Storage and / or transport device made of plastic for displaying goods, use thereof and associated method

Abstract

Flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for presenting goods, at least comprising a flat carrier element (2) which has a goods carrier upper side (4) and a carrier lower side (6) facing away from it, wherein the goods carrier upper side (4) and the carrier lower side (6) are connected to one another via at least one circumferential edge (8), wherein the circumferential edge (8) has at least one receiving section (10) and wherein the carrier element (2), which adjoins the receiving section (10) on the rear side, has at least one material taper (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for the presentation of goods, its fastening mechanism for optional side walls and its use. background

[0002] In practice, so-called display pallets are known, which are used for product presentation in salesrooms. These display pallets feature so-called displays made of cardboard or plastic, which are positively connected to the pallet forming the base. For this purpose, the displays can, for example, have a fold that is then clamped between the top of the pallet and the product, so that the display is held in place by the product.

[0003] In practice, this design proves to be disadvantageous because such displays can only be inadequately fixed, particularly when pallets are unloaded or no longer sufficiently loaded. Task

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for the presentation of goods, which enables a clean and resilient attachment of removable side walls.

[0005] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to arrange detachable side walls securely and non-slip on the reusable storage and / or reusable transport device.

[0006] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reusable storage and / or reusable transport device from which detachably arranged side walls can be separated again particularly easily and without residue. Solution

[0007] The object is achieved by the technical features specified in claim 1 and by a fastening method according to claim 9.

[0008] The core of the present invention is to provide a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic for product presentation. This device comprises at least one flat support element which has a product carrier upper side and a support lower side facing away from it, wherein the product carrier upper side and support lower side are connected to one another via at least one peripheral edge, wherein the peripheral edge has at least one receiving section and wherein the support element, which adjoins the receiving section at the rear, has at least one material taper. This is advantageous because the receiving section creates the possibility of optionally attaching a side wall to the flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic for product presentation.In the simplest embodiment, the receiving section is designed such that an optionally arranged side wall can be inserted into the receiving section. This is, of course, not limiting; it is also conceivable for an optionally arranged side wall to be inserted into the receiving section from above, from the side, or even diagonally.

[0009] The additionally provided material taper of the support element advantageously creates a free space underneath, thus enabling particularly easy handling of the flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic. In particular, the material taper of the support element is designed such that the support element still has a continuous goods carrier top. However, the material thickness is reduced in the area of ​​the material taper. In addition, an additional free space is created below the material taper. The material taper is advantageously formed directly adjacent to the receiving section in the edge region of the support element.

[0010] Advantageous further training can be found in the subclaims.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one receiving section is at least partially integrated into the peripheral edge or arranged on top of it. If the receiving section is integrated into the peripheral edge, the receiving section is particularly stable and break-resistant. This can be taken into account during the production of the flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic.

[0012] However, if existing plastic pallets are to be converted into display pallets, it is also conceivable to apply the receiving section separately to the surrounding edge. This can be done, for example, by gluing.

[0013] In the simplest embodiment, the receiving section can be designed as a slot. The tab-like element can be at least partially inserted into this slot and securely received therein.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving section has at least one guide element. This at least one guide element is advantageous when a side wall is to be arranged on the flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic. The at least one guide element serves as an insertion and stabilization aid. Depending on the embodiment, it is conceivable that the receiving section is designed as a guide slot or as a recess with at least one guide element.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one guide element is designed as a groove or dovetail profile. The groove design has proven advantageous because it can be formed particularly easily using the injection molding process. The groove can advantageously have a square, round, or rounded cross-section. If the at least one guide element is designed as a groove, the tab-like element that can optionally be arranged at least partially therein is designed to complement the groove. This ensures secure guidance. It has proven particularly advantageous if the receiving section has two groove-like guide elements that are arranged on the edge. The guide elements then advantageously delimit a recess on the side into which the optionally arranged tab-like element can be inserted and passed through.

[0016] The dovetail profile design has proven advantageous in that it allows for a particularly stable connection to the side wall. If the at least one guide element is designed as a dovetail profile, the tab-like element, which can optionally be arranged at least partially within it, is designed to complement the profile. This ensures secure guidance.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, a lower free end of the receiving portion is designed as a retaining element. Advantageously, at least one retaining element is formed.

[0018] However, this is not to be understood as limiting; it is also conceivable for several retaining elements, which are arranged, for example, equidistant from one another, to form the free end of the at least one receiving section. In a simple embodiment, it is conceivable, for example, for the at least one retaining element to be designed as a projection.

