System for securing boxes for transporting, storing and / or displaying goods to a pallet

Abstract

The invention relates to cardboard walls for a pallet and the securing of same to a platform. The cardboard walls comprise, on the lower perimeter and at least one side, a plurality of perforated tear lines (4), some vertical and others horizontal. Tearing the tear lines (4) produces flaps (5) which, when folded, form openings in the lower perimeter. The flaps (5) surround at least one side of feet of the pallet.

Description

[0001] ANCHORING SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND / OR DISPLAY BOXES OF GOODS TO A PALLET

[0002] Description

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a system for anchoring transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, which, due to its technical characteristics, significantly improves upon the boxes and similar products existing in the state of the art and on the market.

[0005] Specifically, this innovation presents an innovative solution to secure the position of a box, closed, open or of the box type, for transport, storage or display of various goods, placed on a standardized pallet, which allows the joint movement of both - box and pallet - to be easier and at the same time ensuring that the box remains immovable on the pallet during its storage and even when used as a means to display the goods for sale.

[0006] Technology sector

[0007] This invention fits within the sector corresponding to various industrial techniques, in particular packaging techniques and more specifically transport boxes of cellulosic material, extendable to other materials that are technically functional.

[0008] Background of the invention and state of the art

[0009] In today's globalized world, the transport of goods has surpassed all previous expectations, reaching enormous distances and achieving undeniable intercontinental connectivity. Simultaneously, transport, distribution, and warehousing networks have grown exponentially, and as a result, the means of storing and protecting all types of products have been perfected.

[0010] However, in these operations that directly involve the handling and movement of goods, two key elements continue to be involved: a box and a pallet. The box is a structure primarily made of cellulose material, defined by a plurality of sheets articulated together by folds that allow it to be folded to delimit a space in which the goods are placed, more or less orderly, its structure being variable. Thus, in its most common version, its interior space is closed, with an access opening provided by flaps acting as a lid. In other configurations, especially when the boxes are also used as displays for the goods offered for sale, as is the case in large stores with food products, cleaning supplies, etc., properly packaged and served as individual units (rice, milk, bleach, toilet paper, etc.).These boxes typically have a tear-away perforation that allows them to be opened from the front so the customer can easily access the merchandise. This is very common because it saves time by eliminating the need to remove the merchandise from the box and place it on the store shelves.

[0011] In any case, the box itself is usually a difficult element to handle, especially due to its weight and bulky size, so it is usually associated with a pallet, that is, a rigid platform intended to be the support on which a plurality of boxes of goods are stacked homogeneously both in surface and height based on the pallet's own dimension, or in some cases, a single box when it also acts as a display of the goods.

[0012] It is precisely this pallet that allows the movement of merchandise boxes by forklifts, equipped with arms at their lower level or base that are inserted into the framework of the lower boards or slats of the pallet, separating it from the ground or the place where it rests and lifting it to move it from one place to another.

[0013] The pallet, as a support for boxes of goods and their subsequent handling, is perfectly functional, but its effectiveness depends on the boxes being stacked correctly on the pallet's base or lower platform. Any erratic movement or, for example, an impact, can lead to an imbalance of the load (the box or boxes) and cause them to fall and collapse, damaging the goods being transported or displayed for sale. Additionally, as an extra safety measure, the box or boxes are usually wrapped in stretch film, which constricts them and limits their movement.

