MXPA97002018A

MXPA97002018A - Stretch platform fold

Info

Publication number: MXPA97002018A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/002018A
Authority: MX
Inventors: T Young Robson Jr
Original assignee: National Pallet Llc
Priority date: 1994-09-16
Filing date: 1997-03-14
Publication date: 1998-04-01

Abstract

A collapsible stowage platform includes a stowage platform base and a plurality of elongated or collapsible foldable support members connected to the base of the stowage platform, each foldable support member being flexibly connected to the lower surface of the pallet base stowage, the folding stowage platform also includes support means for keeping the folding support members in the straight position by holding the walls of the support member separated, the pallet stowable platform can be stored and / or transported in its collapsed configuration , and then quickly converted into its straight position when deploying the support means, the support means, the support means can take the form of the folding support flaps that fold into the support members, or support blocks that can be inserted inside the sopor members

Description

FOLDING STYLE PLATFORM RELATED REQUEST This is a continuation in part of the patent application of E.U.A. series number 08 / 307,313, filed on September 16, 1994, entitled FOLDING STYLE PLATFORM, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

CAGIPO OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to stowage platforms and more specifically to a foldable or foldable stowage platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Stowage platforms have been used for many years to hold, store and transport boxes, cranes, barrels, machinery and other items. Stowage platforms are typically constructed of horizontally mounted timber boards and parallel to each one on vertical wooden support boards. While functional in design and use, the weight, volume and cost of wood have led to the desire to use a variety of alternative construction materials and develop new designs for the stowage platforms. Prior art references describing a variety of designs and construction materials for the stowage platforms include the U.S.A. No. 5,329,861 to McCarthy, which describes an is + iba platform comprising a pla + aform and support members mounted on the bottom of the pla + aforma. The sopor + e members are generally + U-shaped, with + cuts for access by means of forklifts and the like on all four sides of the stowage platform, and are given high compression force by support blocks proportionally spaced along the length of the support members. Due to the cuts, these support blocks essentially function as the legs of the stowage platform. The stiffness is further provided by rigid end caps placed at the ends of the support members. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,230,219 to 3? V? \ > -Lrfoods describes a stowage platform comprising a platform with several U-shaped support members added to the underside of the platform. Each support member contains a support block in the form of a paper honeycomb to give high compression force. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,230,291 also to Juvik-Uoods discloses a stowage platform comprising a platform and a single piece support base which is folded to produce U-shaped support members therein. The support base is folded and fixed to the lower pair + and the platform. Each support member can accommodate a paper honeycomb support block for rigidity. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,327,839 to Herring et al., Discloses a stowage platform comprising a platform supported by support runners, pedestal-type support blocks, and studs, each of which is made of multi-pleated corrugated board. Although these prior art stowage forms make obvious some of the problems associated with the cost and weight of wood stowage platforms, they do little to alleviate the volume problem associated with stowage platforms. The volume of stowage platforms reduces storage space that could otherwise be used by the load, and such volume is particularly problematic with respect to the transport and storage of empty stowage platforms. The above + technique contains several proposals to overcome the volume problem. Initially, the prior art discloses collapsible boxes having platform bases, such as those described in the US patent. 4,927,026 to Gossler et al., And the US patent. 4,949,898 to Nederveld. The boxes crush to rest in a folded state in their platform bases. However, while these patents describe solutions to reduce the volume of boxes and storage containers associated with stowage platforms, do not describe or suggest any solution to reduce the volume of the stowage platforms themselves. A proposal to reduce the volume of the stowage platforms is prescribed in the patent of E.U.A. No. 4,863,024 to Booth, which is directed to a folding stowage platform built on most corrugated cardboard. Booth describes a platform and two or more U-shaped channels formed from an individual piece of corrugated cardboard sheet appropriately. In operation, the shape of the channels is achieved and maintained by inserting removable support blocks into the total length of each channel, and then inserting the removable wooden crosspieces perpendicular to the channels through appropriately aligned sections of the crossbar. the channels and support blocks. To crush the Booth stowage platform, the supports and support blocks are removed from the channels, and the stowage platform can then be deployed to its original sheet form. By providing some advantages over existing designs of prior art, the foldable stowage platform described in Booth has some disadvantages with respect to its efficiency in use and manufacturing cost. Specifically, the Booth stowage platform requires assembly and disassembly of multiple parts, making it difficult to manage and consume time. Also, the base of the stowage platform can be folded flat but the studs and support blocks do not, making poor storage.

