FRAME FOR A PALLET

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a frame for pallets that can be placed on a pallet and in which goods can be placed for transport. The invention relates in particular to the supports at the corners of the frame, and especially to height-adjustable supports. State of the art

[0002] Pallet frames typically consist of four corner posts positioned at the corners of a pallet, and braces connecting the tops of the posts. The braces can be arranged in a rectangle or crossed diagonally, connecting the tops of the posts. These frames allow for the placement of goods on pallets and for stacking them. The posts can be of a fixed height or height-adjustable.

[0003] A pallet frame is known, for example, from WO2020 / 061626. It has four supports that are placed on a pallet and whose upper ends are connected by diagonal struts. The supports can be extended telescopically by means of an inner support section enclosed by an outer support section, which can slide in and out. Both support sections have several holes distributed along their length into which pins are inserted to fix a given length of the supports.

[0004] Another pallet frame is disclosed in JP2001-18648, which also features length-adjustable supports with a telescopic design and fixing pins. The upper ends of the supports are connected by rectangularly arranged cross braces. Horizontal reinforcing braces additionally connect the supports at partial heights.

[0005] Another pallet frame is known from US 2004 / 0232146 A1. It has four supports which are foldable by means of hinge arrangements and thus also length-adjustable. Description of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a frame for a pallet and for holding an insert for goods, wherein the height of the frame is easily adjustable.

[0007] A frame for a pallet and for holding an insert for goods has four supports, each comprising a foot at its lower end and a head at its upper end, with the head of each support being attached to the frame. The four supports are at least two-part and each has an upper element and a lower element, which are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge. The upper element comprises the head of the support and extends downwards from this head to a lower end of the upper element, the head being attached to the frame. The lower element comprises the foot of the support and extends upwards from the foot to the lower end of the upper element and to the hinge on the other side.

[0008] The frame comprises four horizontal sides forming a rectangular perimeter, with the supports attached to the corners of the rectangle. The upper and lower elements can pivot towards and away from each other via the hinge. In a first position, the upper and lower elements of the support are moved towards each other by the hinge, with their facing surfaces in contact and the support at its maximum height. In a second position, the lower element pivots away from the upper element in the horizontal direction and towards the frame, i.e., towards the horizontal sides of the frame that form the perimeter. In this second position, the support has a reduced height, thus forming a partial height.

[0009] The four supports can each be adjusted to two different heights using the two elements connected by the hinge. In In the first position, henceforth called the closed position, the lower element is moved towards the upper element so that the surfaces of the two elements facing each other are in contact. In this position, the two elements form a full-height support. In In the second position, henceforth called the open or unfolded position, the lower element is pivoted away from the upper element and towards the frame by 90° or almost 90°, similar to a flap, so that the support has a partial height equal to the height of the upper element.

[0010] Height adjustment of the supports enables the transport of goods of different sizes using an insert that can be detachably attached to the frame in various ways, so that inserts of different depths and inserts with different subdivisions can be attached depending on the size of the goods.

[0011] The frame can be fitted with an insert made of textile fabric, plastic or other material such as cardboard or metal, which may, for example, have several subdivisions.

[0012] In one embodiment of the frame according to the invention, an insert for holding goods can be detachably attached to the frame.

[0013] In one version, the insert is made of plastic, with the inner sides of the frame having protrusions that hold the insert in place. The insert itself can be removed from the frame or replaced with another insert, for example, one of a different depth.

[0014] In a special version, the application includes thermoformed parts.

[0015] In another version, the frame has elements to which an insert can be attached or hung. These can be, for example, hooks, tabs, or snap fasteners.

[0016] In another version, the frame features an insert made of textile material that is glued or welded to the frame. Textile inserts are flexible and can be used in full-height as well as partial-height columns.

[0017] Goods can be transported in compartments of an insert of appropriate size and depth. If the goods are larger or more numerous, the frame with its full-height supports can be used, and a deeper insert can be attached within it. If the goods are smaller or fewer in number, the supports can be shortened, and a shallower insert can be attached to the frame.

[0018] The invention has the particular advantage that a partial height of the supports can be reached easily, quickly, and simply. No aids, tools, or additional loose elements are required to fix the selected height of the supports.

[0019] The frames according to the invention, with height-adjustable supports, can either be stacked directly on top of each other or placed on any pallet by forming an extension along the circumference of the pallet. In this way, the desired height of the supports can be set within a stack, depending on the application.

