Load distribution element and fastening system

Abstract

The invention relates to a load distribution element (10) comprising a base plate (12) and fixing points (14) projecting from it, in particular at right angles, wherein the base plate (12) has a slot (22) between the fixing points (14) for guiding a fastening strap (28). The load distribution element (10) is designed to be attached to a transport container wall (26.1) at the level of a cut in a predetermined operating position by pressing the fixing points (14) into it, so that in the operating position the fastening strap (28) can be led out of the transport container (26) from an interior (32) of the transport container (26) through the cut in the transport container wall (26.1) and through the slot (22) in the base plate (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load distribution element designed to prevent tearing of a transport container wall, for example, due to a cutting fastening strap. A further aspect of the invention relates to a fastening system comprising a transport container, a fastening strap, and a load distribution element.

[0002] Several solutions exist for protecting packaging, especially cardboard boxes, from destruction or damage caused by tension straps or fastening bands. The aim is to prevent a tension strap stretched around the packaging from cutting into or tearing the packaging from the outside.

[0003] In this context, for example, CN 203 268 624 U describes a device for protecting packaging from damage by a tension band guided around the packaging, comprising a flat base body with a groove for guiding the tension band and several claw-like fastening elements extending from the base body.

[0004] A similar protective element for a transport container is also known from DE 2020 130 074 51 U1. This protective element serves to reduce stress on the container caused by sharp-edged packaging straps that are stretched around the transport container and has a base body with a rectangular plan.

[0005] From DE 2020 161 070 10 U1, a device for holding a tensile element to prevent damage to an object spanned by the tensile element is known. Here, too, the device is placed around the outside edge of a cardboard box or package to prevent the tensile element from cutting into the edge.

[0006] The common feature of all known solutions is that packaging containers, transport containers, or boxes can be held in shape by external tensioning straps, thus reducing the risk of damage to the containers. However, this does not ensure that packaged items, such as individual components, are securely protected from shifting or damage within the transport containers.

[0007] To protect individual packaged goods, such as components, especially prefabricated parts for motor vehicles, from shifting within a transport container, it is common practice to screw the components to the inside of the container using wooden blocks or similar fasteners. This results in enormous material consumption, high packaging costs, and a significant time expenditure for packing and unpacking the individual components. Furthermore, due to the diverse range of packaging and securing materials used, separating the resulting packaging waste is complex and expensive. Moreover, compliant recycling of the individual materials used cannot always be guaranteed.

[0008] One object of the present invention is therefore to reliably secure components inside a transport container while avoiding the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0010] The invention is based on the understanding that a simplified securing of individual transport items, such as individual components, within the interior of a transport container can be achieved by bundling the components within the container and tensioning them as a bundle against a container wall. Furthermore, by omitting the bulky wooden blocks, more components can be packed together. In other words, it has been discovered that a bundle of components can be tensioned against the transport container using a tension band or fastening strap. For this purpose, lateral cuts can be made in a transport container wall through which the tension band or fastening strap can be threaded. Such a cut can be made, for example, easily and quickly with a conventional vibratory saw.However, a problem was observed: the transport container wall easily tears in the area of ​​the cut when the fastening strap, which runs through the cut, is tensioned and exerts pressure on the edges of the cut. As a result of the tearing, the tension of the fastening straps decreases, and the components can shift inside the transport container.

[0011] The invention provides a load distribution element to at least largely prevent the aforementioned tearing of the transport container wall in the area of ​​the cut. The load distribution element has a base plate and fixing points projecting from it, in particular at right angles, wherein the base plate has a slot between the fixing points for the passage of a fastening strap. The load distribution element is designed to be attached to the wall of a transport container at the level of a cut by pressing the fixing points into it, according to a predetermined operating position. In other words, the load distribution element can be pressed into the transport container wall, in particular such that the load distribution element, with its base plate, rests fully against one side of the transport container wall.The pressing action can be performed from the outside or from the inside, i.e., from within the transport container, although pressing from the outside is preferred.

