Tray for holding bottles
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202024106766
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-30
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a tray for holding bottles and / or bottle containers, in particular a tray for holding bottles and / or bottle containers according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art
[0002] In the beverage trade, it is common practice to stock and distribute bottled beverages in defined container sizes. Typical container sizes include container carriers, also called multipacks, made of a foldable flat material, especially cardboard, containing four, six, or eight bottles, or bottle crates, usually made of plastic, containing a larger number of bottles, such as 20 or 24. The plastic crates are dimensioned according to a standardized grid, making them easy to stack for logistical purposes and suitable for use in a uniform return deposit system.
[0003] In light of legislation driving the transition from single-use to reusable packaging, bottles sold in multipacks are now also preferably reusable. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the bottles can be transported safely, even during return shipments. When delivered, the bottles in a multipack are stabilized by the multipack. To ensure efficient storage and delivery, the multipacks are transported using a variety of supports. The most well-known form is certainly the bottle crate, in which usually 6 to 24 bottles are held completely and securely in a plastic crate with a lattice structure or provided sleeves.
[0004] Bottle crates can be stacked on top of each other without any additional securing measures. Another type of transport option is low-sided crates, also called trays. These are open structures with a low edge and suitable holders for the bottles. The advantage of such trays is that they are lighter overall and require less space when empty than bottle crates.
[0005] However, existing trays have the disadvantage that the centering and stability of inserted bottles is essentially only achieved by a second tray placed on top of the bottles already in the tray. Furthermore, existing trays do not adequately ensure shatter-proof and quiet transport.
[0006] There is therefore still a need for an improved tray suitable for accommodating bottles both in the state in which they are grouped together in multipacks, as well as individual bottles removed from the multipack, which are generally empty, in such a way that they can be transported in a shatter-proof, stable, and quiet manner. The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution that can provide such a tray.
[0007] The present invention provides a tray that solves the above-mentioned problem. Disclosure of the invention
[0008] A tray for holding bottles and / or bottle containers is proposed.
[0009] The tray according to the invention comprises a frame and a base, which together define an interior of the tray, wherein the frame forms longitudinal side walls extending in the longitudinal direction thereof and transverse side walls extending in the width or transverse direction of the tray, and wherein the transverse side walls are shorter than the longitudinal side walls, characterized in that the interior of the tray has longitudinal partition walls that run parallel to the longitudinal side walls and connect the opposite transverse side walls, and transverse partition walls that run parallel to the transverse side walls and connect the opposite longitudinal side walls, wherein the longitudinal partition walls and the transverse partition walls together with the longitudinal side walls and the transverse side walls form a grid of nine segments in the tray for receiving bottles and / or bottle packs; and the base of the tray has an underside which has two stabilising webs running in the longitudinal direction of the frame, which are arranged below the longitudinal intermediate walls running in the interior of the tray, and two edge strips running parallel to the stabilising webs in the longitudinal direction of the tray, wherein the stabilising webs and the edge strips protrude from the interior (20) of the tray, whereby in each case one edge strip with the stabilising web directly opposite it or both stabilising webs together form a structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the tray for receiving bottle heads.
[0010] The tray of the present invention allows for the storage of both individual bottles and so-called multipacks, which are a bundle of several such bottles. An example of such a multipack is the well-known six-pack, in which six bottles are connected to form a bundle via a container carrier.
[0011] The tray of the present invention, viewed from the outside, has a first pair of opposing side walls and a second pair of opposing side walls, the first pair being longer than the second pair. The footprint of the tray is thus preferably a rectangle.
[0012] The tray of the present invention is characterized in that the interior space is formed by the longitudinal partition walls and the transverse partition walls, together with the longitudinal side walls and the transverse side walls, forming a grid of nine segments for accommodating bottles and / or bottle packs. Each segment is designed to accommodate up to six bottles, either as individual bottles or as a pack comprising several of these bottles.
[0013] Furthermore, the tray of the present invention is characterized in that the underside of the base has two stabilizing webs extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame, which are arranged below the longitudinal partition walls running in the interior of the tray, as well as two edge strips extending parallel to the stabilizing webs in the longitudinal direction of the tray. The stabilizing webs and the edge strips protrude from the interior of the tray, whereby one edge strip with the directly opposite stabilizing web, or both stabilizing webs together, form a structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the tray for receiving bottle heads.
[0014] The interaction of the longitudinal stabilizing webs with the longitudinal partition walls above them, which also run in the longitudinal direction, creates a torsion-resistant product which is characterized by high stability.
