Stackable transport bag

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport bag (10) comprising a base panel (40), a top panel (30), and multiple side walls (20) extending between the base panel (40) and the top panel (30) to form a storage volume for granular, purée, fluid, or semi-fluid materials.

Description

[0001] STACKABLE TRANSPORT BAG

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to transport bags used for carrying granular, fluid, viscous, or semifluid materials.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Transport bags are used for carrying granular, fluid, puree, viscous, or semi-fluid materials. In the use of such transport bags, it is necessary for the bag to maintain its shape as much as possible after filling and to be stackable. If the transport bags fail to retain their shape adequately, they may topple over, which is considered an undesirable situation.

[0006] The transport bag disclosed in publication EP3097025 has a cross-section that narrows in the middle along its height. Within sleeves provided at the corners of the transport bag, support elements are positioned. These support elements are at least partially made of an elastic material, allowing them to conform to the narrowing shape. As a result, the transport bag maintains its intended form and can be stacked.

[0007] In the prior art, when rigid materials (such as aluminum) are used as support elements, the stacking performance is improved. However, in such cases, the plastic deformation or breakage of the support elements can lead to the transport bags toppling over.

[0008] Alternative configurations disclosed in document TR 2022 / 019520 result in additional manufacturing costs.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention relates to a transport bag designed to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0011] The objective of the invention is to provide a stable transport bag that does not topple over, particularly when stacked on top of each other. Another objective of the invention is to provide a transport bag with reduced manufacturing costs while ensuring its ability to be stacked on top of each other.

[0012] To achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a transport bag comprising a base panel, a top panel, and multiple side walls extending between the base panel and top panel to form a storage volume for granular, puree, fluid, or semi-fluid materials. Accordingly, the novelty of the invention lies in, top corners of the transport bag are structured to extend above the top panel and a fork entry clearance is provided between the top panel and a hypothetical load support plane that pass through the ends of the top corners, and when the transport bag is viewed from at least one side, a base width, which is defined between bottom corners of the transport bag, is greater than a top width, which is defined between the top corners on the same side, and the top width is dimensioned to fit between edge blocks of a pallet extending at least partially along two opposite edges beneath a load-bearing surface used for stacking the transport bags. When the transport bags are stacked on top of each other, the upper ends of the lower transport bag fit between the edge blocks of the upper pallet. This ensures the interlocking of the transport bags.

[0013] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the transport bag comprises at least one fastening element extending between the top panel and the base panel to secure the transport bag to the pallet. This allows for the stabilization of the transport bag, the upper corners to be drawn closer together, forming a tapered shape towards the top panel, and the top panel to be brought closer to the base panel, thereby creating the fork entry clearance.

[0014] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the transport bag comprises at least one support element extending between the bottom corner and the top corner of the transport bag. In this structure, due to the upwardly tapering shape of the transport bag, the support elements are not perpendicular to the base panel but positioned at an incline, allowing lateral forces to be absorbed. This enhances the stability of the transport bags.

[0015] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the upper ends of the support elements extend above the top panel to form the fork entry clearance. In this way, a fork entry clearance can be created without changing the position of the top panel. In a possible embodiment of the invention, it comprises at least one cut-out region provided on the top edges of two opposing side walls, forming an indentation toward the base panel to create the fork entry clearance. In this way, when the transport bag is filled, the fork entry clearance is naturally formed.

[0016] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the transport bag comprises at least one top plate positioned between the fastening elements and the top panel to ensure that the top panel is pressed straight down toward the base panel. In this way, the fork entry clearance is formed with the desired width.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 a illustrates a representative front view of the transport bag according to the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 b illustrates a representative front view of the transport bag in its state secured to a pallet.

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates representative side views of the transport bags stacked on top of each other.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a representative side view of an alternative embodiment of the transport bag, a side view of its state secured to a pallet, and representative side views of the transport bags stacked on top of each other.

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a representative side view of an alternative embodiment of the transport bag and representative views of its shape transformation during the pallet securing process.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a representative side view of an alternative embodiment of the transport bag and representative side views of the transport bags stacked on top of each other.

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a representative side view of an alternative embodiment of the transport bag, representative views of its shape transformation during the pallet securing process, and a representative side view of the transport bags stacked on top of each other.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates representative side views of the stacking stages of the transport bags. Figure 8 illustrates a representative side view of an alternative embodiment of the transport bag in which a top plate and a fastening strap are used for securing.

[0026] Figure 9 illustrates representative side views of a version of the transport bag designed for carrying granular materials, which does not include a support element.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] This detailed description explains the transport bag (10) of the invention solely with exemplary embodiments that do not impose any limiting effects, aiming to provide a better understanding of the subject.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the transport bag (10) comprises a base panel (40), a top panel (30), and multiple side walls (20) extending between the base panel (40) and the top panel (30) to define an enclosed volume. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the base panel (40) and the top panel (30) are provided in a rectangular shape, particularly in a square form. According to this embodiment, the four side walls (20) are connected at one end to the base panel (40) and the top panel (30) and at the other end to each other. This structure forms a closed volume suitable for filling with fluid materials.

