Reinforcement system and method for supporting stacked boxes and containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reinforcement system and method for supporting stacked containers or boxes without causing damage to the contents and the container itself. The system comprises at least one pillar element (1) and at least one end shoulder element (2), the at least one pillar element (1) being arranged at at least one corner of the stack formed by the containers and the at least one end shoulder element (2) being arranged at a lower end and an upper end of each vertical corner of the container stack, the pillar element (1) having a dimension smaller than that measured by the sum of the heights of the containers along the vertical corners of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2), so that the box or container absorbs a portion of the load before the pillar element (1) contacts the upper end shoulder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reinforcement system and method for supporting a box. The reinforcement system and method are composed of a plurality of elements that interact together and cooperate with the box to support the weight of the contents of the box. The system makes it possible to reduce the need for using boxes or containers made of higher resistance materials.

Background Art

[0002] One of the main stages in some industries is to handle the transportation of packaged materials. The materials are very often packaged in containers or boxes made of different materials and dimensions according to the contents and the amount to be transported. In many cases, the containers or boxes are usually stacked and transported, which presents two main problems: damage to the containers due to the weight of the containers stacked on top of them, and the difficulty of transporting the moving containers because the containers may slide or move relative to each other.

[0003] Thus, prior art attempts to solve the above problem in different ways. This type of solution is disclosed in the document International Publication No. 2017086501(A1), which describes a packaging box having a post angle for reinforcing a packaging container integrally with a pallet. Pallet bracket having a pallet bracket fastened to the upper edge of a pallet and having a plurality of fastening holes on one side and a side fastening groove that engages with a post angle, the post angle being erected at the corner of the pallet bracket and having a force bar on one side. The document also describes a container coupled to the post angle, defining an internal receiving portion having a wall surface, and a container cover covering the upper end of the container. The post angle is provided on the upper end portion and includes a bent portion having a gripping portion for securing one side portion of the container to the container. The post angle also includes an edge member provided on the outer surface of the container. Furthermore, the document describes a vertical support comprising a U-shaped vertical plate and a horizontal plate connected to the side of the vertical plate and in contact with the upper end of a pallet.

[0004] Another solution is described in Korean Patent No. 101481638(B1), which discloses a packaging box that allows for on-site assembly. The box comprises an inner support member and an outer support member, with reinforcing and support structures formed at each corner of a box member, where the four outer wall surfaces are connected by corners. The inner support member and the outer support member are fixed between them by fixing clips, which are means that can be easily attached to each corner of the rectangular box member. The fixing clips are inserted into the upper and lower portions of each corner of the box member on which the inner support member and the outer support member are disposed, and thus into the inner edge of each corner. The inner support member and the outer support member are configured to adhere to each corner.

[0005] These solutions aim to improve the structure of boxes or containers to support greater stacking loads while simultaneously providing a means to secure one container together with another. However, these solutions are not applicable to containers that require the use of the above-mentioned containers and do not originally have reinforcing elements installed.

[0006] In this sense, the market has presented solutions that can be implemented in containers that are not necessarily modified, and this area mainly relates to supporting the corners of stacked containers, especially cardboard boxes (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=Q8XZTX4_nss&t=29s), where an element is positioned at the upper corner of the container, and the element has a base in the middle that allows it to receive the corner of the upper container. The element also has a clamp for securing the element on the lower container without slipping during transport. However, this type of solution does not allow stacking of two or more rows of stacked containers because it cannot maintain two or more rows of structural units during transport.

[0007] In conclusion, it is necessary to implement a reinforcing system and method for supporting containers or boxes that enables the structural unit of the stacked containers to be maintained and further enables the containers to support the load of the remaining containers without any modifications that would damage their contents. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] The present invention relates to a reinforcement system and method comprising a set of elements that interact with each other and work together with a container or box to hold the weight of the contents of the container or box. The system makes it possible to reduce the need for containers to be made of materials with higher resistance. This is because the system allows for a better distribution of load across the container, thus avoiding damage due to stacking weight and any displacement that may occur during transport.

[0009] The system consists of three elements: pillar elements, end shoulder elements, and optionally intermediate shoulder elements. The pillar elements are configured as elongated profiles with an L-shaped cross-section, intended to maintain the structural integrity of the vertical corners of stacked containers. The intermediate shoulder elements are configured as profiles with an L-shaped cross-section, the inner portion of which is symmetrically separated by a plane, the plane positioned perpendicular to the inner surface of the profile and in the central part of the profile. The end shoulder elements are configured as profiles with an L-shaped cross-section, with one end closed.