[0015] The stabilizing webs generally have a width of about 40 mm to about 70 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizing webs have a width of about 50 mm to about 70 mm, and particularly preferably from about 60 mm to about 70 mm. The edge strips generally have a width of about 15 mm to about 35 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the edge strips have a width of about 20 mm to about 30 mm, and particularly preferably from about 22 mm to about 26 mm, such as about 24 mm. These width specifications refer to the absolute width of the stabilizing webs and edge strips and do not take into account any recesses, as described further below. Ultimately, the widths are selected so that the structures formed by the stabilizing webs or edge strips on the underside of the tray can support the bottle heads of bottles orCan accommodate bottle containers that are arranged in a tray below when the trays are stacked.
[0016] Furthermore, the stabilizing bars and edge strips generally have a height of about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizing bars and edge strips have a height of about 5 mm to about 15 mm, and particularly preferably from about 8 mm to about 12 mm, such as about 10 mm. To provide a stable base or a uniform support surface, the stabilizing bars and edge strips generally have the same height.
[0017] To accommodate bottle tops, especially those equipped with a closure, such as a crown cap, the edge strips and stabilizing bars can advantageously have semicircular recesses on their side(s) facing the structure for accommodating bottle tops. Such a recess protects the bottle's closure, such as a crown cap, from lateral pressure, which could cause it to burst.
[0018] The edge strips and stabilizing bars can be connected to each other on the respective wide or transverse sides via a side wall that closes off the structure for accommodating bottle tops. Together, these side walls and the edge strips form a frame on the underside of the base.
[0019] The tray base is preferably designed as a network of floor struts, so that the tray base offers high stability while remaining comparatively lightweight. Preferably, the tray base has a solid surface, optionally provided with holes for water drainage, at the positions that come into contact with the bottle tops of underlying bottles.
[0020] Advantageously, the partition walls running in the longitudinal and transverse directions can have a recess at their intersection point extending vertically from the base of the tray. The height of the recess can be freely selected, provided there is a sufficient connection between the intersecting partition walls. As a rule, the recess should correspond to between 1 / 5 and 4 / 5 of the height of the partition walls from the base. In addition, the stabilizing webs can each have an opening in the area corresponding to the intersection point of two partition walls, preferably a circular opening, e.g. with a diameter of approximately 20 mm to approximately 40 mm. Since the demolding temperature is between 45 and 110°C, warping can generally occur in the product. This is counteracted by tool steel pins, also known as tool sleeves, which are used in the production of the tray.The openings, together with the recesses in the partition walls, allow the insertion of such tool steel pins during tray production to improve cooling of the material at these points, thus preventing warping of the walls. Furthermore, the openings relieve stresses in the finished product, and especially in the partition walls.
[0021] The longitudinal partition walls and transverse partition walls can also have multiple bands, i.e., vertically extending, strip-shaped material tapers, which also contribute to stress relief in the finished product. For example, each longitudinal partition wall can have nine such bands along its entire length, i.e., three bands per segment, and each transverse partition wall can have six such bands along its entire length, i.e., two bands per segment. The bands can have a width of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm, such as approximately 10 mm.
[0022] Given the legislation driving the transition from single-use to reusable packaging, bottles sold in multipacks are now also preferred as reusable bottles. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the bottles can be transported safely and protected from breakage, even during return shipments. When delivered, the bottles in a multipack are usually stabilized by the multipack.
[0023] In order to accommodate the bottles both in the state in which they are grouped together in the multipacks and individual bottles that are removed from the multipack and are generally empty, in such a way that they can be transported safely and quietly, the tray can, in an advantageous embodiment, comprise two or more sleeves in each of the nine segments that protrude from the floor into the interior. The sleeves, together with the side or intermediate walls defining the respective segment, can form bottle receptacles in a grid, with each bottle receptacle being designed to hold a single bottle. Ultimately, the use of sleeves stabilizes the bottles placed in the bottle receptacle and prevents them from knocking against each other during transport.
[0024] In one embodiment, each of the nine segments has two quills arranged at the center between four bottle receptacles (11). In other words, the quills are arranged such that they are located between four bottles arranged in a square, which form a free space in the center, where the quills are located.
[0025] The sleeves used are not limited to any specific type or shape, and their specific design ultimately depends on the desired properties of the tray. For example, the sleeves can be cylindrical or conical. The sleeves can also have a square or diamond-shaped cross-section, with the sides preferably being designed in the form of inwardly curved (concave) support surfaces, each facing an adjacent bottle holder. This design achieves particularly good lateral support for individual bottles on the storage locations. The use of either solid sleeves, which consist of a continuous material with no internal cavities, or hollow or partially hollow sleeves, which have an empty space inside, is conceivable.Due to their lower material usage and the associated weight reduction, hollow or partially hollow quills are preferable to solid quills.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the quills are hollow or partially hollow quills, which preferably have, at least in their upper section, a cross-sectional shape which approximately corresponds to a square with concavely rounded sides.
[0027] As an alternative to the previously described sleeves, cross-shaped sleeves can also be used. These sleeves are essentially constructed from four webs extending outward from the center of the sleeve and, viewed in cross-section, arranged crosswise, preferably around a centrally located hollow tube. Such cross-shaped sleeves, if used, are preferably arranged in the respective segment such that no plane running from the end face of a web to the center of the sleeve is parallel to a side wall of the tray.
