Assembly of a carrier with a load and a retaining system for retaining the load on the carrier

Abstract

The invention concerns an assembly (1) of a carrier (2), a load (3) placed on the carrier (2), and a retaining system (4), wherein the retaining system (4) comprises: a top part (5), connecting elements (6a), (6b), (6c) which are provided to connect together the top part (5) and the carrier (2); means for tensioning the connecting elements (6a), (6b), (6c), and at least one tensioning system (71), (72) which comprises a tensioning device (8), a reversing means (9) arranged on the carrier (2), and a first (6a), a second (6b) and a third connecting element (6c), wherein the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are wrapped around a reversing means (9) between the top part (5) and the tensioning device (8), and wherein the tensioning device (8) is provided to tension the connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) between the tensioning device (8) and the top part (5) jointly.

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY OF A CARRIER WITH A LOAD AND A RETAINING SYSTEM FOR RETAINING THE LOAD ON THE CARRIER

[0002] The present invention concerns an assembly of a carrier, a load placed on the carrier, and a retaining system for retaining the load on the carrier, wherein the retaining system comprises: a top part which is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface of the load, connecting elements which are each provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface of the load and to connect together the top part and the carrier, and means for tensioning the connecting elements.

[0003] The invention also concerns a method for retaining on a carrier a load placed on said carrier, by means of such a retaining system.

[0004] The invention describes an innovative and sustainable manner of transporting a load on a carrier. A load may consist of one or more load elements, wherein each load element may be a consumption good or an end product or a semifinished product or a raw material or similar. A load element may be one solid whole, but may also comprise multiple solid units which are joined together or held together in another fashion or packed so that they form a whole. A load element may for example also comprise a granular, powdery, fluid or gaseous material. A load element then for example also comprises a packaging or a container in which one or other material is held. A load element may for example even also be an element which is provided to separate other load elements from one another and / or to support or protect one or more load elements.

[0005] The load may have any form, for example be bar-shaped or cuboid, or have any other prismatoid or cylindrical or spherical form. Also, each load element may have any form, for example be bar-shaped or cuboid, or have any other prismatoid or cylindrical or spherical form.

[0006] The term 'carrier' in this application means: any construction or element or assembly of elements which is provided to have a load placed thereon for transport of this load, for example such as a pallet, a panel, a plate, a container, a vessel, a grid, a loading floor, or one or more carrier elements of a vehicle or similar. A carrier may also comprise one or more sub-carriers which are retained relative to one another and thus for example are fastened to one another. A carrier is preferably provided to be transported by means of a transport device or a lifting device, such as for example a forklift truck or a crane or another type of lifting gear. A carrier may also be configured such that this is easily transportable over a surface, for example because it comprises wheels and is mobile, such as amongst others a mobile pallet. A mobile carrier may therefore also be provided with a dedicated drive device.

[0007] The top part of the retaining system may for example be a piece of canvas or a piece of film with a surface which is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface, or even is provided to abut against the complete top surface. The top part need not necessarily be a closed surface and may therefore also comprise openings, such as for example a net or similar. The top part may for example also comprise an elongate flexible element such as a belt or a band, or an assembly of such elements.

[0008] The means for tensioning the connecting elements may be any means with which connecting elements can be tensioned and held in this state.

[0009] A known retaining system for retaining a load by means of tensionable connecting elements is illustrated in US20160251155 and US2021107713. These publications concern a retaining system which comprises tensionable straps which can be fastened horizontally around the load. Another functionally equivalent example shown in GB2620412A. This publication describes a wrapping method in which the load is wrapped with a film. Although both retaining systems concern holding the load together, the stability of the load retained thereby often leaves much to be desired. In certain transport circumstances, these retaining systems cannot prevent the load from shifting during transport and falling down or falling over and thereby being damaged and / or damaging another load.

[0010] These retaining systems also require a great deal of material and the fitting thereof is also time-consuming and not easy.

[0011] In other known retaining systems, various solutions have already been provided. Thus for example, in the retaining systems according to W02021001843A1, US9162805B1 and US2455237A, vertical straps are added to a retaining system with horizontally tensionable straps in order to hold both the carrier and the top part together and thus keep the load compact. Although such retaining systems ensure better stability of the load, in practice they are very awkward or complex to fit to a load.

[0012] Often, such retaining systems also require a series of successive actions for firmly tensioning each strap, whereby both the securing and the release of the retaining system is time-consuming. Also, a net as shown for example in W002062619 or US2003029984, has the same disadvantages.

[0013] Another known retaining system is shown in JP3129684 U, wherein tensioning belts are used to connect the carrier to the top part. Although tensioning is easier with these retaining systems, they still require many actions for tensioning each tensioning belt. Other tensioning systems, such as those described in W02004048224A1 and JP2008018988, aim to optimise such a solution. W02004048224A1 shows a system with four tensioning belts, wherein the connecting elements are fastened such that they cross one another. As a result, the retaining system can be secured and released somewhat more quickly in comparison with other known retaining systems, but the retaining system only offers a limited load security because certain parts of the load are not retained at the side.

[0014] The term 'load security of a retaining system' here means the extent to which the retaining system is suitable for holding in stable fashion a load retained thereby on the carrier during its transport, and thus preventing the load from shifting relative to the carrier and any other load units under the influence of forces exerted on the load. The forces exerted on the load are forces which may occur during transport, and are for example the result of sudden movements (braking, direction changes) of the transport means. One possible aim for this load security of the retaining system is that this retains the load placed on the carrier in stable fashion under the influence of a force F exerted on the load in at least one direction, wherein the force acts on the centre of gravity of the load and is caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.5 x 9.81 m / s2, preferably at least equal to 0.9 x 9.81 m / s2

[0015] JP2008018988A discloses an alternative retaining system, wherein the tensioning belts on each side of the load are connected to the top part in the shape of a triangle. This system offers a load security which is better than that of the retaining system according to W02004048224A1, but which is not as good as the above-mentioned retaining systems with horizontal and vertical straps.

