JP2006525201A - Container and set and container forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

A pallet (2) and an at least partially foldable and / or dismantleable wall (3), wherein the wall (3) defines an interior space surrounded by the wall and the pallet in a first deployed position. A container that can be placed on a pallet to form, can be folded at least partially in a second position separated from the pallet, and the wall and pallet can be stored and transported separately.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

  The present invention relates to a container. The present invention particularly relates to a container having a pallet that can lift and move the container.

  In practice, known containers are built up on the bottom by stacking wall panels that serve as pivots from the bottom and connecting them together with clamps, retaining pins, clips, or the like. Such a container has the advantage of not taking up space when stored and transported empty. However, such containers have the disadvantage that the bottom is not a removable part for transporting and storing the product and cannot be used separately.

  The object of the present invention is to provide an improved container of the type of container described in the premise. To that end, the container according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

  In the container according to the present invention, the wall is formed of a panel that can be stored separately from the wall, at least from the pallet. The pallet can be used as an independent pallet during storage and transportation. Therefore, it is possible to separate and clean the wall from the pallet, for example, to adjust the wall according to the load to be transported.

  This wall is preferably made of plastic and is preferably on the top surface of the pallet during use, i.e. when the container is assembled.

  In a particularly advantageous embodiment, with the container according to the invention, a bottom connected to the wall or to be connected is formed on the pallet. As a result, the top surface of the pallet is partitioned from the cargo stored or to be stored in the internal space of the container. Also, during use, at least when the container is under load, the bottom prevents the wall from shifting relative to the pallet. A further advantage with this container is that the assembly of the container can be further simplified.

  The bottom is preferably formed from a plurality of bottoms joined to the wall. The bottom may comprise means for interconnecting and / or means for connecting with the pallet. By connecting the bottoms to each other, there is an advantage that assembly is further simplified. Further, if necessary, the bottom may be designed to be moisture-proof. In this case, the bottom is further firmly fixed by this connection. The bottom is preferably pivotably coupled to the wall by an integral hinge, such as a living hinge. Such hinge means can be easily formed, is relatively rugged and can be easily designed to be airtight, for example against moisture and dust. Also, at least during the use of the container for storing or transporting goods such as solid or liquid products, the walls should be properly protected by having the walls airtight against moisture and / or dust. It is preferable that the parts are configured to be mutually connectable or are actually connected.

  In the container according to the present invention, a securing means for fastening the wall during use may be simply used. Such a securing means may be, for example, a fixed string, a fixed foil, or a clamp that pulls the walls. A string or the like is preferable because it can be used relatively easily and inexpensively and can be easily replaced. As a result, the wall portion does not require special equipment and can always be closed in an optimum state.

  The walls are connected to each other on the pallet with several walls connected to each other and / or connected to the pallet to change the height of a container having a relatively low wall. It can be designed to be superposed.

  When there is a bottom portion as described above, it is preferable to provide a means for increasing the frictional force such as a stud, a rib, or a friction material on the side facing the pallet during use to further prevent the bottom from shifting with respect to the pallet.

  The invention further relates to a series of panel sets forming a container according to the invention. In particular, the invention relates to a set as characterized by the features of claim 14.

  Using such a set, it is very easy to obtain a container having an internal space for properly storing various products. These products may be placed on the bottom formed by the bottom panel.

  Each bottom is preferably provided with cooperating connecting means and can be fixed to each other. Also, preferably, a substantially rectangular shape whose dimensions and shape substantially match the modular form of a pallet, such as a euro pallet, so that each bottom can be joined together to form a closed bottom. Each bottom is formed so that a bottom can be formed. Preferably, the wall of the panel further comprises connecting means for supporting and / or connecting each wall to each other in order to make the outer shape relatively rigid.

  In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the set according to the invention comprises at least three types of panels with at least different wall widths and / or bottom shapes. The panels of this set are configured to interconnect with each other, so that appropriate selection of the panels provides an internal space of different dimensions and shapes.

  The invention further relates to a container forming method characterized by the features of claim 19.

  Such a method has the advantage that the container can be assembled and disassembled very easily, so that the resulting container has an appropriate interior space size in the assembled state, The space required is minimal. Furthermore, for example, a standard pallet can be used.

