EP4253279A1 - System with at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer with one or more containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system with at least one nestable lightweight pallet (10), which has an upper deck (12) with a support surface (120) and feet (14) in each corner on the underside of the upper deck (12), and with a plurality of containers ( 22), each of which has a container base (24) and four circumferential side walls (26), the lightweight pallet (10) and the containers (22) being designed and dimensioned such that when the lightweight pallet (10) is arranged on a first container layer ( 204), wherein the first container layer (204) comprises a plurality of abutting containers (22), in particular 2, 4, 6 or 8 containers (22), which are aligned overhead, all feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet (10). (14) can be placed directly in the corner area of the container (22).

Description

The invention relates to a system with at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer with one or more containers.

STATE OF THE ART

Lightweight pallets are known from the prior art. In FR 3 065 712 A1 For example, a lightweight pallet with dimensions between 800 mm x 600 mm and 1500 mm x 1500 mm is known, which includes an upper deck with an open rib structure in the form of a regular grid. The pallet includes six feet, namely four corner feet in the form of tapered truncated pyramids and two support feet on the longer sides of the pallet. Due to the conical or cup-like outer shape of the feet, the pallet is designed to be nestable.

Another nestable lightweight pallet with an open surface on the upper deck is available DE 20 2009 018 185 U1 known. At the bottom of the pallet deck A support foot is arranged on one of the four pallet corners as well as further support feet along the central longitudinal axis and the central transverse axis. The support feet are slightly offset inwards so that the upper deck protrudes slightly outwards over the entire circumference with the edge of the pallet over the support feet.

The pallets described are made of plastic and are increasingly intended to replace the standard wooden European pallets according to EN13698-1 due to longer life cycles. The standard Euro pallet according to EN13698-1 is designed with dimensions of 1200 mm x 800 mm.

Out of DE 10 2011 003 999 A1 A so-called quarter pallet is known, which comprises two corner feet and two elongated feet offset inwards, the feet having funnel-shaped outer shapes and a central truncated pyramid, the surface of which is flush with the pallet surface. The quarter pallet DE 10 2011 003 999 A1 is designed in the size of 300 mm x 400 mm, so that four pallets arranged next to each other in a matrix and abutting each other form the size of a standard Euro pallet.

The object of the invention is to provide a system with at least one lightweight pallet and at least one container layer with several containers, which is characterized by optimal utilization of the transport volume during empty transport while at the same time gently stressing the containers in the stack.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In a system according to the invention with at least one nestable lightweight pallet and a plurality of containers, it is provided that the lightweight pallet and the containers are designed and dimensioned such that when the lightweight pallet is arranged on a first container layer, the first container layer comprising a plurality of abutting containers, which are aligned overhead, each foot of the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be set up directly in a corner area of a container over the entire surface.

An “overhead” orientation here means that a container with the underside of its container base forms part of the contact area for the feet of the lightweight pallet. In the sense of the present disclosure, a container is arranged "upside down" on a lightweight pallet when its container base is arranged in a direction away from the upper deck.

In other words, in the system according to the invention, the lightweight pallet can be arranged on containers standing upside down in such a way that the containers abut one another and each corner foot of the lightweight pallet rests over the entire surface in a corner area of a container base.

What is meant here by “full-surface” is that the foot does not protrude laterally beyond the bottom of the container.

Preferably, when arranging a second container layer on the lightweight pallet, the second container layer comprising a plurality of abutting containers which are aligned with the container bases in the direction of the upper deck of the lightweight pallet, the container bases can be placed over the entire surface on the support surface of the lightweight pallet.

By full-surface it means that the container base does not protrude laterally over the lightweight pallet.

The lightweight pallet and the container layers can preferably be arranged one above the other across the entire area. This means that the container layers and the lightweight pallet are coordinated in size so that in the projection none of them protrudes laterally over the other so that, in other words, their external dimensions are aligned with one another.

In the proposed system, the lightweight pallet is matched to the containers in such a way that there is an optimal flow of force for load transfer in the stack, both when the lightweight pallet is set up on the containers and when the containers are set up on the lightweight pallet. This involves stacking pallets on pallets, container layers on pallets, pallets on top of each other on container layers and also from container layers to container layers possible. In particular, the invention also enables optimal transport of the containers overhead, which means that less dirt can collect inside the container during empty transport.