In addition, Booth requires precisely aligned cross-section cuts in both channels and support blocks, and such precision cuts are added to manufacturing costs as well as assembly time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention establishes a design for a collapsible stowage platform that is advantageous over prior art designs and therefore has not been known or taught in the art. The present invention is directed to a foldable support member adapted to be added to a base of the stowage platform, the support member having a generally rectangular shape defined by first and second opposite ends and opposite first and second sides, the member of support comprising adjacent adjoining foldable walls defining an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second opposite side walls, wherein the upper wall and the lower wall are foldably connected to the first and second side walls to form a channel internal that has two opposite ends; and at least one foldable support flap integrally connected to one of the walls and adapted to fold inwardly in the channel, the support flap having an edge adapted to be placed against an opposite wall to maintain the walls in separate relation. The present invention is also directed to a folding stowage platform comprising a base of the stowage platform having upper and lower surfaces; and at least two elongated foldable support members added to the base of the stowage platform, each support member including adjoining foldably added walls that define an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second opposite walls, at where the upper wall and the lower wall are foldably connected to the first and second side walls to form an internal channel having two opposite ends, the walls including at least one foldable support flap adapted to fold inwardly in the channel, the support flap having an edge adapted to be placed against an opposite wall to maintain the walls in separate relation. The present invention is further directed to a folding stowage platform comprising a base of the stowage platform having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and first and second opposite sides; and at least two elongated folding support members connected to the base of the stowage platform, each support member which includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and first and second opposite side walls, wherein the lower wall is foldably connected to the first and second side walls and the top wall is foldably connected to at least one of the first and second side walls to define an internal channel that has two opposite ends, and wherein each support member furthermore includes at least one fold flap. The present invention is further directed to a foldable stowage platform comprising a flat stowage platform having an upper surface-, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and first and second opposite sides; at least two elongate support members added to the base of the stowage platform and separated in parallel position to define a fork channel therebetween, wherein each support member includes an upper wall, an opposite lower wall, and first and second opposed side walls therebetween, wherein the upper wall and the lower wall are folded tightly to the first and second side walls to define an internal channel; at least one bending support flap on each support member, the bending support flap being adapted to fold in the inner channel and be supported on at least two opposite walls of support member; and at least one support compartment within each internal channel, the support compartment being adapted to receive a support block therein in an adjustment manner without loosening. The present invention is still directed to a folding stowage platform comprising a base portion of the stowage platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, and two opposite sides with member portions. of support which extend therefrom, the support member portions including at least three integrally connected wall areas adapted to be folded to define an internal channel, wherein at least one wall area includes a flap of support adapted to fold inside the internal channel and maintain at least two separate wall areas. The foldable stowage platform of the present invention provides a stowage platform that is economical to manufacture, light in weight, strong and secure in operation, and that is easy to assemble, use, reuse, disassemble and dispose of. The folding stowage platform can be constructed entirely of corrugated cardboard and similar and inexpensive available materials. Additionally, the foldable stowage platform of the present invention is as strong as the prior art stowage platforms that use both wood and non-wood materials, but use less of these materials and it is easier to assemble and disassemble. -. The folding stowage platform, even when made of cardboard, compares favorably with wooden stowage platforms both in load bearing (compression) force and in lateral exchange force (shear force).

