Transport aid for delivering and returning a transport aid

Abstract

Transport aid (1), preferably a multi-part and disassemblable transport aid (1), for sending at least one package and / or transport goods, wherein the transport aid (1) is designed to be reduced in size from a delivery state (LS) for receiving the package for delivery from a sender to a recipient to a return delivery state (RDS) for return delivery to the sender by a parcel service at least in height (H), wherein the outer surfaces (11) of the transport aid (1) intended for return delivery have closed and / or level and / or flat outer contours.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport aid, preferably a multi-part and disassemblable transport aid, for sending at least one package and / or transported goods.

[0002] A variety of transport aids for transporting at least one package on a transport pallet are known from the state of the art.

[0003] However, a disadvantage of known transport aids is that after transport and unloading of the package, the transport aid can no longer be used, as it is designed, for example, as a disposable transport aid with a cardboard box arranged on the transport pallet.

[0004] A further disadvantage is that a suitable cardboard box does not have the required stability for some applications and / or contact of the cardboard box with liquids must be avoided.

[0005] Furthermore, reusable transport aids are known. However, a problem arises, particularly in Europe, where Euro pallets are used as transport pallets. The standard pallet according to EN 13698-1 is a reusable transport pallet with a base area of ​​0.96 square meters (0.4 loading meters) and dimensions of 1200 mm × 800 mm × 144 mm (length × width × height), as well as a weight of 20 to 24 kg (depending on the wood moisture content). However, the aforementioned dimensions of a Euro pallet do not correspond to the maximum length, width, and height of a transport aid specified by logistics companies for transporting packages, resulting in higher fees for the return of a Euro pallet that does not meet these specifications.

[0006] Furthermore, Euro pallets cannot easily be conveyed by conveyor belts, especially parcel conveyor belts, during shipping, as interfering contours, such as support feet, prevent smooth conveying and the pallets get stuck on the conveyor belts.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing a transport aid for delivering and returning a transport aid with the transport aid, which is reusable as a multi-way transport aid and corresponds to a maximum length, maximum width and maximum height of a transport aid predetermined by logistics companies for the transport of packages.

[0008] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to use a transport aid, which can also be referred to as a shipping device, which can be reduced in height from a delivery state for receiving a package to be delivered for delivery from a sender to a recipient to a return delivery state for return delivery to the sender with a parcel service and in this return delivery state has a length and a width that corresponds to a maximum length, maximum width and maximum height of a transport aid predetermined by logistics companies for the transport of parcels, in particular 1200 mm × 600 mm × 600 mm.Preferably, the length and width of the transport aid and preferably a transport pallet of the transport aid each correspond to the length and width of a transport pallet usable as half a Euro pallet, in particular with a length of about 800 mm and a width of about 600 mm, preferably less a predetermined tolerance, in particular 2% to 5% tolerance.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer contours of the transport aid are closed and / or flat and / or even to prevent it from snagging on the conveyor belts of logistics companies, preferably such that at least no support elements of the transport pallet, nor any corresponding recesses, projections, or cutouts formed by the foot elements, are located on an outer surface intended for transport. It is particularly advantageous if the transport pallet is arranged and / or received within a cover element, such that at least the support elements are surrounded and / or encased by the cover element and / or the cover element covers the support elements. Moreover, it is advantageous if at least one width and / or one length of the cover element corresponds to a maximum of one width and / or one length of the transport pallet.Because the transport pallet and / or a side wall and / or the cover element are preferably made of plastic, the transport aid is more stable than other transport aids with a wooden pallet and a cardboard box.