[0019] The at least one projection advantageously extends downward in a wedge shape. The wedge shape is particularly advantageously configured such that the wedge shape is larger at a front end of the receiving portion and decreases in size toward the material taper.

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment presents a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic for product presentation, which further comprises at least one upwardly extending side wall for spanning a product presentation volume, which has at least one tab-like element on a lower edge, which can be received by the receiving section and which at least partially engages behind and / or under the at least one retaining element in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Unwanted slipping out of the interior volume is thus no longer possible.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the tab-like element has at least one locking element. Advantageously, the locking element is formed integrally with the tab-like element. To provide appropriate mobility, it has proven advantageous if the locking element is at least partially punched out of the tab-like element. Furthermore, the punched-out shape advantageously takes on a U-shape.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the locking element can be deflected about a vertical pivot axis or a horizontal pivot axis, each under the application of a compressive force. By designing the locking element as a pivotable tab about a vertical pivot axis or a horizontal pivot axis, the locking element can be deflected from its original position particularly easily and quickly by applying a compressive force, for example, from a finger.

[0023] In the simplest case, the deflection occurs by pivoting the locking element backward into the free space. This pivoting can occur horizontally or vertically. Through this change in position, the locking element forms a force-locking and / or form-locking connection with the receiving section, more advantageously with the at least one retaining element.

[0024] Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the locking element to be additionally resilient and to form a positive and / or non-positive connection with the receiving portion, advantageously with the at least one retaining element, even without the application of external compressive force. A possible resilient property can be created, for example, by a suitable choice of material.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for mounting side walls on a flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for the presentation of goods, comprising at least the following steps: a. Inserting at least one tab-like element (24) of a side wall (22) into a receiving section (10) until the at least one locking element is arranged at the same height or below a free end of the receiving section; b. Applying a compressive force to the at least one locking element in direction P, whereby the at least one locking element is deflected from its basic position and at least partially engages under the receiving section (10) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0026] Advantageously, a tab-like element of a side wall is inserted into the receiving section from above. This is the simplest and quickest arrangement option, although this is of course not intended to be limiting. It is also conceivable that the insertion into the receiving section could occur laterally or at an angle.

[0027] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tab-like element of a side wall can also be inserted, for example pressed or clicked into, the receiving section by applying a lateral compressive force, for example to a central region of the tab-like element.

[0028] Particularly advantageously, the tab-like element is designed at its lateral edges in such a way that it can be inserted precisely into the receiving section. A precise fit means that it allows for quick and easy insertion without jamming or slipping. The tab-like element is inserted from top to bottom until the locking element is positioned at the same height as or below the free end of the receiving section.

[0029] Of course, this is not to be understood as limiting, so it is also conceivable for the locking element to be located, at least in part, above the free end of the receiving section. Even in this position, it is possible to deflect the locking element by applying pressure to it, thus advantageously enabling a positive and / or non-positive engagement of the receiving section.

[0030] Advantageously, sufficient deflection of the at least one locking element only occurs when a compressive force is applied. Applying a compressive force to the locking element causes it to change its position, advantageously around a horizontal or vertical pivot axis. This change in position remains even if the compressive force is discontinued. This is advantageous because the change in the position of the locking element can ensure a positive and / or non-positive engagement under and / or behind the at least one retaining element of the receiving section. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking element is not designed to be resilient.

[0031] Furthermore, the change in position ensures that the tab-like element as a whole and the side wall arranged thereon are held securely and firmly on the receiving section.

[0032] Even applying tensile force to the side wall, for example, in an attempt to remove it from the receiving section, does not cause the fastening to break. The at least one locking element remains in interaction with the at least one retaining element, thus permanently ensuring a secure and reliable fastening between the side wall and the flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic.

[0033] Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of a flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for sales promotion and presentation of products and / or as a display pallet.

[0034] Further advantages, features and design options emerge from the following description of figures of non-limiting embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] In the drawings shows: Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic in the insertion position; Figure 2 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic in the pivoting position; Figure 3 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a side wall with a tab-like element; Figure 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic in the insertion position;Figure 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic in the pivoting position; and Figure 6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a side wall with a tab-like element; ;

[0036] In the drawings, elements provided with the same reference numerals essentially correspond to one another unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, components that are not essential to understanding the technical teaching disclosed herein are omitted. Reference numerals will not be repeated for all elements already introduced and illustrated, provided that the elements themselves and their function have already been described or are known to a person skilled in the art. Detailed description of implementation examples

[0037] In Figure 1a schematic side view of an insertion position of a first embodiment of the fastening mechanism is shown.

