Ground protection plate for containers

Abstract

Base protection plate for containers, comprising at least two plate elements which are connected to each other by means of positive locking connections in such a way that they are secured against separation by tensile load.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor protection plate for containers.

[0002] Ground protection mats are commonly used, with a surface area at least equal to the footprint of the container on which they will be placed. To protect the ground from damage caused by the container, the ground protection mat is first laid down, and the container is then set on top of it. These mats are particularly useful for roll-off containers, as the container's wheels can leave marks or damage on the ground.

[0003] However, one disadvantage of conventional ground protection mats is that they are difficult to transport, especially in the case of large containers, due to their size.

[0004] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art. One of the objects of the invention can therefore be considered to be providing a ground protection plate that is easy to transport and reliably protects the ground from damage caused by containers.

[0005] To solve the problem, a base protection plate for containers is provided, comprising at least two plate elements that are connected to each other by means of positive locking connections in such a way that they are secured against separation by tensile load.

[0006] The ground protection mat is therefore modularly constructed from panel elements. These panel elements can be rectangular, square, or other suitable shapes to provide a stable and comprehensive base. The panel elements can be made of durable materials, particularly plastics, that can withstand the loads and movements of the containers.

[0007] The panel elements are connected via positive-locking joints in such a way that they fit together to form a larger panel. This modular design makes the individual panel elements easy to transport and handle, while the assembled ground protection panel forms a stable and load-bearing surface.

[0008] The positive-locking connections are preferably designed to ensure a precise, secure connection between the individual panel elements. These connections are preferably designed to interlock precisely and prevent lateral slippage or separation of the panels. The connections can consist of tongue and groove, tenons and holes, or other interlocking profiles that mechanically interlock, thus providing stability.

[0009] The panel elements are connected in such a way that they cannot be separated by tensile forces, i.e., forces pulling apart, such as those that can occur during the unloading of a container. This connection ensures that the panel elements remain stable together even under load and do not unintentionally detach. Furthermore, the panel elements are secured against transverse and shear loads. This ensures that the panel elements remain firmly connected, even when forces act in the plane, along the connection point, or perpendicular to the connection.

[0010] The panel elements can be laid in a row such that the outer panels are connected to another panel only on one side, while the inner panels are connected to two other panels on both sides. This creates a stable arrangement in which the panels lie in a continuous row, with the outer panels serving as end pieces and the middle panels acting as connecting elements.

[0011] Preferably, the floor protection plate consists of plate elements that are connected according to the invention.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection between two adjacent plate elements is designed such that it can be released by lifting one plate element out of the plane of the ground protection plate. This design allows for easy disassembly, as no additional tools or complicated procedures are required. By simply lifting out one plate element, ground protection plates can be quickly removed or reinstalled.

[0013] Preferably, the interlocking connections between the plate elements lie in the plane of the ground protection plate, thus preventing any protrusions or depressions. This flush connection ensures a smooth and continuous surface across the entire ground protection plate.

[0014] Preferably, the positive-locking connections interlock in such a way that no cavities form in the connection area and / or no protrusions extend above the plane of the base plate. This has the advantage of ensuring a smooth and uniform surface. Furthermore, the seamless interlocking of the plates achieves high stability, which is particularly important under heavy loads, such as those encountered with containers.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the positive-locking connections are designed as tongue-and-groove joints. This allows the plate elements to be easily joined and separated. When connecting plate elements, the two ends of the plate elements to be joined meet. The grooves can be arranged at the end of one plate element, while the tongues are arranged at the end of the other plate element. It is also provided that both ends to be joined have both grooves and tongues.

[0016] The grooves are preferably undercut, while the tongues are shaped to complement them. The grooves are therefore designed to widen inwards, meaning the openings are narrower than their interior. The tongue-and-groove joints can be designed as dovetail joints. In such joints, the grooves and tongues are shaped to resemble the tail of a swallow. Using undercut grooves ensures that the joints cannot be pulled apart under load. Furthermore, such joints allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the panel elements.

[0017] Preferably, at least three, more preferably at least five, and particularly preferably at least seven positive-locking connections exist between two interconnected plate elements. In this way, sufficient connection reliability can be achieved even on uneven ground. Furthermore, the resistance against separation of the plate elements increases with the number of connections.

[0018] The floor protection panel preferably comprises at least three panel elements. Therefore, the floor protection panel can comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more panel elements. The outer panel elements preferably have connecting elements, such as tongues and grooves, on only one side. The inner panels preferably have connecting elements on two opposite sides. The size of the floor protection panel can thus be adjusted by varying the number of panel elements. Furthermore, different floor protection panels of the same overall size can comprise different numbers of panel elements. The number of panel elements can be adjusted depending on the desired size of the individual panel elements.

[0019] The plate elements can be essentially rectangular. Preferably, each plate element has two opposing narrow sides and two opposing long sides. The positive-locking connections are preferably arranged on the long sides of the plate elements. The elements forming the positive-locking connections are therefore preferably located on the long sides of the plate elements and not on the narrow sides.