[0011] According to the invention, a transport aid, preferably a multi-part and disassemblable transport aid, is proposed for shipping at least one package and / or goods, which, according to its intended purpose, can be reduced in height from a delivery state for receiving the package for delivery from a sender to a recipient to a return state for return delivery to the sender via a parcel service. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the transport aid intended for return delivery have closed and / or flat and / or planar outer contours.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the transport aid comprises a transport pallet, a foldable side wall, and a lid. In the delivery state, the foldable side wall is unfolded and attached to the transport pallet, specifically in such a way as to form a suitable transport container. Furthermore, in the return state, the foldable side wall is folded flat on a loading surface of the transport pallet. Finally, in the return state, the transport pallet, the foldable side wall, and the lid are arranged such that the length, width, and height of the transport aid do not exceed the maximum dimensions predetermined for transporting packages.Furthermore, the length and / or width and / or height of the transport aid in the delivery state is / are greater than the length and / or width and / or height of the transport aid in the return delivery state.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the length and / or the width and / or the height of the transport aid in the delivered state is / are greater than the maximum length, maximum width and maximum height predetermined for the transport of packages.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length and width of the transport aid in the delivered state are equal to the length and width of the transport aid in the returned state. Furthermore, the height of the transport aid in the returned state is less than the height of the transport aid in the delivered state.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the returned state, the length of the transport aid is a maximum of 1200 mm, the width of the transport aid is a maximum of 600 mm, and the height of the transport aid is a maximum of 600 mm. In particular, the girth of the transport aid is also a maximum of 3600 mm.

[0016] Preferably, the maximum length, width, and height predetermined for transporting packages is 1200 mm, 600 mm, and 600 mm. Furthermore, preferably, in the return state, the length of the transport aid is 780 mm to 800 mm, preferably 798 mm, the width is 580 mm to 600 mm, preferably 595 mm, and the height is 180 mm to 200 mm, preferably 200 mm.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the transport pallet has a length of 800 mm, a width of 600 mm and a height of 152 mm, and in particular that the lid element has a length of 800 mm, a width of 600 mm and a height of 100 mm.

[0018] In another embodiment, it is provided that the transport pallet is arranged on an inner surface of the lid element in the return state and is at least partially incorporated into the lid element.

[0019] The length and width of the lid element are less than or equal to the length and width of the transport pallet. Preferably, at least and / or exactly support elements of the transport pallet are incorporated into the lid element. Furthermore, the support elements of the transport pallet, in particular, do not have corresponding outer surfaces. In addition, the support elements of the transport pallet are preferably support feet, especially six support feet.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an outer surface of the lid element is one of the outer surfaces of the transport aid.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the outer surface of the lid element is flat and / or even.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an outer surface of the foldable side wall in the return state is one of the outer surfaces of the transport aid, in particular an outer surface arranged opposite the inner outer surface located on the loading surface in the return state. In this case, the foldable side wall and / or the outer surface of the foldable side wall protrudes from the transport pallet and the lid element in the return state.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the transport pallet, the foldable side wall and the lid element are fastened together in the return state by means of a fastening means, preferably a packing tape and / or a strapping band and / or a cord and / or locking elements formed on the transport pallet and / or the lid element.

[0024] Furthermore, an embodiment is advantageous in which at least one contact shoulder for the lid element is formed on the transport pallet, preferably a circumferential contact shoulder or several contact shoulders, wherein the transport pallet is arranged with the at least one contact shoulder abutting the lid element in the return state. In this way, the transport pallet can be arranged in the lid element without the length or width of the transport aid being increased by the lid element, since the lid element is larger than the transport pallet.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the return state, in which the foldable side wall is folded up, in particular completely and / or not extending laterally beyond it, it is arranged on a loading surface of the transport pallet.

[0026] The transport aid according to the invention is designed in one embodiment such that the foldable side wall is arranged in at least one groove formed in the transport pallet in the delivery state, preferably a completely circumferential groove or several individual grooves.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that in the delivered state the length of the transport aid is 780 mm to 800 mm, preferably 798 mm, and the width of the transport aid is 580 mm to 600 mm, preferably 595 mm, and the height of the transport aid is 580 mm to 600 mm, preferably 599 mm.

[0028] Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment is advantageous in which at least the transport pallet and / or the lid element and / or the foldable side wall are each made of a plastic. In particular, the maximum weight of the transport aid is 31.5 kg, preferably less than 13 kg.

[0029] Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the transport aid intended for return delivery have a coefficient of friction of 0.15 to 0.2.