[0020] By setting a partial height, for example several frames of this type can be stacked on top of each other and transported, whereby the total volume of the stack, for example for empty transport, is significantly smaller than with a stack of frames with full height of the supports.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the axis of the hinge runs parallel to one of the sides of the frame, i.e., parallel to the short or long side of the rectangular frame. This allows the lower element of a support to move parallel to the frame beneath it, thus remaining within the circumference of the rectangular frame and not being located outside or inside the frame.

[0022] According to the invention, the hinge is arranged in the upper region of the upper element of the support, with the hinge being located close to the frame. As a result, when the lower element is pivoted away from the upper element and upwards, it is in a horizontal position close to the frame and can be fixed there by suitable means.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the surfaces of the lower and upper elements facing each other are angled to the vertical. These surfaces, which are in contact at the full height of the support, are thus inclined to the vertical. This inclined design ensures optimal stability for both the upper and lower elements, as it maximizes the width of both the upper and lower elements. The force transmission of the pallet's weight through the two support elements is optimally distributed, resulting in optimal load distribution and thus greater stability for both elements. Furthermore, this design also reduces stress on the hinge.

[0024] In one variation, the surfaces of the lower and upper elements that face each other run horizontally or vertically. This variation is less robust than the version mentioned above, but it is a feasible option.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower elements of each support can be connected to each other in the closed position by means of a releasable snap connection. The snap connection allows the lower element to be attached to the upper element when they have been pivoted together and the support has reached its full height. The releasable snap connection also allows the lower element to be easily detached and pivoted outwards again to achieve a partial height of the support.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the frame has a recess in each corner on its upper side. This serves to fix the position of another frame that is stacked on top of it.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base of each support, i.e., the lower end of the lower element, has a downward-facing projection. This projection serves for attachment to a pallet or a lower frame. The projection has a shape that allows it to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the pallet or the lower frame, so that the frame with the four supports can be locked onto the pallet or the lower frame.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the lower end of the upper element also has a downward-facing projection. Similar to the aforementioned projection on the lower element, this projection has a shape that allows it to be inserted into a corresponding recess in a pallet or in a further, lower frame. This enables the frame with its four supports to be locked at partial height on a pallet or another frame.

[0029] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the projection at the lower end of the lower element, i.e., at the base of the support, has a cross-section that forms a right angle. Such a projection can be inserted into a correspondingly shaped recess with a right angle in the corner of a frame or pallet and locked in place.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the projection at the lower end of the upper element has an edge. This edge can serve as the releasable snap connection between the upper and lower elements in the closed position, for example by allowing a barb at the lower end of the upper element to engage with the edge.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the lower element comprises not just one part, but two parts, each pivotally connected to the upper element by means of a hinge. The two hinges are arranged on either side of the upper element; that is, one hinge is on one side of the upper element and the other hinge is on the opposite side. This allows the two parts of the lower element to be pivoted upwards towards the frame on either side of the upper element. To adjust the height of the support to a specific position, the two parts of the lower element are each pivoted away from the upper element parallel to the frame at their hinges and brought into a position parallel to the frame.

[0032] In a first version of this design, both parts of the lower element are of the same length.

[0033] In a second variation of this design, the first and second sections of the lower element are of unequal length. This variation allows for further height adjustment of the support, enabling it to be set to a total of three different heights. In the first setting, the support is at its full height, with the lower element in a vertical position and both sections of the lower element closed and vertical. In the second setting, the support has a partial height, with the first of the two sections of the lower element extended, i.e., in the unfolded position. The second section of the lower element remains closed and vertical. The height of the support at this partial height is determined by the upper element and the second section of the lower element.In the third height setting, both the first and second parts of the lower element are pivoted away from the upper element, giving the support a second partial height. In this setting, the second partial height of the support is equal to the height of the upper element.

[0034] In another embodiment, one or both parts of the lower element can be attached to the underside of the frame in its swung-out position with the hinge open. For example, the parts of the lower element can be attached using a detachable snap connection. Any other fastening method is conceivable.

[0035] One or more stacks of frames according to the invention can be easily placed in a collapsible pallet container or on a pallet with surrounding side walls made of hollow chamber panels. The frame supports are either at full height or folded down to a partial height. Placing stacks of frames in the aforementioned containers or on the side walls enables efficient and secure transport of goods. Pallet containers and the hollow chamber panel side walls can be closed with a cover plate.