In several of its modalities, the folding stowage platform is suitable for carrying loads that vary from around 90.72 kilograms to approximately 1814 kilograms. As an example, a folding stowage platform made of single-fold corrugated cardboard and which measures 106.68 x 106.68 centimeters and 10.16 cm high can crush at a height of 2.54 cm or less, weighs less than 3.17 kg, and yet It can support a weight of more than 226.80 kg. To increase load carrying capacity, a user needs only to add additional support means such as support flaps or support blocks, support members, or stowage platform bases for the folding stowage platform, or to use stronger materials for the construction of the stowage platform. The foldable stowage platform can be converted back and forth from a crushed form on a stowage platform without requiring significant assembly or disassembly. In its simplest form, the stowage platform is foldable without having to be disassembled into separate pieces. The fold-down support flaps can be deployed to give the support members of the foldable stowage platform significant load bearing and lateral change force, but can also be undeployed to allow the collapsible stowage platform to be crushed in a flat shape. In the alternative embodiments, the removable support blocks may be inserted into the support members to give additional strength. These support blocks can then be removed if the stowage platform is to be crushed, and certain embodiments of the support blocks unfold in a flat state. Therefore, the folding stowage platform can be efficiently stored as a single, flat piece unit and converted into a stowage platform when it is needed to support load. As an example, the stowage platform can be used to send cargo, disassembled to a flat state in s? point of arrival, and sent to its point of origin in a flat state to save cargo space. While the foldable stowage platform is durable enough to be folded and unfolded again and again for storage and reuse, it is also inexpensive enough to be discarded without significant economic loss. Additionally, when the stowage platform is damaged, it can be recycled instead of discarded in a field. Eeta characteristic is one of value, since the user can sell the damaged stowage platform with raw recyclable material instead of paying for it to be discarded as garbage. Due to the fact that the folding stowage platform can be made of semi-flexible, lightweight materials, said platform has strength qualities that protect fragile breaking materials during transport. Additionally, the folding stowage platform is safe for workers to assemble and otherwise handle, because the stowage platform will not split or fragment into sharpened point particles. A characteristic such as this is of value to workers who are often subjected to splinters or shorts from stowage platforms made of wood and similar materials. Other objects, features, advantages and uses of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description to be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the stowage platform of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective vieta of the lower part of the stowage platform of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a lower elevational view of the stowage platform of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a side elevational vieta of the platform. of stowage of figure 1. Figure 5 is an extreme elevated view of the stowage platform of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower part of a support member of the stowage platform of Figure 1. Figure 7 is an upper plan view of the unfolded support member. of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support block of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the support block of Figure 1. Figure 10 is a planar top view of the unfolded support block of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the stowage platform of Figure 1 in a bent condition. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the lower part of a second embodiment of a support member of the stowage platform of Figure 1. Figure 13 is a top plan view of the unfolded support member of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a bent support member illustrating a hinge support. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the lower part of an alternative embodiment of the stowage platform of Figure 1. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the lower part of the assembled stowage platform of Figure 15 Figure 17 is an end elevational view of the stowage platform of Figure 15. Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the styling platform of Figure 15. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the members of Figure 15. support of figure 6 added to the bottom of a box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, wherein the same or similar characteristics are given the same reference numbers through the different figures. Figures 1-5 illustrate a foldable stowage platform 10 of the present invention. The foldable stowage platform 10 may be constructed of a variety of normal materials known in the art, including wood, plastic, fiberglass, and of a possible aluminum or steel material. However, the present invention is preferably constructed of a re-collapsible material, which for the purposes of this invention is considered to include materials that can be folded back and forth in a fold line through the body. multiple fold cycles without degrading the structural integrity of the material in the fold line. Such re-foldable materials include fiberboard products such as corrugated cardboard, plastic sheet products such as corrugated plastic sheet, and a variety of mixed-body cellulosic plastic materials or fiberboard materials. laminates known in the art. The foldable stowage platform 10 is more preferably constructed of fiberboard materials. As used herein, the term "fiber board" refers to and includes fiberboard, cardboard, chipboard, paperboard, paper honeycomb, and similar paper in corrugated or sheet form. They are relatively stiff and capable of withstanding substantial loads when used to produce the foldable stowage platform of the present invention. Fiberboard material can also be derived from recycled materials including cardboard, paper, sawdust and other cellulose waste materials, and the like. Advantageously, the use of fiberboard materials makes the folding stowage platform recyclable and / or biodegradable. In addition, these materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to cut and fold using normal fabrication techniques. While it is understood that the foldable stowage platform 10 of the present invention can be made from a variety of materials, the present invention will be described with reference to the corrugated fiberboard material. The foldable stowage platform 10 includes a base of the flat stowage platform 12 which has an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, a front end 18, a rear end 20, and opposite first and second sides 22 and 24 , respectively. The base of the stowage platform 12 can be constructed of a single sheet of fibreboard. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 1-5, the base of the stowage platform 12 can be constructed of multiple sheets of fibreboard attached to increase the strength of the base of the stowage platform 12. A base of The typical stowage platform 12 can be constructed in any size, shape, and aspect ratio suitable for the desired purpose. Typical sizes and shapes include square or rectangular shapes between 76.2 cm x 76.2 cm and 152.4 cm x 101.6 c. Other sizes and shapes are available depending on industry conventions. A plurality of elongated foldable support members 30 are found added to the base of the stowage platform 12, which are connected to the lower surface 16 of the base of the stowage platform 12. At least two members of the stowage platform are required. support 30. Conventionally, three support members 30 are used for each foldable stowage platform 10, with two external support members 30A on each side of a central support member 30B. However, the number of support members 30 is not a critical aspect of the foldable stowage platform 10, and can be varied to suit a particular use. The present invention includes collapsible stowage platforms 10 that use a variety of sizes and different numbers of support members 30. Referring now to Figures 2, 6 and 7 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the support members 30 of the present invention. The support members 30 include upper walls 32a and 32b designed to be added to the lower surface 16 of the base of the stowage platform 12, a lower wall or floor surface 34, and first and second opposing side walls 36 and 38. In the preferred embodiment of the foldable eetiba platform 10, wherein the material of the eetiba platform is corrugated fiberboard, each support member 30 is composed of a sheet of corrugated fiberboard material which can be stamped and cut in accordance with the specifications illustrated in