[0012] In the predetermined operating position, the slot in the base plate of the load distribution element and the cutout in the transport container wall are preferably opposite or aligned. Preferably, the cutout can also be at least partially created and / or enlarged by pressing the load distribution element into the transport container wall. Preferably, the load distribution element does not need to be further attached to the transport container wall, but is held in place by the pressed-in fixing points on the transport container wall. If the fixing points are insufficient to hold the load distribution element in the desired operating position, an adhesive layer can optionally be applied to the side of the base plate facing the transport container wall, in particular over the entire surface, leaving a gap for the slot. The adhesive layer can, for example, be applied to the base plate in the form of double-sided adhesive tape.

[0013] In its operating position, the fastening strap can be guided from inside the transport container through the cut in the container wall and through the slot in the base plate to the outside. In other words, in the predetermined operating position, the fastening strap can be guided from inside the transport container through the cut in the container wall and through the slot in the base plate of the load distribution element. The base plate stabilizes the cut container wall in the area of ​​the slot, thus preventing it from tearing. Tightening the fastening strap further secures the load distribution element, with its fixing points, even more firmly to the container wall.In other words, if the load distribution element is pressed into the transport container wall from the outside, the fastening strap passed through the slot, when tensioned, can also help to press the load distribution element even more firmly into the transport container wall and hold it in the position of use.

[0014] The present invention provides a reliable method for preventing tearing of the transport container wall in the area of ​​the fastening band, specifically in the application where a fastening band is to be passed through the wall of a transport container and continued along the outside of the container wall. Thus, it is not, as described in the prior art mentioned above, an edge protector for a cardboard box around which tension bands are stretched, but rather a method for preventing tearing of a transport container wall in the area of ​​a cut in the container by means of a fastening band passed through the cut.

[0015] The invention also includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0016] One embodiment provides that a beak for guiding the fastening strap projects from the base plate, particularly at a right angle. The beak provides a guide channel that is aligned with the slot in the base plate and is designed to guide the fastening strap towards the slot in the base plate and finally through the slot. In other words, not only the fixing points but also the aforementioned beak projects from the base plate. In the predetermined operating position, the beak preferably projects from the outside through the transport container wall into the interior of the transport container. However, the beak can also exert its advantageous effect when the load distribution element is arranged on an inner wall of the transport container, so that the beak projects from the inside out of the transport container wall.

[0017] Preferably, the load distribution element is inserted or pressed into the transport container wall from the outside using the prong. The prong further secures the load distribution element in the transport container wall. Additionally, the guide channel provides a wider contact surface for the fastening strap within the cut. The guide channel prevents direct contact between the fastening strap and the transport container wall. This prevents tearing even more reliably than with the load distribution element without the prong.

[0018] Preferably, the beak is at least twice as long as the average height of the fixing points, measured from the surface of the base plate from which the beak and / or the fixing points extend away from the base plate, particularly at right angles. In other words, the beak and the fixing points can be located on the same surface of the base plate. Alternatively, they can be arranged on two opposite surfaces of the base plate, in which case the additional stabilizing effect of the load distribution element in the transport container wall provided by the beak is absent. By making the beak preferably at least twice as long as the average height of the fixing points, it can be ensured that the beak extends through the transport container wall even if the fixing points do not completely penetrate the wall.In an embodiment where the fixing points and the beak project from the same surface of the base plate, particularly at right angles, and the load distribution element is attached to the outside of the transport container wall, the beak preferably extends completely through the transport container wall into the interior of the transport container. This makes it easy to insert or guide the tensioning strap or fastening strap into the guide channel of the beak and thus push and / or pull it out of the interior of the transport container. In other words, the guide channel of the beak then also provides an insertion aid for the fastening strap.

[0019] Preferably, the cross-section of the guide channel widens towards the slot in the base plate. In other words, the guide channel becomes progressively wider as it approaches the slot in the base plate. Put another way, the guide channel tapers towards a point on the beak, which is located at the end of the beak furthest from the base plate. This allows the fastening strap to be slid laterally back and forth within the load-distributing element or within the slot in the base plate of the load-distributing element. This increases the flexibility of the fastening using the fastening strap. Preferably, the guide channel has a width of 15 to 25 millimeters, more preferably 20 millimeters, in the area of ​​the point. In the area of ​​the slot, i.e., near the base plate, the guide channel preferably has a width of 10 to 30 millimeters, more preferably 24 millimeters.Preferably, the guide channel at the tip of the beak is about one-third to one-quarter narrower than the width at the slot. This allows the commonly used fastening bands, with a width between 13 and 16 millimeters, to be easily inserted into the guide channel.