[0030] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the transport bag (10) includes support elements (60) positioned at the vertically extending corners. In one embodiment, the support elements (60) are located inside sleeves formed at each corner, either within or outside the transport bag (10). The support elements (60) are made of rigid or semi-rigid materials such as metal or hard plastic and extend from the lowest part of the transport bag (10) up to its uppermost part or beyond.

[0031] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the use of support elements (60) is not required, particularly in transport bags (10) designed for carrying granular materials. The friction between granular materials helps maintain the form of the transport bag (10).

[0032] When viewed from at least one side, the filled transport bag (10) is provided in a shape that tapers from the base panel (40) toward the top panel (30). Accordingly, when viewed from the tapered side, the width at the base panel (40) is defined as the base width (L1 ), while the width at the topmost part is defined as the top width (L2). Therefore, the base width (L1 ) is greater than the top width (L2). The transport bag (10) is positioned on a pallet (80). The pallet (80) comprises a loadbearing surface (81) and at least partially extending edge blocks (82) along its two opposing edges. Additionally, a central block (83) is provided at the middle section of the load-bearing surface (81) to support it. The space between the edge blocks (82) allows a pallet truck or forklift forks to enter, facilitating the movement of the transport bag (10). Moreover, the top width (L2) is designed to be smaller than the distance between the edge blocks (82).

[0033] To secure the transport bag (10) onto the pallet (80), at least one fastening element (50) is provided. The fastening element (50) loops over the transport bag (10) and under the pallet (80), securing the transport bag (10) to the pallet (80). In one embodiment, two fastening elements (50) are provided, partially pressing the top panel (30) downward. Alternative embodiments may include fastening at different points. When the transport bag (10) is filled, its top corners (31) are structured to extend slightly above the top panel (30). In other words, the top corners (31 ) of the transport bag (10) remain slightly above the top panel

[0034] (30).

[0035] At the upper part of the transport bag (10), a hypothetical plane is defined as the load support plane (P), passing through the upper ends of the support elements (60) or the top corners (31) of the transport bag (10). A gap exists between this load support plane (P) and the top panel (30), which is defined as the fork entry clearance (90).

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, to stack the transport bags (10), one transport bag (10) is lifted by a forklift and placed on top of another transport bag (10). The top corners (31 ) of the lower transport bag (10) extend into the space between the edge blocks (83) located under the pallet (80) of the transport bag (10) being lifted. When the transport bag (10) is placed on top of the other one, the upper ends (61 ) of the support elements (60) or the top corners

[0037] (31 ) of the transport bag (10) press against the underside of the load-bearing surface (81 ) of the upper pallet (80). In some embodiments, the central block (83) of the upper pallet (80) may rest on the top panel (30) of the lower transport bag (10). When the transport bag (10) is positioned on top of another, the forklift forks remain within the fork entry clearance (90) of the lower transport bag (10), allowing the forklift to release the load and exit smoothly.

[0038] To create the fork entry clearance (90), the top corners (31) of the transport bag (10) extend above the top panel (30) using various methods. As can be seen in Figure 1 , in a possible configuration, a cut-out region (23) is provided in the form of an indentation at the top edges of two opposite side walls (20) of the transport bag (10). In other words, the side wall (20) is shaped such that its height decreases towards the top edge. Consequently, when the side walls (20) and the top panel (30) are joined, a fork entry clearance (90) is formed at the upper part of the transport bag (10). In this configuration, the side wall (20) can be provided in a rectangular shape or in a form that tapers upward from the base panel (40).

[0039] As seen in Figure 2, when the fastening elements (50) are tightened, the top panel (30) becomes nearly a flat surface. The resulting fork entry clearance (90) facilitates the movement of forklift forks.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, in one possible embodiment, at least two opposing side walls (20) of the transport bag (10) are provided in a tapered form, narrowing upward from the base panel (40). By pressing the top panel (30) downward, the fastening elements (50) cause the top panel (30) to move away from the load support plane (P), which is defined as passing through the ends of the support elements (60). This creates the fork entry clearance (90) between the load support plane (P) and the top panel (30). Meanwhile, a bulging effect may occur at the center of the top panel (30). When the transport bags (10) are stacked, the central block (83) of the upper pallet (80) presses down on this bulge, distributing some of the load. In this embodiment, leaving a small empty space during filling may be preferred. In other words, the transport bag (10) may be secured without being completely filled, making it easier to form the fork entry clearance (90).