Figure 7. While the width, height and length of the support members 30 can be varied to suit a particular design need, the height of the side walls 36 and 38 typically is 5-10 cm to provide enough lift to allow the forks of a forklift, manual truck, or manual crane to be maneuvered under the stowage platform 10. In width of the support members 30 along the bottom wall 34 is typically 7.5-8 c. The support members 30 with a smaller width can support a larger load, but provide less support area for the base of the stowage platform 12. In this way, the multiple support members 30 of equal or different sizes can be used on a platform folding stowage 10 to suit your particular loading requirements. The support members 30 are provided with crease lines 39, or a combination of crease lines 39 and crease lines 39a, as illustrated in Figure 7, to allow the support member 30 to fold from the flat illustrated form. in figure 7 to the box-like shape illustrated in figure 6, and also to fold to the flattened shape which is illustrated in figures 11 and 14. Referring once again to figure 7, the upper walls 32a and 32b of the support members 30 each respectively includes outer edges 33 and 35. The upper walls 32a and 32b preferably (but not necessarily) are made to the size in the transverse direction so that when the support member 30 is folded in the manner illustrated in figure 6, the outer edges 33 and 35 rest one on the other. This preferably places the side walls 36 and 38 in parallel relation, and also places the bottom wall 34 parallel to the top walls 32a and 32b. If a user wishes to form a free support member 30 as illustrated in Figure 6, the edges 33 and 35 can then be joined by fixing means including adhesives such as polyvinylacetate, heat sealing materials such as polypropylene, stitches, tape , staples or other fixation means known in the art. The fixing means, similar to the materials used to build the support member 30, can be selected for recyclability or biodegradability. For example, the fixing means may include water-based glues, for example, raw glue, nucilage, etc. which allow the support member 30 to be easily deconstructed. Alternatively, the edges 33 and 35 can be deflected, and the upper walls 32a and 32b can be added directly to the lower surface 16 of the base of the stowage platform 12. In this case, the upper walls 32a and 32b can be added to the bottom surface 16 of the base of the eetiba platform 12 by a variety of fixation means known in the art, the preferred example being adhesives. The support members 30 are preferably located in parallel relation to one another. Additionally, it is recommended that the external side walls 36 or 38 of the external support members 30a be located in alignment with the sides 22 and 24 of the base of the stowage platform 12. By locating the external support members 30a in this manner, you get two advantages; first, the base of the stowage platform 12 does not protrude from the support members 30a on the sides 22 and 24 and creates a flange that is capable of remaining in another object when the foldable stowage platform 10 is transported, and second, the multiple folding stowage platforms 10 can be easily placed in a row in support relationship from side to side without interference from said flange. The central support member 30b is preferably centrally positioned at the base of the stowage platform 12 and in parallel parallel relation to the external support members 30a, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The separate placement of the support members 30 allows the creation of fork channels 48, which will be described later in the specification. After the outer edges 33 and 35 are added to form a free support member 30, or after the upper wall 32a and 32b are added to the base of the stowage platform, the fold lines 39 allow the support member 30 be placed from a flat position as illustrated in figures 11 and 14 to a straight position as illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 6. The side walls 36 and 38, and the bottom wall 34 and upper walls 32a and 32b, remain in parallel relation as the support member 30 is crushed or placed erect. Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, each support member 30 in its assembled state includes an end channel 30 and at least one type of support means for holding the support member 30 in a fixed position. -ecta. The support means holds the support member 30 in a straight, rigid state and keeps the support member 30 collapsing in a flat squashed state as illustrated in Figures 11 and 14. The preferred support means includes at least one and preferably a plurality of fold support flaps 42 integrally connected to the support member 30. Preferably, the support flap 42 are integrally connected to the bottom wall 34 of the support member 30. However, the support flap 42 also can or instead of being integrally connected to any of the opposite lateral walls 36 or 38 of the. support member 30, or even in the upper walls 32a and 32b. When the foldable stowage platform 10 of the present invention is constructed of a foldable material, such as corrugated fiber board, each support flap 42 is essentially a marked or cut flap added to the wall 34 by means of the fold line 43. In this preferred manner, the support flap 42 can be folded inward near the fold line 43 and in the inner channel 40 to provide a support column between the first and second side walls 36 and 38. When this is done, the support flap 42 keeps the support member 30 in the r-ecta position and provides both compression force and protection against lateral change. While a support flap 42 can achieve this purpose, it is preferred to have two or more fold support flaps 42 on each support member 30 to provide force to the support member 30 in its straight position. The optimum number of support flaps 42 within the support member 30 is determined in accordance with the desired carrying capacity of the foldable stowage platform 10. In the most preferred embodiment of the support member 30, at least 6 eolapas 42 are used to give the support member 30 a capacity to carry a load of more than 226.80 kg. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the support member 30 may be provided with locking tabs 45 and / or 46 to allow placement of the support flap 42 in the receiving slots 49, 51, respectively, in the upper walls. 32a and 32b. In this way, each support flap 42 can be adjusted within the internal channel 40 to provide additional integrity for the support member 30. When the opposing support flaps 42 rotate in the safe position in the inner channel 40, a support compartment 50 is provided in the support member 30 between each pair of support flaps 42. Referring now to Figures 2, 8, 9 and 10, the present invention can also be provided with support means in the form of support blocks 52 which can be placed in the support compartments 50 to give the support members 30 added structural integrity. As illustrated in FIG. 2, preferably there are three support compartments 50 for each support member 30 of a stowage platform 10 of normal or regular size. The number of support compartments 50 in a support member 30 can be increased or decreased depending on the length of the support member 30 and the desired capacity to carry cargo of the stowage platform 10. Referring to Figure 8, the block of support 52 can be a solid block consisting of multiple folds of corrugated fiberboard adhered. It is within the scope of the present invention to use other formed materials, synthetic or natural, for the support block 42. Examples of such materials are corrugated or solid fiber board, honeycomb material, wood, or plastics such as rubber , urethane foam or foam polystyrene, or any of these materials in mixed or molded form. The support block 52 should preferably be of sufficient length, width and height to provide a locking ratio in the support compartment.50. Specifically, the height of the support block 52 is substantially equal to the height of the opposite side walls 36 and 38 of the support member 30, the width of the support block 52 is substantially equal to the width of the bottom wall 34. and the combined width of the upper walls 32a and 32b, and the length of the support block 52 is substantially equal to the length of the support compartment 50 between the fold lines 43. Co or such, the support block 52 is made to size to frictionally adhere to the inner walls of the holder compartment 50. However, the support blocks 52, in an additional or alternative embodiment, can be secured in the support compartments 50 by additional means beyond the frictional forces . For example, as shown in Figure 6, the fold closure tabs 44 formed by the marking lines 44a and fold lines 44b on the side walls 36 and 38 of the support members 30 may be provided to assist in releasing securing the support block 52 in the support compartment 50. The locking tabs 44 can be deployed away from the side walls 36 and 38 near the crease lines 44b and in the support compartment 50 for coupling a support block 52 If