  The method according to the present invention preferably comprises a bottom panel coupled to or to be coupled to at least a plurality of walls such that the interior space is defined on the pallet by the walls on the bottom. Characterized by being formed. Moreover, it is preferable that the bottom is assembled so as to be airtight against moisture, and the bottoms are preferably connected to each other.

The invention further relates to a method for transporting a product characterized in the features of claim 24.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the container wall is formed around the product placed on the pallet, so that it can be loaded very easily. When unloading, the wall can be removed, so the product can be easily removed from the side.

  In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bottom is formed on the pallet from the bottom connected to the wall or to be joined before placing the goods, so that the load is on the bottom and physically Has been separated from. Thus, there is the advantage that the choice of the pallet, in particular its material, is at least not very dependent on the load.

  Thus, when the method according to the present invention is used, for example, a liquid or paste-like low-viscosity or high-viscosity fluid can be carried on a wooden pallet. The bottom prevents contact of liquid or paste with parts of the pallet such as thorns and dirt that may remain on the pallet. Thus, for example, the raw material for producing rubber or the like can be transported on a wooden pallet, but other plastic or metal pallets can naturally be used. Also, special cleaning of the pallet is not necessary.

  In further dependent claims further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined. In order to clarify the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.

  In this specification, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same or corresponding reference symbols. The following figures show exemplary embodiments of containers according to the present invention in different exemplary embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows two perspective views of a container 1 according to the present invention in two different exemplary embodiments. The left side of FIG. 1 shows a container 1 with a plastic wall 3 assembled on a plastic pallet 2. The right side of FIG. 1 shows a similar container with a wall 3 assembled on a wooden pallet 2. The wall 3 surrounds the interior space 5 by including four panels 4 that can be or can be joined to each other in the manner described below. The internal space 5 is surrounded by the wall 3 and the pallet 2 and opens upward. Depending on the situation, a cover (not shown) may be provided. Such a cover may be provided separately from the wall 3, but may be provided to each panel connected to a different panel 4 or may be connected to the panel 4.

  FIG. 2 shows the pallet 2 shown on the left side of FIG. 1, specifically a pallet 2 that is substantially plastic. The pallet 2 includes an upper surface 6 and a series of carriers 7. In the exemplary embodiment, three carriers 7 are shown. Similar to the prior art pallet, the carrier 7 extends side by side under the top surface 6 so that a blade insertion slot 8 is provided between each carrier 7. The blade can be inserted between the carrier 7 and the upper surface 6 through the recess 9 at right angles thereto. The general structure of such a pallet 2 is well known.

  In the pallet 2 as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 6 is provided with insertion ports 11 adjacent to the four sides 10 at regular intervals. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, an euro pallet with four insertion ports 11 on the long side and two on the short side is shown. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9, the pallet may be provided with solid means.

3 and 4 show a method of stacking the container 1 of the present invention on the pallet 2 of FIG. 2 in two steps in the first embodiment using four panels 4. As shown in FIG. 3, first, two identical panels 4 are inserted into the insertion slot 11 and stood until they are in a vertical position. A lip 13 extends at the lower end of the panel 4 as shown in FIG. This operation is shown in a simplified manner by two arrows P ₁ positioned symmetrically. Next, as shown in a simplified manner by an arrow P ₂ in FIG. 4, the second set of the panel 4 having the same lip 13 is inserted into the insertion slot 11 on the short side of the pallet 2, and the vertical position is set. Stand until. The panel 4A placed first has a recess 15 in the longitudinal edge 14 arranged vertically in FIG. The other two panels 4B are provided at their vertical longitudinal edges 16 with complementary projections 17 that can engage the recesses 15 so that the walls engage at least to some extent.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the coupling means such as the fixing strap 18 is attached around the four panels 4A and 4B, so that the four panels 4A and 4B are pulled strongly against each other. To define the internal space 5. When the container 1 is dismantled, the fixed string 18 can be simply removed, cut or otherwise removed, and the four panels 4A and 4B are removed from the pallet 2 in reverse order. It can be removed.

  The lip 13 in the position shown in FIG. 4 is slightly rounded downward in the interior, and has an edge 19 extending outward on the surface facing the exterior. As shown in FIG. 10, after inserting the edge 19 into the insertion slot 11, when the panel 4A is swung upward from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 to the vertical position, the panel 4A is attached. The edge 19 can be locked under the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2. In this way, the wall 4 is firmly connected to the pallet and at least the wall 4 does not separate from the pallet unless the panel is removed.