[0016] In the known retaining systems therefore, a compromise is always sought between the load security of the retaining system and the user-friendliness thereof, wherein for the latter, above all the time necessary for fitting and removal thereof plays a role. In the known retaining systems, the increase in load security comes at the cost of user- friendliness, and vice versa.

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide a retaining system for retaining a load on a carrier, which offers a better load security than the known retaining systems and which can also be fastened to and removed from the load more easily and more quickly. In addition, the object of the invention is also to provide a more sustainable retaining system which is also reusable.

[0018] This object of the invention is achieved by providing an assembly of a carrier, a load placed on the carrier, and a retaining system for retaining the load on the carrier, wherein the retaining system comprises: a top part which is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface of the load, connecting elements which are each provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface of the load and connect the top part and the carrier together, means for tensioning the connecting elements, and wherein the retaining system according to this invention comprises at least one tensioning system, wherein each tensioning system comprises a tensioning device, at least one reversing means arranged on the carrier, and a first, a second and a third connecting element which are arranged on the top part and run from the top part at least along a side surface of the load and are furthermore provided to be tensioned by the tensioning device, wherein the second and third connecting elements are wrapped around a reversing means between the top part and the tensioning device, and wherein the tensioning device is provided to tension the first, second and third connecting elements between the tensioning device and the top part jointly and thus retain the load relative to the carrier. In a preferred embodiment of this assembly, the first, the second and the third connecting elements and / or a part of the top part connected thereto and abutting against a side surface of the load run at least along a respective side surface of the load.

[0019] The same tensioning device is thus provided to tension the first, the second and the third connecting elements. Preferably, the three connecting elements are tensioned simultaneously or with a same tensioning action or by activating a same tensioning device or tensioning mechanism.

[0020] The top part is for example composed of flexible elements which lie crossing one another on the top surface of the load. If the top surface of the load has a substantially rectangular shape, the top part may comprise two elongate elements which run over the top surface along a respective diagonal. Also relatively inflexible elements such as e.g. a plate, a panel or a grid may be provided as the top part. Also another carrier, i.e. possibly a pallet, may be placed on top of the load and function as a top part. This carrier may then, for example, itself also carry a load and be part of an assembly according to this invention.

[0021] A connecting element is any element which has a connecting function, such as a band, a belt, a rope, a tape, a strip of metal, a wire, a chain, a cable, a piece of canvas etc., and may also be an assembly of two or more such connecting elements, which then function as sub-elements for the connecting element, wherein such an assembly may comprise multiple sub-elements in series or in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel. The connecting elements are preferably flexible or relatively bendable elements, but one of the three connecting elements may be provided to be permanently in a substantially stretched and / or tensioned state. This connecting element may then for example also be a stiff or relatively inflexible element.

[0022] In a particular embodiment of the assembly, the first connecting element, the second connecting element and the third connecting element, or one or two of said connecting elements, may be an edge part of the top part. Each edge part of the top part functioning as a connecting element may thus, in this particular embodiment, also be tensioned by the tensioning device. The means for tensioning the connecting elements are for example a roll-up system which is provided to roll up the connecting elements into a tensioned state, in combination with means for holding the connecting elements in said tensioned state, or means for moving or displacing the connecting elements to bring them into a tensioned state in combination with means for holding the connecting elements in this state. The means for rolling up or moving or displacing the connecting elements may comprise a drive system or a force element for exerting a force on a connecting element in order to perform or facilitate this rolling up / displacement / displacement, such as e.g. a spring system, with or without an adjustable spring force.

[0023] Because the three connecting elements each run from the top part at least over a respective own side surface of the load, and because the second and the third connecting elements here run via a reversing means arranged on the carrier, it is possible to provide a very good load security with one tensioning system. This very good load security is achieved because the second and the third connecting elements create a first and a second connection between the top part and the carrier, and because the first connecting element in combination with the tensioning device creates a third connection between the top part and the carrier, wherein these connecting elements run over at least three different side surfaces of the load. As a result, once the connecting elements are tensioned by the tensioning device, a retaining system is created which retains the load very well relative to the carrier. In addition, it is possible to tension the connecting elements simultaneously with the tensioning device, whereby the retaining system can be fitted very easily and quickly. The simultaneous tensioning of the connecting elements also allows a simultaneous symmetrical increase in tensioning forces. This prevents the load or a load element from being displaced during tensioning as a result of temporary, asymmetrically acting tensioning forces from a part of the connecting elements. The tensioning device may also be arranged such that it can be operated to bring the connecting elements simultaneously back into an untensioned state, so that the retaining system can also be released and removed again very easily and quickly.

[0024] The at least one reversing means arranged on the carrier may be fixedly arranged on the carrier in certain embodiments. In alternative embodiments, each reversing means may also be arranged releasably or removably on the carrier. The term 'removably' here is used, inter alia, in the sense of manual release and removal from the carrier without the use of tools or equipment, and without the release of connecting means such as e.g. screws etc. Thus for example, in an embodiment in which the carrier is used repeatedly with a retaining system according to the invention, it will be more advantageous to arrange each reversing means fixedly on the carrier, while in an alternative embodiment in which the carrier is also regularly used without the retaining system according to the invention, it will be more advantageous to arrange each reversing means releasably or removably on the carrier. Each reversing means may have any form and may be made of any material, as long as the reversing means can be used for wrapping the second and third connecting elements around a reversing means. Each tensioning system comprises one or more reversing means.