the locking tabs 44 are used, the support block must be modified to include openings 53 to receive each locking tab 44. The locking tabs 44 will thus restrict the support block 52 within the support container 50. A Alternative mode of the support block 52 is illustrated by the support block 52A, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The support block 52A may be constructed of an indivi elongated member. dual, as illustrated in Figure 10. The support block 52A preferably comprises a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard forming a plurality of block walls 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64, separated by fold lines 66. The dimensions of the block walls 54-64 are made to size appropriately to match the dimensions of the support compartment 50. The support block 52A is folded as illustrated in Figure 9 so that a wall 62 provides a support diagonal bridge to add to the structural integrity of the support block 52A. Of course, other individual elongated members can be folded into alternative configurations that would serve the same function as the modality described in Figures 9 and 10 and as described above. Advantageously, the support block 52A can be deployed in a collapsed and collapsed state for re-use within the support compartment 50. The block walls 56 and 60 can be provided with openings 53 for receiving the locking tabs 44 for releasably securing the locks. support blocks 52A to the support members 50. The support means such as the support overlaps 42 and the support blocks 52 allow an increase in the carrying capacity and resistance to lateral change of the foldable stowage platform 10. Preferably, support blocks 52 or 52A are used in conjunction with other support means, such as support flaps 42. However, it can be appreciated that when support block 52 or 52A is used, it is not necessary to provide the member of support 30 with support overlap 42 (and vice versa) and support members 30 may be modified accordingly. With one example, if only the support block 52 or 52A is used as support means, the support flaps 42 can be omitted and the support compartments 50 can be formed by cutting portions in the bottom wall 34, or alternatively in the opposite side wall 36 and / or 38 of the support member 30. The locking tabs 44 or friction means can then be used to retain the support block 52 or 52A within the support compartment 50. As illustrated in Figure 2, the foldable stowage platform 10 can also be provided with at least one cross member 70 fixed to the surface of the lower wall 34 of the support members 30. The transom or 70 is a longitudinal support member adapted to be added to all the members of support 30 to provide structural integrity to support members 30 in both the straight and flattened positions. As n in the figures, the beam 70 preferably engages all of the support members 30 at a perpendicular angle, although such orientation is not required. At least one, but preferably two or more, crosspieces 70 are preferred. As illustrated, the cross member 70 can be constructed of similar material as the rest of the folding stowage platform 10. However, the cross member 70 is preferably made of thin fiberboard, metal, or plastic material so that the trucks Manuals, forklifts, floor jacks and similar devices are capable of easily rolling on the crosspiece 70. The crossbar 70 can be adhered to the support members 30 by adhesives, staples or other means of attachment previously described. Reference is now made to Figure 11 which illustrates the collapsible stowage platform 10 in a collapsed or collapsed form. Without the support capability of the support means such as the support flaps 42 or the support blocks 52, the foldable stowage platform 10 can be folded and crushed to a substantially flattened shape. Therefore, the support flaps 42 can be folded from the inner channel 40, and / or the support blocks 52 or 52A can be removed from the support compartments 50, to allow the stowage platform 10 to be squashed and more conveniently stored. and transported. Additionally, the support block 52A can be stored and transported in a straight or flattened manner. In the flattened form, a number of support blocks 52A can be stored within the support members 30 or along the foldable stowage platform 10 during storage and transportation. The ability to store the support blocks 52A in flattened, unfolded form within the foldable stowage platform 10 offers significant advantages over the prior art folding stowable platforms. Specifically, in addition to the fact that no additional space is necessary to store the support blocks 52A during transport, storing the support blocks 52A within the foldable stowage platform 10 during transport ensures that the support blocks 52A are also available when the folding stowage platform 10 ld become s? straight, useful way. When it is desired to convert the foldable stowage platform 10 in a straight manner, the support members 30 are moved to a straight poke, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, and supported by the deployment of the supporting flaps 42 in the inner channel 40. If necessary or if desired for increased stiffness, support members 30 can also be reinforced by inserting support blocks 52 or 52A. When the foldable stowage platform 10 is placed for use in folding the support members 30 as illustrated in Figure 1, it can be used as a typical stowage platform. The foldable stowage platform 10 includes fork channels 48 defined by the space between each pair of the support members 30. The fork channels 48 can accommodate the forks of a forklift, or floor jacks, manual trucks, or dispoeitives similar, from the front end 18 or the rear extrusion 20. The foldable stowage platform 10 can also use different embodiments of the support members instead of, or in addition to, the support members 30 described above. Examples of several of these alternative support members are found below. First, it is contemplated that the support members 30 need not be added to the base of the stowage platform 12 on their upper walls 32. As the support members 30 are collapsible and have substantial capacity to carry cargo in any orientation, the support members 30 can be rotated from the positions shown in the figures, and other support member walls 30 such as the side walls 36 and 38 or the bottom wall 34 can instead be added to the base of the platform 12. If this is done, care must be taken to make the support flaps 42, locking tabs 44, or similar folding portions not usable when attaching them to the base of the stowage platform 12. Second, it is contemplated that an upper wall 32 for adding the support members 30 to the base of the stowage platform 12 together can be omitted from the support members 30. As an example, although the support member 30 is shown in the accompanying drawings as comprising upper walls 32A and 32B for adding the support members 30 to the base of the stowage platform 12, it is within the scope of the present invention to omit the upper walls 32 and add the first and second side walls opposite 36 and 38 of the support member 30 directly to the base of the stowage platform 12. In such a case, a side wall 36 or 38 can be integrally added to the base of the stowage platform 12, or tape or other means of Flexible attachment can be used to add the side walls 36 and 38 to the base of the stowage platform 12. Third, it is contemplated that the upper walls 32A and 32B of the support members 30 can be of different sizes. In Figures 1-3 and 5-7, the upper walls 32A and 32B are shown with a size such that the outer edges 33 and 35 comply with the support relationship. Alternatively, the upper walls 32A and 32B can be made to size so that the outer edges 33 and 35 instead overlap one another, or do not touch each other. The overlay arrangement is particularly suitable for use when the support members 30 are to be constructed as free units for subsequent attachment to the base of the stowage platform 12, since the outer edges of overlap 33 and make the upper walls 32P and 32B easier to add to each other. On the other hand, when the upper walls 32A and 32B are only to be added to the axle base the stowage platform instead of each, the outer edges 33 and 35 do not need to be supported or superimposed on one another. Thus, the upper walls 32A and 32B may be of smaller size, with each upper wall 32A and 32B mainly forming a flap or flange suitable for attachment to the base of the stowage platform 12. However, the configuration of the member of support 30 of figures 6 and 7 and the support relationship of the outer edges 33 and 35 shown in figures 1-3 and 5-7 is recommended as it allows the side walls 36 and 38 automatically place themselves in parallel relation. The parallel side walls 36 and 38 aid the support member 30 in easy bending in a collapsed state. Fourth, it is contemplated that the outer edges 33 and of the support member may be located at different points along the lengths of the upper walls 32A and 32B, the side walls 36 and 3B, and the lower wall 34.

