STORAGE AND TRANSPORT ELEMENT, ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND USE OF A STORAGE AND TRANSPORT ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage and transport element. The present invention particularly relates to a storage and transport element that can particularly advantageously store goods to be stored and / or transported or can be used in transporting the goods.

[0002] It's well known that goods, such as heavy-duty goods, require storage. Furthermore, transporting such goods is often challenging. Especially since the available floor space for storage or transport is often limited, the goods must be stacked high. For this purpose, pallets, for example, are well-known, on which the goods can be positioned.

[0003] DE 78 32 817 describes a wooden pallet for storing and transporting goods, particularly bagged goods, consisting of a supporting surface with sliding elements arranged on the underside of the supporting surface for sliding the pallet along the floor. The pallet itself should be made of plywood, for example, and the sliding elements can be shaped as rectangular blocks of pressboard.

[0004] DE 71 40 340 U describes a transport pallet suitable for transporting deformable or bulk goods, whether unpackaged, rigid or filled in rigid or flexible packaging, whose rigid or flexible underside has or can assume a large, flat support surface. The pallet's support surface is essentially formed by a non-rigid, thin plate of low rigidity, on whose lower surface at least four support blocks are provided in a uniform arrangement. The arrangement should be adapted to the local distribution of the compressive load of the transported goods on the non-rigid support surface.

[0005] AU 50459 79 A describes both palletless and palletized wrapped loads arranged on an air cushion for simplified handling.

[0006] US 2 918 183 A describes a pallet with a rigid surface arranged on a multi-layer base with a compressible middle layer, whereby compressed air can be passed through the pallet to its underside.

[0007] However, the state of the art still offers further potential for improvement, particularly with regard to the storage and / or transport of goods.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one disadvantage of the prior art. In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the transport and / or storage of goods.

[0009] This object is at least partially achieved by storage and transport elements having the features of claim 1. This object is further achieved by a system having the features of claim 10, by a use having the features of claim 11, and by a use having the features of claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described or shown in the subclaims, in the description or the figures.

[0010] A storage and transport element for storing or transporting goods is described, wherein the storage and transport element has a base area of at least 0.2 m² and has a first region and a second region along its thickness, wherein the first region forms an upper side of the storage and transport element and has a dimensionally stable force absorption region for absorbing a functional force with a load-bearing capacity of the storage and transport element in a range of > 250 kg, wherein the functional force comprises the weight of the goods to be transported, and wherein the force absorption region comprises a storage and transport pallet and further has a contact surface in order to come into direct contact with the goods to be stored or transported, wherein the second region has a dimensionally flexible compensation region which has a bag-like compensation element with a granular filling,to serve to adapt the compensation area to the shape of a surface in contact with the compensation area, and wherein the second area is designed as a lower area of the storage and transport element.

[0011] Using a storage and transport element as described above, both the storage and transport of goods can be significantly improved compared to state-of-the-art solutions.

[0012] The storage and transport element described here can thus be used both for the storage and transport of goods and offers advantages for each application. The terms "storage" and "transport" are to be understood broadly within the meaning of the present invention, so that the storage and transport element can be used, for example, as a base for goods to be stored or for securing loads during transport, as described in more detail below.

[0013] The storage and transport element is constructed as follows.

[0014] The storage and transport element has a base area of at least 0.2 m 2 , for example of at least 0.51 m 2 , such as at least 0.8 m 2 . As a result, a single storage and transport element can advantageously be suitable for a quantity of goods sufficient for commercial applications with regard to use in storage or transport. For example, the base area of the storage and transport element can be in a range of ≤ 10 m 2 , such as ≤ 5 m 2 , for example ≤ 3 m 2 , such as ≤ 1.5 m 2 .

[0015] The storage and transport element further comprises a first region and a second region along its thickness. The first region is different from the second region, with preferably no overlap. However, the present invention also encompasses a certain overlap area between the first region and the second region.

[0016] The first region is the upper region, particularly in an application as a storage element. Accordingly, the second region is the lower region, particularly in an application as a storage element. It should be noted that, in addition to the first region and the second region, the transport or storage element may have at least one further region or several further regions without departing from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, however, the storage and transport element may have only the first region and the second region along its thickness, i.e., consist of the first region and the second region.