[0036] Further advantages and features of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in schematic drawings. Brief description of the characters

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a frame according to the invention with four supports in a full-height position, wherein the lower element consists of one part. Fig. 2ashows a cross-sectional drawing of the frame made of Figure 1 according to IIa-IIa in Figure 1 and two supports in a side view, one support being shown with the hinge closed and the other support with the hinge partially open. Fig. 2b shows a support in conjunction with the frame in an enlarged view according to IIb. Figure 2a with the lower element swung out. Fig. 2c shows a support in conjunction with the frame in an enlarged view according to IIc. Figure 2a with merged lower and upper elements. Fig. 3 shows the frame Figure 1 and 2a-c The frame is set at a partial height using supports, with the lower elements of the supports pivoted away from the upper element. It is placed on a pallet. Fig. 4a shows the frame on a pallet made of Figure 3 in a cut according to IVa-IVa. Fig. 4bshows the upper element of the support in conjunction with the frame and with a pallet below it in an enlargement according to IVb in Figure 4a . Fig. 5 shows a variant of the frame according to the invention, in which the lower element consists of two parts, each of which can be pivoted away from the upper element by means of a hinge. Fig. 6 shows the frame Figure 5 with the supports adjusted to the partial height. Fig. 7 shows a palette with recesses in the corners into which projections at the feet of the supports and projections at the lower ends of the upper elements of the supports can be inserted and locked. Fig. 8 shows a stack of frames according to the invention with full-height supports and with partial-height supports in a perspective view. Fig. 9 shows the stack of Figure 8 in a frontal view. Fig. 10a and b show two applications of the inventive framework, of which Figure 10atwo stacks of frames according to the invention arranged on a pallet and comprised of side walls made of hollow chamber panels and Figure 10b Two such stacks arranged in a pallet container are shown.

[0038] The same reference symbols have been used for the same elements in the figures, and initial explanations apply to all figures unless explicitly stated otherwise. Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0039] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a frame 1 according to the invention with four supports 2, which can be placed on a pallet P and in which an insert 3 for goods is arranged. The supports 2 extend from a base 4 to a head 5, the head 5 being attached to the frame 1. The supports 2 each have an upper element 6 and a lower element 7, which are pivotably connected to each other, as shown in Figure 1. Figures 2a-c shown, and serve to adjust the height of the supports 2.

[0040] Figure 2a Figure 1 shows two supports 2 of the frame 1, depicted in different positions. In one support (shown on the left), the upper element 6 and the lower element 7 are joined by contact between their facing surfaces 6a and 7a. This forms the closed position, where both elements are vertical. In the other support (shown on the right), the lower element 7 is pivoted from the upper element 6 by means of a hinge 8, parallel to and towards the frame 1. The surfaces 6a and 7a of the upper and lower elements 6 and 7, respectively, are shaped to be complementary, such that they lie against each other when the hinge 8 is closed and the lower element 7 is in a vertical position.

[0041] Figures 2b and c The supports are made of Figure 2a in detail, whereby Figure 2b the right and Figure 2cThe support shown on the left represents the hinge. They each show the hinge 8 and the two elements 6 and 7, where in Figure 2c elements 6 and 7 are joined together and in Figure 2b The lower element 7 is moved away from the upper element 6 and is in a swung-out position. The lower element 7 can be swung away from the upper element at the hinge 8 in the direction of the arrow and brought into a horizontal position where it would run parallel to the frame 1, as shown in Figure 3 shown. For this purpose, the axis 8' of the hinge 8 runs parallel to one side of the frame 1, in this example parallel to the long side 1' of the frame.

[0042] The surfaces 6a and 7a of the upper and lower elements 6 and 7, which face each other (i.e., surface 6a of the upper element 6 and surface 7a of the lower element 7), are angled to the vertical in the example shown. The lower element 7 extends upwards from the base 4 of the support to the lower end of the upper element 6. Surface 7a of the lower element 7 extends from there to the hinge 8. Similarly, surface 6a of the upper element extends diagonally downwards from the hinge 8 to the lower end of the upper element 6, which, as mentioned above, optimizes force transmission and reduces stress on the hinge.

[0043] Figures 2b and c The figures also show the design of the lower ends of the two elements 6 and 7. The foot 4 of the support 2 as in Figure 2c and bThe figure shown has a projection 9 that can be placed in a recess in a pallet or in the upper side of a corner of a frame 1. A corresponding recess 10 is shown in the frame 1 in all figures. Figure 7 Figure 1 also shows a pallet P in which corresponding recesses 11 are arranged in the corners of the pallet P, and on which the supports of a frame can be inserted. The projections 9 on the supports and the recesses 10 and 11 in the frame or pallet serve to lock the frames in place when several frames are stacked or placed on a pallet.