[0020] Preferably, the positive-locking connections extend through the entire thickness of the plate elements. The connections thus penetrate the entire thickness of the plate elements. This means that the connections are continuous and encompass the entire thickness of the plate elements, resulting in a stable and durable connection.

[0021] The free end of an outer plate element may have a chamfer. The free end is defined as the portion of the plate element that is not connected to an adjacent plate element. It is therefore the unconnected part of the plate element. The chamfer is a sloping edge or incline that facilitates rolling a container onto the ground protection plate.

[0022] The free end of an outer plate element can have one or more locking elements. The locking element(s) are preferably arranged on the top surface of the plate element, and thus on the top surface of the ground protection plate. The locking elements do not have to be located at the very end of a plate element, but can be spaced from the outer edge of the plate element. Preferably, the locking elements are arranged in the half of a plate element that is opposite the half containing the connecting elements. It is also possible to arrange the locking elements in different positions, for example, at opposite ends, to secure containers from rolling off on both sides. Alternatively, they can be arranged to create several parking areas separated from each other by locking elements.The blocking elements can serve as stops for containers, especially for the wheels of a roll-off container.

[0023] The locking elements of the ground protection plate can be designed as raised sections in various shapes, such as blocks, strips, or other projections. Various methods can be used for fastening, such as screwing, bolting, welding, or gluing. Alternatively, the locking elements can also be manufactured as a single piece with the plate element to increase the stability and durability of the structure.

[0024] Preferably, the chamfer and the one or more blocking elements are arranged at opposite ends of the floor protection plate.

[0025] The panel elements may have carrying loops or handles, preferably arranged on the sides, which do not have positive locking connections.

[0026] The invention will be explained again below using the figures as an example. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of a plate element 1 of a ground protection plate according to the invention in a top view. The plate element 1 is a rectangular plate which has springs 2 on one of its longitudinal sides and a chamfer 3 on the opposite longitudinal side. Fig. 1B shows plate element 1 from Fig. 1A in cross-section. Fig. Figure 2A shows an exemplary embodiment of a plate element 4 of a ground protection plate according to the invention in a top view. The plate element 4 is a rectangular plate which has tongues 5 on one of its longitudinal sides and grooves 6 on the opposite longitudinal side. Fig. 2B shows the plate element 4 from Fig. 2A in cross-section. Fig. Figure 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a plate element 7 of a ground protection plate according to the invention in a top view. The plate element 7 is a rectangular plate which has grooves 8 on one of its longitudinal sides and locking elements 9, 10 on the opposite longitudinal side. Fig. 3B shows plate element 7 from Fig. 2A in cross-section.

[0027] The plate elements 1, 4 and 7 of the Fig. Elements 1 to 3 can be assembled to form a floor protection plate according to the invention, wherein the side of plate element 1 with the springs 2 is connected to the side of plate element 4 with the grooves 6, and wherein the side of plate element 4 with the springs 5 ​​is connected to the side of plate element 7 with the grooves 8. Accordingly, the chamfer 3 and the locking elements 9, 10 are arranged at opposite ends of the floor protection plate. List of reference symbols 1 plate element 2 Nut 3 Bevel 4 plate elements 5 springs 6 Nut 7 plate element 8 Nut 9 Blocking element 10 blocking element

Claims

[1] Floor protection plate for containers, comprising at least two plate elements which are connected to one another by means of form-fitting connections in such a way that they are secured against separation due to tensile load. [2] Floor protection plate according to claim 1, wherein the connection between two adjacent plate elements is designed such that it is released by lifting a plate element out of the plane of the floor protection plate. [3] Floor protection plate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positive connections between the plate elements run in the plane of the floor protection plate. [4] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the form-fitting connections engage in such a way that no cavities are formed in the connection area and / or no elevations protrude beyond the plane of the floor protection plate. [5] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the positive locking connections are designed as tongue and groove connections. [6] Floor protection plate according to claim 5, wherein the grooves have an undercut, preferably wherein the tongue and groove connections are designed as dovetail connections. [7] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least three, preferably at least five, particularly preferably at least seven positive connections are present between two interconnected plate elements. [8] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the floor protection plate comprises at least three plate elements. [9] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plate elements are substantially rectangular, preferably wherein the plate elements each have two opposite narrow sides and two opposite long sides. [10] Floor protection plate according to claim 9, wherein the form-fitting connections are arranged on the longitudinal sides of the plate elements. [11] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the positive connections extend through the entire thickness of the plate elements. [12] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the free end of an outer plate element has a bevel. [13] Floor protection plate according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the free end of an outer plate element has one or more blocking elements, which are preferably arranged on the upper side. [14] Floor protection plate according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the bevel and the one or more blocking elements are arranged at opposite ends of the floor protection plate.

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