[0017] The first area has a force-absorbing area for absorbing a functional force, for example, it is formed solely by the force-absorbing area. The force-absorbing area has a contact surface that comes into direct contact with the goods to be stored or transported. The force-absorbing area is dimensionally stable, which means, in particular, that the force-absorbing area, including the contact surface, does not deform during the intended use. Accordingly, the force-absorbing area or the contact surface can also be described as rigid.

[0018] Such rigidity is expediently within the load-bearing capacity of the storage and transport element. In this regard, it is advantageous for a particularly broad field of application if the storage and transport element has a load-bearing capacity in a range of ≥ 250 kg, for example ≥ 750 kg, or approximately ≥ 1500 kg. This means that, for example, in a storage application with goods, the storage and transport element can be loaded with a weight within the range described above without damage occurring and without any restriction in usability. An upper limit of the load-bearing capacity can be in a range of, for example, 2100 kg, for example 2500 kg, or for example 3000 kg, but is not limited to these. In principle, an upper limit can of course also be higher.

[0019] A functional force can also be understood as any force that occurs during the intended use of the storage and transport element. For example, the functional force can be the weight of the goods to be transported.

[0020] The second region has a shape-flexible compensation region which, when the storage and transport element is used, serves to adapt the compensation region to the shape of a surface in contact with the compensation region. For example, the second region is formed solely from the compensation region and thus consists of it. Thus, in contrast to the first region, the second region is not rigid but shape-flexible and can adapt to a surface in contact with the second region and thus assume the shape of the surface in contact with the second region. This should be possible in particular when the storage and transport element is used for storing or transporting goods, as described in more detail elsewhere.

[0021] In principle, a flexibility of shape can be made possible by an elastic or plastic deformability of the second region without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0022] The inventive combination of the first and second areas can have significant advantages over prior art solutions.

[0023] For an example application of storage, the storage and transport element can serve as a base on which the goods to be stored are placed.

[0024] The first area allows the goods to be safely stacked, for example, as is also known for state-of-the-art storage and transport elements, as the weight force can be absorbed by the force-absorbing area. Accordingly, the first area can be directed upwards and form the top side of the storage and transport element.

[0025] For example, the first area may comprise, or consist of, a conventional pallet, such as a so-called Euro pallet, or by an element which is similar in shape and / or size and / or structure to a corresponding pallet, but is not limited thereto.

[0026] However, because the storage and transport element has the second area described above in addition to the first area, the underside of the storage and transport element can conform to the ground even if the ground is uneven. This can be the case, for example, if the storage and transport element is placed on uneven ground. Furthermore, this can also occur if several transport and storage elements are stacked on top of each other along with the goods to be stored. This is because even if the goods are bagged, for example, or do not otherwise form a flat surface, the second area of the upper storage and transport element can still conform to the ground.

[0027] Due to the above-described shape flexibility of the second area, a particularly large contact surface can be provided between the underside of the storage and transport element and the surface on which it is arranged.

[0028] Conforming the second area to the respective base can therefore offer significant advantages. For example, if a rigid contact surface were present instead of the second area, the stability of the storage and transport element could be limited, thus leading to reduced stability. This is because contact between the storage and transport element and the base can be limited to only a few contact points. This, of course, must be avoided. By providing the second area and the associated enlargement of the contact surface, significantly increased stability can be achieved, thus significantly reducing the risk of slipping, for example.

[0029] Furthermore, the provision of the second section makes it possible to align the first section, or rather the top of the first section, in a horizontal plane. This also significantly reduces the risk of goods on the storage and transport element slipping.

[0030] Following the above, the stability of both the storage and transport element as such and the goods on it can be improved.

[0031] Another advantage is that it allows for a more even distribution of forces between the second area and the surface on which the storage and transport element is located. In other words, a weight distribution can be achieved so that the weight can act very evenly on the surface. This protects the surface, which can be particularly advantageous for sensitive surfaces, such as delicate floors. However, this effect can be particularly advantageous if, as described above, the storage and transport element is positioned on goods to be stored, for example to save storage space, since in this case the goods to be stored are protected.

[0032] The advantages described above are equally evident when storing goods, for example in a warehouse, or when transporting goods, where the storage and transport element is used, for example, in a truck to transport the goods.