[0030] Furthermore, a method for delivering and returning a transport aid according to the preceding disclosure is proposed, in which the transport aid, arranged in the delivery state to receive the package for delivery from a sender to a recipient, is loaded with the package, the loaded transport aid is delivered to the recipient, the package is unloaded from the transport aid, the transport aid is arranged in the return state for return delivery to the sender by a parcel service, whereby the transport aid is reduced in height at least, and the transport aid, arranged in the return state, is returned to the sender by a parcel service.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the transport device is registered and / or recorded in a process control and monitoring device for shipment tracking, along with an assigned shipment number, prior to delivery. A shipping label for delivery and a return shipping label for return delivery are printed using a printing device. Furthermore, the shipping label is affixed to an outer surface of the transport device designated for delivery, and the return shipping label is placed on the transport device in its delivered state. Additionally, prior to return delivery, the return shipping label is affixed to an outer surface of the transport device designated for return delivery.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport aid is scanned and / or recorded before and / or during and / or after delivery and / or return by means of a scanning device for loading status recording and / or position recording. The data scanned and / or recorded by the scanning device are transmitted to the process control and monitoring device.

[0033] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0034] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1a a side view of a transport aid in its delivered state; Fig. 1b a side view of the transport aid in a returned state; Fig. 2a a sectional view of the transport aid in its delivered state; Fig. 2b a sectional view of the transport aid in the returned state; Fig. 3a a top view of the transport aid in the delivered state; Fig. 3b a top view of the transport aid in the return state; Fig. 4a a sectional view of another transport aid in a delivered state; and Fig. 4b a sectional view of the further transport aid in a returned state.

[0035] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1a is a side view of a transport aid 1 in its delivered state.

[0037] In Fig. 1a is a side view of a transport aid 1 in a delivery state LZ and in Fig. Figure 1b shows a side view of the transport aid 1 in a return state RZ. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 2a a sectional view of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ, Fig. 2b a sectional view of the transport aid 1 in the return state RZ, Fig. 3a a top view of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ and Fig. 3b a top view of the transport aid 1 in the return state RZ.

[0038] The multi-part and disassemblable transport aid 1 for sending at least one package is designed to be reduced in size by at least one height H from a delivery state LZ for receiving the package for delivery from a sender to a recipient to a return delivery state RZ for return delivery to the sender via a parcel service. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the transport aid intended for return delivery have closed and / or flat and / or planar outer contours.

[0039] The in the Fig. The transport aid shown in Figures 1a to 3b comprises a transport pallet 2, a foldable side wall 3, and a lid element 4. The foldable side wall 3 is located in the Fig. In the delivery state LZ shown in Figure 1a, the unfolded side wall 3 is arranged on the transport pallet 2 in such a way that the intended transport container is formed. Furthermore, in the return delivery state RZ, the foldable side wall 3 is folded and arranged on a loading surface 21 of the transport pallet 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the transport pallet 2, the foldable side wall 3, and the lid element 4 are arranged in the return state RZ such that the length L, width B, and height H of the transport aid 1 do not exceed the maximum predetermined length L, width B, and height H for transporting packages. The predetermined maximum length L is 1200 mm, the predetermined maximum width B is 600 mm, and the predetermined maximum height H of the transport aid 1 is 600 mm.

[0041] In the return state RZ, the length L of the transport aid 1 is a maximum of 1200 mm, the width B of the transport aid 1 is a maximum of 600 mm, and the height H of the transport aid 1 is a maximum of 600 mm. In the Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. In the transport aid 1 shown in 3b, the length L of the transport aid 1 is 800 mm, the width B of the transport aid 1 is 600 mm, and the height H of the transport aid 1 is 188.5 mm. The transport pallet has a length of 2800 mm, a width of 2600 mm, and a height H P the transport pallet 2 152 mm as well as a length of the lid element 4 800 mm, a width of the lid element 4 600 mm and a height H D of the lid element 4 100.5 mm.