[0010] The system works by positioning end shoulder elements at the upper and lower corners of a stack of boxes or containers, and, where necessary, by placing intermediate shoulder elements in the middle zone of the stack. Additionally, pillars smaller than the combined height of the boxes or containers are positioned along one edge of the container stack between the end shoulder elements, so that the boxes or containers absorb some of the load before the pillars come into contact with the upper end shoulder elements.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, when stacking two or more rows of boxes or containers is required, at least internal supports can be provided at the junctions of the four corners of the boxes or containers. These junctions, as described above, comprise an upper end support, a lower end support, and at least one pillar. The end support is fitted by a flat base and four pieces having an L-shaped cross section. The four pieces are positioned perpendicular to the flat base and fit into a cruciform structure with space between them, the space being positioned to accommodate the pillar.

[0012] Finally, the system may incorporate a step of arranging straps or connecting the system to the containers so that the portion of the container stack covered by the system is secured or joined, and thus the pillar elements do not separate from the container stack.

[0013] In this way, the described system allows for the absorption of loads resulting from the stacking of one or more stacks of containers without causing damage to the contents or the containers themselves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a reinforcement system for a single container section according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a reinforcement system for at least two container sections according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 3] A partial diagram of a reinforcement system showing an intermediate shoulder element and an intermediate support element according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 4] A diagram of an intermediate shoulder element according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 5] A diagram of an intermediate shoulder element arranged with two pillar elements, an upper and a lower, according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 6] A diagram of an end shoulder element according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 7] A diagram of an end shoulder element disposed in the upper portion together with a pillar element, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is presented. [Figure 8] A diagram of an end shoulder element disposed in the lower part together with a pillar element, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is presented. [Figure 9] A diagram of a set of stacked boxes in a row, supported by end shoulder elements and one pillar element, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is presented. [Figure 10] A diagram of a set of six stacked boxes, supported by an end shoulder element, one pillar element, and one intermediate shoulder element, is presented as an example according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A diagram of an end support for an internal support column according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 12] A diagram of a lower end support for an internal support column according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 13] A diagram of the internal support column according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 14] A diagram of a set of six stacked boxes, supported by an end shoulder element, one pillar element, and one internal support, is presented as an example according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] A diagram of an intermediate shoulder element according to one embodiment of the present invention is presented. [Figure 16] A diagram of an intermediate support element arranged with two pillars, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is presented. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] As detailed below, the reinforcement system consists of three elements: at least one pillar element (1), at least one end shoulder element (2), and optionally at least one intermediate shoulder element (3). The above elements are configured according to the method of stacking the containers. That is, the elements used and their quantities depend on the number of sections that make up the stack defined by the number of rows that make up the container.

[0016] In this way, each element contributes to maintaining the structure of the container stack. The pillar element (1) enables the maintenance of the structural units of the various sections of the stack along the vertical edges defined by the container stack. The end shoulder element (2) enables the structural units to be maintained at the lower and upper ends of each corner of the container stack.

[0017] The intermediate shoulder element (3) enables the maintenance of the structural unit between consecutive container sections. Each intermediate shoulder element (3) does not necessarily have to be installed in the space between consecutive sections, but can be installed in the middle part of the stack according to the requirements and size of the container stack.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pillar element (1) is configured as an elongated profile with an L-shaped cross-section, and the length of the pillar element (1) depends on the size of the stack, at which time the intermediate shoulder element (3) is available.

[0019] The end shoulder element (2) is configured as a profile having an L-shaped cross-section, with one end open and the opposite end closed by a closing plate (2a). Inside the end shoulder element (2), a clamp element (2b) of the pillar element (1) is provided. The clamp element (2b) has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and its dimensions are less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the end shoulder element (2), as can be seen in Figure 6. In this way, the pillar element (1) is inserted between the inner wall of the end shoulder element (2) and the clamp element (2b), and thus maintains the vertical position of the pillar element (1), as can be seen in Figures 7 and 8.

[0020] The end shoulder elements (2) are positioned at each upper and lower corner of the container stack. In this way, the closing plate (2a) makes it possible to restrict the vertical movement of the containers at the bottom of the container stack and the containers at the top of the container stack.

[0021] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the intermediate shoulder element (3), which is an optional element used, is configured as a profile having an L-shaped cross-section, and its inner portion is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) positioned in the center perpendicular to the inner surface of the profile, and thus the upper portion (3b) and lower portion (3c) are defined such that the lower portion (3c) is positioned at the upper corner of the container placed on the plate (3a), and the upper portion (3b) is positioned at the lower corner of the container placed on the upper portion of the plate (3a). In this way, both continuous containers are fixed at the corners, preventing horizontal movement relative to each other. Clamp elements (3d) of the pillar element (1) are provided on the upper portion (3b) and lower portion (3c) of the intermediate shoulder element (3), and the clamp elements (3d) are shaped as a profile having an L-shaped cross-section, and their dimensions are less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate shoulder element (3). In this way, the pillar (1) is inserted between the inner wall of the intermediate shoulder element (3) and the respective clamp elements (3d) in both the upper portion (3b) and the lower portion (3c), thereby fixing and maintaining the vertical position of the pillar element (1), as can be seen in Figure 5.