[0033] However, advantages of the storage and transport element according to the invention are also evident in other transport applications. For example, the storage and transport element can be used for transport securing. For this purpose, the storage and transport element can be used, for example, in a vertical orientation, whereby the second area can nestle against the load or goods to be secured. The first area can, for example, absorb the fastening force of a tensioning belt as a functional force, which then presses the storage and transport element against the goods to be secured and thus secures them. However, the second area can protect the goods to be secured, so that the risk of damage caused by load securing can be significantly reduced.

[0034] The above results in a particularly broad applicability of the storage and transport element both when used for storing goods, for example as a base for goods to be stored, and for transporting goods, for example also as a base for the goods or for the purpose of securing loads.

[0035] Furthermore, a storage and transport element according to the invention is easy to manufacture, for example, by arranging a second area on a first area, which can be formed by a standard pallet as described above. Accordingly, retrofitting existing products, such as pallets, is also easily possible.

[0036] In principle, it can further be provided that in particular the second region is a single contiguous region, or is formed in the plane of the base area by a plurality of sub-regions, such as by a plurality of compensating elements.

[0037] According to the invention, the compensation region has at least one bag-like compensation element which contains a granular filling.

[0038] This allows for a simple design that allows for shape flexibility, which can reliably achieve the aforementioned advantages. Furthermore, the aforementioned load-bearing capacities can be achieved, enabling the storage and transport element to be widely used. Finally, the amount and type of filling of the bag-like compensating element, which can also be described as a cushion-like element, allows for advantageous deformability to be adapted to the desired load-bearing capacity or to the expected functional forces, which can further improve adaptability to the desired area of application. Accordingly, it can be advantageous if the bag-like compensating element has a closable filling opening through which material can be removed from or added to the granular filling.

[0039] With regard to the granular filling, it may be preferred that it be selected from sand, plastic granules, such as polystyrene granules, or wood shavings, especially wood shavings. Such materials are very stable even under high loads and can therefore retain their effectiveness even after repeated use. Furthermore, such granular fillings are available at low cost.

[0040] It may further be preferred for the bag-like compensating element to comprise a fabric material. For example, the compensating element, such as its outer skin, may be formed from a plastic fabric, such as a polyethylene fabric, which may be coated on both sides with a plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Such a material is known, for example, as a material for truck tarpaulins and offers the advantage of high long-term stability, even under high loads.

[0041] Furthermore, it may be preferred for the bag-like compensating element to be divided into a plurality of chambers. This can prevent the granular filling from flowing into the center, for example, when the storage and transport element is lifted, and affecting the deformability during subsequent use. The chambers can be formed, for example, by the material of the outer skin or another material, which forms a separating structure inside the compensating element, forming a plurality of at least two chambers.

[0042] It may further be preferred that the second region has an extension in the plane of the base area of at least 80% of the base area of the first region. Such an extension or size of the second region allows the advantages described above to be provided particularly reliably. If the second region is too small, it may not always be possible to reliably prevent the first region from coming into contact with the substrate beneath the storage and transport element. This could at least partially counteract the advantages of the present invention, which is precisely what can be prevented in this embodiment.

[0043] More preferably, the second region can have a thickness of ≥ 5 cm, approximately ≥ 15 cm, preferably ≥ 25 cm. In particular, such thicknesses of the second region or of the compensating element(s) can ensure, even under high loads or high bearing capacities, that sufficient deformability of the second region is possible to ensure that it conforms to the surface contacting the second region. Thus, this configuration can also be used for a very broad range of applications, regardless of the specific bearing capacity. Furthermore, even very uneven surfaces can be compensated for, which can bring further advantages in terms of applicability.

[0044] It may further be preferred for the second region to be fixed to the first region by a permanent connection. In this embodiment, the use of the storage and transport element can be simplified because the risk of the second region becoming detached from the first region during operation can be significantly prevented. This can ensure the functionality of the storage and transport element and prevent malfunctions. In the sense of the present invention, a permanent connection is to be understood in particular as a connection that cannot be released without causing at least local damage to an element of the storage and transport element. Examples of a permanent connection include, for example, screwing, riveting, gluing and / or welding.