The container layers each comprise at least one container, but preferably several containers that abut one another. In particular, a container layer can comprise two, four, six or eight containers, which are arranged, for example, in a matrix.

In one embodiment, the system includes first container layers with a plurality of abutting first containers that are aligned with the container bottoms toward the upper deck, and second container layers with a plurality of abutting second containers that are aligned overhead. The lightweight pallets can be arranged under container layers, between container layers or on container layers.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least a second container layer is arranged on a first container layer. The containers of the first and second container layers are connected to one another in a non-positive or positive manner, for example by means of positive projections and recesses in the upper edges of the container side walls. Alternatively, it can be provided that the container layers can be fastened or fastened to one another with the aid of fastening means such as clips, buckles, straps or hooks. Individual third containers can be nested between the two container layers, wherein the third containers can preferably be designed identically to the first and second containers.

The containers preferably have a rectangular container base and four circumferential side walls. For example, the containers are made of plastic and are manufactured using an injection molding process. In particular, the containers can be formed in one piece, although this is not restrictive of the invention. Rather, the containers can also include foldable or pivotable side walls, recesses in the side walls, display openings, handle openings and the like, as is known from the prior art.

The containers are, for example, equipped with flat container bases that have no stacking edge. In particular, the container bottoms can also be provided with an open rib structure.

The container bases are particularly preferably designed with reinforced side edges, for example as thick as the side wall. The lightweight pallet and the containers can be dimensioned such that when arranging the lightweight pallet on the first container layer, all the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be placed on the reinforced side edges of the container bases. The load is advantageously transferred in the stack from a pallet arranged at the top to containers arranged overhead on the underside via the reinforced side edges of the container bottom, and not via a central floor area, which is provided, for example, with an open rib structure or the like. This increases the service life of the containers during transport, as the container bottoms do not bulge when stacked. It is further preferred if all the feet located in the corners of the lightweight pallet can be arranged in alignment with the side walls of the container in the container position.

The lightweight range preferably includes an upper deck with a support surface and feet in each corner on the underside of the upper deck. The upper deck can have an open rib structure. The open rib structure of the upper deck reduces the weight of the lightweight pallet and also allows the pallet to be easy to clean.

For example, the lightweight pallet is made of plastic and manufactured using an injection molding process. In particular, the lightweight pallet can be designed in one piece, although this is not a limitation for the invention.

The feet in the corners of the pallet preferably have a pot-like outer shape with a conical geometry, so that the feet of the lightweight pallet are designed to be nestable in feet of an identical second lightweight pallet. This advantageously results in a volume reduction when transporting several lightweight pallets back. The bottoms of the feet form the lower contact area of the lightweight pallet.

The feet of the lightweight pallet are also preferably designed in such a way that they include a dome-like internal structure, the top of which forms an island-like support surface as part of the support surface of the upper deck, which is located within a foot area of the lightweight pallet. When arranging a container layer on the lightweight pallet, the container bases also preferably rest at least on the island-like support surfaces of the lightweight pallet. The pot-like outer structure with the dome-like inner structure, for example in the form of a truncated pyramid, enables a nestable pallet that is stabilized in the foot area and can also have a load-bearing effect.

In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight pallet has a side edge that at least partially surrounds the upper deck and which surrounds the containers at least partially when arranging the container layer on the lightweight pallet in order to prevent the containers from slipping on the upper deck. The side wall design is particularly advantageous for containers with container bases that are flat and without a stacking edge in order to prevent the containers from slipping on the pallet.

According to the invention, use of one of the lightweight pallets described in one of the systems described is also proposed.

According to the invention, use of one of the containers described in one of the systems described is also proposed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Systems mit ineinander genesteten Leichtbaupaletten und zwei Behälterlagen,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Systems mit zwei Leichtbaupaletten und drei Behälterlagen,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Systems mit zwei Leichtbaupaletten und drei Behälterlagen,

Fig. 4

eine Schnittdarstellung durch eine Leichtbaupalette zwischen zwei Behälterlagen, und

Fig. 5

eine weitere Schnittdarstellung durch eine Leichtbaupalette zwischen zwei Behälterlagen.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures. Show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a system with nested lightweight pallets and two container layers,

Fig. 2

a perspective view of another system with two lightweight pallets and three container layers,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of another system with two lightweight pallets and three container layers,

Fig. 4

a sectional view through a lightweight pallet between two container layers, and

Fig. 5

Another sectional view through a lightweight pallet between two container layers.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows purely by way of example an embodiment of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown, the system comprises, purely by way of example, three lightweight pallets 10, two of the lightweight pallets 10 being nested inside one another. A third lightweight pallet 10 is arranged above two container layers 202, 204 and rests on them. A first container layer 204 is arranged above a second container layer 202. The two container layers 202, 204 stand on the two nested lightweight pallets 10.