[0038] The flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic 1 has a flat support element 2. This support element 2 further has a goods carrier upper side 4 and a carrier lower side 6 facing away from it. The goods carrier upper side 4 and the carrier lower side 6 are connected to one another by a circumferential edge 8.

[0039] The peripheral edge 8 has a receiving portion 10 which is suitable for receiving a tab-like element 24 which is part of a side wall (not shown here).

[0040] In the simplest case, the receiving section 10 can be designed as a guide slot or as a recess with at least one guide element.

[0041] A material taper 12 of the carrier element 2 is formed on the rear side of the receiving section 10.

[0042] Furthermore, a retaining element 18 is formed, as an example, at the lower free end 14 of the receiving section 10. Advantageously, the shown retaining element 18 is formed integrally with the receiving section 10. Furthermore, the shown retaining element 18 is wedge-shaped and tapers in the direction of the material taper 12; more advantageously, it tapers in the direction of the center of the reusable storage and / or reusable transport device (not shown here).

[0043] In Figure 1Furthermore, a tab-like element 24 is shown, which is inserted into the receiving section 10 in direction D, here from top to bottom. Advantageously, the receiving section 10 and the tab-like element 24 form common contact surfaces, for example in the guide grooves, so that the tab-like element 24 can be secured against lateral tilting.

[0044] Figure 2shows a side view of a first embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic 1 in the fastening position. Here, it is shown that the tab-like element 24 is now inserted into the receiving section 10. The insertion continues until the locking element 20 is positioned at the level of the retaining element 18 or below the retaining element 18. If a further compressive force P is then exerted on the locking element 20 in the direction of the arrow, the locking element 20 pivots backward along a vertical pivot axis (not shown here) towards the free space 26. With the backward pivoting, the locking element 20 engages under and / or behind the receiving section 10, more advantageously the locking element 20, at least in sections in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.This provides sufficient fastening, for example, when the tab-like element 24 is to be pulled vertically upwards out of the receiving section 10. The locking element 20 is then guided against the receiving section 10 and / or against the material taper 12 and held there. Further movement of the tab-like element 24 in the vertical upward direction is not possible. Thus, a sufficient and reliable arrangement of the tab-like element 24 and the side wall arranged thereon (not shown here) can be achieved on a flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic 1.

[0045] In Figure 3a corresponding front view of a section of a side wall 22 with a tab-like element 24 arranged thereon and extending downwards is shown. The tab-like element 24 has a locking element 20, which here is designed as a pivotable tab. The design can, for example, be such that the locking element 20 is punched out in a U-shape. The pivot axis S1 is arranged opposite the base of the U-shaped opening. The locking element 20 can be deflected and pivoted along the pivot axis S1. The pivot axis S1 particularly advantageously extends in the vertical direction. To make the pivoting even easier, the locking element 20 has a fold or perforations at least in sections along the pivot axis S1. As a result, the pivoting, for example in the form of folding backwards, can be carried out particularly easily and quickly.

[0046] In Figure 4 a schematic side view of an insertion position of a second embodiment of the fastening mechanism is shown.

[0047] The flat, reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic 1 has a flat support element 2. This support element 2 further has a goods carrier upper side 4 and a carrier lower side 6 facing away from it. The goods carrier upper side 4 and the carrier lower side 6 are connected to one another by a circumferential edge 8.

[0048] The peripheral edge 8 has a receiving portion 10, which is suitable for receiving a tab-like element 24, which is part of a side wall (not shown here). In the simplest case, the receiving portion 10 can be designed as a guide slot or as a recess with at least one guide element. A material taper 12 of the support element 2 is formed on the rear side of the receiving portion 10.

[0049] Furthermore, a retaining element 18 is formed, as an example, at the lower free end 14 of the receiving section 10. Advantageously, the shown retaining element 18 is formed integrally with the receiving section 10. Furthermore, the shown retaining element 18 is wedge-shaped and tapers in the direction of the material taper 12; more advantageously, it tapers in the direction of the center of the reusable storage and / or reusable transport device (not shown here).

[0050] In Figure 4Furthermore, a tab-like element 24 is shown, which is inserted into the receiving section 10 in direction D, here from top to bottom. Advantageously, the receiving section 10 and the tab-like element 24 form common contact surfaces, for example in the guide grooves, so that the tab-like element 24 can be secured against lateral tilting.