[0045] Further preferably, a boundary surface can be provided adjacent to the second region, which boundary surface delimits the second region from the first region and which makes up at least 80% of the base area of the second region, wherein the compensating element of the second region bears against the boundary surface. In this embodiment, it can be permitted for the properties of the second region to be particularly defined with regard to deformability. Because the compensating element or elements can be supported on the boundary surface, deformation in the direction of the first region can be prevented. As a result, the second region can adapt to the surface it comes into contact with, which can make nestling against the corresponding surface particularly effective and defined.

[0046] For further advantages and technical features of the storage and transport element, reference is made to the explanations concerning the system, the uses, the figures and the examples and vice versa.

[0047] Also described is a system comprising at least two storage and transport elements, wherein at least two storage and transport elements are arranged one above the other in a vertical plane such that a first, lower storage and transport element carries goods to be stored or transported, and wherein the second storage and transport element is arranged on the goods to be transported, wherein at least the second storage and transport element is designed as described above.

[0048] In this system, the storage and transport element according to the invention is thus used at least as the upper storage and transport element. The advantages described above are thus achieved by the storage and transport element being placed on goods that are already on another storage and transport element. The lower storage and transport element can be the same as or different from the storage and transport element according to the invention. The second region thus allows the underside of the storage and transport element to be adapted to the stored goods and thus protect them. This means that even sensitive goods can be stacked comparatively high, for example during storage or transport, also on the second storage and transport element.In addition, for example, a tensioning belt or other securing device can be guided around the storage and transport elements and rest against the force-absorbing area of the second storage and transport element without exerting excessive force on the goods to be stored or transported.

[0049] For further advantages and technical features of the system, reference is made to the explanations concerning the storage and transport element, the uses, the figures and the examples and vice versa.

[0050] Following the above, there are in particular two exemplary uses for the storage and transport element according to the invention, whereby the present invention is in no way intended to be limited to these uses.

[0051] First, the use of a previously described storage and transport element as a base for goods to be stored or transported is described. In this application, the storage and transport element can be used in a horizontal arrangement.

[0052] The use of a previously described storage and transport element as a load securing device for goods to be transported is also described. In this application, the storage and transport element can be used in a vertical arrangement. The compensation area can be positioned to conform to the goods to be secured, and a transport strap can be guided around the storage and transport element, resting against the force-absorbing area of the storage and transport element without exerting excessive force on the goods to be transported.

[0053] With regard to the advantages and technical characteristics of the uses, reference is made to the explanations concerning the storage and transport element, the system, the figures and the examples and vice versa.

[0054] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the attached drawings and examples, whereby the invention is not limited to the following drawing, the following description and the following embodiment.

[0055] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a storage and transport element according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a system comprising a storage and transport element according to the invention; and Fig. 3 an inventive storage and transport element as a transport lock.

[0056] In the Figure 1A storage and transport element 10 for storing or transporting goods according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The storage and transport element 10 can be used equally for storing and transporting goods.

[0057] The storage and transport element 10 comprises a base area which is in the Figure 1 in the plane 12, of at least 0.2 m 2< . Along the thickness of the storage and transport element 10, which is in the Figure 1 symbolized by the arrow 14, has a first area 16 and a second area 18. The first area 16 has a force absorption area for absorbing a functional force. This is according to Figure 1by a storage and transport pallet 20 known per se. Furthermore, the second area 18 comprises a flexible compensation area, which, when used with the storage and transport element 10, serves to adapt the compensation area or the storage and transport element 10 to the shape of a surface in contact with the compensation area. According to Figure 1 The compensation area is formed by a bag-like compensation element 22 containing a granular filling. For example, the granular filling is selected from sand, plastic, such as polystyrene granules, or similar materials.

[0058] In addition, the Figure 1 It is shown that the bag-like compensating element 22 has a closable filling opening 24. This allows the filling material to be filled into the compensating element 22 or removed from the compensating element 22.

[0059] It is further indicated that the second region 18 is fixed to the first region 16 by a non-detachable connection.

[0060] The Figure 2 shows a storage and transport element 10 in a function when storing or transporting goods.

