Patent Publication Number: US-11383882-B2

Title: Transport and storage container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a national phase entry of international application PCT/DE2020/100509, filed 2020Jun. 17, and claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2019 124 657.1, filed 2019 Sep. 13. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a stackable transport and storage container which comprises at least a base, two side walls and two end walls and also inner dividers and/or a container covering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Transport and storage containers are used, in particular, wherever tools or components are to be transported, or stored on an interim basis, within the context of a production process. They usually consist of metal sheets or plastic panels, which are adhesively bonded, welded or connected to one another in a form-fitting manner In addition to having a sufficient load-bearing capacity and service life, it is also important here for the containers, as far as possible, to have no protrusions or offset portions, which constrict, or otherwise obstruct, the interior space. 
     Containers made of metal, although relatively stable, are often very heavy, susceptible to corrosion and noisy to use. Containers made of plastics have the advantage of having a relatively low weight. On the other hand, they often have only a low level of stability, which is compensated for again by additionally reinforcements. 
     Different designs of injection-molded containers and also containers produced from hollow-chamber PP material are known for comparable applications. The injection-molded containers are containers which are produced in complex molds. The high tool costs mean that these can be effectively produced only in large numbers. 
     Comparable hollow-chamber PP containers are distinguished either in that they are joined together from a large number of individual parts, which entail a large number of individual operating steps, or by straightforward folding and bending constructions, which are held in shape by means of an all-round stacking profile. Use is made here of folding by thermal means, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding and other joining and processing techniques. The containers are distinguished, in principle, in that low tool costs mean that it is also possible to produce relatively small numbers with a wide variety of different dimensions. 
     EP 1 505 001 A1 describes a stackable load carrier made of thermoplastic material for storing and, in disposable or reusable form, for transporting small items of all kinds. The load carrier is always produced from thermoplastic material. It has a base and usually four side walls, which are produced from a planar starting pane. This starting panel is preferably a hollow-camber panel. 
     Linear notching is introduced between the base and the side walls, and the side walls can be swung about said notching to form a box-like main body. The abutting vertical edges of the side walls are welded. The upper edges of the side walls are adjoined by a rolled periphery, which has been swung through 180° about linear notching in the starting panel onto the respective side walls. A stacking profile is clipped in a form-fitting manner over the rolled periphery such that a protrusion, which is formed on the stacking profile, fixes the stacking profile on the roller periphery. 
     EP 0 674 595 B1 describes a stackable transport container having a self-locking upper periphery. The container comprises a foldable, uniform-thickness container blank having a base, two upright end walls, two upright side walls and four end flaps. The side walls and the end walls have downwardly folded tabs, over which is fitted an upper periphery, which latches in automatically on the tabs. 
     Horizontal forces are absorbed by the all-round, single-part upper periphery and by the additional corner reinforcements or insertable corner profiles. It is therefore necessary for separate peripheries to be provided for each size of container. The large number of additional corner parts renders the production and assembly outlay very high. 
     Folded containers with a stacking periphery running all the way round the top are also described, for example, in DE 10 2015 115 592 B4 and DE 10 2010 037 517 B3. 
     Fixtures inside transport and storage containers can be fastened on the inner sides of the containers using additional fastening devices, for example hook-and-loop strips or rails. 
     DE 10 2011 055 676 A1 describes a multiply reusable transport pallet for transporting items. Item holders, which can be inserted into the pallet are fastened by guiderails with item strips, which can be accommodated therein. 
     A keder is the peripheral reinforcement of a textile or of a sheet material. The keder has a round cross section and, for fastening purposes, a wide, flat keder flap. The latter provides the connection between the textile/sheet material and keder. The keder flap is often a sheath, in which the keder bead is incorporated. The keder flap and the sheet materials or textiles which are to be fastened are usually welded or sewn to one another. 
     A keder rail is the part of tension mechanisms into which the keder is introduced. The rail is a cross-sectionally round guide groove, in which the keder is introduced, and can be displaced, longitudinally in a friction-free manner. The keder and keder rail thus make it possible for a tarpaulin or the like to be tensioned over its surface area in the direction transverse to the edge line. 
     A keder rail is often used in outdoor advertising, tent construction or for large (movie)screens. 
     The operation of mounting the keder rail is very easy because, depending on the application area, it can be adhesively bonded or screw-connected. In an application area where high tensile forces are to be expected (caused by wind, etc.), screw-connection is imperative. For safety reasons, we recommend that the rail should always be screw-connected. The holes here can be easily self-tapped. 