[0025] It is also possible, in certain embodiments, that the first, second and / or third connecting elements, and / or one or more reversing means and / or the tensioning device, are part of one body.

[0026] Preferably, the second and the third connecting elements are wrapped around a respective reversing means. This makes it possible to achieve an even greater load security since the connections between the top part and the various reversing means can thus be better distributed over the side surface of the load and over the carrier. Alternatively, it is also possible that both the second and the third connecting elements are wrapped around a same reversing means, and / or that the second and also the third connecting elements are wrapped around multiple reversing means.

[0027] In the case that a retaining system comprises multiple reversing means, the reversing means of a tensioning device are preferably arranged on one another or form part of a same unit, so that they can be fitted to or removed from the carrier jointly. Thus it will be possible to achieve an extra time-saving when fitting and releasing the releasable reversing means. This is not however a requirement; it is equally possible they are each arranged separately on the carrier in a fixed or releasable or removable fashion.

[0028] Preferably, the reversing means are arranged lower than the tensioning device in the assembly. This makes it possible to achieve a better load security because the connecting elements are then wrapped better around the reversing means, since the connecting elements extend on the one side of the reversing means from the top part to the reversing means, are then wrapped over the reversing means, and on the other side of the reversing means must run back to the tensioning device in a higher location. Thus a connecting means describes a turn through approximately 180° over the reversing means, and the carrier is better connected by the retaining system to the top part in the assembly according to this invention.

[0029] Preferably, furthermore the tensioning device is arranged along a first side surface of the load, and the second and third connecting elements run respectively at least along a second and a third side surface of the load, wherein the second and third side surfaces adjoin the first side surface. This increases the load security even further relative to the embodiments in which the side surfaces do not adjoin one another.

[0030] Preferably, the assembly furthermore comprises a transport means with a forward travel direction, the carrier is placed on a carrier surface of the transport means, and the load is retained relative to the carrier by the retaining system under the influence of a force F which is exerted on the load and acts on the centre of gravity of the load in said forward travel direction, wherein the force F is caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.8*g m / s2

[0031] For clarification: the constant g is equal to the acceleration under gravity to which free- falling objects on the earth are subjected and is approximately equal to 9.81 m / s2. A transport means is a driven transport unit which comprises a carrier surface. This may for example be a vehicle or train or boat which comprises its own drive, but may also be a trailer or semitrailer which is connected to a transport unit which comprises a drive and is driven thereby. The forward travel direction is defined as the standard direction in which the transport means travels and thus does not necessarily indicate that the transport means must be mobile. Preferably, the transport means is a mobile transport unit. Because the retaining system can always still secure the load under a force F which acts in the forward travel direction, caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.8*g m / s2, certain regulations relating amongst others to the safety and retention of quality of the load in the transport sector, such as for example standard EUMOS-40509, are fulfilled. Preferably, the load is also retained relative to the carrier by the retaining system under the influence of a force F which is exerted on the load and acts on the centre of gravity of the load opposite said forward travel direction, i.e. in the rearward travel direction, and / or in a movement direction which stands transversely to the forward travel direction, wherein the force F is caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.5g m / s2, more preferably 0.8*g m / s2Because the retaining system can always still secure the load under a force F which acts in the rearward travel direction and / or a direction transverse to the travel direction, caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.5*g m / s2, the above-mentioned EUMOS standard EUMOS-40509 is again fulfilled, whereby it is further ensured that the load security is in order. By ensuring that the load remains held stable under a force F which acts in the rearward travel direction and / or a direction transverse to the travel direction, caused by an acceleration A of the load which is at least equal to 0.8*g m / s2, it is possible to place the load on the carrier surface of the transport means in different orientations and still, in all these orientations, comply with the EUMOS standard EUMOS-40509.

[0032] The top part of the retaining system is furthermore preferably provided to abut against the complete top surface of the load. This ensures that the top surface of the load is better protected against weather conditions, such as for example rain or snow. In addition, the top part of the retaining system is preferably provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface of the load. This also helps protect the assembly better against weather conditions, such as strong wind which acts to blow away the top part.

[0033] Preferably, the top part of the retaining system is provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface of the load. The load is furthermore preferably bar-shaped.

[0034] In the case of a bar-shaped load, the top part is preferably provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface and against at least a part of the side surfaces of the load, and in so doing to extend over the top comers of the bar-shaped load. This feature furthermore also helps to protect the load against weather conditions.

[0035] If the retaining system of the assembly according to this invention is in addition configured such that the connecting elements are either connected to the top part not in the vicinity of a top corner of the load, or run from the top part obliquely downward along a side surface of the load to a reversing means or to the tensioning device, the tensioning force exerted on the connecting elements may be sufficiently high to keep the load stable, while the component of the tensioning force running over the top corner of the load is still sufficiently small to prevent the top part from being easily damaged by the force at the locations where the top part extends over the topmost corner points of the load.