[0028] The cross-shaped sleeves can be designed such that the end section of each sleeve, which is farthest from the tray base, has a central notch for receiving a portion of a container carrier. This end section tapers from the center of the sleeve to the end of the end section toward the outwardly facing end surface, thus forming the central notch. The purpose of the central notch is to receive, guide, and stabilize a portion of a container carrier during insertion of the container carrier into the tray.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the central notch at the end section of the sleeve has a height of 8 mm to 12 mm, preferably 10 mm. The angle between two edges of the tapered end section of two opposing webs forming the central notch can be 28° to 44°, preferably 36°. Such a sleeve is also referred to herein as a "crown sleeve."
[0030] The sleeves described above, of various shapes and designs, generally have a maximum height that approximately corresponds to the shoulder height of the bottle to be held, measured from the bottle base to the bottle shoulder. The shoulder height of a bottle is the height at which the circumference of the bottle begins to taper towards the bottle neck. Each sleeve can preferably have a height of about 10 mm to about 130 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each sleeve can have a height of about 20 mm to about 110 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, each sleeve can have a height of about 20 mm to about 60 mm, particularly preferably from about 30 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably from about 35 to about 45 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each sleeve has a height of about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each sleeve has a height that corresponds to the height of the partition walls.
[0031] If the selected quills have a height that lies outside the outer side wall, ie the height of the quills is greater than the height of the stone walls, it is advantageous to use hollow or partially hollow quills, which preferably taper in cross-section towards the end section that is furthest from the tray base, so that nesting, i.e. fitting one inside the other, of the quills is possible when stacking trays without bottles.
[0032] In another embodiment, each of the nine segments can have a plurality of fins and / or flat quills protruding from the tray bottom. Preferably, each of the nine segments has a total of seven fins and / or flat quills protruding from the tray bottom.
[0033] The fins and / or flat quills are spaced apart from the side and intermediate walls defining the respective segment and from one another and are not connected laterally to the side or intermediate walls or to one another, i.e. the fins and / or flat quills stand freely in the interior and are only connected to the tray at their base via the floor. Each bottle, as soon as it is placed in a bottle receptacle, is surrounded by at least two fins, or by at least two flat quills or by at least one fin and at least one flat quill. Furthermore, the fins and / or flat quills are arranged such that they are at right angles to one another with at least one further fin or flat quill, with which they form a bottle receptacle. Preferably, the fins and / or flat quills are arranged such that the center point of the fin orThe flat quill is positioned at the tangent point between two bottles when these are inserted into two adjacent bottle holders. This distinguishes the positioning of the fins or flat quills in the tray from a positioning in which a fin or flat quill is positioned at the center point between four adjacent bottle holders.
[0034] In the present invention, a "fin" is understood to be a single-walled structural element that protrudes from the tray base and essentially has the shape of a rectangular plate. A "flat quill" is understood to be a double-walled structural element that protrudes from the box base and essentially has the shape of a rectangular plate. Thus, fins differ from flat quills, among other things, in that they are completely filled and not hollow inside. In other words, a fin is made of solid material, whereas a flat quill is at least partially hollow inside. A fin or flat quill can extend essentially perpendicular to the tray base in the direction of a surface defined by the upper edges of the side walls that form the frame of the tray. The upper edge of the side wall is the edge distal to the base wall.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cross section of the fins or flat quills tapers in the direction perpendicular to the bottom wall, preferably with a taper rate of up to 5°.
[0035] Each fin or flat quill generally has a maximum height that corresponds to approximately 66% of the shoulder height of the bottle to be picked up, measured from the bottle base to the bottle shoulder. The shoulder height of a bottle is the height at which the circumference of the bottle begins to taper towards the bottle neck. Generally, each fin or flat quill can have a height of about 10 mm to about 90 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill can have a height of about 20 mm to about 60 mm, more preferably from about 30 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably from about 35 to about 45 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill has a height of about 40 mm.
[0036] As mentioned above, the tray can have at least two fins and / or flat spindles at right angles to one another, i.e. the tray comprises at least one fin or flat spindle in the transverse direction, hereinafter referred to as “transverse fin”, and at least one fin or flat spindle in the longitudinal direction, hereinafter referred to as “longitudinal fin”. Starting from a tray with different side lengths, i.e. the tray comprises a first pair of opposite side walls and a second pair of opposite side walls, the first pair being longer than the second pair, transverse fins or transverse flat spindles run parallel to the wide side or transverse side of the tray, while longitudinal fins or longitudinal flat spindles run parallel to the long side of the tray. Accordingly, once each bottle is placed in a bottle holder, it is surrounded by at least one transverse fin or transverse flat spindle and at least one longitudinal fin or longitudinal flat spindle.