The two container layers 202, 204 form a container level 20. The container level 20 can include further container layers 202, 204, not shown. In Fig. 1 By way of example, but not as a limitation to the invention, the container level 20 comprises eight containers 22, with four containers 22 each being arranged adjacent to one another in a matrix-like manner in the first container layer 204 and in the second container layer 202.

The invention is not limited to the number of containers 22 that can be arranged on the lightweight pallet 10. For example, it is possible to cover the lightweight pallet 10 with two, four, six, eight or ten abutting containers 22 in a container layer 202, 204.

In the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the containers 22 of the first container layer 204 are arranged overhead on the containers 22 of the second container layer 202. In other words, the container bottoms 24 are the containers 22 of the first container layer 204 is arranged away from the upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10. The second container layer 202, on the other hand, includes containers 22, which are arranged with their container bases 24 in the direction of the upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10.

The system may include further container layers 202, 204, for example a third container layer 202, 204 or a third and a fourth container layer 202, 204 and the like, which are in Figure 1 is not shown. The invention is also not limited to the arrangement of the containers 22 shown. In the system, the lightweight pallet 10 can also be placed on the second container layer 202, that is, on the side walls 26 of the containers 22.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of another system with two lightweight pallets 10 and three container layers 202, 204, 202. Purely as an example, a second container layer 202 stands on a lightweight pallet 10. A first container layer 204 is arranged above the second container layer 202. Another lightweight pallet 10 stands on the first container layer 204. A second container layer 202 stands on the further lightweight pallet 10.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of yet another system with two lightweight pallets 10 and three container layers 202, 204, 202. Purely as an example, a first container layer 204 stands on a lightweight pallet 10 here. Another first container layer 204 is arranged above the first container layer 204. Another lightweight pallet 10 stands on the other first container layer 204. A first container layer 204 stands on the further lightweight pallet 10.

In Fig. 1 The upper deck 12 of the lightweight pallet 10 is also shown. The upper deck 12 includes a substantially rectangular support surface 120, which is matched to the size of the containers 22 in such a way that a certain number of containers 22 can form the container layer 202, 204.

In particular, the support surface 120 includes island-like support surfaces 148 in foot areas 150. The island-like support surfaces 148 are formed by dome-like internal structures 144 of the feet 14, as in particular in Fig. 3 shown. According to the invention, the lightweight pallet 10 comprises four feet 14 on the corners, which have a pot-like outer shape 140 (cf. Fig. 4 ). The feet 14 in the corners of the lightweight pallet 10 rest on the container bases 24 of the containers 22 in the container position 202, 204. In particular, they stand there, as in Fig. 4 can be seen on reinforced side edges 244 of the container base 24. In other words, the lightweight pallet 10 and the containers 22 are matched in size to one another in such a way that there is a contact area 30 between the foot 14 of the lightweight pallet 10 and the reinforced side edge 244.

The feet 14 in the corner areas of the lightweight pallet include, as in Fig. 4 and 5 can be seen, a pot-like outer shape 140, which tapers conically from the upper deck 12 to the bottom 142. In the middle of the foot 14, the dome-like inner structure 144 is designed to taper in a funnel shape towards the upper deck 12. The top 146 of the dome-like inner structure 144 forms the island-like support surface 148 in the plane of the support surface 120 of the upper deck 12.

As in Fig. 4 shown, the container base 24 of the container 22 rests on the support surface 120 and also on the island-like support surface 148 of the lightweight pallet 10.

The lightweight pallet 10 includes a side edge 16 on the edge, which, for example, in Fig. 1 shown, can be designed in sections or, alternatively and not shown, can be designed circumferentially. The side edge 16 prevents the container 22 from slipping on the upper deck 12.

In Fig. 1 - 3 Support feet 18 are also shown, which are provided approximately in the middle of the respective side edges of the lightweight pallet 10. The lightweight pallet 10 can alternatively also be designed without support feet 18 and, in addition or alternatively, centrally include another support foot (not shown). In the embodiment shown, the support foot 18 is slightly offset towards the center, but this does not limit the invention.