[0036] Preferably, the first, the second and the third connecting elements are connected together at a connecting point which is provided at the tensioning device, and the tensioning device is provided to displace the connecting point relative to the top part so that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0037] The term ‘connection point’ here means a physical point of connection at which the connecting elements are connected to one another, or a body via which the first, the second and the third connecting elements are connected. The body may he made of any material and may be flexible or relatively unbending. The connecting elements may for example be fixedly or removably fastened to one another or to the body, or may for example be tied to one another, or may for example be connected to one another by means of a rope or an elastic, or may be connected to one another by a combination of two or more said connecting methods. In certain embodiments, there may be multiple connecting points, wherein at least one of these connecting points, preferably all connecting points, can be displaced jointly by the tensioning device relative to the top part in order to tension the three connecting elements jointly.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, two of said connecting elements are connected to one another at a connecting point, and the tensioning device is provided to displace the other connecting element relative to said connecting point, so that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0039] One of the connecting elements, preferably the first connecting element, may here be an edge part of the top part. In a more preferable embodiment, the second and the third connecting elements are connected to one another at a first connecting point, for example in the form of a body which in turn is connected at a second connecting point to the edge part of the top part via a tensioning element of the tensioning device. This edge part functions as a first connecting element, while said tensioning element is provided to change the distance between the first and second connecting points such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the tensioning system has a distance between the connecting point and the point which is located closest to the connecting point, at which the first connecting element is arranged on the top part, and the tensioning device is provided to displace the connecting point relative to the top part by an intervention on the first connecting element, which changes said distance such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0041] In other words, the tensioning device is provided to perform an action on the first connecting element or to influence the first connecting element. The intervention or action or influence here changes the position or the shape or the trajectory or another property of this connecting element, be this a physical or chemical property or the like, with the result that said distance is changed such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly. In the description below, the expression 'an intervention on a connecting element' must also be understood to mean an action or an influence on the connecting element concerned.

[0042] By tensioning the connecting elements by an intervention of the tensioning device on only one of the connecting elements, it is much easier and much less time-consuming to tension the three connecting elements jointly.

[0043] To illustrate this, a number of examples are given below of possible interventions of the tensioning device, which may be used alone or in combination.

[0044] Preferably, the intervention more specifically ensures that the length of the segment of the connecting element on which the tensioning device acts is changed in order to change said distance. This segment is the part of the connecting element which extends over the above-mentioned distance. The length of the connecting element is defined as the arc length along the curve following the longitudinal axis of the connecting element. The length of the segment is the arc length along this curve between the limit points of the above-mentioned distance. If the curve is thus a straight line, the distance is equal to the length of this segment, but this need not be the case. This curve may contain bends in all directions, whereby the length of the segment is longer than said distance. It is naturally not possible for the length of the segment to be shorter than said distance.

[0045] In such a situation, the intervention may for example comprise the displacement of the connecting element relative to the connecting point, whereby the length of the complete connecting element remains the same but the length of the segment changes.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the intervention may also ensure that the trajectory of this segment is changed in order to change said distance. The trajectory of the connecting element is defined as the shape of the above-mentioned curve. Here, the intervention may for example comprise the folding of a connecting element in order to give this connecting element a different shape and hence a different trajectory, whereby the length of the segment remains the same but said distance changes due to the folding of the connecting element. The intervention may for example also be the rolling up of the connecting element, whereby the trajectory of the segment changes and thus said distance changes.

[0047] Preferably, the second and the third connecting elements are connected together via an intermediate element, and the first connecting element is wrapped around the intermediate element so as to form the connecting point, and the tensioning device is provided to wrap the first connecting element around the intermediate element at another place in order to change the aforementioned distance, such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0048] Such a tensioning system is very easy and ergonomic to use. The tensioning system may be configured such that the first connecting element extends from the top part almost vertically downward to the tensioning device. Then the first connecting element is tensioned around the intermediate element by pulling this connecting element upward so that it wraps around the intermediate element at another point. A user of the assembly who desires to retain a load using the tensioning system, will therefore be able to tension the three connecting elements in one continuous flowing movement, wherein the user pulls the first connecting element towards him and then pulls it upward. From an ergonomic viewpoint, this is more responsible than for example a sideways or downward movement, or a more complex sequence of movements or actions. This also makes operation of the tensioning device easier, more user-friendly and less time-consuming.

[0049] In addition, the intermediate element actually has the function of a displaceable pulley around which the first connecting element is wrapped and tensioned. Thus the force required to tension the first connecting element is also sufficient to tension the second and the third connecting elements at the same time.

[0050] Preferably, the first connecting element comprises a first part which extends between the top part and the connecting point, and comprises a second part which extends past the connecting point, and the first part and / or the second part of the first connecting element comprise a fastening means which is provided to fasten the first and the second parts of said first connecting element together. By connecting the first and second parts of the connecting element together, the connecting element is held in its displaced position relative to the intermediate element.

[0051] Preferably, the fastening means comprises velcro or a bonding means or a click connection in order to connect the first part and the second parts of the first connecting element together.

[0052] By using such a fastening means, the position of the first connecting element can be secured in a very rapid and simple fashion, and thus the tension in the tensioned connecting elements maintained. Since the tensioning system can be tensioned by an intervention on just one connecting element, it is only necessary to maintain the tension in this one connecting element in order to maintain the tension in the entire tensioning system. The above-mentioned features concerning the first and the second parts of the first connecting element and any fastening element arranged thereon are also possible for the second and / or the third connecting element. Alternatively, the fastening means may also comprise a hook connection or a pin-and-hole connection or the like.

[0053] Preferably, the tensioning system has a distance between the connecting point and the point which is located closest to the connecting point, at which the second or the third connecting element is wrapped around a reversing means between the top part and the tensioning device, and the tensioning device is provided to displace the connecting point relative to the top part by an intervention on the second or third connecting element, which changes said distance such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the three connecting elements can be tensioned jointly by intervention on the second or the first connecting element instead of on the first connecting element. The advantages thereof are identical to the advantages outlined above in relation to the first connecting element. The above-given explanation of the term 'intervention' also applies to this alternative embodiment.

[0055] Preferably, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are connected together via an intermediate element, and the third connecting element is wrapped around the intermediate element so as to form the connecting point, and the tensioning device is provided to wrap the third connecting element around the intermediate element at another place in order to change the aforementioned distance, such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0056] Furthermore, the top part is advantageously made from a big-bag. A big-bag is a large bag of a flexible material with a substantially cuboid or bar-shaped volume, which is often used in the industry and which for example has a volume of 1 m3. Big-bags are mostly made of plastic and are reusable. Big-bags are usually provided with loops on the top edge so that they can easily be lifted in filled state, for example by means of a crane. By reusing a big-bag as a top part of a retaining system according to this invention, the retaining system can be produced particularly sustainably, and it also avoids the disposal of big-bags in the industrial waste stream.