[0042] Furthermore, in the delivery condition LZ, the length L of the transport aid is 1 800 mm, the width B of the transport aid is 1 600 mm, and the height H of the transport aid is 1 658.5 mm.

[0043] Therefore, the height H of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ is greater than the height H of the transport aid 1 in the return state RZ. Furthermore, the length L and the width B of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ are equal to the length L and the width B of the transport aid 1 in the return state RZ, and the height H of the transport aid 1 in the return state RZ is less than the height H of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ.

[0044] Furthermore, in the return state RZ, the transport pallet 2 is positioned on an inner surface 41 of the lid element 4 and partially incorporated into the lid element 4. At least support elements 22 of the transport pallet 2 are incorporated into the lid element. An outer surface 42 of the lid element is one of the outer surfaces 11 of the transport aid 1. The outer surface 42 of the lid element 4 is flat and / or planar. The support elements 22 of the transport pallet 2 do not have a corresponding outer surface. The length and width of the lid element 4 are equal to the length and width of the transport pallet. The support elements 22 of the transport pallet 2 are six support feet.

[0045] On the opposite side of the transport aid 1, in the Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. In the return state RZ shown in Figure 3b, an outer surface 33 of the foldable side wall 3 is located opposite one of the outer surfaces 11 of the transport aid 1. The outer surface 33 is positioned opposite the inner outer surface of the loading surface 21 in the return state RZ. Furthermore, in the return state RZ, the foldable side wall 3 and / or the outer surface 33 of the foldable side wall 3 protrude from the transport pallet 2 and the lid element 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the transport pallet 2, the foldable side wall 3 and the lid element 4 are fastened together in the return state RZ by means of a fastening device 9, two strapping bands, which are in Fig. 1b are shown.

[0047] The Fig. Figures 1a to 3b show that a circumferential support shoulder 24 is formed on the transport pallet 2, with which the transport pallet 2 is arranged in the return state RZ in a position abutting the lid element 4. Furthermore, in the return state RZ, the foldable side wall 3 is completely folded and not extending laterally beyond it onto the loading surface 21 of the transport pallet 2.

[0048] In the Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a and Fig. In the delivery condition LZ shown in 3a, the foldable side wall 3 is arranged in a circumferential groove 25 formed in the transport pallet 2.

[0049] The transport pallet 2, the foldable side wall 3, and the lid element 4 are each made of a plastic.

[0050] Furthermore, the outer surfaces 11 of the transport aid 1 intended for return delivery have a coefficient of friction of 0.15 to 0.2.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4a shows a sectional view of another transport aid 1 in a delivery state LZ and Fig. Figure 4b shows a sectional view of the additional transport aid 1 in a return state RZ. Since the additional transport aid 1 differs only in its dimensions, the following discussion will focus solely on these differing dimensions.

[0052] The height H of transport aid 1 in the delivery state LZ is greater than the maximum length L, maximum width B, and maximum height H predetermined for empty transport. In the return state RZ, the length L of transport aid 1 is 798 mm, the width B of transport aid 1 is 595 mm, and the height H of transport aid 1 is 200 mm. The length of transport pallet 2 is 798 mm, the width of transport pallet 2 is 595 mm, and the height H is [missing information]. PThe transport pallet has a length of 2,152 mm. The lid element 4 has a length of 798 mm, a width of 595 mm, and a height H. D of the lid element 4 100 mm.

[0053] In the delivery state LZ, the length L of the transport aid is 1 798 mm, the width B of the transport aid is 1 595 mm, and the height H of the transport aid is 1 599 mm.

[0054] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiments specified above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which make use of the solution presented even in fundamentally different designs.