[0014] Within the field of industrial property, there are patents that propose various technical solutions for transporting boxes on pallets, such as patent CN212557265U, which describes a paper box with a support mechanism consisting of a support plate, a fixing groove, and three groups of support components. Each group of support components is provided with three support blocks that are fixedly connected to the underside of the plate. Patent CN210654111 U presents a cardboard box integrated with a honeycomb mechanism. It has a bottom plate whose lower surface is formed with four limiting grooves, a tray whose upper surface is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the base plate via an elastic device, and a drying box fixed in a groove.The file CN205652544U develops an assembled combination tray type that has a plastic tray support whose end is provided with a clamping and locating device, and a plastic tray support.File ES1007082U presents a pallet support for transporting boxes of slaughtered birds, “consisting of a rectangular frame with two crossbars, one transverse and the other longitudinal, centered, all with U-shaped profiles open towards the lower face, and provided with reinforcing ribs on the lower face, provided that at the vertices, they extend downwards forming truncated pyramidal legs stepped at mid-height, as well as at the junction of the transverse crossbar with the center of the longer side of the frame, constituting a total of six legs, which leave between them, in a transverse direction, two gaps to pass the pallets of a mechanical forklift, and there being on the smooth upper face, at the vertices of the frame, protruding rims for fitting and securing the boxes that are placed on the support, without the possibility of slipping.“For its part, application ES1019881 develops an improved container, with its corresponding loading platform as the base of support thereof, in which “the corners of said platform, or the vicinity of said corners, have short pilasters which in the formation of the container are encased by the lower portions of each of the corner columns of the container, ensuring the union by screws; a plurality of crossbeams being arranged between each pair of columns to configure the side walls of the container and with the particularity, that at least one of said side walls has an opening susceptible of being closed by a trapdoor movable vertically on pairs of guides provided in two adjacent columns and whose retention to the columns is secured by means of pins.”

[0015] There are also pallets on the market specifically designed to work with a particular type of box, which involves a significant cost, and with an additional problem: the return of the pallet to the distributor since it is not viable to use it with other types of boxes.

[0016] These technical solutions are, a priori, functional for achieving their objectives but they present various degrees of technical complexity that involve significant costs and do not seem to solve the problem presented in a decisive way, that is, ensuring the position of the box or boxes on the pallet.

[0017] The applicant is unaware of any existing system in the current state of the art, in the field of industrial property or on the market, for anchoring transport, storage, and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, in which the box or a similar base has, within its structure, means to be anchored and secured to the pallet that transports it, with the technical characteristics of the embodiment of this invention.

[0018] The present invention develops a system for anchoring boxes for transporting, storing and / or displaying goods to a pallet with the aim of securing their position on said pallet, preventing the goods from collapsing or a plurality of boxes from falling under any circumstance that alters their balance if an incorrect stacking has been carried out or if, especially when the box is a display, a package of goods is extracted from a complex access area that may cause the rest of the displayed goods to collapse.

[0019] Regarding the box, it maintains its standardized configuration based on a laminar structure of moldable cellulosic, plastic, or similar material. This structure defines a plurality of sheets articulated together by folds that allow it to be folded to delimit a laterally enclosed space with at least one access opening, either top or bottom. The weight and thickness of the box are not defined, nor is the template or die that determines the number of sheets and / or flaps, nor the method of folding them, as these aspects are neither significant nor relevant to this invention. For the purposes of the claimed system, it is irrelevant whether it is a closed box or defines an open space at the front and even the sides when used as a display at a point of sale. It is significant that this box has a larger perimeter than the pallet, since the system envisions the box encasing the pallet, so that the pallet is inside the box.In practical terms, the system requires placing the pallet on the floor, ready to receive or place the merchandise on its platform, while the box is installed on the pallet, surrounding it perimeter-wise, so that the pallet, whether or not it has a skid, is inside the box.

[0020] Regarding the pallet, it also maintains its standardized structure as a support for boxes, with or without skids.

[0021] The system being claimed is, novelly, a very simple technical solution that allows the box to be permanently linked to the pallet, which facilitates the joint movement of both, reducing handling time and avoiding problems in the event of any unforeseen circumstance.

[0022] The system comprises two parts, the first active and the second passive. The first part consists of a structure or base, preferably made of cellulose and of unlimited height, which has die-cuts or scoring lines at various points along its lower perimeter. These allow several sections of this lower perimeter to form ductile and malleable wings that extend laterally inwards to surround and embrace at least one side of the pallet blocks, which is the passive part of the system. Each of these wings touches the pallet platform, runs along at least one side of the block, and rests on top of the pallet's skids, if present, forming a palisade or enclosure that secures and immobilizes the box placed on the pallet.

[0023] This base or structure, in its first realization, is part of the same box, that is, it is implemented in the lower part of it, forming a single body.

[0024] In a second embodiment, this die-cut base or structure is defined as an additional piece, like a frame, with a lower base upon which the merchandise box is placed. In other words, the frame is attached to the pallet via its blocks, acting as an intermediate element between the pallet and the box. The height of this frame is adjusted to the proportions of the box it encloses, ensuring sufficient stability.