[0057] A big-bag consists of flexible material with great strength and wear resistance, which are particularly useful features. However, the big-bag must first be processed in order for example to remove or reshape parts thereof or or connect the material thereof to other elements. Thus for example the big-bag must first be cut open along its vertical ribs in order to obtain a two-dimensional piece of material, and then the shape and / or dimensions of one or more surfaces or parts thereof must be changed by means of stitched and / or welded connections, and also connecting elements fastened to the material of the big-bag so as to obtain a top part with dimensions which are adapted to the dimensions of the load with which the top part is to be combined in an assembly according to this invention.

[0058] Preferably, at least one tensioning system comprises a hook element which is provided to be arranged on a carrier, wherein the hook element comprises at least one reversing means. This reversing means is preferably part of a reversing part of the carrier.

[0059] Preferably, the hook element is provided to abut against a bottom surface of the carrier, but the hook element may also be provided to abut against another surface of the carrier. Alternatively, the hook element may be a simple tensioning belt hook which hooks in a notch in the carrier, or for example a mechanical-magnetic or magnetic hook, wherein the hook element hooks itself in the carrier by means of magnetism.

[0060] Preferably, the reversing part of the hook element arranged on the carrier is accessible so that a connecting element connected to the top part can be wrapped over this. Preferably, the reversing part is accessible when a load is positioned on the carrier and takes up virtually the entire carrier surface of the carrier.

[0061] Preferably, the hook element comprises two such reversing parts.

[0062] The hook element is for example configured in the form of a bracket which is made from a continuous wire-like or rod-like or tubular whole. The hook element is preferably made of metal. Such a hook element can be produced in a very simple production process.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the assembly according to this invention, the hook element comprises two hook parts situated on either side of a substantially U-shaped intermediate space with an open inlet, and the carrier comprises a carrier piece with approximately vertical opposing flanks which are situated in said intermediate space of the carrier, wherein the two hook parts abut against a respective flank of the carrier piece which are both parts of the bottom surface of the carrier.

[0064] Preferably, the hook element is elastically deformable so that the width of the intermediate space can be increased, and the hook element is in an elastically deformed state with the hook parts along a respective flank of the hook element, so that the hook parts are pressed against the flanks by a spring-back force and hold the hook element in a position in which it abuts against the bottom surface of the carrier.

[0065] Preferably, at least one hook part, preferably both hook parts, of a hook element arranged on the carrier comprises an end part which is accessible for wrapping a connecting element over this in order to function as a reversing means. Preferably, the end part is also accessible when a load is placed on the carrier which takes up almost the entire carrier surface of the carrier.

[0066] Preferably, a hook element arranged on the carrier does not protrude beyond the vertical plane which touches the peripheral edge of the carrier. This prevents a hook element from increasing the width of the assembly, whereby the assembly would take up more space in the width direction and would make it impossible for two assemblies according to the invention to be placed next to one another, with mutually abutting edges of the carriers or with mutually abutting side edges of the load.

[0067] Preferably, the retaining system comprises a first and a second tensioning system, and the tensioning device of the first tensioning system and the tensioning device of the second tensioning system are arranged on different side surfaces of the load. More preferably, the tensioning device of the first tensioning system and the tensioning device of the second tensioning system are arranged on opposite side surfaces of the load.

[0068] This gives a retaining system in which it is sufficient to operate only two tensioning devices in order to retain a load in a very stable and fully symmetrical fashion.

[0069] With the known retaining systems, at least 3 or at least 4 tensioning devices are always necessary, which must each be tensioned individually in order to ensure that the retaining system can retain the load well. Because the load security of this invention is so good, it is possible always to provide the retaining system with only two tensioning devices in normal circumstances, or with only one tensioning device in particular circumstances. Thus a particularly great time-saving is achieved when fitting or removing the tensioning devices of the retaining system.

[0070] Preferably, the carrier is furthermore a pallet. In a more preferable embodiment, the pallet has standardised dimensions and, for example, in plain view has a rectangular form with a length of around 80 cm and a width of around 120 cm. In its most preferred embodiment, it is a Euro pallet.

[0071] The object of the invention is also achieved by provision of a method for retaining on a carrier a load placed on said carrier, by means of a retaining system as described above, and wherein the method comprises the following steps, not necessarily in the order indicated: a) providing a retaining system which comprises at least one tensioning system, wherein each tensioning system comprises a tensioning device, reversing means, and a first, a second and a third connecting element which are arranged on the top part, b) placing the top part on the top surface of the load, c) providing the reversing means for each tensioning system on the carrier, d) for each tensioning system, bringing the connecting elements along a respective side surface of the load, e) wrapping the second and the third connecting elements of each tensioning system around a reversing means such that these connecting elements are wrapped around a reversing means between the top part and the tensioning device, f) tensioning the first, the second and the third connecting elements of each tensioning system between the tensioning device and the top part jointly by means of the tensioning device.

[0072] The advantages of the method according to the invention are sufficiently clear from the advantages outlined above of the assembly according to this invention.

[0073] According to a preferred method for retaining on a carrier a load placed on said carrier, an assembly is provided of which the second and the third connecting elements are connected together via an intermediate element, wherein the first connecting element is wrapped around the intermediate element in order thus to form the connecting point, and wherein the tensioning device is provided to wrap the first connecting element around the intermediate element at another place in order to change the above- mentioned distance so that the first, second and third connecting elements are tensioned jointly, and the distance between firstly the connecting point where the first connecting element is wrapped around the intermediate element and secondly the point which is located closest to the connecting point, at which the first connecting element is arranged on the top part, is changed such that the first, the second and third connecting elements are tensioned jointly.