By matching the pallet dimensions to the container dimensions, a flat load transfer is achieved, namely when setting up the lightweight pallet 10 on the container layer 202, 204 over the side walls 26 of the containers 22 and while avoiding excessive stress on the container bottoms 24. The container bottoms 24 can have rib structures 242 that are open over a large area, such as in Fig. 1 shown as transverse ribbing or, as in Fig. 2 shown, designed as a straight grid, without the risk that the container bottoms 24 will be subjected to excessive stress during continuous use and when stacked. The load is preferably transferred via the side walls 26 of the containers 22, be it in the overhead state via the reinforced side edges 244, or in the usual state directly via the side walls 26.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and includes a variety of embodiments that will be immediately apparent to a person skilled in the art.

REFERENCE MARKS

10 lightweight pallet; 12 upper deck; 120 support surface; 122 open rib structure; 14 feet; 140 pot-like external shape; 142 floor; 144 cathedral-like interior structure; 146 top; 148 island-like support surface; 150 foot area; 16 margin; 18 support foot; 20 container level; 204 first container layer; 202 second container layer; 22 containers; 24 container base; 242 open rib structure; 244 reinforced side edge; 26 side wall; 30 contact area

Claims (15)

System with at least one nestable lightweight pallet (10), which has an upper deck (12) with a support surface (120) and feet (14) in each corner on the underside of the upper deck (12), and with a plurality of containers (22), which each have a container base (24) and four circumferential side walls (26),
characterized in that
the lightweight pallet (10) and the containers (22) are designed and dimensioned such that when arranging the lightweight pallet (10) on a first container layer (204), the first container layer (204) has several containers (22) abutting one another, in particular 2 , 4, 6 or 8 containers (22), which are aligned overhead, each foot (14) of the feet (14) located in the corners of the lightweight pallet (10) can be placed directly in a corner area of a container (22) over the entire surface can. System according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the lightweight pallet (10) and the containers (22) are designed and dimensioned such that when a second container layer (202) is arranged on the lightweight pallet (10), the second container layer (202) has several containers (22) abutting one another, in particular 2 , 4, 6 or 8 containers (22), which are aligned with the container bases (24) in the direction of the upper deck (12) of the lightweight pallet (10), the entire container bases (24) on the support surface (120) of the lightweight pallet ( 10) can be set up. System according to claim 2, comprising the second container layer (202) with a plurality of abutting, in particular 2, 4, 6 or 8, first containers (22), which are aligned with the container bases (24) in the direction of the upper deck (12) and arranged thereon the first container layer (204) with a plurality of abutting, in particular 2, 4, 6 or 8, second containers (22), which are aligned overhead. System according to claim 3,
characterized in that
the containers (22) of the first and second container layers (202, 204) can be fastened to one another non-positively or positively or with the aid of fastening means. System according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized in that
the first and second container layers (202, 204) each comprise four, six or eight containers (22), which are arranged in a matrix. System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
When arranging the lightweight pallet (10) on the first container layer (204), all the feet (14) located in the corners of the lightweight pallet (10) can be arranged in alignment with the side walls (26) of the container (22). System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the container bases (24) are provided with reinforced side edges (244) and when arranging the lightweight pallet (10) on the first container layer (204) all the feet (14) located in the corners of the lightweight pallet (10) are on the reinforced side edges (244). Container bases (24) can be set up. System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the feet (14) have a pot-like outer shape (140), the bottom (142) of which forms a lower contact surface of the lightweight pallet (10), the feet (14) of the lightweight pallet (10) being converted into feet (14) of an identical second lightweight pallet (10 ) are designed to be nestable. System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the feet (14) have a dome-like inner structure (144), the top (146) of which forms an island-like support surface (148) as part of the support surface (120) of the upper deck (12). System according to claim 9,
characterized in that
When arranging the containers (22) on the lightweight pallet (10), the container bases (24) can also come to rest at least on the island-like support surfaces (148) of the lightweight pallet (10). System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the upper deck (12) of the lightweight pallet (10) comprises a first open rib structure (122). System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the container bottoms (24) are flat and have no stacking edge. System according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the container bottoms (24) comprise a second open rib structure (242). Use of a lightweight pallet (10) in a system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13. Use of a container (22) in a system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

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