     DE 20 211 459 U1 discloses a compartment insert comprising flexible compartment dividers for installing in a container. The compartment insert comprises a supporting structure, which can be inserted into the container, and flexible compartment dividers, which are connected to the supporting structure. The flexible compartment dividers can be connected to the supporting structure in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner by means of an insertion system. The supporting structure comprises two spaced-apart transverse and longitudinal struts, which have tabs which are inserted into slots in the transverse struts. The flexible compartment dividers are arranged between the transverse and longitudinal struts. In a particular embodiment, the compartment dividers are reinforced along the upper edges by a keder profile. 
     DE 9 408 451 U1 concerns an air bag for lining a stiff-walled transport container. At least one additional retaining element is formed along the upper periphery of the air bag, and said retaining element can be connected in a removable manner to the edge or inner surface of a side wall of the transport container. 
     DE 93 11 040 U1 discloses a keder profile which is firmly screwed to the inner surface of the side wall of a transport container and in which it is possible to fit an air bag with a rubber cord formed along its upper periphery. 
     The aforementioned fastening options require connecting structures in the form of additional fixtures, which increase the manufacturing outlay. Moreover, these fixtures usually additionally constrict the inside cross section of the containers. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is the object of the invention to propose a transport and storage container in the case of which inner dividers and/or a container covering can be fastened in a releasable manner on the container without the aid of tools and additional fastening elements. The intention here is for as few protrusions and offset portions as possible to delimit, or constrict, the interior space of the containers. Production and assembly should be possible with little outlay. 
     The object is achieved according to the invention by the features as claimed. 
     The transport and storage container comprises at least a base, two side walls and two end walls and also inner dividers and/or a container covering. The side walls and the end walls have rolled peripheries, which can be swung about a folding line in each case onto the associated side wall and end wall. Stacking profiles which are open in the downward direction can be fitted on over the rolled peripheries of the side walls and of the end walls. Said stacking profiles have an inner leg, an outer leg and also a hook periphery, which is formed on the outer leg or inner leg. In the fitted-on state, said hook periphery can be latched over the end of the swung-over rolled periphery of the side walls and of the end walls. 
     The connecting cross piece between the outer leg and inner leg forms a stacking support. The stacking profiles have an upper stacking periphery, which is formed on the outer leg. 
     The connecting crosspiece between the outer leg and inner leg of each of the stacking profiles, said connecting crosspiece forming the stacking support, has a profiling, which is designed in the form of a keder holder. A keder having a keder bead and a keder flap can be pushed into said keder holder. The protective covering and/or the dividers for accommodating transportation and storage items are fastened on at least on keder flap. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the stacking profile is a plastic injection molding. Depending on the size of the transport and storage containers, the stacking profile can be cost-effectively produced in large numbers and cut to size. 
     A preferred embodiment is one in which the all-round stacking profile comprises a continuous, multi-part profile. The individual, all-round parts of the stacking profile can be swung outward, about a folding line, at the corners of the transport and storage container to such an extent that a keder can be pushed into the keder holder. In the region of the corners here, the stacking profile has V shaped cutouts, which allow the individual stacking-profile parts to be swung inward through approximately 90°, in which case they come into contact flush against the adjacent part of the corresponding stacking profile. 
     If the stacking profile is of 5 part design, it is possible, in the fitted-on state, for the first part of the stacking profile to be connected to the fifth part in abutment therewith, for example by welding or by adhesive bonding. 
     The base, the side walls, the end walls and the swing-over rolled periphery preferably comprise plastic structured-core panels. Structured-core panels comprise two spaced-apart cover panels with connecting crosspieces, designed in the form of protuberances, located therebetween. When use is made of structured-core panels, the folding lines are provided on the wall side located within the container, and a predetermined line of inflection is produced as a result. On the outside, the container is in a state in which it has been merely bent over along the folding lines, and therefore closed. This results in a closed container with no sharp edges. 
     In the case of structured-core panels, the scored line is formed along the rolled peripheries by the inner panel wall being cut open, in which case the flaps can easily be bent around the side periphery. 
     In order to make savings on the amount of materials used and to reduce weight, the connecting crosspiece, which connects the outer leg and inner leg of the stacking profiles, can have a cavity. 
     The transport and storage container preferably comprises a single-piece and foldable container blank. The container blank has a base, two side walls, which can be swung about a folding line, and two end walls, which can be swung about a folding line. The folding lines are grooved, stamped, rolled or scored. Use is preferably made of a plotter, which generates the contours of the container blank as a whole. 
     When the contours of the container blank are being produced, rolled peripheries are provided in each case along the upper periphery of the side and end walls, which can be swung upward, it preferably being possible for said rolled peripheries to be swung inward in each case about a scored line or onto the associated side wall and end wall. The rolled peripheries can be swung both outward and inward. 