  6 to 8 show another embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention. The container 1 includes a pallet 2 and a folding wall 4. In this embodiment, the pallet 2 has an upper surface 6 below which nine legs 7 are provided at regular intervals so that the lifting blade can be inserted under the upper surface 6 from each of the four surfaces. The upper surface 6 has a stepped surface 20 along the periphery of the pallet 2 for the reason described later.

  The wall 3 includes four panels 4 </ b> A and 4 </ b> B each having three protrusions 13 on the lower edge in the longitudinal direction. Grooves 21 extend directly above the projections 13 so that the projections 13 of the panels 4A and 4B are in contact with the legs 7 on the respective sides of the pallet 2 on the side surfaces facing the insides of the panels 4A and 4B. . The groove 21 is dimensioned so that each panel 4 </ b> A and panel 4 </ b> B can move the entire lower step 22 of the stepped surface 20 by the groove 21. This is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the pallet 2 is grounded via the legs 7 on the base surface, and the panels 4A and 4B are substantially in a vertical position. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 7, the panels 4A and 4B are provided with a lip 24 at their longitudinal edges 14 and 16 and the two longitudinal edges 14 and 16 of the two panels 4A and 4B, respectively. When moved in opposite directions, the lip 24 of the first panel 4A is fitted between the lips 24 of the second panel 4B. Each lip has a hole 25, and the through hole 25 is obtained at the position of the lip 24 fitted into each other as described above (FIG. 7). For example, a pin 26 can be inserted into the through hole 25 (FIG. 8). Thereby, a piano hinge is formed. In this way, a folding wall that can be easily folded is obtained around the pallet 2. In the folding wall, the groove 21 is received in the lower stage 22 of the pallet 2 and is engaged with the pallet 2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when all the walls 3 are closed, a fixing means 18 that closes the two wall portions 4A and 4B by pulling them together may be provided as necessary. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the fixing means 18 is a relatively short fixing string and closes only one corner of the container 1. Of course, a continuous fixed string, rope, shrink foil, etc. may be used to lock the panel 4. Further, the above-described locking may be realized by inserting the pin 26 into the hole 25 at each of the corners 24.

  As can be clearly seen from FIG. 8, the lip 24 slightly outward from this plane forms the corner 24A shown on the right side so that the pin 26 is positioned outside the plane of the panel 4A. By doing so, there is an advantage that the four panels 4A and 4B can be folded up to the position shown in FIG. Of course, this advantage can be obtained by removing all the pins 26 so that the panels 4A and 4B can be overlapped.

  FIG. 9 shows the pallet 2 according to FIGS. 2 and 10 in a dismantled state, wherein the reinforcing means 12 in the form of a strip 28 made of metal or plastic is housed between the carrier 7 and the upper surface 6. It shows clearly. The back surface of the upper surface 6 includes a recess 27 that can fix the tubular stud 29 of the carrier 7 by gluing or the like. The recess 27 can be sealed by a cap 30, which may extend into the tubular stud 29, for example.

  Those skilled in the art will immediately understand these and a variety of similar modifications that form such a pallet 2.

  FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the container 1 according to the present invention in a dismantled state. FIG. 12 shows a method for installing the container 1.

The pallet 2 shown in FIG. 11 may be anything, for example, as shown in the present specification, or a normal wooden pallet. The pallet 2 has a top surface 6 of a standard size such as a euro pallet. The widths B ₁ and B ₂ of the two pairs of panels 4A and 4B correspond to the vertical and horizontal lengths of the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2, respectively. Panel 4A and panel 4B each include a wall 31 and a bottom 32 that is pivotally coupled to wall 31. The wall portion 31 and the bottom portion 32 can be coupled by, for example, a piano hinge 33, but are preferably coupled by an integrally formed hinge, for example, a living hinge. However, other types of hinges can be used.