[0037] To accommodate the design of the container carrier (multipack) intended for use with the tray, the transverse fins or transverse flat quills and the longitudinal fins or longitudinal flat quills can have different heights. Accordingly, the transverse fins or transverse flat quills can have a maximum height that corresponds to approximately 70% to approximately 90%, preferably approximately 80% to approximately 85%, of the maximum height of the longitudinal fins or longitudinal flat quills.
[0038] Each fin or flat quill generally has a length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm, preferably from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, further preferably about 20 mm to 45 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill has a length of about 35 mm to about 45 mm. In a most preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill has a length of about 40 mm. The fins or flat quills can all have the same length. It is also possible for the tray to comprise fins or flat quills of different lengths. Length here is understood to mean an extension of the fins or flat quills in their longitudinal direction, which runs at right angles to the height direction and the thickness direction and in the same plane of the thickness direction.
[0039] Each fin or flat quill generally has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each fin or flat quill has a thickness of about 1 mm to 3 mm. Thickness here is understood to mean an extension of the fin or flat quill in its thickness direction, which runs at right angles to the height direction and the longitudinal direction and in the same plane of the longitudinal direction. Each fin or flat quill is preferably solid-surface, i.e. the surface of the fin or flat quill wall has no through holes or recesses.
[0040] To increase stability, the fins or flat sleeves can have one or more, preferably two, stabilizing ribs on one or both sides of the base body. These stabilizing ribs can converge conically from the tray base in the height direction of the fins or flat sleeves, i.e. have a shape that tapers towards the top. Among other things, the conical convergence prevents a possibly damp body or back label from getting caught on the stabilizing ribs and / or slipping on the bottle when a freshly filled bottle is inserted. The height of the stabilizing ribs can vary, but the stabilizing ribs are generally approximately half to three-quarters the height of the fins or flat sleeves. Each stabilizing rib can have a depth of approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, preferably approximately 2.5 mm, starting from the base body.
[0041] Furthermore, at least one fin or flat sleeve can have projections extending on one or both of the lateral edges of its base body. The projections can extend away from the base body on both sides of the fin or flat sleeve. The projections serve to engage with an outer wall surface of a bottle to be supported and also prevent two bottles placed in adjacent bottle holders from tipping towards each other. Advantageously, the base body, together with the projections on the respective side, forms a T-structure or a T-shape when viewed in cross-section. Overall, a corresponding fin or flat sleeve has either a so-called single-T shape in cross-section or a so-called double-T shape in cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the projections arranged at one end of the single or double-T shape, ieThe short parts of the "T" are provided on both sides of the base body, bent inward. The tray according to the invention can have at least one fin or flat sleeve in a double-T shape, as well as at least one fin or flat sleeve in a single-T shape, as described above.
[0042] Each projection can have a length of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, preferably approximately 2.5 to 5 mm, starting from the base body, whereby the length is ultimately determined by the radius of the bottle to be accommodated in the bottle holder. Depending on the application, the projections can have the same or different lengths. For example, it is conceivable for a fin or flat spindle to have projections of length X on one side and projections of length Y on the other side, whereby the lengths X and Y can differ from one another. For example, a fin or flat spindle can have projections with a length of approximately 5 mm on one side and projections with a length of 2.5 mm on the other side. Furthermore, each projection can be rounded at its distal end, resulting in rounded contact with a bottle to be supported.
[0043] The tray of the invention is preferably designed to accommodate a plurality of 0.5-liter or 0.33-liter bottles. In particular, the tray according to the invention has 54 bottle receptacles for accommodating 0.5-liter or 0.33-liter bottles. Preferably, the tray according to the invention has 54 bottle receptacles for accommodating 0.33-liter bottles. In one embodiment, each of the nine segments is configured in a 2 x 3 field grid to accommodate a container carrier (multipack) containing six of these bottles.
[0044] The tray of the present invention can have various dimensions, which essentially depend on the desired size and number of bottles to be accommodated. For example, a tray designed for 54 x 0.33-liter bottles can have a length of approximately 600 mm and a width of approximately 400 mm.
[0045] Compared to a commercially available bottle crate, which generally has a side wall height in the range of approximately 280 mm to approximately 320 mm, a tray has significantly lower side walls. The side walls of a tray according to the invention, for example, have a height of approximately 40 mm to approximately 100 mm, preferably of approximately 50 mm to approximately 80 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the tray have a height of approximately 70 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the side walls of the tray have a height of approximately 60 mm. These height specifications refer to the height of the side walls of the tray, starting from the underside of the tray base, and do not include the height of the stabilizing webs and edge strips.
[0046] To accommodate another tray, preferably a tray of the same design, the side walls of a tray according to the invention can, if necessary or desired, be bent outward by approximately 90° at the top and bottom edges. These projections serve as a wider support surface when stacking two or more trays of the same design and simultaneously ensure greater stability of the tray.
