first thickness t1A of the first cylindrical portion 14A of the first buffer portion 12A, and the second thickness t2A of the second cylindrical portion 16A of the second buffer portion 13A, are the same (t1A=t2A). Instead, the first angle 1A and the second angle 2A may be different from each other (1A2A), and the first thickness t1A and the second thickness t2A may be different from each other (t1At2A). Examples of the combination of the values in such cases include (1) 1A>2A and t1A<t2A, (2) 1A>2A and t1A>t2A, (3) 1A<2A and t1A<t2A, and (4) 1A<2A and t1A>t2A.

[0106] The buffer material for packing is integrally formed through the pulp molding process, and includes a plurality of projections to be abutted against the packed object, when the packing is done. The tip portion of the projection is convexly curved in a semispherical shape, and includes an opening on one side that is cut away in a vertical direction. The buffer material formed in such a shape can provide a desired buffering effect, against a single impact load. However, the buffer material for packing formed through the pulp molding process is normally used for small-sized products such as an A4 printer, and not for such as an A3 multifunction peripheral. As the buffer material for the large-sized products, normally foamed polyethylene or laminated cardboard is employed. This is because, due to the size limit of the mold applicable to the pulp molding process, the largest possible size of the buffer material for packing formed through the pulp molding process is approximately 600 mm600 mm. The foregoing embodiments and the foregoing variations enable the products of a desired size, including large-sized products, to be packed with the buffer material formed of the pulp-molding material using the mold, through the pulp molding process.

[0107] The disclosure may be modified in various manners, without limitation to the configuration according to the foregoing embodiments and the foregoing variations. Further, the configurations described in the first embodiments with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, the configurations described in the second embodiments with reference to FIG. 15 and the configurations described in the variations are merely exemplary, and in no way intended to limit the disclosure to those configurations.

[0108] While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope defined by the appended claims.