Reinforcement system and method for supporting stacked boxes and containers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reinforcing system and method for supporting a stacked container or box without causing damage to the contents and the container itself. The system comprises at least one column element (1) and at least one end shoulder element (2), wherein the at least one column element (1) is positioned at at least one edge of a stack formed by containers, and the at least one end shoulder element (2) is positioned at the bottom and top of each vertical edge of the container stack, and the column element (1) has a dimension smaller than the sum of the heights of the containers along the vertical edge of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2), so that the box or container absorbs part of the load before the column element (1) comes into contact with the upper end shoulder.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reinforcement system and method for supporting a box. The reinforcement system and method consist of a plurality of elements that interact together to cooperatively support the weight of the contents of the box together with the box. This system makes it possible to reduce the need to use a box or container made of a material of higher durability. Background Technology

[0002] One of the key stages in certain industries involves the transportation of packaged materials. Materials are very often packed in containers or boxes of various materials and dimensions, depending on the contents and volume. Typically, these containers or boxes are transported in stacks, which presents two major problems: damage to containers due to the weight of stacked containers, and the difficulty of transporting moving containers as they may slide or shift relative to one another.

[0003] Thus, prior art attempts to solve the above problem in various ways. One solution of this type is disclosed in the document WO2017086501 A1, which describes a packing box having a post angle for reinforcing a packing container integrally with a pallet. A pallet bracket is fastened to the upper edge of the pallet and has a plurality of fastening holes on one side and a lateral fastening groove that engages with the post angle, and the post angle is erected at the corner of the pallet bracket and has a force bar on one side. This document also describes a container that defines an internal receiving portion having a wall surface and is coupled to the post angle, and a container cover that covers the upper end of the container. The post angle includes a bent portion provided at the upper end portion and having a grip portion for securing one side to the container. It also includes an edge member provided on the outer surface of the container. In addition, a vertical support is described that includes a vertical plate having a U-shape and a horizontal plate connected to one side of the vertical plate and contacting the upper end of the pallet.

[0004] Another solution is described in document KR101481638 B1, which discloses a packaging box capable of field assembly. The box is formed at each corner of a box member, and its four outer walls are connected by the corners, and includes a reinforcing and supporting structure comprising an inner support member and an outer support member. The inner support member and the outer support member are secured between them by a fixing clip, which is a means for easily attaching to each corner of the rectangular box member. The fixing clip is inserted into the upper and lower parts of each corner of the box member where the inner support member and the outer support member are positioned, that is, into the inner edge of each corner. The inner support member and the outer support member are configured to be bonded to each corner.

[0005] This solution improves the structure of boxes or containers to support larger loads while simultaneously providing a means to secure one container to another. However, this solution specifically requires the use of the aforementioned containers and cannot be applied to containers that do not fundamentally have installed reinforcing elements.

[0006] In this sense, the market presents solutions that can be implemented primarily in stackable containers, particularly those that do not require modification and are related to supporting the corners of cardboard boxes (https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=Q8XZTX4_nss&t=29s), in which a single element is placed at the upper corner of the container and the element includes a base in the middle section that allows it to accommodate the corner of the upper container. The element also includes a clamp to secure the element to the lower container without slipping during transport. However, this type of solution does not allow the stacking of two or more rows of stackable containers because structural unity cannot be maintained for more than two rows during transport.

[0007] In conclusion, there is a need to implement a reinforcement system and method for supporting a container or box that enables the structural integrity of the stacked container to be maintained, and consequently enables the container to support the load of the remaining containers without modifications that damage its contents. means of solving the problem

[0008] The present invention relates to a reinforcement system and method comprising a series of elements that interact with each other to cooperatively support the weight of the contents of a container or box together with the container or box. The system enables superior load distribution across the containers, thereby preventing damage caused by loading weight and any displacement that may occur during transport, and thus reduces the need to have containers made of higher durability materials.

[0009] The system is formed by three elements: a pillar element; an end shoulder element; and optionally an intermediated shoulder element. The pillar element is formed as an elongated profile with an L-shaped cross-section to maintain the structural unity of the vertical edge of the stacked container. The intermediated shoulder element is formed as a profile with an L-shaped cross-section, and its interior is symmetrically separated by a plane positioned at the center perpendicular to the inner surface of the profile. The end shoulder element is formed as a profile with an L-shaped cross-section with one end closed.