[0051] In this second embodiment, the tab-like element 24 has a locking element 28.

[0052] Figure 5shows a side view of a second embodiment of a fastening mechanism for a side wall (not shown here) on a flat, reusable storage and / or transport device 1 made of plastic in the fastening position. Here, it is shown that the tab-like element 24 is now inserted into the receiving section 10. The insertion continues until the locking element 28 is positioned at the level of the retaining element 18 or below the retaining element 18. If a further compressive force P is then exerted on the locking element 28 in the direction of the arrow, the locking element 28 pivots rearward along a horizontal pivot axis (not shown here) toward the free space 26. Upon pivoting rearward, the locking element 20 engages under the receiving section 10, more advantageously the locking element 20, at least in sections, in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.This provides sufficient fastening, for example, when the tab-like element 24 is to be pulled out vertically upwards again. The locking element 28 is then guided against the receiving section 10 and / or against the material taper 12 and held there. Further movement of the tab-like element 24 in the vertical upward direction is not possible. Thus, a sufficient and reliable arrangement of the tab-like element 24 and the side wall arranged thereon (not shown here) can be achieved on a flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device 1 made of plastic.

[0053] In Figure 6a corresponding front view of a section of a side wall 22 with a further tab-like element 24 arranged thereon and extending downwards is shown. The tab-like element 24 has a locking element 28, which here is designed as a pivotable tab. The design can, for example, be such that the locking element 28 is punched out in a U-shape. The pivot axis S2 is arranged opposite the base of the U-shaped opening. The locking element 28 can be deflected and pivoted along the pivot axis S2. The pivot axis S2 particularly advantageously extends in the horizontal direction. To make the pivoting even easier, the locking element 28 has a fold or perforations at least in sections along the pivot axis S2. As a result, the pivoting, for example in the form of folding backwards, can be carried out particularly easily and quickly.

[0054] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the advantageous embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. Other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the invention is not limited to the feature combinations specified below; rather, other combinations and subcombinations that are obvious to those skilled in the art can also be formed from the disclosed features. List of reference symbols

[0055] 1Flat-shaped reusable storage and / or transport device made of plastic 2Support element 4Goods carrier top 6Support bottom 8Circular edge 10Receiving section 12Material taper 14Free end 18Retaining elements 20Locking element 22Side wall 23Fold 24Tab-like element 26Free space 28Locking element 51Swivel axis S2Swivel axis PForce application direction DForce application direction

Claims

1. Flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for presenting goods, at least comprising a flat carrier element (2) which has a goods carrier upper side (4) and a carrier lower side (6) facing away from it, wherein the goods carrier upper side (4) and the carrier lower side (6) are connected to one another via at least one peripheral edge (8), wherein the peripheral edge (8) has at least one receiving section (10) and wherein the carrier element (2), which adjoins the receiving section (10) on the rear side, has at least one material taper (12).

2. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for product presentation according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one receiving section (10) is integrated into the peripheral edge (8) or arranged on top of it.

3. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for product presentation according to claim 1, characterized in that the receiving section (10) has at least one guide element.

4. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for product presentation according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide element is designed as a groove or dovetail profile.

5. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for product presentation according to claim 1, characterized in that a lower free end (14) of the receiving portion (10) is designed as a retaining element (18).

6. Flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for product presentation according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one upwardly extending side wall (22) for spanning a product presentation volume, which has at least one tab-like element (24) on a lower edge, which can be received by the receiving section (10) and which engages behind and / or underneath the at least one retaining element (18) at least partially in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

7. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for product presentation according to claim 6, characterized in that the tab-like element (24) has at least one locking element (20; 28).

8. Flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic for product presentation according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe locking element (20; 28) can be deflected about a vertical pivot axis (S1) or a horizontal pivot axis (S2) under the application of compressive force.

9. A method for arranging at least one side wall (22) on a flat, reusable storage and / or reusable transport device (1) made of plastic for product presentation according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least the following steps: a. Inserting at least one tab-like element (24) of a side wall (22) into the receiving section (10) until the at least one locking element (20; 28) is arranged at the same height as or below a free end (14) of the receiving section (10); b. Applying a compressive force to the at least one locking element (20; 28) in the direction P, whereby the at least one locking element (20; 28) is deflected from its basic position and at least partially engages under and / or behind the receiving section (10) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

10. Use of the flat reusable storage and / or reusable transport device made of plastic (1) for the presentation of goods according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 as a display pallet.

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