[0047] Furthermore, a tray according to the invention can have a step (also called a "stacking base edge") directed into the interior of the tray on the upper side of two opposing side walls, preferably on the upper side of the two transverse side walls. Among other things, the step serves as a counterpart to the frame formed on the underside of the base of a tray to be received, ensuring non-slip stacking of the trays.
[0048] The height and depth of the gradation can be freely selected, with the height and depth generally being based on the height and width of the stabilizing bars and edge strips of a tray of the same construction. For example, the gradation can have a height in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 30 mm, preferably approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm. The gradation can also have a depth in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 30 mm, particularly preferably in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm.
[0049] To further ensure non-slip stacking of the trays, the longitudinal and transverse partition walls have a lower height relative to the top side of the side walls, so that, for example, the stabilizing webs and edge strips of an identically constructed tray are accommodated in the interior of the receiving tray when stacked. If the receiving tray has a step directed into the interior of the tray on the top side of two opposite side walls, preferably on the top side of the two transverse side walls, the longitudinal and transverse partition walls have a height such that the upper edge of the longitudinal and transverse partition walls is flush with the lower edge of the step. In general, the longitudinal and transverse partition walls can have a height relative to the top side of the side walls that corresponds approximately 60% to approximately 90% of the height of the side walls.In one embodiment, the longitudinal and transverse partition walls have a height of approximately 50 mm.
[0050] The tray can also have banding ribs on the outer wall, which protect the composite tray stacked with full goods, possibly on a floor roller, during banding. Likewise, a recess can be let into the upper side of the wall on the circumferential wall of the tray, in the area of the banding ribs, which serves to guide the banding of the tray lying on top, in the empty goods, or in a tray tower stacked in the full goods. The banding ribs and, if applicable, the recesses on the upper side of the wall, are preferably arranged on the longitudinal side walls, and in particular at the level of the transverse partition walls. This arrangement thus enables band guidance transversely to the tray, even in the full goods, since the fastening bands can be guided over the transverse partition wall and between bottles in the end bottle receptacles of adjacent segments.Furthermore, the ribs stabilize the side walls and protect them from deformation during the fastening process. The width of the ribs usually depends on the fastening strap used, but generally ranges from approximately 15 mm to approximately 40 mm, or from approximately 20 mm to 30 mm. Furthermore, the recesses on the outward-facing side can be ribbed to ensure better grip or a better hold of the fastening strap.
[0051] Horizontal ribs can also be incorporated in the corner areas of the tray, which facilitate the picking and packing of the trays in an automated system, on the conveyor belt, and / or in the washing system. A vertical web or rib can also be incorporated to prevent jamming of two or more adjacent trays.
[0052] The tray can be designed as a single-piece injection-molded part. Alternatively, the tray can also be manufactured using a deep-drawing process.
[0053] Preferably, the material of the tray is a plastic, wherein the plastic is preferably selected from high density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or polypropylene (PP).
[0054] According to the invention, a tool for producing a tray according to the present invention is also provided. Preferably, the tool for forming the tray is made using the injection molding process.
[0055] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for producing a tray according to the invention, wherein the molding of the tray is carried out by injection molding in a tool according to the invention.
[0056] Furthermore, according to the invention, a modular system is provided which comprises one or more trays of the invention and a floor roller.
[0057] The floor trolley comprises a base plate with an upper side for receiving at least one tray of the invention. The floor trolley further comprises a chassis on the lower side of the base plate comprising four rollers, each roller being mounted in a respective corner of the lower side of the base plate. Preferably, at least two of the rollers are swivel casters.
[0058] The dimensions of the base plate are freely selectable, provided they accommodate at least one tray. The outer dimensions of the floor roller should ideally match the outer dimensions of the tray to avoid any gaps during loading.
[0059] The upper side of the base plate preferably contains a support or securing structure which is configured such that a tray of the invention or a commercially available bottle crate can be received and does not slip during transport.
[0060] The support or securing structure can include, among other things, a frame that surrounds the outer edge of the base plate and defines an interior space suitable for receiving the underside of the tray, including the stabilizing bars and edge strips. The frame thus forms lateral support for the tray when it is placed on the floor dolly. Stabilizing bars and edge strips of the tray are used to fix it to the floor dolly. When a tray is stacked in the floor dolly, the load should be transferred essentially via the upper side of the frame. The height of the frame can be variable, but is preferably in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 30 mm, more preferably in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm. The thickness / depth of the frame can be variable, but is preferably in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 15 mm, more preferably in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm.