[0074] In a greatly preferred method according to this invention, an assembly is provided in which the first connecting element comprises a first part which extends between the top part and the connecting point, and comprises a second part which extends past the connecting point, and wherein the first and / or the second part comprises a fastening means which is provided to fasten the first and the second parts to one another, and the first and second parts are fastened to one another.

[0075] In a particularly preferred method according to this invention, an assembly is provided of which at least one tensioning system comprises a hook element which comprises at least one reversing means, one or more hook elements are arranged on the carrier such that they abut against a bottom surface of the carrier, and the second and / or third connecting element is wrapped around at least one reversing means of these one or more hook elements. In a greatly preferred method according to this invention, a top part is made from a big-bag.

[0076] The method according to this invention can be carried out with each above-mentioned embodiment of the assembly according to this invention.

[0077] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of a retaining system according to the present invention. The aim of this description is to give solely illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and features of the present invention, and can therefore not be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

[0078] Reference numerals are used in this detailed description to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

[0079] ■ figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

[0080] ■ figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the retaining system of the assembly from figure 1;

[0081] ■ figure 3 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly according to the invention;

[0082] ■ figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the first tensioning device of the assembly from figure 3;

[0083] ■ figure 5 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a top part according to the invention;

[0084] ■ figure 6 depicts an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a top part according to the invention which is made from a big-bag;

[0085] ■ figures 7-9 depict an embodiment of a carrier with hook elements according to the invention, respectively in a front view, cross-section (A-A) and top view;

[0086] ■ figures 10-12 depict an alternative embodiment of a carrier with hook elements according to the invention, respectively in a front view, cross-section (B-B) and top view; and

[0087] ■ figure 13 depicts a side view of the assembly from figure 1 on a transport means. Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an assembly (1) of a carrier (2), a load (3) placed on the carrier (2), and a retaining system (4) for retaining the load (3) on the carrier (2). The retaining system (4) comprises a top part (5) which is provided to abut against the complete top surface (31) of the load (3) and is provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface (32) of the load (3); this is shown in more detail in figure 6 and described in more detail below. The figures illustrate a load (3) which comprises multiple load elements and is configured in the shape of a bar. The retaining system (4) according to figures 1-2 is however also provided to retain other types of load (3), wherein these loads (3) may consist of a different number of load elements and / or of load elements with different dimensions or shapes.

[0088] The retaining system (4) furthermore comprises a first (71) and a second tensioning system (72) which are arranged on either side of the load (3) and are configured identically. The tensioning systems (71, 72) each comprise a tensioning device (8), two reversing means (9) arranged on the carrier (2), and a first, a second and a third connecting element (6a, 6b, 6c). The two reversing means (9) arranged on the carrier (2) are arranged on the carrier (2) by means of a hook element (14). A carrier (2) with such elements (14) is shown in more detail in figures 10-12 and is described in more detail below. The first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are each arranged on the top part (5) and run from the top part (5) along a respective adjacent side surface (32) along the load (3) to the tensioning device (8). The second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) in this embodiment comprise a rope and a loop which are connected together and wrapped around a respective reversing means (9) between the top part (5) and the tensioning device (8), which reversing means is arranged lower than the tensioning device (8).

[0089] Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative assembly (1) in which another retaining system (4) is used to retain the load (3) on the carrier (2). The top part (5) is here configured as a canvas which is provided to abut against the complete top surface (31) and the topmost part surface of all side surfaces (32) of the load (3). The top part (5) is here provided to extend over the top corners (33) of the bar-shaped load (3). Since the top part (5) of the retaining system (4) according to figure 3 does not extend as far down over the load (3) as a top part (5) of the retaining system (4) according to figure 1, the first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) should be much longer, but this naturally depends also on the height of the load (3).

[0090] Figure 4 shows a close-up of the first tensioning system (71) of the retaining system (4) according to figure 3. The principle of this first tensioning system (71) is the same as in the embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, but naturally alternative tensioning systems are possible in alternative embodiments. In this specifically preferred tensioning system, the second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) are connected together via an intermediate element (12). This intermediate element (12) may in principle also be regarded as part of the second and / or the third connecting element (6b, 6c). The first connecting element (6a) extends almost vertically downward to the tensioning device (8) and is wrapped around this intermediate element (12) so that a connecting point (11) is formed at which the first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are connected to one another.

[0091] The first connecting element (6a) comprises a first part (6al) which extends between the top part (5) and the connecting point (11), and a second part (6a2) which extends past the connecting point (11).

[0092] The tensioning device (8) of the first tensioning system (71) is provided to tension the first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) jointly in order thus to retain the load (3) relative to the carrier (2), and will do this by allowing the first connecting element (6a) to wrap around the intermediate element (12) at another place by pulling the first connecting element (6a) at the second part (6a2) upward. The connecting point (11) is thereby displaced relative to the top part (5) and the first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are tensioned jointly with one pulling movement on the second part (6a2).

[0093] The first connecting element (6a) is also provided with a fastening means (13), such as e.g. velcro or another bonding means, whereby the first part (6al) and the second part (6a2) of the first connecting element (6a) can be fastened to one another after the first tensioning system (71) has been tensioned. Thus the tension in the first tensioning system (71) is maintained. In alternative embodiments, it is also possible that it is not the first connecting element (6a) which is wrapped around the second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c), but for example the second connecting element (6b) which is wrapped around an intermediate element (12) which is formed by the first and third connecting elements (6a, 6c).

