NL1023335C2 - Container and set and method for forming them. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Container and set and method for forming them.

The invention relates to a container The invention relates in particular to a container comprising a pallet with which it can be picked up and moved.

From practice, containers are known which comprise a bottom on which a wall can be built up by pivoting around pivotable wall panels from the bottom and interconnecting them by means of cleats, locking pins, brackets or the like. Such containers have the advantage that they take up little space during storage and transport when empty. A disadvantage of such containers, however, is that the bottom cannot be used separately for transport and storage of products.

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

In a container according to the invention, the wall is formed from wall parts, at least panels that can be stored separately from the pallet, wherein the pallet can be used as a stand-alone pallet for storage and transport. As a result, the wall can also be cleaned separately from the pallet and, for example, adjusted to the load to be transported.

The wall is preferably made of plastic and rests during use, that is to say with the container set up, preferably on the top of the pallet.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, with a container according to the invention, a bottom is formed on the pallet that is or is connected to the wall. As a result, the top surface of the pallet is shielded from the load that is or is being received in the interior of the pallet. Moreover, during use, at least when the container is loaded, the bottom will be able to prevent displacement of the wall relative to the pallet. A further advantage thereof is that setting up the container I can be simplified even further.

It is herein preferred that the bottom is formed from a number of bottom parts which are connected to the wall. The bottom parts I 5 can herein be provided with means for mutual coupling and / or I for coupling with the pallet. Interconnection offers the advantage that setting up is further simplified. Moreover, the bottom can, if desired, be made watertight, with the coupling securing it even better. It is thereby preferred that the bottom parts are pivotally connected to wall parts, preferably by jointly formed hinges I such as living hinges. Such hinge means can be formed in a simple manner, are relatively strong and, moreover, can easily be made, for example, water and dust-tight. It is thereby preferred that the wall parts are mutually connectable or coupled, at least during use for storage or transport of goods such as solid or liquid products, that the wall is moisture-proof and / or dust-tight, so that a good protection is provided. is obtained.

With a container according to the invention, simple lashing means can be used for holding the wall during use. Such lashing means can for instance comprise lashing bands or foil I, or clamps with which the wall parts can be pulled against each other. Tires or the like are preferred because they are relatively simple and inexpensive to use and can easily be replaced. Moreover, as a result, the wall parts need not have any special provisions and the closure can always be optimized.

The wall parts can be designed such that several walls can be formed on top of each other on a pallet, which walls can be mutually coupled and / or with the pallet, for varying the height of the container with relatively low wall parts.

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If a bottom is provided, as described, it is preferably provided on the side facing the pallet during use with friction-increasing means such as studs, ribs, friction material or the like, so that shifting of the bottom relative to the pallet becomes even better prevented.

The invention furthermore relates to a set of a series of panels, for forming a container according to the invention. In particular, the invention relates to such a set, characterized by the features of claim 14.

With such a set a container can be obtained in a particularly simple manner with a suitable inner space for storing different products, which can rest on the bottom formed by the bottom panels.

The bottom parts are preferably provided with cooperating coupling means, so that they can be mutually fixed to each other. The bottom parts are herein preferably shaped such that they can together form a closed bottom, in particular a substantially rectangular bottom which in terms of size and shape substantially corresponds to a modular shape of a pallet, for example a Euro pallet. The wall parts of the panels are preferably provided with further coupling means for supporting each other and / or coupling the wall parts against each other, for obtaining a relatively rigid outer form.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises at least three different panels, which panels differ from each other in at least the width of the wall parts and / or the shape of the bottom parts. The different panels of this set are mutually connectable, such that through a suitable choice of the panels different dimensions and shapes of the inner space can be obtained.

λ n o o O O ET

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

Such a method offers the advantage that, in particular, a container can be set up and folded in again in a simple manner, so that a container can be obtained which, when set up, has a suitable size of inner space and takes up minimal space when folded in, while moreover for example standard pallets can be used.

A method according to the invention is preferably characterized in that on a pallet a bottom is formed from bottom panels which are connected or connected to at least I a number of the wall parts, such that an inner space is determined by the wall parts above the bottom. The bottom is preferably assembled moisture-tightly, while the bottom parts are preferably mutually coupled to H.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for transporting products, characterized by the features of claims 24.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment thereof, the wall of the container is formed around products arranged on a pallet, whereby loading is particularly simple. When discharging, the wall can then be removed so that the products can be easily accessed from one side.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, prior to placing the products, a bottom is formed on the pallet I from bottom parts connected or to be connected to the wall, as a result of which the load will rest on said bottom and is physically separated from the pallet. This offers the advantage that the choice of the pallet, in particular the material thereof, is not, at least less, dependent on the load.