  Each bottom 32 is substantially triangular, and one face of the triangle joins or forms part of the hinge 33. The other two surfaces 35 have an angle α and an angle β in the bottom panel 32 of the first wall portion 4A and the second wall portion 4B, respectively. Angle α and angle β are selected such that 2α + 2β is approximately 360 °. The first free edge 35 </ b> A in the longitudinal direction of each bottom panel 32 includes first connecting means 36, and the other free edge 35 </ b> B in the longitudinal direction of each bottom portion 32 includes second connecting means 37. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting means 36 and the second connecting means 37 are designed like a connecting piece of a jigsaw puzzle and have a shape that fits without a gap. However, other types of connecting means can be used as long as the two bottom portions 32 can be connected to each other and do not deviate from each other, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the panel 4 </ b> A and the panel 4 </ b> B can be installed so as to face each other in pairs, and their bottom portions 32 are overlapped with the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2. The first connecting means 36 and the second connecting means 37 of the two adjacent bottom portions 32 that are locked together like a jigsaw puzzle piece are fixed to each other so that the four bottom panels 32 do not shift. The bottom 32 is preferably sized such that the bottom 32 joins to cover the entire top surface 6 of the pallet 2 and the length of the hinge 33 is approximately the length of the longitudinal edge of the top surface 6. Next, the wall 31 can be turned until each wall 31 is perpendicular to the directions of P ₁ and P ₂ with the hinge 33 as an axis so that the edges 14 and 16 in the longitudinal direction of the wall 31 are connected to each other. It is clear that there is. Then, fixing means such as a fixing string as described above is attached around the wall 3 formed in this way, and the inner space 5 is surrounded by locking the wall portion 31 in the above-described state.

  Since the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2 in this embodiment is completely covered by the bottom part 32, the raw material inserted into the internal space 5 does not contact the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2. Therefore, any pallet 2 can be used regardless of whether it is clean or not. This is particularly advantageous in the transport of raw materials whose quality is likely to deteriorate, eg liquids, in particular high viscosity liquids, pastes, foodstuffs. Thus, if the container 1 which concerns on this invention, especially FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is used, transportation of the raw material used for manufacture of a plastics or rubber | gum, for example is possible. If this container 1 is not used, a part of the pallet such as a tree thorn may be mixed into the raw material during transportation and / or storage. This example should not be construed as limiting in any way.

  In each of the illustrated embodiments, the panel 4A and the panel 4B, at least the wall portion 31, are provided with cooperative connecting means such as clamping means, friction means, close-fitting means, and magnetic means for fastening the panel and the wall to each other. It is clear that it is good. What is important is that the shape of the wall 3 is substantially maintained during storage and transportation of the raw material, so that the panel 4A and the panel 4B, at least the wall portion 31, cannot be removed from each other. .

  Obviously, with the exemplary embodiments shown, the bottom may be installed in a manner as shown in FIGS. In the container 1 according to the present invention, if the longitudinal edge and / or the connecting means are used, the abutting panel 4A, the abutting panel 4B, the wall part 31, and the moisture-proof joint part of the wall 3 to the pallet 2 are used. Can be combined so as to be substantially airtight to moisture. For this purpose, it may be in the form of a plastic or rubber, for example. In this way, the moisture-proof container 1 that can be removed more easily is obtained.

  The use of plastic pallets such as those shown in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10 provides the advantage of easy pallet management, especially easy cleaning, ease of manufacture and use, and the variety of containers to be transported. There is an advantage that resistance to various raw materials can be easily obtained.

  The container according to the present invention is installed so as to be in a position shown in each of the different drawings, and after surrounding the internal space, for example, a normal product, a bulk product, a liquid, a paste, etc. Can be loaded.

  However, in another embodiment, the load may first be stacked on the pallet 2 and possibly on the top surface of the bottom 32. Thereafter, the panel 4A, the panel 4B, and at least the wall portion 31 are swung to a vertical position as illustrated to surround the load. And it is possible to fix the wall 3 by the above-mentioned method. In this way, loading onto and unloading from the pallet is very simple. Obviously, the container can be unloaded in the reverse order. Further, for example, two or three panels 4, at least the wall portion 31 are placed in a vertical position before placing the load, and after placing the load, the panel, that is, each remaining panel or each The wall may be closed.

  In the container 1 according to the present invention using the bottom 32 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bottom 32 and the wall 31 are firmly pressed against the pallet 2 by the load and fixed so as not to be displaced. Benefits are gained. Of course, in order to prevent displacement with respect to the pallet 2, further means such as friction means and mortise joining may be provided. By adjusting the size and shape of the bottom panel 32, in particular the angle α and / or the angle β included therein, it is of course possible to manufacture containers of various sizes by the method shown in FIGS. It is. In addition, for example, a trapezoidal bottom panel may be used so that a large number of different containers 1 can be formed by using each of the limited number of different panels 4A and 4B. You may combine with the bottom panel.