[0061] Alternatively, the securing structure can comprise support or securing corners, with one support or securing corner being arranged at each corner of the base plate. Each support or securing corner preferably has a height in the range of approximately 3 mm to approximately 30 mm, more preferably in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm, and extends approximately 30 mm to approximately 100 mm in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the base plate. Like the frame, the support or securing corners interact to provide lateral support for the tray or bottle crate when the tray is placed on the floor roller. The load should be transferred substantially via the upper side of the support or securing corners when stacking a tray and / or a bottle crate in the floor roller.
[0062] Furthermore, the base plate can have a recess in each of its corners. These four recesses together form a slip-resistant lock for accommodating the casters of another floor roller. This allows two or more floor rollers to be stacked on top of each other without slipping.
[0063] The base plate can be designed as a single-piece injection-molded part. Alternatively, the base plate can also be manufactured using a deep-drawing process.
[0064] The material of the base plate is preferably a plastic, with the plastic preferably being selected from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or polypropylene (PP). The same applies to the base plate of the floor roller described above.
[0065] As used herein and in the appended claims, if any, the singular forms “a” and “an” and “the” can also include their plurals, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the words “comprise,” “include,” and “comprise” are to be construed as both “exclusive” and “non-exclusive,” that is, “including, but not limited to.” The terms “multiple,” “multiple,” or “plurality” usually refer to two or more, i.e., 2 or >2, including further integer multiples of 1, with the terms “singly” or “alone” referring to one (1), i.e., “=1.” Furthermore, the phrase “at least one” or “at least one” is to be construed as one or more, i.e., 1 or >1, also including integer multiples.In addition, the words “herein,” “above,” “previously,” “below,” or “following,” and words of similar import, when used in this description, shall refer to this description as a whole and not to any specific portion of the description.
[0066] The dimensions specified in this description are to be understood as including standard tolerances. For specifications relating to the crate dimensions, deviations from the nominal size in the range of +0.5% to -1.0% are considered within the permissible tolerance. For dimensions relating to a bottle, deviations of up to + / - 1.3 mm for the diameter and + / - 1.5 mm for the height are considered within the permissible tolerance.
[0067] The description of specific embodiments in this specification is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is the disclosure provided herein intended to be limited to the precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples described herein are illustrative of the disclosure, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Specific technical elements of described embodiments may be combined with or substituted for technical elements in other embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements to avoid repetition, and parts that one skilled in the art can implement without special knowledge may be omitted for clarity.While advantages associated with particular embodiments of the disclosure are described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also have these advantages.
[0068] The following embodiments are intended to illustrate various possible modifications of the present invention. As such, any specific technical details, as also discussed below, are not to be construed as limitations on the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures. Advantages of the invention
[0069] The proposed tray allows for the storage of both individual bottles and multipacks of several bottles in a single tray. This provides a high degree of flexibility in the composition of the tray contents, while still requiring only a single tray type.
[0070] The inventive use of stabilizing bars on the underside of the floor and the partition walls installed in the interior increase the torsional rigidity under any load (this begins with weather conditions, room temperature differences, washing systems and conveyor belts; here filling systems and the like).
[0071] The division into segments – here nine – is achieved by means of inserted walls. These are interrupted at four points by a tool sleeve. This reduces stress in the plastic and thus limits warping in the walls. The intermediate walls also incorporate reinforcements that eliminate warping. This supports the torsional rigidity already described.
[0072] The inventive design of the underside of the base protects the crown cap of a single bottle or a bottle arranged in a group (in this case, a six-pack) from lateral pressure, which could cause it to burst. In particular, the full surface, where present, on the positions of the underlying bottle heads / crown caps ensures optimal load transfer. The load is thus evenly distributed between the bottle head (empty bottle) and the crown cap (full bottle). This reduces bottle breakage, both in empty and full bottles. In full bottles, it also prevents the accidental opening of the bottle under CO2.
[0073] Furthermore, the tray offers a defined space for individual bottles thanks to the inventive use and arrangement of sleeves, which enables easy centering of the bottles, regardless of the involvement of a second tray. Furthermore, the inventive use and arrangement of sleeves ensures increased protection and increased stability of inserted bottles.
[0074] The tray according to the invention can also be used as a modular system, both with other trays and with commercially available bottle crates. The system offers the user a wide range of options for storing and / or transporting bottles, as a large number of trays and / or bottle crates can be used modularly with one another. Short description of the characters
[0075] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tray according to the invention obliquely from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a tray according to the invention obliquely from below. Fig. 3 is a partial view of a tray according to the invention obliquely from above. Fig. 4 is another partial view of a tray according to the invention, obliquely from above. Fig. 5 is a partial view of a tray according to the invention obliquely from below. Embodiments of the invention
[0076] In the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted in individual cases. The figures only schematically illustrate the subject matter of the invention.