[0022] To assemble the system, as described above, the number of sections or columns of containers to be stacked must be specified in order to determine whether the implementation of intermediate shoulder elements (3) is necessary. If necessary, at least one intermediate shoulder element (3) is placed in the intermediate zone between two container sections. Next, end shoulder elements (2) are installed at each of the corners at the top and bottom of the stack. In addition, pillar elements (1) with dimensions smaller than the sum of the box heights along one edge of the container stack are placed between the end shoulder elements (2), so that the box or container absorbs part of the load before the pillar (1) comes into contact with the upper end shoulder (2) and intermediate shoulder (3).

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, when it is necessary to stack two or more rows of boxes or containers that constitute a stack, an internal support (4) can be provided which is disposed at the internal confluence points of the four corners of the boxes or containers. The internal support (4), as shown in Figure 13, comprises a lower end support (5), an upper end support (6), and at least one pillar (7). The end support elements (5, 6), as shown in Figure 11, are identical and consist of a flat base (8) and at least four support pieces (9), preferably formed as pieces of a profile having an L-shaped cross section. The four pieces are disposed perpendicular to the flat base (8) and maintain a space (10) between them to form a cross-shaped structure, the space (10) is configured to accommodate at least one pillar (7). In this way, at least one pillar (7) having an L-shaped cross-section fits into a space (10) defined by a support piece (9) of a flat base (8), as can be seen in the example shown in Figure 12.

[0024] In this last embodiment, the lower end support (5) is positioned to assemble the system, and then the box is positioned with at least one pillar (7), the pillar (7) being fitted into each space (10) defined by the support piece (9), and the at least one pillar (7) is placed on the flat base (8) of the lower end support (5). After the container is positioned with at least one pillar (7), the upper end support (6) is inserted into the upper portion such that at least one pillar (7) is fitted into each space (10) defined by the support piece (6) of the upper end support (6).

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, for more container sections constituting a stack, at least one intermediate support element (11) can be provided within the internal support column (4). The structure of the intermediate support element (11) is similar to that of the end support elements (5, 6), but has a structure symmetrical with respect to the cross structure. Thus, the intermediate support element is formed by a central plate (11a) acting as a plane of symmetry, in which case at least four support pieces (11b) are provided on each of the sides of the central plate (11a), preferably shaped as profile pieces having an L-shaped cross section. The four support pieces (11b) are provided perpendicular to the central plate (11a) to form a cross structure, maintaining a space (11c) between them, in which case the space (11c) is provided for the assembly of at least one pillar (7), as shown in Figure 15. In this way, the pillars (7) with an L-shaped cross-section fit together symmetrically on both sides of the central plate (11a) within the space (11c) defined by the support pieces (11), as can be seen in the example shown in Figure 16.

[0026] Finally, a step can be incorporated in which straps are placed or the system is connected to the containers so that the portion of the container stack covered by the system is secured or joined, and thus the pillar elements do not separate from the stack.

[0027] In this way, the described system allows the container, and the stacking product of one or more container stacks, to absorb loads in cooperation with the container, without causing damage to the contents or the container itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0028] (1) Pillar element (2) End shoulder element (2a) Closure plate (2b) Pillar clamping element (3) Intermediate shoulder element (3a) Plate (3b) Upper part (3c) Lower part (3D) Pillar clamp element (4) Internal support (5) Lower end support (6) Upper end support (7) Pillar (8) Flat base (9) Support piece (10) Support space (11) Intermediate support element (11a) Central plate (11b) Support piece (11c) Support space

Claims

1. A reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes without damaging the contents or the containers themselves, At least one pillar element (1) and It comprises at least one end shoulder element (2), The at least one pillar element (1) is located at at least one corner of the container stack, The at least one end shoulder element (2) is provided at the lower and upper ends of each of the vertical corners of the container stack. The pillar element (1) has dimensions smaller than the sum of the heights of the containers along the vertical corners of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2), thereby the box or container absorbs part of the load before the pillar element (1) contacts the upper end shoulder (2), and, if the stack of containers includes at least four rows of containers, it is characterized by having internal support columns (4) located at the internal confluence points of the four corners of the box or container. A reinforcement system for supporting stacked containers and boxes.

2. The pillar element (1) is configured as an elongated profile with an L-shaped cross-section, the reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 1.

3. The reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the end shoulder element (2) is configured as an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, with one end being open and the opposite end being closed by a closing plate (2a).

4. A reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 2, characterized in that the pillar clamp element (2b) of the pillar element (1) is disposed on the inner portion of the end shoulder element (2), the pillar clamp element (2b) conforms to an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and the dimensions of the pillar clamp element (2b) are less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the end shoulder element (2).