[0010] The system operates by placing end shoulder elements at the upper and lower corners of a stack of boxes or containers, and, if necessary, installing intermediate shoulder elements in the middle area of ​​the stack. Additionally, columns with dimensions smaller than the sum of the heights of the boxes or containers along one edge of the stack of containers between the end shoulder elements are placed so that the boxes or containers absorb part of the load before the columns come into contact with the upper end shoulder elements.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, when stacking of two or more rows of boxes or containers is required, at least one internal column may be placed at the internal junctions of the four corners of the boxes or containers. These junctions include an upper end support and a lower end support and at least one column, similar to those previously described. The end supports are formed from four pieces having a flat base and an L-shaped cross section. The four pieces are arranged perpendicularly to the flat base to form a cross-shaped structure with spaces between the pieces, and the spaces are formed to install the columns.

[0012] Finally, a step of tying or binding the system and the container with a string may be included so that the part of the container stack covered by the system is fixed or joined, preventing the column element from separating from the container stack.

[0013] In this way, the described system enables the absorption of loads resulting from the stacking of one or more container stacks without causing damage to the contents and the container itself. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a reinforcement system for one container section according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reinforcement system for at least two container sections according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a partial view of a reinforcing system showing an intermediate shoulder element and an intermediate support element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an intermediate shoulder element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a drawing of an intermediate shoulder element arranged with two column elements, upper and lower, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a drawing of an end shoulder element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a drawing of an end shoulder element arranged in an upper part together with a column element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a drawing of an end shoulder element arranged in a lower part together with a column element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows a drawing of a set of boxes stacked on a column supported by an end shoulder element and a column element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a drawing of a set of six stacked boxes supported, for example, by an end shoulder element, one column element, and one middle shoulder element, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a drawing of an end support for an internal column according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a drawing of a lower end support for an internal column according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a drawing of an internal column according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a drawing of a box-shaped set stacked with six columns supported, for example, by an end shoulder element, one column element, and one inner column, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an intermediate support element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 shows a drawing of an intermediate support element arranged with two columns according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] As described in detail below, the reinforcement system consists of three elements: at least one column element (1), at least one end shoulder element (2), and optionally at least one intermediate shoulder element (3). These elements are configured according to the stacking method of the containers. That is, the elements to be used and their quantity depend on the number of sections constituting the stack, and the number of sections is determined by the number of rows constituting the containers.

[0016] In this way, each element contributes to maintaining the structure of the container stack. The column element (1) enables the structural unity of several sections of the container stack along the vertical edge defined by the stack. The end shoulder element (2) enables the structural unity to be maintained at the bottom and top of each corner of the container stack.

[0017] The intermediate shoulder element (3) enables structural integrity to be maintained between consecutive container sections. Each intermediate shoulder element (3) does not necessarily need to be installed in the space between consecutive sections, but may be installed in the middle part of the container stack depending on the requirements and the size of the stack.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the column element (1) is formed as an elongated profile having an L-shaped cross-section, and the length of the column element (1) varies according to the size of the laminate. An intermediate shoulder element (3) may be used.

[0019] The end shoulder element (2) is formed with a profile having an L-shaped cross section, one end is open, and the opposite end is closed by a closure plate (2a). A clamping element (2b) of a column element (1) is placed inside the end shoulder element (2), and the clamping element (2b) has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and its dimensions are smaller than or equal to the longitudinal dimensions of the end shoulder element (2), as can be seen in FIG. 6. In this way, the column element (1) is inserted between the inner wall of the end shoulder element (2) and the clamping element (2b), maintaining the vertical position of the column element (1), as can be seen in FIG. 7 and 8.

[0020] The end shoulder elements (2) are placed at each upper and lower corner of the container stack. In this way, the closure plate (2a) allows the vertical movement of the container located at the bottom of the container stack and the container located at the top of the container stack to be restricted.

[0021] The intermediate shoulder element (3), used as an optional element, is formed as a profile having an L-shaped cross-section as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, and its interior is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) positioned in the center perpendicular to the inner surface of the profile, thereby defining an upper part (3b) and a lower part (3c), such that the lower part (3c) is positioned on the upper corner of a container placed on the plate (3a), and the upper part (3b) is positioned on the lower corner of a container placed on the upper part of the plate (3a). In this way, the two consecutive containers are fixed at the corners to prevent horizontal movement relative to each other. A clamping element (3d) of the column element (1) is positioned on the upper part (3b) and lower part (3c) of the intermediate shoulder element (3), and the clamping element (3d) is formed as a profile having an L-shaped cross-section, and its dimensions are smaller than or equal to the longitudinal dimensions of the intermediate shoulder element (3). In this way, the column element (1) is inserted between the inner wall of the middle shoulder element (3) and each clamping element (3d) in both the upper part (3b) and the lower part (3c), thereby fixing the vertical position of the column element (1) as can be seen in FIG. 5.