[0077] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tray 10 according to the invention obliquely from above. Fig. Figure 1 shows the tray 10 according to the invention for holding bottles and / or bottle packs (multipacks). The tray 10 has a frame 12 with longitudinal side walls 14 and transverse side walls 16, as well as a base 18. Also visible are longitudinal partition walls 15, which run parallel to the longitudinal side walls 14 and connect the opposite transverse side walls 16, as well as transverse partition walls 17, which run parallel to the transverse side walls 16 and connect the opposite longitudinal side walls. The longitudinal partition walls 15 and the transverse partition walls 17, together with the longitudinal side walls 14 and the transverse side walls 16, form a grid of nine segments in the tray for holding bottles and / or bottle packs. Furthermore, two sleeves 32 can be seen in each of the nine segments, with one sleeve being arranged in the center between four bottle holders 11. In this Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the sleeves have a cross-sectional shape that approximately corresponds to a square with concavely rounded sides. Furthermore, the step 19 and horizontal ribs 39 at the corner of the tray can be seen. Also visible are banding ribs 38 arranged at the level of the transverse partition wall. Fig. Tray 10 shown in Figure 1 is designed to hold 54 bottles.
[0078] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tray 10 according to the invention, taken obliquely from below. In particular, the Fig. 2 the tray of the example Fig. 1 from below. Visible on the underside 22 of the base 18 are the two stabilizing webs 24 which run in the longitudinal direction of the frame and are arranged below the longitudinal partition walls 15 running in the interior 20 of the tray, as well as two edge strips 26 which run parallel to the stabilizing webs in the longitudinal direction of the tray, wherein one edge strip 26 with the stabilizing web 24 directly opposite it, or both stabilizing webs 24 together, form a structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the tray for receiving bottle heads. Also visible are the semicircular recesses 28 in edge strips 26 and stabilizing webs 24 for receiving bottle heads with closures (e.g. crown caps). The stabilizing webs 24 each have a circular opening 29 in the area corresponding to the intersection point of two partition walls.Also visible are two banding ribs 38 on the longitudinal side wall 14 as well as horizontal ribs 39 at the corners of the tray.
[0079] Fig. Figure 3 is a partial view of a tray 10 according to the invention, viewed obliquely from above. In particular, the Fig. 1 the middle segment of the tray for holding bottles and / or a bottle container. The two longitudinal partition walls 15 and the two transverse partition walls 17, which together define the segment, can be seen. Also visible are recesses extending vertically from the floor at the intersection points of the longitudinal and transverse partition walls 15, 17. Furthermore, two sleeves 32 can be seen. Fig. 4, the sleeves have a cross-sectional shape that approximately corresponds to a square with concavely rounded sides. Fig. The segment shown in Figure 4 has bottle holders 11 in a grid of 2 x 3 fields to hold 6 bottles.
[0080] Fig. Figure 4 is another partial view of a tray 10 according to the invention, taken obliquely from above. In particular, the Fig. 1 shows a corner segment of the tray for holding bottles and / or a bottle container. The two longitudinal partition walls 15 and the two transverse partition walls 17, which together define the segment, are visible. Also visible are two sleeves 32. In this Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the sleeves have a cross-sectional shape that approximately corresponds to a square with concavely rounded sides. Furthermore, the step 19 and horizontal ribs 39 at the corner of the tray can be seen. Also visible are banding ribs 38 arranged at the level of the transverse partition wall. Fig. The segment shown in Figure 4 has bottle holders 11 in a grid of 2 x 3 fields to hold 6 bottles.
[0081] Fig. Figure 5 is a partial view of a tray 10 according to the invention, taken obliquely from below. In particular, the Fig. 5 a corner area of the tray of the example Fig.1 from below. Visible on the underside 22 of the base 18 is a stabilizing web 24 running in the longitudinal direction of the frame, which is arranged below a longitudinal intermediate wall 15 running in the interior 20 of the tray, as well as an edge strip 26 running parallel to the stabilizing web in the longitudinal direction of the tray, wherein the edge strip 26 and the stabilizing web 24 form a structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the tray for receiving bottle heads. Also visible are the semicircular recesses 28 in the edge strip 26 and the stabilizing web 24 for receiving bottle heads with closures (e.g. crown caps). Also visible is a circular opening 29 in the stabilizing web 24. Also visible are banding ribs 38 and horizontal ribs 39 at the corner of the tray.