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For example, with a method according to the present invention, liquid or paste-like, layer or arc viscous liquids can be transported on wooden pallets, whereby the bottom prevents parts of the pallet, such as splinters and contaminants that may have been left therein from coming into contact with the liquid or paste. For example, raw materials for the manufacture of rubber and the like can be transported on wooden pallets. Other pallets can of course also be used, for example of plastic or metal. Moreover, special cleaning of the pallets is no longer necessary.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given. To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 schematically shows, in perspective view, a container according to the invention in two embodiments; figure 2 schematically shows a pallet according to the invention in perspective view; figures 3-5 show in three steps the setting up of a container according to figure 1, in a first embodiment; Figure 6 shows an assembly for forming a container according to the invention in a further embodiment; figures 7 and 8 set up a container according to figure 6; figure 9 shows an embodiment of a pallet according to figure 2 in the disassembled state; Figure 10 shows a detail, in perspective view, during placing of a side wall on a pallet according to figures 3 and 4; Figure 11 shows an assembly for forming a container in a further embodiment; and figure 12 shows a first step in setting up a container according to the invention from an assembly according to figure 11.

ί n o o o o c 6

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the following figures, exemplary embodiments of containers according to the invention are shown in various exemplary embodiments, which should not be construed as being limiting.

In figure 1 a container 1 according to the invention is shown in two perspective views, in two different exemplary embodiments. On the left in figure 1 a container 1 is shown with a plastic pallet 2 on which a plastic wall 3 is mounted, while in figure 1 on the right side a comparable container with a wall 3 is shown on a wooden pallet 2. The wall 3 comprises a four panels 4, which are or can be interconnected, in a manner to be described below, while enclosing an inner space 5, which is enclosed by the wall 3 and the pallet 2 and is open upwards. Optionally, a lid can be provided (not shown). Such a cover can be provided separately from the wall 3, but can also be connected to a panel 4 or be built up from the different parts which are connected to different panels 4.

Figure 2 shows a pallet 2, in particular a substantially plastic pallet 2, as shown in Figure 1 on the left-hand side. This pallet 2 comprises an upper surface 6 and a series, in the exemplary embodiment shown, three carriers 7, which, as with known pallets, extend side by side, such that spoon insert openings 8 are provided below the upper surface 6 between the carriers 7. Perpendicular thereto 25 spoons can be inserted through recesses 9 between the carriers 7 and the upper surface 6. Such a general construction of a pallet 2 is sufficiently known.

In the pallet 2 as shown in figure 2, insertion openings 11 are provided in the upper surface 6 near the four sides 10, at regular mutual distances. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a Euro pallet is shown, 7 in which four insertion openings 11 are provided on the long sides and on the short side 2. As will be further described with reference to Fig. 9, stiffening means can be provided in the pallet.

Figures 3 and 4 show in two steps how a container 1 according to the invention can be built up on a pallet 2 according to figure 2, in a first embodiment, using four panels 4. As shown in figure 3, first a two identical panels 4 with lips 13 extending on the underside thereof, as shown in figure 10, inserted into the insertion openings 11 and brought to a vertical position. This movement is schematically indicated by the two mirror-like arrows Pi. Subsequently, a second set of panels 4 with comparable lips 13 is inserted into the insertion openings 11 on the short side of the pallet 2 and brought to a vertical position, as schematically shown in Figure 4 by the arrows P2. The first placed panels 4A are provided with recesses 15 on their longitudinal edges 14 vertically arranged in Figure 4. The two other panels 4B are provided with complementary cams 17 on their vertical longitudinal edges 16, which can engage in the recesses 15, such that the walls against each other, at least to some extent.

Subsequently, as shown in figure 5, tensioning bands 18 or similar binding means are arranged around the four panels 4A, 4B, whereby the five wall panels 4A, 4B are pulled tightly against each other and unambiguously define the inner space 5. When the container 1 is taken apart, the straps 18 can easily be detached, cut or otherwise removed, such that the four panels 4A, 4B can be taken from the pallet 2 in the reverse order.