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

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, when it is required to stack two or more rows of boxes or containers constituting a stack, an internal column (4) may be provided, and the internal column (4) is positioned at the internal junction of four corners of the box or container. This internal column (4) includes a lower end support (5), an upper end support (6), and at least one column (7), as shown in FIG. 13. The end supports (5, 6) are identical as shown in FIG. 11 and consist of at least four support pieces (9) formed from a flat base (8) and, preferably, a profile piece having an L-shaped cross section. The four support pieces are positioned perpendicular to the flat base (8) to form a cross-shaped structure, maintaining a space (10) between them, and the space (10) is formed to mount at least one column (7). In this way, at least one column (7) having an L-shaped cross-section is fitted into a space (10) defined by a support piece (9) of a flat base (8), as can be seen in FIG. 12.

[0024] In this last embodiment, to assemble the system, a lower end support (5) is positioned, and then boxes are positioned together with at least one column (7) that is fitted into each space (10) defined by a support piece (9), and said at least one column (7) is placed on the flat base (8) of the lower end support (5). After the containers are positioned together with at least one column (7), an upper end support (6) is inserted on top so that at least one column (7) is fitted into the space (10) formed by the support piece (9) of the upper end support (6).

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, when there are more container sections constituting the laminate, at least one intermediate support element (11) may be placed in the inner column (4). The structure of the intermediate support element (11) is similar to the structure of the end support elements (5, 6), but has a symmetrical structure with respect to the cross structure. Thus, the intermediate support element is formed by a central plate (11a) acting as a plane of symmetry, and at least four support pieces (11b) are placed on each side of the central plate (11a) and are preferably formed as profile pieces having an L-shaped cross section. The four support pieces (11b) are placed perpendicular to the central plate (11a) to form a cross structure and maintain a space (11c) between them, said space (11c) is formed for the assembly of at least one column (7) as shown in FIG. 15. In this way, a column (7) with an L-shaped cross section is fitted into a space (11c) defined by support pieces (11) on both sides of a central plate (11a), as can be seen in the example of FIG. 16.

[0026] Finally, a step of tying or binding the system and the container with a string may be included so that the part of the container stack covered by the system is fixed or joined, preventing the column element from separating from the container stack.

[0027] In this way, the described system enables the container and the stacked articles of one or more container stacks to cooperatively absorb loads without causing damage to the contents and the container itself. Explanation of the symbols

[0028] (1) Column element (2) End shoulder element (2a) Closure plate (2b) Column clamping element (3) Middle shoulder element (3a) Plate (3b) Upper part (3c) Lower part (3d) Column clamping element (4) Internal column (5) Lower end support (6) Upper end support (7) pillar (8) Flat bass (9) Support piece (10) Support space (11) Intermediate support element (11a) Central plate (11b) Support piece (11c) Support space