     The stacking profile, which is open in the downward direction, is fitted on around the upper rolled periphery, which has double wall thickness as a result of being swung over. The stacking profile is of U shaped design. It has two legs—an inner leg and an outer leg—wherein a hook periphery is formed on the inside of the inner leg. The hook periphery is provided at such a height that it extends beneath the lower part of the rolled periphery and hooks in there. The hook periphery can be designed to be inclined upward through an angle &lt;90°. The stacking profile thus snaps in automatically over the periphery of the upright side and end walls and is securely arrested. 
     In the case of a rolled periphery which is swung outward, the stacking profile is adapted such that the hook periphery on the outer leg hooks in beneath the rolled periphery. 
     In order for a plurality of containers to be stacked to good effect, the stacking profiles have identically shaped stacking peripheries formed all the way round. 
     Depending on the loading capability desired, it is also possible for a transport and storage container to consist entirely, or at least partially, of corrugated board or aluminum-honeycomb material. 
     The transport and storage containers, while being of low weight, have a high level of stability and load-bearing capacity. Inner dividers and/or a container covering can be fastened in a releasable manner in the container without the aid of tools and additional fastening elements. Even if the sides are subjected to pronounced impact, for example by a further box being pushed on abruptly, the connections cannot come loose. The surface area of the container blank is utilized to very good effect. The stacking profiles are produced with real savings being made on the amount of material used. The profiles and injection-molded corners used can be standardized and cost-effectively produced beforehand, and stored, in large numbers. 
     The invention will be explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a partially exploded view of a container having stacking profiles and a keder-type covering. 
         FIG. 2  shows a stacking profile. 
         FIG. 3  shows the stacking profile fitted on with a keder pushed in. 
         FIG. 4  shows dividers, with a protective covering, fastened on the keder. 
         FIG. 5  shows dividers fastened on the stacking profile by means of a keder. 
         FIG. 6  shows views of an all-round stacking profile. 
         FIG. 7  shows the transport and storage container assembled. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiment described is a preferred variant of a container for transporting and storing small items relating to automobile production. The finished transport and storage container should have dimensions of 800×600×250 (L×W×H in mm). 
       FIG. 1  shows a partially exploded view of a transport and storage container having stacking profiles  9 , which can be fitted on, and a protective covering  16 , which can be fastened on the stacking profiles  9  for the purpose of protecting items which are to be transported. 
     The transport and storage containers are produced from a foldable container blank. The latter comprises a single-piece plastic structured-core panel with a thickness of 5 mm. A plotter is used to generate a contour, and this results in a base  1 , two side walls  2 , which can be swung about a folding line  21 , and two end walls  3 , which can be swung about a folding line  21 . In each case two corner flaps  25 , which can be swung inward about a folding line  21 , are formed on the two side walls  2 . 
     The corner flaps  25  are long enough for them, in the folded state, to cover over the width of the end wall  3  and to butt against one another in the center of the end walls  3 . The corner flaps  25  contain handle cutouts for the handles  19 , which can be inserted at a later stage. Handle cutouts are also made in each of the two end walls  3 . The insertion of the handles causes the corner flaps  25  to be retained on the end walls  3 , and there is therefore no need for any additional arresting means. 
     Rolled peripheries  10  are formed along the upper periphery of the side walls  2  and end walls  3 , which can be swung upward, it being possible for said rolled peripheries to be swung inward in each case through 180° about a scored line  26  onto the associated side wall  2  and end wall  3 . The scored line  26  here is formed such that the outer cover panel of the structured-core panel is cut all the way through and the swing-over action takes place about the second wall, which subsequently forms the inner wall. There is no need for the rolled peripheries  10  to extend over the entire width of the side and end walls. 
     Stacking profiles  9 , which are open in the downward direction, can be fitted on over the rolled peripheries  10  of the side walls  2  and of the end walls  3 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an individual stacking profile  9  on its own. It is formed by an inner leg  6 , an outer leg  5  and also a hook periphery  8 , which is formed on the outer leg  5  or inner leg  6  and, in the fitted-on state, can be latched over the end of the swung-over rolled periphery  10  of the side walls  2  and of the end walls  3 . The connecting crosspiece between the outer leg  5  and inner leg  6  forms a stacking support  20  for further, stackable storage and transport containers. 
     The connection crosspiece  22  of the stacking profiles  9 , said connecting crosspiece forming the stacking support  20 , has an inner profiling which is designed in the form of a keder holder  12 . The keder holder  12  is located as closely as possible beneath the stacking support  20 , so that optimum use is made of the interior space of the container. At the same time, the keder holder  12  results in an increase in the supporting surface area for the next load carrier. 