As an example, Figures 12 and 13 illustrate a support member 80 which is similar to the support member 30 of Figures 6 and 7, however the upper walls 32R and 32B are instead a unitary top wall 82. One outer edge 33 is located in the side wall 36, and the other is located in the bottom wall 34. The edges 33 and 35 can be joined by the aforementioned fixing means to form a free support member 80. The support member 80 can then be fixed to the base of the stowage platform by adding the top wall 82 to the lower surface 16 of the stow platform shelf 12 when using the fixing means. Fifth, it is contemplated that the collapsible support members 30 may be made of different material instead of corrugated fiberboard or cardboard. As an example, Figure 14 illustrates a support member 100 which may be made of durable materials such as plastic, glass fiber, metals or other hard, flat materials. The walls of the support member 100 made of these materials typically require hinge brackets to allow the support member 100 to fold flat. In this way, the support member 100 includes a plurality of hinges 102 for manipulating the support member 100 from the crushed position to the straight position. The hinges 102 can be any typical hinge known in the art for this purpose. Loe 102 enjoye include piano type hinges. A piano hinge can be of any length sufficient to connect the walls to the support member 100 and allow the walls to fold. The support member 100 is then temporarily or permanently added to a base of the flat stowage platform 12 when using tapping attachment means such as secure, adhesive, welding, or other attachment means known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, it is contemplated that the outer support members 30 may be formed integrally with the sides 22 and 24 of the base of the stowage platform 12. This especially efficient and preferred embodiment is illustrated with the stowage platform 110 in the Figures 13-16. The foldable stowage platform 110 includes a fully formed stowage platform unit 112 and at least one support member such as the support members 30, 80 or 100 described above. The stowage platform unit 112 includes two opposite support member portions 114A or 114B with a base portion 116 that lies between them. The support member portion 114A includes a first sidewall area 118A,? N bottom wall area 120A, a second sidewall area 122A, and an upper wall area 124A, all separated by fold lines 126. Similarly, the support member portion 114B includes a first side wall area 118B, a lower wall area 120B, a second side wall area 122B, and an upper wall area 124B, all separated by fold lines 126. These areas are preferably formed similarly to the upper walls 32A and 32B, the wall bottom 34, and the side walls 36 and 38 of the support members 30 shown in Figures 7 and 13. For example, the first side wall areas 118A and 118E and second side wall areas 122A and 122B each preferably includes locking tabs 44, lower wall areas 120A and 120B each preferably includes support flaps 42, and upper wall areas 124A and 124B each preferably includes receiving slots 49 and 51. Base portion 116 includes a surface upper 128 and a lower surface 130 joined by a front end .132, and a rear end 134, and opposite sides 136 and 138 that are each connected to the first side wall areas 118A and 118B, r Specifically To form the foldable stowage platform 10, the first side wall area 118A, the bottom wall area 120A, the second side wall area 122A, and the top wall area 124A are folded into a box-like configuration where the first and second side wall areas 118A and 122A are placed in opposite parallel positions with the bottom wall area 120A parallel to the top wall 124A. The upper wall area 124A is placed against the lower surface 130 of the base portion 116 and fixed to the lower surface 130 when using fixing means. The support member portion 114B is then similarly folded and its upper wall area 124B is similarly fixed to the lower surface 130. By performing these steps, the collapsible support members 140A and 140B are formed. To complete the stowage platform 110, a support member 30 can be added to the lower surface 130 between the support members 140A and 14B. The means of sop >The hole as the support flaps 42 and / or the support blocks 52 or 52A can be deployed, and a beam 70 can be added to the support members to complete the folding stowage platform 110. The foldable stowage platform completed 110 it is shown in figures 14-16. The folding stowage platform 110 has several advantages over the folding stowage platform 10. Initially, it uses less material and is faster and easier to build than the stowage platform 10. However, the use of an integral stowage platform unit 122 also allows several structural advantages. First, by forming the support members 140 of the stowage platform 110 integrally with the base portion 116, the outer support members 140 are automatically aligned in parallel function. This helps the support members 140 to crush more easily when the support means are removed. Second, the clamping force between the base portion 116 and the support members 140 of the stowage platform 110 will inherently be greater than the clamping force between the base of the stowage platform 12 and the support members 30 of the platform. 10. The base portion 116 and the support members 140 of the stowage platform 110 are integrally formed, while the stowage platform 10 may have an exposed attachment seam 26 on the sides 22 and 24 between the base of the stowage platform. the stowage platform .1.2 and the external support members 30. However, the stowage platform 110 does not have this exposed seam 26 between the bale portion 116 and the support members 140. Also, while the seam 26 in the foldable stowage platform 10 could be protected by said means co or the spacing of the support members 30 inwards from the sides 22 and 24 of the base of the stowage platform 12 and then deploy the sides 22 and 24 down and add them to the side walls 36 or 38 of the support members 30, such solution uses more material than the solution presented by the eetiba platform 110. The support members 140 of the stowage platform 110 must be made of the same material as the base portion 116. However, if the user desires a base of the stowage platform made of a different type of material than the support members 140, the user may set a different type of base of the stowage platform 12 on top of the base portion 116 when using fastening means. In addition to using the alternative modalities of the support members 30, it is contemplated that the foldable stowage platform of the present invention may also use alternate embodiments of the base of the stowage platform 12. As an example, while the base of the stowage platform 12 has been described as having a square or rectangular shape, instead it can use other forms, such as a circular one. In addition, it has already been noted that the additional support members 30 can be added to the foldable stowage platform 10 to reinforce it. Alternatively or in addition to the use of the additional support members 30, the foldable stowage platform 10 can be reinforced by adding additional sheets of material to the upper surface 14 of the stowage platform 10 at the top of the first base of the platform 12, or even at the bottom of the stowage platform 10 on the bottom wall 34 of the support rack 30. Eeta last option provides a folding stowage platform 10 which is particularly suitable for use in seven traneportadoree to roll. In this embodiment, a sheet rnuy similar to the base of the stowage platform 12 is fixed to the lower walls 34 of the support members 30. This sheet may include cutting portions to allow access to the support means. However, despite the presence of the cutting portions, that sheet will provide a large surface area, flat at the bottom of the stowage platform 10. This blade allows the stowage platform 10 to travel best on conveyor system because the large, flat surface prevents the support members 30 from creating drag as they couple different rollers . As another example, the base of the stowage platform 12 can be made of different materials than the support members 30 to obtain the desired surface feature on the upper surface 14. As an example, the support members 30 can be made of fiberboard, and the base of the stowage platform 12 can be made of rubber sheet or be covered or coated with suitable materials to prevent loosening of the load. As another example, the base of the stowage platform 12 can be made of corrugated fiberboard while the added support members 30 or 100 can be made of metal or plastic material. This feature is useful when the material that the base of the stowage platform 12 supports, and / or the environment that the support member 100 on which it rests, needs special materials to allow the material to be effectively transported. For example, the support members 100 may need to be resistant to corrosion, while the base of the stowage platform 12 may need to be made of a semi-rigid cushioning material. In such a case, the support members 100 may be made of stainless steel and the base of the stowage platform 12 may be made of vulcanized rubber, among other materials. Additionally, the base of the stowage platform 12 may have walls that are folded or rigidly added to its front end 18, rear end 20, and sides 22 and 24. As an example, the base of the stowage platform 12 may have walls connected laterals that extend upwards at their ends 18 and 20 and sides 22 and 24 so that the base of the stowage platform 12 forms the base of a box. An arrangement as such forms a platform box 160, as shown in Figure 19. This platform box can be easily constructed by using fixing means for installing the support members 30 in the base of a box 162. The advantage of the platform case 160 is that the support members 30 can be installed in the box 162 before or after the box 162 has been filled. In this manner, a pre-packed and filled box 162 can "retro-fit" with the members 30 support to protect the material inside the earth's environment box. Figure 19 illustrates only one embodiment of the platform boxes that can be made with the present invention, and instead the support members 80 or the support member 100 can be fixed to the base of the box 162, or the base of the box 162 can be fixed to the base of the stowage platform 12 of the stowage platforms such as the stowage platform 10 or the stowage platform 110. The stowage platform 10 can be coated with plastic or otherwise resistant to water so that the stowage platform 10 is resistant to moisture. This feature is useful when the stowage platform 10 will be used when packing in wet or shipping areas or when it will be stored outside. As an example, the stowage platform materials can be coated with polyethylene.