[0020] The fixing points preferably have a height of five to 15 millimeters, preferably ten millimeters. The length of the beak is preferably ten to 30 millimeters, particularly preferably 22 millimeters. The base plate can, for example, have a thickness of two to eight millimeters, preferably four millimeters. The outer dimensions of the beak with respect to its width can be between 25 and 35 millimeters, preferably 30 millimeters, in the area of ​​the base plate, and between 20 and 30 millimeters, preferably 26 millimeters, in the area of ​​the tip of the beak. The base plate of the load distribution element can, for example, be between 40 and 60 millimeters, preferably 50 millimeters, wide overall. The fixing points can have a diameter of five to ten millimeters, preferably seven millimeters. The height of the base plate can be between 15 and 25 millimeters, preferably 20 millimeters.The guide channel can have a constant height of one to five millimeters, preferably two millimeters, along its entire length.

[0021] The dimensions mentioned are purely illustrative. It goes without saying that a manufacturing tolerance of + / - ten percent should always be added to these dimensions. Other or different dimensions for the individual components of the load distribution element are also conceivable. Accordingly, the dimensions mentioned here as examples are not limiting but merely illustrative.

[0022] As described, the beak and the fixing points preferably extend from the base plate in the same direction. In other words, the beak and the fixing points, preferably four fixing points, are arranged on the same surface of the base plate according to a preferred embodiment.

[0023] Another embodiment provides that the beak is designed to be pressed into the interior of the transport container through the notch in the container wall to establish the operating position. The notch preferably has smaller dimensions than the beak. This ensures that the beak, and thus the entire load distribution element, is securely fixed in the notch in the operating position.

[0024] Preferably, the beak is designed to at least partially create and / or widen the cut in the transport container wall when the load distribution element is pressed into it. In other words, the cut can only be created by inserting the load distribution element with its beak into the transport container wall. Alternatively or additionally, the beak can widen a pre-existing or pre-made cut when pressed into the transport container wall. For this purpose, the beak can be ground at its tip to create a sharp edge that facilitates insertion or pressing into the transport container wall. The load distribution element is preferably made of a material that has a greater hardness than the transport container wall.The load distribution element, or at least the fixing tips and / or the beak of the load distribution element, can be made, for example, of a plastic or a metal, preferably of aluminum.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the fixing points are conically shaped and arranged around the slot in the base plate. The conical shape facilitates pressing the load distribution element into the transport container wall and also removing it from the same. In particular, four fixing points can be arranged in the four corners of a rectangular base plate. The slot is preferably located centrally in the base plate. Alternative arrangement geometries of fixing points, slot, and base plate are conceivable. Preferably, the fixing points counteract movement of the load distribution element along the transport container wall caused by tension on the fastening strap.

[0026] Another embodiment provides that the load distribution element is designed as a plastic injection-molded component, preferably made of the same material as the fastening strap. This advantageously allows the fastening strap to be disposed of together with the load distribution elements after unpacking. This further reduces costs and ensures compliance with recycling regulations.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention relates to a fastening system comprising a transport container, a fastening strap, and a load distribution element according to one of the described embodiments. A section of the transport container wall has a cutout, wherein the load distribution element, according to its predetermined operating position, is pressed into the transport container wall at the level of the cutout with its fixing points, such that in the predetermined operating position, the fastening strap is guided out of the transport container from an interior space through the cutout in the transport container wall and through the slot in the base plate. The transported goods can also be bundled within the transport container by the fastening strap.

[0028] The invention also includes further developments of the fastening system according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the load distribution element according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the fastening system according to the invention are not described again here.

