WO1993017924A1

WO1993017924A1 - Plastic device for application between boxes or for example corrugated cardboard or between boxes and pallets

Info

Publication number: WO1993017924A1
Application number: PCT/SE1993/000215
Authority: WO
Inventors: Agneta Sandell Dahlberg
Original assignee: Asd Logistik Ab
Priority date: 1992-03-13
Filing date: 1993-03-11
Publication date: 1993-09-16
Also published as: SE9200787D0; SE470060B; SE9200787L

Abstract

During transport or storing loads are usually packed in boxes of e.g. corrugated cardboard. These are often placed on a pallet (see Fig. 2). To avoid damage during transport or automated materials handling, the load must be restrained to prevent sliding or displacement. For automated materials handling it is especially important that flush surfaces are maintained between the different boxes and between boxes and pallets. The size of the boxes can vary considerably and is adapted to the size of the pallet. The aforementioned invention offers good fixation of box to box (7) as well as box to pallet (8). Furthermore it gives a good end fixation with flush surfaces between the different units (9). The invention can be folded to adapt to different box/pallet sizes. The invention can also be equipped with a shock aborber (5) to prevent lateral damage during transport (see Figures 2 and 3).

Description

PLASTIC DEVICE FOR APPLICATION BETWEEN BOXES OR FOR EXAMPLE CORRUGATED CARDBOARD OR BETWEEN BOXES AND PELLETS.

The majority of all goods that is transported, stored, or handled in any other ways is stored in boxes, typically of corrugated cardboard, with rectangular sides.

Often a number of boxes are placed upon a surface, e g a pallet, in order to be moved together. Due to the size of the boxes of surfaces a large number of loading configurations can occur.

To secure the goods so that the boxes do not slide and damage the goods several methods are being used, such as strapping, stretch or shrink packing or increasing the friction between the boxes using spikes or double sided adhesive tape.

These methods are labour intensive and requires special machinery. Stretch or shrink packing is furthermore a method which is questionable in view of more stringent environmental legis1ation.

Modern material handling uses automated conveyors and robots more and more often. In these cases the demand for goods with smooth surfaces increases, boxes may not be misaligned and may not slide. If this happens the system can be stopped or the article mishandled. The above methods give poor protection against this.

Often damage occurs when transporting a number of pallets with stacked boxes, e g on a lorry, because the vibrations and movement are such that adjacent stacks bump against each other. The most common solution to this problem is currently placing suitable material between the loads, e g expanded polymers or inflatable bags. The effectiveness of these methods depends very much on the skill of the packers.

This invention, which is called THE LEECH, solves these problems and secures box to box as well as box to pallet, while at the same time securing the edges and maintaining even surfaces. The invention can in addition be supplied with shock absorbing protection for transporting several pallets loaded side by side. The invention can be folded and adapts easily to different combinations of boxes and pal lets.

The invention - THE LEECH - has the characteristics which are described in the following patent claim.

The invention is illustrated by examples of application described with reference to the enclosed drawings. Fig. 1 and fig. 3 show three different applications of the invention

Fig. 1 Flash fixation of boxes

Fig. 2 Edge fixation between two boxes

Fig. 3 Corner fixation

Fig. 4 Example of pallet fixation

Fig. 5 Fixation with shock absorbtion between sides

Fig. 1 shows the plastic device laid flat. The two flaps (1) are equipped with a number of spikes (3) on both sides which will penetrate the surface and fasten the boxes when applied between two boxes or between a box and a pallet. Fig. 2 shows how the flaps (1) can be folded upwards. With the flaps in this position the invention gives a very good edge fixation of two or four boxes and at the same time a fixation between every layer of boxes.

Fig. 3 shows how the plates (2) can be folded 90° and locked in this position by a hasp (4). In this position the device provides a corner fixation between the layers of boxes.

THE LEECH is manufactured of any suitable thermoplastic material, e g polyamide or polypropylene. The size can be adapted to the size and weight of the load. The invention can be used on different types of boxes and pallets.

Fig. 4 shows how THE LEECH can be used on a pallet with boxes.

The invention can also be equipped with a shock absorbing side protection (5) to prevent damage of the load when transporting several pallets. The side protection can be made of e g blow moulded polyethylene or a cusion of polyurethane or expanded polymers depending on the forces to which the load is likely to be subjected. The side protection presses into a purpose- made hole (6) in THE LEECH or is fastened with double sided adhesive tape.

Claims

PATENT CLA - M

Plastic device for load fixation and intended for use between boxes made of e g corrugated cardboard or between boxes and pallets, c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y two foldabel flaps (1) equipped with a number of spikes (3) on both sides, that the aforementioned flaps hinge on each of two plastic plates (2) which if required can be folded at a 90 angle relative to one another and that the flaps are fixed with a hasp (4) in this position, that when the flap (1) are folded up they together with the plastic plates create an edge against which the load is further fixed in a sideway direction.

2. Plastic device as per patent claim 1 c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y that the device can be equipped with a shock absorbing facility of a suitable material, e g blow moulded polyethylene, polyurethane or expanded polymers.

3. Plastic device as per patent claim 2 c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y that the shock absorbing facility is fixed to the plastic plates (2) with a press stud in the hole (6).

4. Plastic device as per patent claim 2 c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y that the shock absorbing facility is fixed to the plastic plates (2) using double sided adhesive tape.

Plastic device as per patent claim 1 c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y that the device is manufactured of a suitable thermoplastic material e g polyamide or polypropylene.