[0094] Figures 5 and 6 show two alternatives for top parts according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a top part (5) which consists of three pieces: a rectangular piece which is preferably made of a woven polypropylene plastic or other similar plastics. The other two parts are trapezoid pieces which are fastened to the rectangular part by means of a stitching or a welding action or bonding action or similar. These pieces are preferably also made of polypropylene plastic or similar. The first connecting elements (6a) are fastened at the ends of the two trapezoid pieces, wherein said connecting elements are preferably secured by means of a stitching or a welding action or a bonding action or similar. Also, the second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) are fastened to the corners of the rectangular piece, preferably by such a fastening. The first connecting elements (6a) are preferably made of polyether sulfone or a similar plastic and are provided with velcro. The second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) also preferably made of polyether sulfone or another similar plastic. In production of the top part (5) and of the connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c), sustainability is the keyword. Thus various recycled materials may be reused in order to produce these parts, such as ropes, seat belts, discarded canvases and the like.

[0095] Figure 6 shows a top part (5) which is made from a big-bag. The big-bag is here cut to obtain a shape as shown in figure 6. Here too, the first connecting element (6a) is fastened to the top part (5) in a comparable fashion. The second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) however comprise a part of the original big-bag, namely the loops with which the big-bag could originally be transported, to which the other part of these connecting elements (6b, 6c) can be connected.

[0096] Figures 7 to 12 inclusive show two particular embodiments according to the invention of a carrier (2) with hook elements (14) connected thereto. These hook elements (14) are each provided with two reversing means (9), and are provided to be arranged on the carrier (2) so as to abut against a bottom surface of the carrier (2), as shown in the figures, and preferably made of steel or another such material.

[0097] The hook element (14) in both embodiments comprises a first hook part (141) and a second hook part (142), which are each provided to abut against the bottom surface of the load (3). These hook parts (141, 142) are connected together in an end part (143) which, in the embodiment of figures 7-9, is not accessible for the retaining system (4), and in the embodiment of figures 10-12, is accessible for the retaining system (4) and comprises the reversing means (9), and each comprises an end opposite this end part (143).

[0098] Figures 7 to 9 shows a first variant of a hook element (14). In this variant, the two reversing means (9) are arranged on the hook parts (141, 142) of the hook element (14) which are arranged opposite one another and extend vertically downward away from one another at the ends. Thus a hook element (14) arranged on the carrier (2) does not protrude past the vertical plane which touches the peripheral edge of the carrier (2). The end part (143) of the hook element (14) connects the two parts (141, 142) and is retained by an upright flank of the carrier (2). The hook element (14) is introduced along the top.

[0099] Figures 10 to 12 inclusive show a third variant of the hook element (14). In this variant, the two reversing means (9) are arranged on the end part (143) of the hook element (14). Such a hook element (14) is slightly elastically deformable so that it can be placed horizontally in the carrier (2) and so that the ends are then first pushed by a spring- back force against an upright flank of the carrier (2) so that they remain abutting the carrier (2).

[0100] Each of these variants has both advantages and disadvantages. Thus the first variant of the hook element (14) does not extend past the vertical plane, but it is always necessary to introduce the hook element (14) into the carrier (2) before the load (3) can be placed on the carrier (2). In contrast, the second variant does extend past the vertical plane but can if required still be introduced after the load (3) has been placed on the carrier (2). Figure 13 shows a transport means (10) on which the assembly (1) according to the invention is provided, by placing the carrier (2) on a carrier surface of the transport means (10). The load (3) is here retained by the retaining system (4) under the influence of the force F exerted on the load (3), which acts on the centre of gravity of the load (3) in said forward travel direction, wherein the force F is caused by an acceleration A of the load (3) which is at least equal to 0.8*g m / s2The retaining system (4) thus has a very good load security, and thereby complies with EUMOS standard 40509 as described above

Claims

CLAIMS1. Assembly (1) of a carrier (2), a load (3) placed on the carrier (2), and a retaining system (4) for retaining the load (3) on the carrier (2), wherein the retaining system (4) comprises: a top part (5) which is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface (31) of the load (3), connecting elements (6a), (6b), (6c) which are each provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface (32) of the load (3) and connect the top part (5) and the carrier (2) together, and means for tensioning the connecting elements (6a), (6b), (6c), characterized in that the retaining system (4) comprises at least one tensioning system (71), (72), wherein each tensioning system (71), (72) comprises a tensioning device (8), at least one reversing means (9) arranged on the carrier (2), and a first (6a), a second (6b) and a third connecting element (6c) which are arranged on the top part (5) and run from the top part (5) along a side surface (32) of the load (3) and are furthermore provided to be tensioned by the tensioning device (8), in that the second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) are wrapped around a reversing means (9) between the top part (5) and the tensioning device (8), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to tension the first, second and third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) between the tensioning device (8) and the top part (5) jointly and thus retain the load (3) relative to the carrier (2).

2. Assembly (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second and the third connecting elements (6b, 6c) are wrapped around a respective reversing means (9).

3. Assembly (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reversing means (9) are arranged lower in the assembly (1) than the tensioning device (8).

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tensioning device (8) is arranged along a first side surface (32) of the load (3), and in that the second and third connecting elements (6b, 6c) run respectively at least along a second and a third side surface (32) of the load(3), wherein the second and third side surfaces (32) adjoin the first side surface (32).

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly (1) furthermore comprises a transport means (10) with a forward travel direction, in that the carrier (2) is placed on a carrier surface of the transport means (10), and in that the load (3) is retained relative to the carrier (2) by the retaining system (4) under the influence of a force F which is exerted on the load (3) and acts on the centre of gravity of the load (3) in said forward travel direction, wherein the force F is caused by an acceleration A of the load (3) which is at least equal to 0.8*g m / s26. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top part (5) of the retaining system (4) is provided to abut the complete top surface (31) of the load (3).