[0025] In a third embodiment, this base or structure is defined as an additional piece in the form of a band or strap, that is, a longitudinal strip that runs around the perimeter of the bottom of the box, connecting to the pallet blocks. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it can be assembled with the box once it, containing the goods, is placed on the pallet for use after assembly. The band can be either closed, with its ends joined, or open, with both ends separated to facilitate placement.

[0026] For a better understanding of what is described in this report, some drawings are included, which should be analyzed and considered only as examples and without any limiting or restrictive character.

[0027] Figure 1.- Schematic perspective view of the box / pallet assembly

[0028] Figure 2.- Schematic perspective view of the die-cut box with untorn break lines in its original state

[0029] Figure 3.- Schematic front view of the die-cut box with untorn tear lines

[0030] Figure 4.- Schematic view of the die-cut box with the tear lines already ripped

[0031] Figure 5.- Schematic view of the die-cut box with the torn wings folded to cover the pallet blocks.

[0032] Figures 6A and 6B - Perspective views of the side of the box

[0033] Figure 7A, 7B and 7C.- Perspective diagram of the box in different assembly phases

[0034] Figure 8A, 8B and 8C.- Bottom perspective diagram of the box in different assembly stages

[0035] Figure 9A, 9B and 9C.- Perspective diagram of the system applied to a piece in the form of a belt or sash

[0036] Figure 10A, 10B and 10C - Perspective diagram of the system applied to a piece in the form of a belt with a side flange

[0037] Figure 11.- Schematic view of the die-cut base or structure applied to an open box as a display stand

[0038] Figure 12A, 12B and 12C.- Perspective diagram of the system applied to a box with a bottom in different assembly phases

[0039] Figures 13A, 13B and 13C - Perspective diagram of the system applied to a base-like piece with a bottom in different assembly phases, intended to house a larger box. Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and 14E - Perspective diagram of the system applied to a box that adds a stop tab for the pallet.

[0040] Figure 15.- Detailed diagram of the pallet stop flange

[0041] Figure 16.- Detailed diagram of the pallet stop flange

[0042] Figure 17.- Detailed diagram of the wing and stop flange assembly for the pallet

[0043] Figure 18.- Detailed diagram of the pallet stop flange in an embodiment where said flange has a greater length

[0044] Figure 19.- Interior view of the stop tab

[0045] Figure 20.- Interior view of the stop tab in an embodiment in which said tab has a greater length

[0046] Figure 21 - Perspective view of the box with the longest stop tab

[0047] Figure 22.- Perspective view of the box with the stop tab and higher wing

[0048] Figure 23.- Perspective view of the box with the stop tab and lower height wing

[0049] These figures detail the following

[0050] 1. Box

[0051] 2. Pallet

[0052] 3. Pallet Tacos

[0053] 4. Box break lines

[0054] 5. Box wings

[0055] 6. Display stand

[0056] 7. Pallet skate

[0057] 8. Sash or belt

[0058] 9. Laminated extension of the bottom of the box

[0059] 10. Pallet stop tab

[0060] 10a Longest stop tab

[0061] As shown in these figures, the invention develops a system that allows a transport, storage or display box of goods to be fixedly and securely linked to the pallet that supports it and which is, in fact, the necessary means to support and move said box on the journey it makes from its storage point to any area that is required by the relevant palletizing machine as well as ensuring its means of transport by road.

[0062] This system involves two essential components: an active component and a passive component, specifically a structure or base made of malleable material and a pallet. It should be noted that when the structure or base is a box, the box and the pallet are related in a particular way. Unlike the traditional method where the box, already containing the goods, is placed on the pallet, in this case, the empty box, open at the bottom, is placed on the smaller pallet. Only then, once the pallet is in place, is the goods placed directly onto it, thus linking the box and pallet together to ensure the stability of the assembly.

[0063] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, as shown especially in figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the box (1), open at its bottom, i.e., without a bottom, has on that lower perimeter, on at least one of its sides, a plurality of die-cut lines (4) arranged to be torn, such lines arranged, some vertically, others horizontally, so that when they cross each other and are torn they define ductile and malleable wings (5) which, in turn, when moved laterally, draw windows on said lower perimeter.