[0044] The lower end of the upper element 6 also has a projection 12, as shown in Figures 2a , 2b and 2cThis projection 12 also serves to position the support 2 with a reduced height, i.e., with partial height, on a frame or pallet by inserting the projection 12 into a corresponding recess. Additionally, the projection 12 provides a releasable fixing of the lower element 7 to the upper element 6 in the closed position by means of a snap connection 13. For this purpose, the lower element 7 has a barb 14 that can snap onto an edge 15 on the projection 12.

[0045] If all four supports 2 are adjusted in this way, by pivoting the lower element 7 of each support 2 away from the upper element 6 and bringing it into a horizontal position, the frame 1 will have a partial height equal to the height of the upper element 6 and can be used in this shortened form, for example, placed on a pallet. This shortened form of the frame 1 is in Figures 3 , 4a and 4bAs shown, the upper elements 6 rest with their lower ends on the pallet P, while the lower elements 7 are swung out and run parallel to the frame. In this example, the lower elements 7 are each swung within the short sides 1" of the frame 1. In this extended position, a shallower insert 3 can be used to transport goods of a corresponding size. Empty transport of frames with a smaller overall volume is also possible in this position.

[0046] Figures 4a and 4b Figure 1 shows the frame 1 according to the invention in a further section and, in particular, the attachment of the shortened supports 2 and the insert 3 to the frame 1. The upper element 6 of the support is attached to the head 5 of the support 2 by means of snap connections 16 on the lower side of the frame 1. The insert 3, for example made of textile, is attached to the frame 1 by welding.

[0047] The Figures 4a and bThey also show the placement of the shortened support 2 in a pallet by inserting the projection 12 at the lower end of the upper element 6 into the recess 11.

[0048] Figures 5 and 6 Figure 1 shows a variant of the frame 1 according to the invention, in which the lower elements 7 of the supports 2 each consist of two parts 20, 21. Both parts 20 and 21 are pivotally connected to the upper element 6 by means of a hinge and can be moved away from the upper element 6 and brought into a horizontal position and then back into a vertical position and brought together with the upper element.

[0049] Figure 5 This variant shows parts 20 and 21 in the closed position, where they are joined to the upper element 6. The supports 2 are at their full height here. Figure 6Figure 1 shows the variant with reduced support height, in which parts 20 and 21 are each extended laterally in opposite directions from the upper element 6. The first part 20 of the lower element 7 is moved towards the long side 1' of the frame 1, while the second part 21 of the lower element 7 is moved towards the short side 1" of the frame 1, so that both parts run parallel to the frame 1. The upper element 6 is set into a recess in the pallet P by means of a projection at its lower end.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment in Figures 5 and 6 Parts 20 and 21 of the lower element 7 are each of the same height.

[0051] In all versions, the swung-out lower element 7 can be attached to the underside of the frame 1 in its horizontal position. This facilitates handling of the frame when the height of the supports 2 is changed. Suitable attachment methods include, for example, a detachable snap connection, connections using tabs, or other fasteners. This applies to both one-piece and two-piece lower elements.

[0052] In another variation of the example in Figures 5 and 6 Parts 20 and 21 of the lower element can also be of different heights. To adjust the height of the support from its full, maximum height to a first, reduced height, the first part of the lower element is swung out, while the second part of the lower element remains vertical. The support would then rest on the lower end of the second part of the lower element.

[0053] To further adjust the height of the support from this partial height to an even lower height, the second part of the lower element is also swung out, so that only the upper element is vertical and the support rests on the lower end of the upper element, as shown in the Figure 6 and 3 shown.

[0054] In Figures 8 and 9 Two adjacent stacks 30, 31 of frames 1 according to the invention, each with three-part supports, are shown, wherein in the left stack 30 the frames 1 are set at a partial height of the supports which is equal to the height of the upper elements 6, and in the right stack 31 the supports of the frames 1 have their full maximum height, which is equal to the height of the upper element 6 together with the two parts of the lower element 7.

[0055] The left stack contains six frames with short inserts, while the right stack contains three frames with deeper inserts. It also demonstrates how a stack with supports at a partial height allows for empty transport of such frames with reduced volume.