Additionally, the stowage platform 10 may be impregnated or coated with fire resistant and / or insect resistant chemicals by prior art sprinkling and / or submersion methods. While the present invention has been described with respect to the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Instead, this invention includes a variety of modifications and equivalent features included within the spirit and scope of the claims. The scope of the following claims is in accordance with the broadest interpretation to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A folding stowage platform comprising: a) a base of the stowage platform (12, 116) which has upper (14, 128) and lower (16, 130) surfaces; and b) at least two elongated folding support members (30, 80, 100, 114) added to the platform stowage bale (12, 116), each support member (30, 80, 100, 114) including walls foldably contiguous additives defining an upper wall (32, 82, 124), a lower wall (34, 120), and first (36, 118) and second (38, 122) opposite side walls, wherein the top wall (32) , 82, 124) and the lower wall (34, 120) are folded tightly to the first (36, 118) and second (38, 122) side walls to allow the formation of an internal channel (40), the upper wall (32, 82, 124) is added to the lower surface (16, 130) of the base the stowage platform (12, 116), the bottom wall (34, 120) thus defining the lower part of the stowage platform; and the bottom wall (32, 120) includes at least a pair of folded support tabs (42) adapted to fold up and inward in the channel (40) to define a support compartment (50) in the channel ( 40) between the support flaps (42) in the pair, the support compartment (50) opening at the bottom of the stowage platform.