5. It comprises at least one intermediate shoulder element (3) configured as an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, A reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the internal portion of the intermediate shoulder element (3) is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) disposed perpendicularly to the central portion of the inner surface of the intermediate shoulder element (3), and therefore the upper portion (3b) and lower portion (3c) are defined such that the lower portion (3c) is positioned at the upper corner of a container placed on the plate (3a), and the upper portion (3b) is positioned at the lower corner of a container placed on the upper portion of the plate (3a).

6. The system comprises pillar clamp elements (3d) disposed on the upper portion (3b) and the lower portion (3c), The reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 5, characterized in that the dimensions of the pillar clamp element (3d) are less than or equal to the length of the intermediate shoulder element (3).

7. The internal support column (4) comprises a lower end support (5), an upper end support (6), and at least one pillar (7), characterized in that it is a reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The lower end support (5) and the upper end support (6) are They are identical, and A reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 7, characterized by being formed of a flat base (8) and at least four support pieces (9) formed as pieces having an L-shaped cross-section.

9. The four support pieces (9) are arranged perpendicular to the flat base (8), forming a cross-shaped structure and maintaining a space (10) between these four pieces. The space (10) is configured for the assembly of the at least one pillar (7), A reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one pillar (7) having an L-shaped cross section is able to fit into the space (10) defined by the support piece (9) of the flat base (8).

10. It comprises at least one intermediate support element (11) consisting of a central plate (11a) that acts as a plane of symmetry, At least four support pieces (11b) are provided on each side of the central plate (11a), The four support pieces (11b) are arranged perpendicular to the central plate (11a) to form a cross-shaped structure, and a space (11c) is maintained between these four support pieces (11b). The reinforcing system for supporting stacked containers and boxes according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the space (11c) is configured to accommodate the at least one pillar (7).

11. A method for assembling a reinforcement system for supporting stacked containers or boxes without damaging the contents and the containers themselves, a. The step of placing at least one end shoulder element (2) at the corner of the bottom of the stack, b. The step of placing a container on the at least one end shoulder element (2) located at the bottom of the stack, c. The step of placing at least one pillar element (1) on the lower end shoulder portion (2) and at at least one corner of the stack formed by the container, d. The step of positioning at least one end shoulder element (2) at the upper corner of the stack to which the pillar element (1) terminates, A method for assembling a reinforcement system, characterized in that the pillar element (1) has dimensions smaller than those measured by the sum of the heights of the containers along the vertical corners of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2), thereby allowing the box or container to absorb part of the load before the pillar element (1) contacts the upper end shoulder (2), and further comprising the step of arranging internal supports (4) located at the internal confluence points of the four corners of the box or container if the container stack comprises at least four rows of containers.

12. The step of positioning the pillar element (1) within each of the end shoulder elements (2) includes inserting the end of the pillar element into the pillar clamp element (2b) of the end shoulder element (2), which has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile. A method for assembling the reinforcement system according to claim 11, characterized in that the dimensions of the clamp element are less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the end shoulder element (2).

13. The process further includes the step of arranging an intermediate shoulder element (3) configured as an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, A method for assembling the reinforcement system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the inner portion of the intermediate shoulder element (3) is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) disposed perpendicularly in the central portion to the inner surface of the intermediate shoulder element (3), and therefore the upper portion (3b) and lower portion (3c) are defined such that the lower portion (3c) is positioned at the upper corner of a container placed on the plate (3a), and the upper portion (3b) is positioned at the lower corner of a container placed on the upper portion of the plate (3a).

14. The step of arranging the internal support column (4) is, a) The step of placing the lower end support (5) at the bottom of the stack, b) The step of positioning at least one pillar (7) within a cross-shaped support space (10) defined by at least four support pieces (9) positioned on the flat base (8) of the lower end support (5), c) A method for assembling the reinforcement system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, comprising the steps of: placing an upper end support (6) on top of the stack and fitting the upper end of at least one pillar (7) into a cross-shaped space (10) defined by at least four support pieces (9) positioned on the flat base (8) of the upper end support (6).

15. The step of arranging the internal support columns (4) further includes incorporating an intermediate support element (11) consisting of a central plate (11a) that acts as a plane of symmetry, Each side of the central plate (11a) has at least four support pieces (11b), The four support pieces (11b) are arranged perpendicular to the central plate (11a) to form a cross-shaped structure, and a support space (11c) is maintained between the four support pieces (11b). The support space (11c) is configured to accommodate the at least one pillar (7), A method for assembling the reinforcement system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the at least one pillar (7) is fitted symmetrically on both sides of the central plate (11a) within the support space (11c) defined by the support piece (11b).

16. A method for assembling the reinforcement system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising the step of arranging straps or connecting the system to the containers so as to fix or attach the portion of the container stack covered by the system, thereby preventing the pillar elements from separating from the container stack.

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