Claims

Claim 1 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container without causing damage to the contents and the container itself, comprising at least one column element (1) and at least one end shoulder element (2), wherein the at least one column element (1) is positioned at at least one edge of the container stack, and the at least one end shoulder element (2) is positioned at the bottom and top of each vertical edge of the container stack, and the column element (1) has a dimension smaller than the height of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2) so that the container stack absorbs part of the load before the column element (1) comes into contact with the upper end shoulder element (2), and comprising an inner column (4) positioned at the inner boundary where each of the four corners of the container stack meet. Claim 2 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container, characterized in that, in claim 1, the column element (1) is formed as an elongated profile with an L-shaped cross-section. Claim 3 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the end shoulder element (2) is formed with an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, one end is open, and the opposite end is closed by a closure plate (2a). Claim 4 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container according to paragraph 2, wherein a column clamping element (2b) of the end shoulder element (2) is disposed inside the end shoulder element (2), the column clamping element (2b) is formed with an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and the longitudinal dimension of the column clamping element (2b) is smaller than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the end shoulder element (2). Claim 5 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, it includes at least one intermediate shoulder element (3) formed with an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, and the interior of the intermediate shoulder element (3) is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) positioned in the center perpendicular to the inner surface of the L-shaped cross-sectional profile, thereby defining an upper portion (3b) and a lower portion (3c), wherein the lower portion (3c) is positioned on the upper corner of a container placed on the plate (3a) and the upper portion (3b) is positioned on the lower corner of a container placed on the upper portion of the plate (3a). Claim 6 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container, characterized in that, in claim 5, it includes a column clamping element (3d) disposed in the upper part (3b) and the lower part (3c), and the longitudinal dimension of the column clamping element (3d) is smaller than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the intermediate shoulder element (3). Claim 7 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the inner column (4) comprises a lower end support (5), an upper end support (6), and at least one column (7). Claim 8 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container according to claim 7, wherein the end supports (5, 6) are identical and consist of at least four support pieces (9) formed from a flat base (8) and a profile piece having an L-shaped cross-section. Claim 9 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container according to claim 8, wherein the four support pieces are arranged vertically with respect to the flat base (8) to form a cross-shaped structure, and a space (10) is maintained between the four support pieces, and the space (10) is formed for the assembly of the at least one column (7), so that the at least one column (7), having an L-shaped cross section, can be fitted into the space (10) defined by the support piece (9) of the flat base (8). Claim 10 A reinforcing system for supporting a stacked container according to claim 7, comprising at least one intermediate support element (11) consisting of a central plate (11a) serving as a plane of symmetry, wherein at least four support pieces (11b) are arranged on each side of the central plate (11a), wherein the support pieces (11b) are formed as L-shaped cross-sectional profile pieces, wherein the four support pieces (11b) are arranged perpendicularly to the central plate (11a) to form a cross-shaped structure, wherein a space (11c) is maintained between the four support pieces (11b), and wherein the space (11c) is formed to mount the at least one column (7). Claim 11 A method for assembling a reinforcement system for supporting stacked containers without causing damage to the contents and the containers themselves, comprising: a. placing at least one end shoulder element (2) at a corner of the bottom portion of the stack; b. placing containers on the at least one end shoulder element (2) placed on the bottom portion of the stack; c. placing at least one column element (1) at at least one corner of the stack formed by containers on the lower end shoulder element (2); and d. placing at least one end shoulder element (2) at an upper corner of the stack where the column element (1) ends, wherein the column element (1) has a dimension smaller than the height of the container stack between the end shoulder elements (2) so that the container stack absorbs part of the load before the column element (1) contacts the upper end shoulder element (2), and further comprising the step of placing an inner column (4) placed at an inner boundary where each of the four corners of the container stack meet. Claim 12 A method for assembling a reinforcement system according to claim 11, wherein the step of placing a column element (1) in each end shoulder element (2) includes the step of inserting the end of the column element into a column clamping element (2b) of the end shoulder element (2), wherein the column clamping element (2b) is formed with an L-shaped cross-sectional profile and the longitudinal dimension of the column clamping element (2b) is smaller than or equal to the longitudinal dimension of the end shoulder element (2). Claim 13 A method for assembling a reinforcement system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of arranging an intermediate shoulder element (3) formed of an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the interior of the intermediate shoulder element (3) is symmetrically separated by a plate (3a) positioned in the center perpendicular to the inner surface of the profile, thereby defining an upper portion (3b) and a lower portion (3c), wherein the lower portion (3c) is positioned on the upper corner of a container placed on the plate (3a) and the upper portion (3b) is positioned on the lower corner of a container placed on the upper portion of the plate (3a). Claim 14 A method for assembling a reinforcing system, characterized in that, in claim 11 or 12, the step of arranging the inner column (4) comprises: a) arranging a lower end support (5) on the bottom of the laminate; b) arranging at least one column (7) within a cross-shaped support space (10) defined by at least four support pieces (9) arranged on the flat base (8) of the lower end support (5); and arranging an upper end support (6) on the top of the laminate and fitting the upper end of at least one column (7) within a cross-shaped support space (10) defined by at least four support pieces (9) arranged on the flat base (8) of the upper end support (6). Claim 15 A method for assembling a reinforcing system according to claim 14, wherein the step of arranging the inner column (4) further comprises the step of introducing an intermediate support element (11) consisting of a central plate (11a) that serves as a plane of symmetry, wherein at least four support pieces (11b) are arranged on each side of the central plate (11a), wherein the support pieces (11b) are formed as pieces having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the four support pieces (11b) are arranged perpendicularly to the central plate (11a) to form a cross-shaped structure, wherein a support space (11c) is maintained between the four support pieces (11b), wherein the support space (11c) is formed to mount at least one column (7), and wherein the at least one column (7) is fitted into the support space (11c) defined by the support pieces (11b) symmetrically on both sides of the central plate (11a). Claim 16 A method for assembling a reinforcement system according to claim 11 or 12, comprising the step of tying or binding the system and the container with a string, wherein a portion of the container stack covered by the system is fixed or joined so as to prevent the column element from being separated from the container stack. Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete

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