2. The stowage platform according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the support flap (42) includes an edge adapted to be placed against the upper wall (32, 82, 124) to maintain the upper walls ( 32, 82, 124) and lower (34, 120) in separate relationship, and wherein the edge includes a tab (45, 46) therein and the top wall (32, 82, 124) includes a slot (49, 51) therein, wherein the tongue (45, 46) can engage the slot (49, 51) to freely maintain the edge of the support flap (42) against the top wall (32, 82, 124).

3. The folding stowage platform according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the first (36, 118) and second (38, 122) side walls include at least one locking tab (44) therein. which is located adjacent to the support compartment (50) and which is adapted to fold therein; in combination with a support block (52) made to size for exact fit within the support compartment (50), the support block being adapted to be retained by the locking tab (44) when the locking tab (44) is folded into the support compartment (50).

4. The folding stowage platform according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the support members (114) are integrally added to the base of the eetiba platform (12, 116).

5. The stowage platform according to claim 4, further characterized in that the first side walls (36, 118) are integrally added to the base of the stowage platform (12, .1.16).

6. The folding stowage platform according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one travelae. (70) connected to the support members (30, 80, 100, 114).

7. The folding stowage platform according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the base of the stowage platform (12, 116) includes side walls of box that extend from it, thus defining a box base (162).

8. The foldable stowage platform comprising: a) a base of the stowage platform (12, 116) having upper surfaces (14, 128) and lower (16, 130); and b) at least two elongated foldable support members (30, 80, 100, 114) added to the base of the stowage platform (12, 116), each support member (30)., 80, 100, 114) including adjoining foldable adjoining walls defining an upper wall (32, 82, 124), a lower wall (34, 120), and first (36, 118) and second (38, 122) side walls opposite, wherein the upper wall (32, 82, 124) and the lower wall (34, 120) are folded tightly to the first (36, 118) and second (38, 122) side walls to permit the formation of an internal channel (40), the upper wall (32, 82, 124) is added to the lower surface (16, 130) of the base of the stowage platform (12, 116), the lower wall (34, 120) includes at least a pair of collapsible support flaps (42) adapted to fold up and inward in the channel (40) to thereby define a support compartment (50) in the channel (40) between the support flaps ( 42) in the pair, the first (36, 118) and second (3B, 122) side walls include at least one locking tab (44) therein which is located adjacent to the co support section (50) and that is adapted to fold in the same; and c) a support block (52) made to the size for exact fit within the support compartment (50), the support block (52) being adapted to be retained by the closure tab (44) when the closure tab ( 44) is folded into the support compartment (50).