[0029] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0030] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 Schematic representations of different views of a load distribution element according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic 3D view of a load distribution element according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a fastening system according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 4 A schematic representation of a load distribution element according to an embodiment of the invention in the predetermined operating position.

[0031] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0032] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 shows various schematic representations of a load distribution element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. Two side views of the load distribution element 10 are shown by way of example in the upper part of the figure, while a top view of the load distribution element 10 is shown in the lower part of the figure.

[0034] In the upper left area of ​​the image Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of the load distribution element 10. In the example shown, the load distribution element 10 has a base plate 12 and fixing points 14 projecting at right angles from the base plate 12. The fixing points 14 can be conical. Each cone, with a substantially circular base, rests on a surface 16 of the base plate 12 and tapers with increasing distance from it. Finally, each fixing point 14 terminates in a pointed end, which facilitates pressing it into the wall of a transport container.

[0035] According to the embodiment shown here, the load distribution element 10 has a beak 18 arranged centrally in the base plate 12. In other words, in the example shown here, the beak 18 is arranged centrally between the fixing tips 14 on the surface 16 of the base plate 12.

[0036] The beak 18 also tapers from its base on the surface 16 towards its tip. The guide channel 20 provided by the beak 18 is indicated by dashed lines within the beak 18. The guide channel 20 extends through the entire beak 18 and through the base plate 12, where it is realized by a slot 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the beak 18 also projects at right angles from the base plate 12. Preferably, all described components of the load distribution element 10 are formed in one piece.

[0037] In the upper right area of ​​the image Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of the load distribution element 10, rotated 90 degrees relative to the previously described view. It is particularly evident here that, in the illustrated embodiment, the prong 18 tapers to a point or narrows in its upper region. This facilitates insertion into the transport container wall. In the operating position, the fixing points 14 engage the transport container wall laterally, offset from the notch.

[0038] In the lower part of the image Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of the load distribution element 10 according to the embodiment described herein. It can be seen that a total of four fixing points 14 can be present. Furthermore, this view clearly shows the central arrangement of the beak 18 on the base plate 12.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows, with reference to the designated and described elements, a schematic 3D view of a load distribution element 10 according to an embodiment of the invention described herein. This is related to Fig. The description in Figure 1 applies equally here. The base plate 12 with surface 16, from which the fixing points 14 extend at right angles, is visible. Furthermore, the beak 18 is arranged on the surface 16 of the load distribution element 10, which also extends at right angles away from or projects from the base plate 12. The beak 18 provides the guide channel 20. Preferably, the load distribution element 10 is formed in one piece as an injection-molded component.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening system 24, comprising a transport container 26, a fastening strap 28 and a schematically indicated load distribution element 10.

[0041] In the embodiment shown here, the fastening strap 28 holds various transport items 30 together in the interior 32 of the transport container 26. In other words, the transport items 30 are bundled together in the interior 32 of the transport container 26 by the fastening strap 28. A notch may be present in the wall 26.1 of the transport container in the area of ​​the load distribution element 10 indicated here. The prong 18 of the load distribution element 10, shown schematically here, may be inserted through this notch. The fastening strap 28 may be led out of the interior 32 through the guide channel 20 of the load distribution element 10. The notch is effectively stabilized by the load distribution element 10 and protected from tearing.The fastening strap 28 can be guided at least partially around a pallet 34 outside the transport container 26, thus clamping the transport container 26 and the transport goods bundled in it in the form of the transport items 30 to the pallet 34.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows, with reference to the components labelled and described in connection with the preceding figures, a schematic representation of a load distribution element 10 in the predetermined operating position. In other words, the Fig. 4 A load distribution element 10 is inserted through a cut in the wall of a transport container 26.1. The left part of the image shows an interior view of the wall of the transport container 26.1. In other words, the left part of the image shows the view as seen by an observer located inside the interior space 32 of the associated transport container 26. Here it is clearly visible how the prong 18 extends into the interior space 32, while the fixing points 14 just pierce the wall of the transport container 26.1. The opening of the guide channel 20 is visible at the front of the prong 18. The described fastening strap 28 can be guided out of the interior space 32 of the transport container 26 through this guide channel 20.