[0061] In detail, a system 26 is shown which has at least two storage and transport elements 10, 28. The two storage and transport elements 10, 28 are arranged one above the other in a vertical plane such that a first, lower storage and transport element 28 carries goods to be stored or transported. According to Figure 2 the first storage and transport element 28 is a conventional storage and transport pallet and the goods to be stored or transported are in particular bagged goods 30, such as pallet goods with bags of cement, dog food, peat, raw materials, or even foodstuffs such as sugar, flour, rice or the like, to name non-limiting examples.

[0062] The second storage and transport element 10 is as in Figure 1shown and is further arranged on the bagged goods 30. In particular, it is shown that the underside of the storage and transport element 10 or of the compensating element 22 conforms to the surface of the bagged goods 30. This enables improved stability as well as homogenization of the force acting on the bagged goods 30. Additional goods can be stacked on the storage and transport element 10 in order to store or transport the goods. This creates additional storage space, which is advantageous for both storage and transport, since the height can be better utilized and the storage area can be reduced.Alternatively, in particular for transporting the goods, a fastening means, such as a tensioning belt, can be tensioned around the storage and transport elements 10, 28, whereby the force acting on the bagged goods 30 and thus the risk of damage can be minimized.

[0063] In the Figure 3 Another application of the storage and transport element 10 is shown. According to Figure 3The storage and transport element 10 is used in particular for load securing. A top view shows a barrel 32, the goods to be transported, resting against a wall 34 of a means of transport, such as a truck. The barrel 32 can be fixed or secured using a tensioning belt 36. The storage and transport element 10 is used to reduce the force acting on the barrel 32 and thus the risk of damage. The compensating element 22 fits snugly against the barrel 32, and the storage and transport pallet 20 absorbs the force of the tensioning belt 36.

[0064] It is thus demonstrated that the present invention can create a new, flat storage area, particularly for additional goods, whether by saving space in a means of transport, such as a truck, or in a warehouse. Furthermore, the goods can be protected and stability and, in general, safety can be improved. List of reference symbols

[0065] 10Storage and transport element 12Level 14Arrow 16First area 18Second area 20Storage and transport pallet 22Compensation element 24Filling opening 26System 28Storage and transport element 30Bag goods 32Tonne 34Wall 36Tensioning belt

Claims

1. A storage and transport element (10) for storing or transporting goods, wherein the storage and transport element (10) has a base area of at least 0.2 m2 and has a first region (16) and a second region (18) along its thickness, wherein the first region (16) forms an upper side of the storage and transport element (10) and has a dimensionally stable force-absorbing region with a load-bearing capacity of the storage and transport element (10) in a range of ≥ 250 kg for absorbing a functional force, wherein the functional force comprises the weight force of goods to be transported, and wherein the force-absorbing region comprises a storage and transport pallet (20) and further comprises a contact surface for coming into direct contact with the goods to be stored or transported, wherein the second region (18) comprises a dimensionally flexible compensating region, which has a bag-like compensating element (22) with a granular filling to serve to adapt the compensating area to the shape of a surface in contact with the compensating area, and wherein the second area (18) is designed as the lower area of the storage and transport element (10).

2. The storage and transport element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the bag-like compensating element (22) has a closable filling opening (24).

3. The storage and transport element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the granular filling is selected from sand, plastic granules, such as polystyrene granules, and wood shavings.

4. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bag-like compensating element (22) comprises a fabric material.

5. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bag-like compensating element (22) is divided into a plurality of chambers.

6. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second region (18) has an extension in the plane of the base area of at least 80% of the base area of the first region (16).

7. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second region (18) has a thickness of ≥ 5 cm.

8. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second region (18) is fixed to the first region (16) by an inseparable connection.

9. The storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a boundary surface is provided adjacent to the second region (18), which delimits the second region (18) from the first region (16) and which comprises at least 80% of the base area of the second region (18), wherein the compensating element (22) of the second region (18) rests against the boundary surface.

10. A system formed from at least two storage and transport elements (10, 28), wherein at least two storage and transport elements (10, 28) are arranged one above the other in a vertical plane such that that a first, lower storage and transport element (28) carries goods to be stored or transported, and that the second storage and transport element (10) is arranged on the goods to be transported, wherein at least the second storage and transport element (10) is formed according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Use of a storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 as a base for goods to be stored or transported.

12. Use of a storage and transport element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 as load securing for goods to be transported.