  The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the specification and drawings. Many variations are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

  Thus, for example, raw materials other than plastic may be used for the parts of the container 1 according to the present invention, and the walls may be installed in different ways.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified perspective view of a container according to the present invention in two embodiments. The pallet which concerns on this invention is simplified and shown with a perspective view. The assembly of the container of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment is shown in three steps. The assembly of the container of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment is shown in three steps. The assembly of the container of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment is shown in three steps. Fig. 4 shows an assembly part forming a container according to the invention in a further embodiment. 7 shows assembly of the container according to FIG. 7 shows assembly of the container according to FIG. Figure 3 shows the dismantled state of the embodiment of the pallet of Figure 2; The state when installing the side wall on the pallet according to FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown in detail in a perspective view. Fig. 4 shows an assembly part forming a container in a further embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a first step of assembling the container according to the present invention from the assembly part according to FIG.

Claims (26)

  Including a pallet and at least a partially foldable and / or dismantleable wall, the wall being installable on the pallet to form an interior space surrounded by the wall and the pallet in a first deployed position A container characterized in that, in a second position separated from the pallet, it is at least partially foldable and the wall and pallet can be stored and transported separately.   A container according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall is at least substantially made of plastic and is provided with means for preventing the wall from slipping relative to the pallet during use.   3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wall is substantially on the pallet during use.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the wall is joined to the bottom.   5. A container according to claim 4, characterized in that the bottom is assembled from a plurality of parts.   6. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that each part is associated with an individual wall.   Container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the parts are connected to each other during use.   A container according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the container, in particular its bottom, is airtight to moisture.   The wall includes a series of panels that are coupled to each other at least in a deployed position, the panels including first connection means near the lower side, the pallet includes second connection means, and the first connection means and the second connection. 9. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means can cooperate to hold the wall on the pallet.   10. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the panels are connected to each other by hinge means.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one securing means for locking the wall at the deployed position is provided outside the wall at the deployed position.   12. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall comprises integrally formed plastic hinges for joining the mutually movable parts.   13. The wall according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least two walls can be superimposed on each other on the pallet, and provided with connecting means for connecting each wall to each other and / or to the pallet. Or the container according to item 1.   Each panel includes a wall and a bottom that is pivotably coupled to the wall, and each bottom is pressed against each other at a position where the wall can be swung to an upright position where at least partly contacts each other. A series of panel sets characterized in that the internal space between the wall portion and the bottom portion is surrounded.   The bottom is equipped with a central control unit that controls all system parts used for loading and unloading containers with cooperating connection means, preferably the fully loading and unloading process is carried out 15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that:   14. The bottom is specifically formed in a substantially triangular shape, such that a substantially rectangular bottom is defined when all of the four bottoms moving relative to each other are combined. Or the set of 14.   17. A set according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the wall part comprises connecting means for supporting each wall part and / or connecting each wall part to each other.   18. The panel according to claim 13, wherein there are at least three types of panels having different wall widths and / or bottom shapes, and each panel is configured to be connected to each other. The set according to item 1.   The walls are configured to surround and surround the interior space inside the wall that is fixed in the wall forming position by swiveling and / or connecting to each other, and on the pallet, at least four walls in the wall forming position A container forming method, wherein the container is assembled from parts.   On the pallet, the bottom is formed from a bottom panel coupled to or to be coupled to at least a plurality of walls so that a load can be stored in an internal space above the bottom after the formation of the wall. The method of claim 19.   The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the bottom is assembled to be airtight to moisture.   22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the bottoms are connected to each other.   23. Any of the claims 19-22, characterized in that the wall is removed from the pallet without damage after use and is removably coupled to the pallet so that it can be stored and transported separately from the pallet. 2. The method according to item 1.   Formed according to any one of claims 1 to 13, using at least the set according to any one of claims 14 to 18, or by the method according to any one of claims 19 to 23. In the container, the product is stored in an internal space of the formed container.   The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the walls are formed around the product on the pallet.   26. A method according to claim 25, characterized in that on the pallet, the wall is formed from a bottom part which is or is to be joined to the wall before placing the goods.

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