     A keder  13 , which is formed from a keder bead  15  and a keder flap  14 , can be pushed into the keder holder  11  according to  FIG. 3 . The keder bead is a round plastic profile. A protective covering  16  and dividers  17 , for accommodating transportation and storage items, are fastened according to  FIG. 4  on the keder flap  14 , which can be a textile or sheet material. The protective covering serves to protect the items against being soiled during transportation. The dust-protection textiles or dust-protection sheet materials can rest on the dividers  17 . Two protective coverings  16  made of textiles or sheet materials can rest opposite one another, and/or in an overlapping state, on the dividers  17 . 
     The rectangular cavity  4  is necessary predominantly for reasons relating to technology and cost saving. 
       FIG. 5  shows part of a transport and storage container with integrable dividers made of preferably relatively stiff textiles, for example nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene, nylon and more, which are sewn directly to the keder flap  14 . In the case of sheet materials, said connection is preferably an adhesive-bonding connection. Sheet materials are likewise sewn or welded. The keder can be a part which is bought in, having a keder bead  15  and short keder flap  14 . However, it is also possible for the dividers  17  to be attained with the keder  13  and protective covering  16  already sewn on. 
     The stacking profile  9  is a plastic injection molding and is of U shaped design. The hook periphery  8  is designed such that it can be inclined upward through an angle of approximately 80°. The inner leg  6  is in a state in which it is bent slightly inward. This permits a slight spreading action when the stacking profile  9  is placed in position. A level of stressing which ensures that the hook periphery  8  is fitted securely is also produced when the stacking profile  9  has been placed in position. The stacking profile  9  thus snaps in automatically over the periphery of the upright side walls  2  and/or end walls  3 . The width of the rolled peripheries  10  corresponds to the inner extent of the stacking profiles  9  from their upper stop surface to their hook periphery  8 . 
     In order for a plurality of containers to be stacked to good effect, the stacking profile  9  has a stacking periphery  7  at the top. The stacking periphery  7  terminates flush on the outer side and, on the inner side, is wide enough to allow the next transporting and storage container to be placed in position in a form-fitting manner. 
     The corners of the transport and storage container here are welded to one another. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the all-round stacking profile  9  comprises a continuously manufactured plastic profile of which the individual parts can be swung outward about a folding line  11  at the corners  23  of the transport and storage container. This allows the keder  13  to be pushed into the keder holder  12  on the two mutually opposite side walls  2 . On account of the V shaped cutouts  24 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the stacking-profile parts are then bent inward through 90° onto the adjacent stacking-profile part. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the stacking profile  9  is of 5 part design. In the fitted-on state, the first part of the stacking profile  9  is connected to the fifth part in abutment therewith, for example by butt welding. 
       FIG. 7  shows a completely assembled transport and storage container. The small number of components give the transport and storage container a low weight, but it also has a high level of stability. It has few protrusions and offset portions. The container blank can be fully plotted or punched out. This allows strict adherence to dimensional accuracy of the result of contour accuracy, and this means that low manufacturing tolerances are made possible. 
     The keder rail has not simply been placed in position on a profile which is present; rather, it is integrated in the stacking profile  9  so that, in turn, optimum use is made of the interior space of the transport and storage container. 
     The small number of parts means that the transport and storage container can be produced straightforwardly and cost-effectively, in particular also because there is no need to acquire any high-outlay systems to provide miter cuts or any welding technology for corners. Additional material for fastening peripheries is not required. 
     The process times required for box manufacturing are considerably reduced. Poor welding of the critical corners is avoided. Moreover, the profile rods can be used to considerably better effect since a continuous piece has to be manufactured in each case. The straightforward, more lightweight and cost-effective parts mean that this type of container can be assembled, using extremely simple assembly means, pretty much at the site of the customer. A central production facility can supply the end users with the punched-out container blanks, and all that is required is for the end users themselves to insert the keder and fit the stacking profiles  9 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
         
           
               1  Base 
               2  Side wall 
               3  End wall 
               4  Cavity 
               5  Outer leg 
               6  Inner leg 
               7  Stacking periphery 
               8  Hook periphery 
               9  Stacking profile 
               10  Rolled periphery 
               11  Folding line 
               12  Keder holder 
               13  Keder 
               14  Keder flap 
               15  Keder bead 
               16  Protective covering 
               17  Dividers 
               18  Butt joint 
               19  Handle 
               20  Stacking support 
               21  Folding line 
               22  Connecting crosspiece 
               23  Corner 
               24  Cutout 
               25  Corner flap 
               26  Scored line