As shown in Fig. 10, it is preferable for the cams 13 to be slightly rounded to the inner underside at the position shown in Fig. 4 and to be provided on the outward-facing side with an outwardly extending cam 19, which when placing the panels 4A be able to grip below the top surface 6 of the pallet 2 when the panel 4A is pivoted upwards from I in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 10 after said edges 19 have been inserted into the insertion openings 11. The wall 4 is thereby fixedly connected to the pallet, at least 5 cannot separate from it other than by detaching the panels.

Figure 6-8 shows an alternative embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, comprising a pallet 2 and a foldable wall 4. In this embodiment, the pallet 2 is provided with an upper surface 6 with below it a number of nine at regular, mutual distances. Legs 7 arranged for admitting spoons below the top surface 6, I from four different sides. The upper surface 6 is provided along the longitudinal edge I with a stair surface 20, for reasons to be explained below.

The wall 3 comprises four panels 4A, 4B, each provided with three cams 13 at the lower longitudinal edge 13. Just above the cams 13 I 15 an inwardly extending slot 21 of each panel 4A, 4B extends. with dimensions such that the relevant panel 4A, 4B with the slot 21 mentioned can be slid over the lower step 22 of the stair surface 20, such that the cams 13 of the relevant panel 4A, IB are adjacent to the cams 7 extend the side of the pallet 2 I 20. This is shown in Figure 7.

In figure 7 the pallet 2 with the legs 7 is placed on a ground surface and the panels 4A, 4B are brought into a substantially vertical position.

As can be seen clearly from Figure 7, the panels 4A, 4B are provided with lips 24 on both of their longitudinal edges 14,16 such that when two longitudinal edges 14,16 of two panels 4A, 4B are pushed against each other, the lips 24 of the first panel 4A fits between the lips 24 of the second panel 4B. Each lip is provided with a bore 25, such that at said position of the lips 24 between each other (Fig. 7) a through-going bore 25 is obtained through which, for example, a pin 26 can be inserted (Fig. 8) to form a hinge of the 9 piano hinge type. In this way a folding wall is obtained which can simply be folded around the pallet 2, the lower step 22 of the pallet 2 being received in the slot 21, for confining the pallet 2.

When the entire wall 3 is closed, as shown in Figure 8, tensioning means 18 or the like can optionally be provided for pulling the two wall parts 4A, 4B to be closed against each other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the tensioning means 18 are relatively short tensioning belts that span only one corner 24A of the container 1. Naturally, continuous tensioning straps, ropes, shrink-wrap or the like can also be used here for locking the panels 4. A pin 26 can also be inserted through the openings 25 in each of the corners 24 for obtaining said locking.

As can be seen clearly from figure 8, the corner 24A shown there on the right-hand side 15 is formed by lips 24 which extend slightly out of the plane of the panel 4A, such that said pin 26 is situated outside said plane. This achieves the advantage that the four panels 4A, 4B can be folded to the position shown in Figure 6. This can of course also be achieved by removing the pins 26, such that the panels 4A, 4B can be stacked.

Figure 9 shows in disassembled condition a pallet 2 according to figures 2 and 10, wherein it is clear that stiffening means 12 in the form of metal or coastal fabric strips 28 are included between the carriers 7 and the upper surface 6. In the lower side of the upper surface 6 recesses 27 are provided in which tubular studs 29 of the carriers 7 can be secured, for example by gluing or the like. The recesses 27 can for instance be closed by caps 30, which caps can protrude into the tubular studs 29.

These and many comparable variations for forming such a pallet 2 will be immediately clear to the skilled person.

Fig. 11 shows a further alternative embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention, in exploded condition. Figure 12 shows how it can be set up.

Figure 11 shows a pallet 2 which can be of any type, for example I as shown in this application or a normal bolt pallet. The pallet 2 has a top surface 6 with a standard size, for example a Euro pallet.

Two pairs of wall panels 4A, 4B are provided with a width B1, B2 which correspond to the width and length of the top surface I6 of the pallet 2, respectively. Each wall panel 4A, 4B comprises a wall part 31 and a pivotally connected thereto bottom part 32. Wall part 31 and bottom part 32 can for instance be connected by a pivot hinge-shaped hinge I 33, but are preferably connected by a co-formed I hinge, for example a living hinge. However, other types of hinges may also be used.