[0082] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described here and the aspects highlighted therein. Rather, numerous modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, which are within the scope of one skilled in the art. List of reference symbols 10 trays 11 Bottle holder 12 frames 14 Longitudinal side wall 15 Longitudinal partition wall 16 Transverse side wall 17 Transverse partition wall 18 Floor 19 Gradation 20 Interior 22 Bottom 24 Stabilization bar 26 Sidebar 28 recess 29 Opening 30 quill 32 quill design 1 (square cross-sectional shape with concave rounded sides). 34 Finn 36 flat quill 38 banding ribs 39 Horizontal corner ribs
Claims
[1] Tray (10) for receiving bottles (40) and / or bottle packs, comprising a frame (12) and a base (18) which together define an interior space (20) of the tray, wherein the frame forms longitudinal side walls (14) extending in the longitudinal direction thereof and transverse side walls (16) extending in the width or transverse direction thereof of the tray, and wherein the transverse side walls are shorter than the longitudinal side walls, characterized by , that the interior (20) of the tray has longitudinal partition walls (15) which run parallel to the longitudinal side walls (14) and connect the opposite transverse side walls (16), and transverse partition walls (17) which run parallel to the transverse side walls (16) and connect the opposite longitudinal side walls, wherein the longitudinal partition walls (15) and the transverse partition walls (17) together with the longitudinal side walls (14) and the transverse side walls (16) form a grid of nine segments in the tray for receiving bottles and / or bottle packs; and the base (18) of the tray has an underside (22) which has two stabilising webs (24) running in the longitudinal direction of the frame, which are arranged below the longitudinal intermediate walls (15) running in the interior (20) of the tray, and two edge strips (26) running parallel to the stabilising webs in the longitudinal direction of the tray, wherein the stabilising webs (24) and the edge strips (26) protrude from the interior (20) of the tray, whereby in each case one edge strip (26) with the stabilising web (24) directly opposite it or both stabilising webs (24) together form a structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the tray for receiving bottle heads. [2] Tray according to claim 1, wherein the edge strips (26) and stabilizing webs (24) have semicircular recesses for receiving bottle heads with closures (e.g. crown caps) on their side or sides facing the structure for receiving bottle heads. [3] Tray according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge strips (26) and stabilizing webs (24) are connected to one another on the respective wide or transverse side via a side wall closing the structure for receiving bottle heads. [4] Tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom (18) of the tray is designed as a network of bottom struts. [5] Tray according to claim 4, wherein the bottom (18) of the tray has a solid surface, optionally provided with holes for the drainage of water, at the positions which come into contact with the bottle heads of underlying bottles. [6] Tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally and transversely extending intermediate walls (15, 17) have a recess extending vertically from the bottom at their intersection point. [7] Tray according to claim 6, wherein the recess extends between 1 / 5 and 4 / 5 of the height of the partition walls from the bottom in the vertical direction of the partition walls. [8] Tray according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the stabilizing webs (24) each have an opening, preferably a circular opening, in the area corresponding to the intersection point of two intermediate walls. [9] Tray according to claim 8, wherein the opening has a diameter of about 10 mm to about 20 mm. [10] Tray according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the nine segments for receiving bottles and / or bottle packs comprises two or more sleeves (30) which protrude from the floor into the interior, wherein the sleeves together with the side or intermediate walls defining the respective segment form bottle receptacles (11) in a grid, wherein each bottle receptacle is designed to receive a single bottle. [11] Tray according to claim 10, wherein each segment has two quills (30) arranged at the center between four bottle receptacles (11). [12] Tray according to claim 11, wherein the two sleeves (30) are hollow or partially hollow sleeves (32) which preferably have, at least in their upper section, a cross-sectional shape which approximately corresponds to a square with concavely rounded sides. [13] Tray according to claim 11, wherein the two sleeves each have a cross-shaped structure consisting of four webs extending outwardly from the center of the sleeve and arranged crosswise, as seen in cross section, and wherein no plane extending from the end face of a web to the center of the sleeve is parallel to a side wall of the tray. [14] Tray according to claim 13, wherein the sleeves are configured such that the end portion of each sleeve furthest from the bottom has a central notch for receiving a portion of a container carrier. [15] Tray according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the nine segments for receiving bottles and / or bottle packs has a plurality of fins (34) and / or flat spindles (36), wherein at least two fins (34) and / or flat spindles (36), which together with the side or intermediate walls defining the respective segment and / or at least one further fin (34) or flat spindle (36) form a bottle receptacle (11), are at right angles to one another, wherein the fins (34) and / or flat spindles (36) are arranged such that they are each at the tangent point between two bottles when these are inserted into two adjacent bottle receptacles (11), and wherein each bottle, as soon as it is inserted into a bottle receptacle (11), is surrounded by at least two fins (34), or by at least two flat spindles (36) or by at least one fin (34) and at least one flat spindle (36). [16] Tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in each of the nine segments a compartment with bottle receptacles is formed in a grid of 2 × 3 fields. [17] Tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray has 54 bottle receptacles (11) for receiving 0.33 liter bottles. [18] Tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray is made of a plastic. [19] System for the storage and / or transport of bottles, comprising at least one tray according to one of claims 1 to 18 and a floor roller. [20] The system of claim 19, wherein the floor trolley comprises a base plate (42) having an upper side for receiving a tray, the upper side of the base plate including a securing structure configured to receive the tray and prevent it from slipping during transport. [21] Tool (30) for producing a tray (10) according to claim 18, wherein the tool (30) for forming the tray (10) is designed by injection molding.