[0043] In the right part of the image Fig.Figure 4 shows the external view of the described arrangement. The base plate 12 is visible from the outside, with the slot 22, which forms the beginning of the guide channel 20, visible in the center of the base plate 12. When threaded, the fastening strap 24 protrudes from this slot 22 outside the transport container 26 and can be further secured there, for example with a pallet 34 or similar, without tearing the wall of the transport container 26.1.

[0044] By inserting the load distribution element 10 or the load distribution claw, tearing of the transport container 26 or the transport container wall 26.1 is prevented, and the tension of the fastening strap 28 is maintained. The conical design of the fixing tips 14 allows for easy insertion and removal of the load distribution element 10. The width of the prong 18 distributes the load of the fastening strap 28 evenly, thus making it easier to thread the fastening strap 28 to the outside of the transport container 26. The load distribution element 10 can preferably be manufactured by injection molding. The fastening strap 28 and the load distribution element 10 can therefore preferably be made of the same material and subjected to the same recycling process. The dimensions of the load distribution element 10, which are mentioned here and elsewhere, are purely exemplary and not to be understood as limiting.These can be adapted as needed to the dimensions of various fastening straps 28 and / or transport containers 26. The load distribution element 10 can be used for vertical or horizontal strapping in the transport container 26. It can also be inserted into a transport container wall 26.1 at any angle.

[0045] Overall, the examples show how simplified and optimized transport security can be provided. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 203 268 624 U

[0003] OF 2020 130 074 51 U1

[0004] OF 2020 161 070 10 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Load distribution element (10) comprising a base plate (12) and fixing points (14) projecting from it, in particular at right angles, wherein the base plate (12) has a slot (22) between the fixing points (14) for guiding a fastening strap (28), wherein the load distribution element (10) is designed to be attached to a transport container wall (26.1) of a transport container (26) according to a predetermined operating position at the level of a cut by pressing the fixing points (14) into it, so that in the operating position the fastening strap (28) can be led out of the transport container (26) from an interior (32) of the transport container (26) through the cut in the transport container wall (26.1) and through the slot (22) in the base plate (12). [2] Load distribution element (10) according to claim 1, wherein a beak (18) for guiding the fastening strap (28) projects from the base plate (12), in particular at right angles, wherein the beak (18) provides a guide channel (20) which is aligned with the slot (22) in the base plate (12) and is designed to guide the fastening strap (28) in the direction of the slot (22) in the base plate (12) and through the slot (22). [3] Load distribution element (10) according to claim 2, wherein the beak (18) is at least twice as long as the mean height of the fixing tips (14), each measured from the surface (16) of the base plate (12) from which the beak (18) and / or the fixing tips (14) extend from the base plate (12), in particular at right angles. [4] Load distribution element (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a cross-section of the guide channel (20) widens in the direction of the slot (22) in the base plate (12). [5] Load distribution element (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the beak (18) extends from the base plate (12) in the same direction as the fixing tips (14). [6] Load distribution element (10) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the beak (18) is designed to be pressed into the interior (32) of the transport container (26) through the cut in the transport container wall (26.1) to establish the operating position. [7] Load distribution element (10) according to claim 6, wherein the beak (18) is designed to at least partially create and / or enlarge the incision in the transport container wall (26.1) when pressed into the interior (32) of the transport container (26). [8] Load distribution element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing tips (14) are conical and arranged around the slot (22) in the base plate (12). [9] Load distribution element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the load distribution element (10) is formed as an injection-molded component, preferably made of the same material as the fastening strap (28). [10] Fastening system (24) comprising a transport container (26), a fastening strap (28) and a load distribution element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a transport container wall (26.1) of the transport container (26) has a cut, wherein the load distribution element (10) is pressed into the transport container wall (26.1) at the level of the cut with its fixing points (14) according to its predetermined operating position, so that in the predetermined operating position the fastening strap (28) is led out of an interior (32) of the transport container (26) through the cut in the transport container wall (26.1) and through the slot (22) in the base plate (12) out of the transport container (26).

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