[0041] As seen in Figure 4, in another possible embodiment, the side walls (20) of the transport bag (10) are provided in a rectangular shape. When the transport bag (10) is fastened, the fastening elements (50) press the top panel (30) downward, causing the ends of the support elements (60) to move closer together. By pressing the top panel (30) downward, the fastening elements (50) cause the top panel (30) to move away from the load support plane (P), which is defined as passing through the ends of the support elements (60). As a result, a fork entry clearance (90) is formed between the load support plane (P) and the top panel (30). In this configuration as well, it may be preferable to leave some empty space inside the transport bag (10) during filling. In other words, the transport bag (10) can be secured before being fully filled, thereby facilitating the formation of the fork entry clearance (90). Figures 5 and 6 illustrate alternative embodiments with conical and rectangular side walls (20). In these embodiments, the upper ends (61 ) of the support elements (60) are extended beyond the top panel (30). Thus, even if the top panel (30) of the transport bag (10) is not pressed downward, a fork entry clearance (90) can still be formed between the load support plane (P) and the top panel (30). In these embodiments, the support element (60) may be entirely inside a sleeve, partially protruding, or fully exposed.

[0042] As seen in Figure 8, in one possible embodiment of the invention, a top plate (70) is positioned on the top panel (30). The top plate (70) is pressed downward by the fastening elements (50), ensuring that the top panel (30) remains flat.

[0043] As seen in Figure 9, the invention also includes a version of the transport bag (10) designed for carrying granular materials, which does not include support elements (60). In this version, the fork entry clearance (90) is formed either by shaping the top edge (22) of the side wall (20) or by the partial downward pressure applied to the top panel (30) by the fastening elements (50). Additionally, the side wall (20) may be provided in a rectangular shape or in a tapered form from the base panel (40) upward. Similarly, as in other configurations, the use of a top plate (70) is also possible.

[0044] In all embodiments of the transport bag (10), its upper section remains positioned between the edge blocks (82) of the pallet (80), and the weight is primarily supported by the lower transport bag (10). In configurations where support elements (60) are used, the support elements (60) extend downward from the top corner (31 ) while diverging from each other, thereby increasing the width of the base and positioning the support elements (60) at an inclined angle. This inclination of the support elements (60) effectively absorbs horizontal forces acting on the transport bag (10). In other words, the support elements (60) ensure that horizontal forces are transmitted to the ground without disturbing the stability of the transport bag (10).

[0045] On the other hand, when one transport bag (10) partially enters beneath the pallet (80) of another transport bag (10), this results in an interlocking connection between the transport bags (10), similar to a LEGO-like engagement. Accordingly, when the transport bags (10) are stacked on top of each other, the weight causes the side walls (20) or the top panel (30) of the lower transport bag (10) to rest against the edge blocks (82) of the upper pallet (80), thereby facilitating a secure interlocking of the transport bags (10). As a result, the transport bags (10) of the present invention maintain a stable position when stacked. Additionally, this configuration does not incur any additional costs for implementation. The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0046] REFERENCE NUMBERS THAT GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0047] 10 Transport Bag

[0048] 20 Side Wall

[0049] 21 Vertical Edge

[0050] 22 Top Edge

[0051] 23 Cut-out Region

[0052] 30 Top Panel

[0053] 31 Top Corner

[0054] 40 Base Panel

[0055] 41 Bottom Corner

[0056] 50 Fastening Element

[0057] 60 Support Element

[0058] 61 lipper End

[0059] 62 Lower End

[0060] 70 Top Plate

[0061] 80 Pallet

[0062] 81 Load- Bearing Surface

[0063] 82 Edge Block

[0064] 83 Central Block

[0065] 90 Fork Entry Clearance

[0066] L1 Base Width

[0067] L2 Top Width

[0068] P Load Support Plane

Claims

CLAIMS1. A transport bag (10) comprising a base panel (40), a top panel (30), and multiple side walls (20) extending between the base panel (40) and the top panel (30) to form a storage volume for granular, puree, fluid, or semi-fluid materials, characterized in that top corners (31 ) of the transport bag (10) are structured to extend above the top panel (30) and a fork entry clearance (90) is provided between the top panel (30) and a hypothetical load support plane (P) that pass through the ends of the top corners (31 ), and when the transport bag (10) is viewed from at least one side, a base width (L1), which is defined between bottom corners (41) of the transport bag (10), is greater than a top width (L2), which is defined between the top corners (31 ) on the same side, and the top width (L2) is dimensioned to fit between edge blocks (82) of a pallet (80) extending at least partially along two opposite edges beneath a load-bearing surface (81 ) used for stacking the transport bags (10).

2. The transport bag (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one fastening element (50) extending between the top panel (30) and the base panel (40) to secure the transport bag (10) to the pallet (80).

3. The transport bag (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one support element (60) extending between the bottom corner (41 ) and the top corner (31 ) of the transport bag (10).

4. The transport bag (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that upper ends (61) of the support elements (60) extend above the top panel (30) to form the fork entry clearance (90).

5. The transport bag (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises at least one cut-out region (23) provided on top edges (22) of two opposing side walls (20), forming an indentation toward the base panel (40) to create the fork entry clearance (90).

6. The transport bag (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one top plate (70) positioned between the fasteningelements (50) and the top panel (30) to ensure that the top panel (30) is pressed straight down toward the base panel (40).