Claims

[1] Transport aid (1), preferably a multi-part and disassemblable transport aid (1), for sending at least one package and / or transport goods, wherein the transport aid (1) is designed to be reduced in size from a delivery state (LS) for receiving the package for delivery from a sender to a recipient to a return delivery state (RDS) for return delivery to the sender by a parcel service at least in height (H), wherein the outer surfaces (11) of the transport aid (1) intended for return delivery have closed and / or level and / or flat outer contours. [2] Transport aid (1) according to claim 1, comprising a transport pallet (2), a foldable side wall (3) and a lid element (4), wherein the foldable side wall (3) is arranged unfolded on the transport pallet (2) in the delivery state (LZ), in particular such that the intended transport container is formed, wherein the foldable side wall (3) is arranged folded on a loading surface (21) of the transport pallet (2) in the return state (RZ), wherein the transport pallet (2), the foldable side wall (3) and the lid element (4) are arranged in the return state (RZ) such that the length (L), width (B) and height (H) of the transport aid (1) are at most a maximum length (L), width (B) and height (H) predetermined for the transport of packages, wherein the length (L) and / or the width (B) and / or the height (H) of the transport aid (1) in the delivery state (LZ) is / are greater than the length (L) and / or the width (B) and / or the height (H) of the transport aid (1) in the return delivery state (RZ). [3] Transport aid (1) according to claim 2, wherein the length (L) and / or the width (B) and / or the height (H) of the transport aid (1) in the delivery state (LZ) is greater than the maximum length (L) and maximum width (B) and maximum height (H) predetermined for the transport of packages. [4] Transport aid (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the length (L) and width (B) of the transport aid 1 in the delivery state (LZ) are equal to the length (L) and width (B) of the transport aid (1) in the return state (RZ), wherein furthermore a height (H) of the transport aid (1) in the return state (RZ) is less than a height (H) of the transport aid (1) in the delivery state (LZ). [5] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein in the return state (RZ) the length L of the transport aid (1) is a maximum of 1200 mm and the width (B) of the transport aid (1) is a maximum of 600 mm and the height (H) of the transport aid (1) is a maximum of 600 mm, wherein preferably in the return state (RZ) the length (L) of the transport aid (1) is 780 mm to 800 mm, more preferably 798 mm, and the width (B) of the transport aid (1) is 580 mm to 600 mm, more preferably 595 mm, and the height (H) of the transport aid (1) is 180 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 200 mm. [6] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the transport pallet (2) is arranged in the return state (RZ) on an inner surface (41) of the lid element (4) and is at least partially incorporated in the lid element (4), wherein a length and a width of the lid element (4) is less than or equal to a length (L) and a width (B) of the transport pallet (1), wherein preferably at least and / or exactly support elements (22) of the transport pallet (2) are incorporated in the lid element. [7] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein an outer surface (42) of the lid element is one of the outer surfaces (11) of the transport aid (1). [8] Transport aid (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the outer surface (42) of the lid element (4) is flat and / or planar. [9] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, wherein an outer surface (33) of the foldable side wall (3) in the return state (RZ) is one of the outer surfaces (11) of the transport aid (1), wherein the foldable side wall (3) and / or the outer surface (33) of the foldable side wall (3) in the return state (RZ) protrudes from the transport pallet (2) and the lid element (4). [10] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the transport pallet (2), the foldable side wall (3) and the lid element (4) are attached to each other in the return state (RZ) by means of a fastening means (9). [11] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 10, wherein at least one contact shoulder (24) for the lid element (4) is formed on the transport pallet (2), wherein the transport pallet (2) is arranged in the return state (RZ) with the at least one contact shoulder (24) abutting the lid element (4). [12] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, wherein the foldable side wall (3) is arranged in at least one groove (25) formed in the transport pallet (2) in the delivery state (LZ). [13] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 12, wherein in the delivery condition (LZ) the length (L) of the transport aid (1) is 780 mm to 800 mm, preferably 798 mm, and the width (B) of the transport aid (1) is 580 mm to 600 mm, preferably 595 mm, and the height (H) of the transport aid (1) is 580 mm to 600 mm, preferably 599 mm. [14] Transport aid (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, wherein at least the transport pallet (2) and / or the foldable side wall (3) and / or the lid element (4) are each made of a plastic. [15] Transport aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surfaces (11) of the transport aid (1) intended for return delivery, and in particular the outer surfaces intended for delivery, have a coefficient of sliding friction of 0.15 to 0.2.

Images