[0064] Advantageously, these wings (5), thanks to the malleable properties of the box material, are easily manipulated to surround at least one side of the nearest pallet block (3) (2). As a result, the box (1) is secured and linked to the pallet (2) by at least two blocks (3), obviously increasing the number of attachment points in practical use.

[0065] Figures 6A and 6B show a side view of the box, defining the wings (5) designed to surround and embrace the blocks. The free space between each wing (5) is also visible when the pallet is positioned on its side with fewer blocks. Note that in this example, the box (1) has a rectangular floor plan, with the front and rear sides shorter than the sides, and is equipped with skids (7).

[0066] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C and Figures 8A, 8B, 8C also show different perspectives of the process involving the system applied to a box at different stages of its connection to the pallet, with the break or cut lines (4) and the wings (5) that are released and ready to be folded and surround the block (3) of the pallet being visible.

[0067] In Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, and 10A, 10B, and 10C, the system is applied to a strap or band (8) dimensionally smaller in height than the box. The cut lines (4) and the wings (5) designed to fit around the pallet block are also visible. In this case, the strap or band (8) surrounds the box and, with its wings (5), anchors it to the pallet, thus standardizing the box. In Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, unlike Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C, the pallet has a skid (7), and the claimed system is equally effective.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the box is a display stand (6) with the same technical characteristics described in its lower perimeter area.

[0069] In any of these embodiments, each of the described wings acts as a means of connection between the base structure, in its box, frame, or strap format, and the pallet, fulfilling this function in two ways. The first, as already described, is by moving to surround or embrace one of the pallet blocks. The second, equally effective, is by creating friction or rubbing through direct contact of its upper edge with the underside of the pallet platform and / or its lower edge with the top of the pallet runner. As a result, the wing cannot return to its initial position, remaining anchored in an active retention position.

[0070] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, and 13A, 13B, and 13C show an optional embodiment of the system in which the box incorporates, on at least one of its sides, a laminar extension (9) with a fold line, intended to form the bottom of the box. This extension is compatible with the wings (5) already described for securing it to the pallet and, advantageously, defines a bottom for the box so that its contents rest on these extensions and not directly on the pallet. In Figure 13, in particular, these laminar extensions (9) are shown as a reduced-height base designed to accommodate a larger box, in an embodiment similar to the frame that holds the box or, where applicable, to the band or strap already described.

[0071] Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E and following show an embodiment of the system designed to protect the box from contact with the ground and potential damage from dirt or moisture. This is especially relevant when the pallet lacks skids, causing the box to rest directly on the ground instead of being supported by them. However, due to various circumstances, even with a pallet equipped with skids, it may be necessary to position the box at a greater distance from the ground than the pallet provides, without it being in contact with the skids.The technical solution employed consists of at least two tabs (10) die-cut on the longer sides of the box and / or on the front and back sections. These tabs fold inwards, facing each other and forming a horizontal shelf that defines a locking point or stop for the pallet, which is positioned below them. In other words, this locking tab, always positioned above the pallet platform, prevents the pallet from being pushed further into the box, thus securing both elements—box and pallet.

[0072] In these figures the tab (10) has been exemplified in an embodiment in which the base structure is a box, the tab being equally effective in the embodiment of the structure as a fence and / or band.

[0073] This system is effective because, as in other implementations, the pallet remains inside the box, that is, encased in it, the first step being to fold the tab (10) to form the shelf and then proceed to place the pallet under the box, so that it is positioned just under that shelf.

[0074] Figures 18, 20 and 21 show the same technical solution in an embodiment where the tab has a greater length (10a) which implies a larger blocking or stopping surface for the pallet.