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top part (5) of the retaining system (4) is provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface (32) of the load (3).

8. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the load (3) is substantially bar-shaped.

9. Assembly (1) according to Claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the top part (5) is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface (31) and against at least a part of the side surfaces (32) of the load (3) and to thus extend over the top corners (33) of the bar-shaped load (3).

10. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are connected together at a connecting point (11) which is provided at the tensioning device (8), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to displace the connecting point (11) relative to the top part (5) so that the first(6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are tensioned jointly.

11. Assembly (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the tensioning system (71, 72) has a distance between the connecting point (11) and the point which is located closest to the connecting point (11), at which the first connecting element (6a) is arranged on the top part (5), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to displace the connecting point (11) relative to the top part (5) by an intervention on the first connecting element (6a), which changes said distance such that the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are tensioned jointly.

12. Assembly (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are connected together via an intermediate element (12), and in that the first connecting element (6a) is wrapped around the intermediate element (12) so as to form the connecting point (11), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to wrap the first connecting element (6a) around the intermediate element (12) at another place in order to change the aforementioned distance, such that the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are tensioned jointly.

13. Assembly (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the first connecting element (6a) comprises a first part (6al) which extends between the top part (5) and the connecting point (11), and a second part (6a2) which extends past the connecting point (11), and in that the first part (6al) and / or the second part (6a2) of the first connecting element (6a) comprises a fastening means (13) which is provided to fasten the first part (6al) and the second part (6a2) of this first connecting element (6a) together.

14. Assembly (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the fastening means (13) comprises velcro or a bonding means or a click connection in order to connect the first part (6a 1) and the second part (6a2) of the first connecting element (6a) together.

15. Assembly (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the tensioning system (71, 72) has a distance between the connecting point (11) and the point which is located closest to the connecting point (11), at which the second (6b) or the third connecting element (6c) is wrapped around a reversing means (9) between the top part (5) and the tensioning device (8), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to displace the connecting point (11) relative to the top part (5) by an intervention on the second (6b) or on the third connecting element (6c), which changes said distance such that the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are tensioned jointly.

16. Assembly (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the first connecting element (6a) and the second connecting element (6b) are connected together via an intermediate element (12), and in that the third connecting element (6c) is wrapped around the intermediate element (12) so as to form the connecting point (11), and in that the tensioning device (8) is provided to wrap the third connecting element (6c) around the intermediate element (12) at another place in order to change the aforementioned distance, such that the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) are tensioned jointly.

17. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top part (5) is made from a big-bag.

18. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one tensioning system (71), (72) comprises a hook element (14) which is provided to be arranged on the carrier (2), and in that the hook element (14) comprises at least one reversing means (9).

19. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining system (4) comprises a first tensioning system (71) and a second tensioning system (72), and in that the tensioning device (8) of the first tensioning system (71) and the tensioning device (8) of the second tensioning system (72) are arranged on different side surfaces (32) of the load (3).

20. Assembly (1) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the tensioning device (8) of the first tensioning system (71) and the tensioning device (8) of the second tensioning system (72) are arranged on opposite side surfaces (32) of the load (3).

21. Assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (2) is a pallet.

22. Method for retaining on a carrier (2) a load (3) placed on said carrier (2), by means of a retaining system (4) comprising a top part (5) which is provided to abut against at least a part of the top surface (31) of the load (3), connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) which are each provided to abut against at least a part of a side surface (32) of the load (3) and connect together the top part (5) and the carrier (2), and means for tensioning the connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c), characterized in that the assembly (1) is formed according to any one of the preceding claims and in that the method comprises the following steps, not necessarily in the indicated order, a) providing a retaining system (4) which comprises at least one tensioning system (71), (72), wherein each tensioning system (71), (72) comprises a tensioning device (8), reversing means (9), and a first, a second and a third connecting element (6a, 6b, 6c) which are arranged on the top part (5), b) placing the top part (5) on the top surface (31) of the load (3), c) providing the reversing means (9) for each tensioning system (71, 72) on the carrier (2), d) for each tensioning system (71, 72), bringing the connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) along a side surface (32) of the load (3), e) wrapping the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) of each tensioning system (71), (72) around a reversing means (9) such that these connecting elements (6b), (6c) are wrapped around a reversing means (9) between the top part (5) and the tensioning device (8), and f) tensioning the first (6a), the second (6b) and the third connecting elements (6c) of each tensioning system (71), (72) between thetensioning device (8) and the top part (5) jointly by means of the tensioning device (8).

23. Method for retaining on a carrier (2) a load (3) placed on said carrier (2) according to Claim 22, characterized in that an assembly (1) according to Claim 12 is provided, in that the distance between the connecting point (11) at which the first connecting element (6a) is wrapped around the intermediate element (12) and the point which is located closest to the connecting point (11), at which the first connecting element (6a) is arranged on the top part (5), is changed such that the first, the second and the third connecting elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are tensioned jointly.

24. Method for retaining on a carrier (2) a load (3) placed on said carrier (2) according to Claim 23, characterized in that an assembly (1) according to Claim 13 is provided, and in that the first part (6al) and the second part (6a2) of the first connecting element (6a) are fastened to one another.

25. Method according to one of Claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the assembly (1) is an assembly (1) according to Claim 18 and in that the method comprises that one or more hook elements (14) are arranged on the carrier (2) such that the hook element (14) abuts a bottom surface of the carrier (2), and wherein in step f, the second (6b) or the third connecting element (6c) is wrapped around at least one reversing means (9) of these one or more hook elements (14).

26. Method according to any one of Claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the assembly (1) is an assembly (1) according to Claim 17, and that the method comprises firstly the production of the top part (5) from a big-bag.

Images