[0056] Figure 10a shows a side view of two stacks 30 and 31 of frames 1 according to the invention. Figures 8 and 9This is shown in an application where stacks 30 and 31 stand on a pallet P and are enclosed by vertically oriented side walls made of hollow chamber panels 40. Such a packing system is also known in the trade as "sleeve packing". The hollow chamber panels 40 are covered with a cover plate 41, which rests on the upper edges of the hollow chamber panels 40 and on the uppermost frame 1 of stack 31. In stack 30, the frames 1 are each at a reduced height with the support sections 20 and 21 of the lower element 7 folded in. In stack 31 on the right, the supports are at their full height.

[0057] Figure 10b shows a side view of the same two stacks 30 and 31 of frames 1 according to the invention as in Figures 8 and 9, where these are shown in an application in which they are arranged in a pallet container 50. The pallet container 50 is covered with a top plate 51. It has, for example, fold-out side walls 52 which stand on a base, a pallet 53. Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 Frame 1' Long side of frame 1" Short side of frame 2 Support 3 Insert 4 Foot of support 5 Head of support 6 Top element 6a Surface on top element 7 Bottom element 7a Surface on bottom element 8 Hinge 8' Axis of hinge 9 Projection at bottom end of bottom element 10 Recess on top of frame 11 Recess in pallet 12 Projection at bottom end of top element 13 Snap connection between top and bottom element 14 Barb 15 Edge on projection 12 20 First part of bottom element 21 Second part of bottom element 30, 31 Stack of frame 40 Twin-wall sheets 41 Top panel 50 Pallet container 51 Top panel 52 Side walls 53 Base, pallet

Claims

1. A frame (1) with four length-adjustable supports (2) for a pallet (P) and for receiving an insert (3) for goods, wherein the frame (1) has four sides (1', 1"), and the four length-adjustable supports (2) each extend from a foot (4) to a head (5), wherein the head (5) of each support (2) is attached to the frame (1), wherein the four supports (2) each comprise an upper element (6) and a lower element (7) which are pivotably connected to one another by means of a hinge (8), wherein the upper element (6) comprises the head (5) of the support (2) and extends from the head (5) downward to a lower end of the upper element (6), wherein, by means of the hinge (8), the lower element (7) and the upper element (6) of the supports (2) are movable relative to and away from one another, wherein in a first, closed position of each support (2), the upper element (6) and the lower element (7) are brought together by means of the hinge (8), and wherein in the first, closed position the supports (2) form a maximum height, and in a second, open position of each support (2), the lower element (7) is pivoted away from the upper element (6) and towards the frame, characterized in that the hinge (8) is arranged in an upper region of the upper element (6) near the head (5) of the support (2) close to the frame (1), wherein the lower element (7) comprises the foot (4) of the support (2) and extends from the foot (4) upward to the lower end of the upper element (6) and to the hinge (8), wherein the upper element (6) and the lower element (7) comprise surfaces (6a, 7a) which, in the first position, face one another and are in contact with one another, and wherein in the second open position the supports (2) form a partial height which is equal to the height of the upper element (6).

2. Frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis (8') of the hinge (8) extends parallel to one of the sides (1', 1") of the frame (1).

3. Frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the surfaces (6a) of the upper element (6) and the surfaces (7a) of the lower element (7), which face one another, extend at an angle to the vertical.

4. Frame (1) according to one of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the upper element (6) and the lower element (7) of each support (2) are connectable to one another by means of a releasable snap connection (13).

5. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (1) has a recess (10) in each corner on its upper side.

6. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the lower end of the lower element (7) of each support (2) has a downward-facing projection (9).

7. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the lower end of the upper element (6) of each support (2) has a downward-facing projection (12).

8. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the lower element (7) comprises two parts (20, 21), each of which is pivotably connected to the upper element (6) by means of a hinge, wherein the two parts (20, 21) of the lower element (7) are pivotable at their respective hinges away from the upper element (6) and parallel to the frame (1), wherein the first part (20) of the lower element (7) is movable towards the long side (1') of the frame (1), and the second part (21) is movable towards the short side (1") of the frame (1).

9. Frame (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the two parts (20, 21) of the lower element (7) are of equal length.

10. Frame (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the lower element (7) is attachable to the frame (1) in a pivoted-out position.

11. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that an insert (3) can be attached to and removed from the frame (1), wherein the insert is made of plastic, textile material, cardboard, metal, or thermoformed parts.

12. Frame (1) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the frame (1) comprises an insert (3) made of textile material, which is attached to the frame (1) by welding or bonding.

13. Frame (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame (1) has projections on its inner sides to which an insert (3) can be retained.

14. Frame (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame (1) comprises elements such as hooks, tabs, or snap fasteners to which an insert (3) can be suspended or fastened.