[0075] It should be noted that in Figures 22 and 23, in addition to the described tab (10), comparative views are shown illustrating how the height of the wing (5) defines the distance of the box from the ground, such that the greater the wing height, the closer the box is to the ground, and the lower the wing height, the farther the box is from the ground. This technical feature is independent of the presence or absence of the described stop tab, characterized in that

[0076] In summary, the present invention is a novel system that allows for the quick, simple, and secure attachment of at least one base structure, which can be in the form of a box, frame, or band, whether closed or open at the front and / or side, and without a predetermined height, to a pallet that supports it in order to simplify its transport, storage, and display at points of sale. This implies a guarantee of secure attachment, eliminating the need for other means of securing the structure, such as strapping, stretch film, or other added "external" elements. This results in considerable time savings in handling the assembly and therefore in economic costs, while also allowing for easy reuse of the pallet.

[0077] The system presented for linking the base structure and the pallet is functional regardless of the structure's shape and / or morphology, and whether it's a box or a base frame, as long as it has at least two straight sides opposite each other, coinciding with the pallet structure to allow the described wings to act on the pallet's blocks. This occurs, for example, in octabin-type boxes.

[0078] It should be noted that the belt / sash, the fence and the box described are equally functional, made of plastic material, for example polyethylene, which allows for their reuse as they can be returned as a folded structure.

[0079] It is not considered necessary to elaborate further on this description so that any expert in the field can understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it. The materials, shape, and size may be varied provided that this does not alter the essential nature of the invention. The terms in which this specification has been drafted should always be taken in a broad and non-restrictive sense.

Claims

Claims 1 aA system for anchoring transport, storage, and / or display boxes to a pallet, where the box is formed based on a structure of moldable cellulosic, plastic, or similar material that defines a plurality of sheets articulated together by means of folds that allow them to be folded to delimit a laterally enclosed space with at least one access opening, either upper or lower, characterized in that this system involves two parts, the first being active and the second passive, the first being a structure or base of moldable material and of unlimited height, open at its lower part, which has at least two straight perimeter zones coinciding with the morphology of the pallet, which presents on that lower perimeter, on at least one of its sides, a plurality of die-cut tear lines (4) arranged to be ripped, such lines (4) being arranged, some vertically,Others are horizontal and crisscrossed, which, when torn, define ductile and malleable wings (5) that, in turn, when displaced laterally, draw windows in said lower perimeter, where these wings (5) touch the pallet platform and surround and embrace at least one of the sides of the pallet block, this being the second part of the system. 2 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a claim characterized in that once deployed, the wings (5) are located between the pallet platform and the pallet skid, with the upper edge of each wing (5) positioned in direct contact with the lower part of the pallet platform and / or its lower edge positioned in direct contact with the upper part of the pallet skid. 3 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 aclaim, characterized in that the structure or base is shaped like a box (1), being implemented in the lower part of the same, forming a single body. 4 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a and 3 a claims, characterized in that the bottom of the box (1) is the pallet (2) itself, which is literally located inside the box (1), surrounded peripherally by the lower part of the same. 5 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 aclaim, characterized in that the die-cut structure or base is an additional piece in the form of a frame with a lower base on which the goods box is placed, said frame being linked to the pallet through the blocks of the same, being an intermediate body between pallet and box, of height adjusted to the proportions of the box it holds. 6 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a claim, characterized in that the die-cut structure or base is an additional piece in the form of a band or sash, i.e., a longitudinal strip intended to surround the lower part of the box peripherally, being linked to the pallet blocks by means of the wings (5). 7 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 6 a claim characterized in that the ends of the sash or belt are joined. 8 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 6 a claim characterized in that the ends of the sash or belt are separated. 9 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 3 a claim, characterized in that the box is a display stand. 10 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a and 3 a claims, characterized in that the box-like structure or base incorporates on at least one of its sides a laminar extension (9) with a fold line, compatible with the wings (5), which defines a bottom for the box. 11 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a and 3 aor 5 a or 6 a claims, characterized in that the structure or base in the form of a box, frame or band incorporates on the longer sides and / or on the front and rear sections at least two die-cut tabs (10) that fold inwards, remaining in opposing positions and each of them forming a horizontal shelf that defines a blocking point or stop for the placement of the pallet, which is located below them. 12 a Anchoring system for transport, storage and / or display boxes of goods to a pallet, according to 1 a and 3 a claims, characterized in that the height of the wing (5) defines the distance of the box from the ground, so that the greater the height of the wing, the closer the box is to the ground and the lower the height of the wing, the further the box is from the ground.

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