Each bottom part 32 has a substantially triangular shape, wherein one side of the triangle borders on the hinge 33 or forms an I part thereof. The two remaining sides 35 enclose an angle a, I and β respectively at the bottom panels 32 of the first wall parts 4A and I the second wall parts 4B. The angles α and β are chosen such that I 20 2a + 2 β is approximately 360 °. A first free longitudinal edge 35A of each bottom panel 32 is provided with a first coupling means 36, while the other free longitudinal edge 35B of the relevant bottom part 32 is provided with a second coupling means 37. In the embodiment shown, the first I coupling means 36 and the second coupling means 37 designed as coupling pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and fit formally into each other.

However, other types of coupling means can of course be used, such that two bottom parts 32 can be mutually coupled, such that they cannot shift relative to each other, as shown in Figure 12.

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As shown in figure 12, the panels 4A, 4B can be placed in pairs opposite each other, such that the bottom parts 32 thereof lie on the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2. The first and second coupling means 36, 37 of in each case two adjacent bottom parts 32 are interlocking, like puzzle pieces, such that the four bottom panels 32 are mutually secured against displacement. The bottom parts 32 are preferably of such a size that they jointly cover the entire top surface 6 of the pallet 2 and the hinges 33 extend approximately along the longitudinal edges of said top surface 6. It will be clear that subsequently the wall parts 31 can be pivoted in the directions P1 and P2, respectively, to a vertical position around the hinges 33, such that the longitudinal edges 14, 16 thereof connect to each other. Subsequently, straps or similar tensioning means, as described earlier, can be arranged around the wall 3 then formed, for confining the wall parts 31 in said condition, while enclosing an inner space 5.

Since in this embodiment the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2 is completely covered by the bottom parts 32, material which is introduced into said inner space 5 cannot come into contact with the upper surface 6 of the pallet 2. Therefore, any pallet 2 can be used regardless of whether it is clean. This is particularly advantageous when transporting material that is susceptible to contamination, such as, for example, liquids, in particular highly viscous liquids, pastes, foodstuffs and the like.

Thus, with a container 1 according to the invention, in particular according to figures 11 and 12, for instance raw material for the manufacture of plastic or rubber can be transported, without there being a risk that parts of the container, such as for example wood splinters, will end up there during transport and / or storage. This example is by no means to be taken as limiting.

It will be clear that in every embodiment shown the panels 4A, 4B, at least the wall parts 31, can be provided with cooperating coupling means, such as clamping means, friction means, form-locking means, magnetic means or the like. for fixing said panels and wall parts to or against each other against said panels. It is only important that during storage and transport of material the wall 3 is substantially form-retaining and that the panels 4A, 4B, at least the wall parts 31, cannot come apart.

It will be clear that with each of the exemplary embodiments shown, a bottom can be provided in the manner as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. With a container 1 according to the invention, longitudinal edges and / or coupling means can be designed such that Substantially moisture-tight connections can be obtained between panels 4A, 4B adjoining each other, wall parts 31 and moisture-tight connection of the wall 3 to the pallet 2. Plastic or rubber profiles, for example, can be used for this purpose. A moisture-proof container 1 can hereby be obtained which is nevertheless easily removable

When a plastic pallet is used, such as for example shown in Figures 2, 9 and 10, the advantage is achieved that the pallet is particularly easy to maintain, in particular to be cleaned, that it is easy to manufacture and use and moreover I can easily withstand all kinds of materials to be transported in the container.

A container according to the invention can be set up to the position shown in the different figures while enclosing an inner space, whereafter the inner space can be filled with cargo, for example piece goods, bulk goods, possibly liquids, pastes and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, however, a load I 30 can first be stacked on the pallet 2, optionally on top of the bottom parts 32, 13, whereafter the panels 4A, 4B, at least the wall parts 31, are pivoted to the vertical position shown, while enclosing the load after which the wall 3 can be fixed in the previously described manner. In this way, loading and unloading of the pallet becomes particularly easy. Of course, unloading of the container can take place in reverse order. Furthermore, for example, two or three panels 4, at least wall parts 31, can be brought to the vertical position prior to placement of the load, whereafter the or each further panel or wall part is closed against it.

With a container 1 according to the invention in which bottom panels 32 are used, as shown in figures 11 and 12, the advantage is achieved that the bottom parts 32 and the wall parts 31 are pressed firmly onto the pallet 2 as a result of the load and are prevented from shifting secured. Of course, further means can be provided to prevent displacement relative to the pallet 2, for example friction means, pin-hole connections and the like. By adapting the dimensions and the shape of the bottom panels 32, in particular the enclosed angles α and / or β, other dimensions of containers can of course be manufactured in a manner as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. Bottom panels can also be applied which are, for example, trapezoidal. are, optionally in combination with bottom panels with the triangular shape shown, such that with a limited number of different panels 4A, 4B a large number of different containers 1 can be formed.

The invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing and the description. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

For example, for parts of a container 1 according to the invention, materials other than plastic can be used and the walls can be constructed in a different way.

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Q O Q Q Q R

Claims (4)

A container, comprising a pallet and a wall that is at least partially foldable and / or detachable, which wall can be placed on the pallet in a first, unfolded position for the formation of an inner space enclosed by the wall and the pallet and in a second position separate from the pallet is at least partially foldable, wherein the wall and the pallet can be stored and transported separately. 2. Container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall is at least substantially manufactured from plastic and wherein means are provided for preventing movement of the wall relative to the pallet during use. 3. Container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein during use the wall parts substantially rest on the pallet. 4. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the wall I is connected to a bottom. 5. Container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bottom is composed of a number of parts. Container according to claim 5, wherein each of the parts is connected to a separate wall part. 7. Container as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the parts are mutually connected during use. 8. Container as claimed in any of the claims 4-7, wherein the container, in particular the bottom thereof, is moisture-tight. 9. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the wall I comprises a series of panels which are connected to each other, at least in the unfolded position, wherein the panels are provided near first underside with first coupling means and the pallet is provided with second coupling means, which first and second coupling means can cooperate for holding the wall on the pallet. 10. Container as claimed in claim 9, wherein the panels are mutually connected by hinge means. 11. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein in folded-out position of the wall on the outside thereof at least one lashing means is provided for confining the wall in the folded-out position. 12. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the wall 10 is provided with molded, plastic hinges for connecting parts movable relative to each other. 13. Container as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least two walls can be stacked on top of each other on a pallet, wherein the walls are provided with coupling means for coupling them to each other and / or to the pallet. 14. Set of a series of panels, each provided with a wall part and a bottom part pivotally connected thereto, such that the bottom parts can be placed against each other in a position wherein the wall parts can be pivoted to an upright position wherein the wall parts touch each other at least partially while enclosing an inner space between the wall parts and the bottom parts. 15. Set as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bottom parts are provided with cooperating coupling means. 16. Set as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the bottom parts are shaped such, in particular substantially triangular, that four bottom parts pushed against each other together determine a substantially rectangular bottom. 17. Set as claimed in any of the claims 13-16, wherein the wall parts are provided with coupling means for supporting and / or mutually connecting the wall parts. in ? 33 3 5 I 16 18. Set as claimed in any of the claims 13-17, wherein at least three different panels are provided, which differ in at least the width of the wall parts and / or the shape of the bottom parts, which panels are mutually connectable. 19. Method for forming a container, wherein a wall is set up on an I pallet from at least four wall parts in a wall-forming position, pivotable and / or connectable with one another, enclosing an inner space within the wall, which wall parts are fixed in said wall-forming position. 20. Method as claimed in claim 19, wherein on the pallet a bottom I is formed from bottom panels which are or are connected to at least a number of the wall parts, such that after formation of the wall, loading in the inner space can reach the bottom be placed. 21. Method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the bottom is assembled moisture-tight. A method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the bottom parts H are mutually coupled. 23. Method as claimed in any of the claims 19-22, wherein the wall I is detachably connected to the pallet, such that after use the wall I can be detached from the pallet, without damage, and can be stored and transported separately from the pallet. . 24. Method for transporting products, wherein a container is formed according to any one of claims 1-13, at least using a set according to any one of claims 14-18 or with a method according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein the products in the inner space of the formed container. The method of claim 24, wherein the wall is formed around a pallet on the products. 26. Method as claimed in claim 25, wherein on the pallet prior to placement of the products a bottom is formed from bottom parts connected to or connected to the wall. 5 4. O Λ O Λ P