BE1024996B1 - Method and support frame for transport and storage of metal elements - Google Patents

Abstract

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a supporting frame for transporting and storing metal elements such as sheet material, the supporting frame comprising a chassis and a back structure, wherein it forms a loading surface for supporting and carrying loaded elements, the supporting frame further comprising at least one slot that extends into and along said loading surface, for the releasable attachment of one or more supporting posts. In particular, the loading surface forms a slope with respect to the chassis, and the back structure comprises one or more supporting bodies which extend perpendicularly to said slope. In further aspects the invention is directed to methods for transporting and storing metal elements by means of draagrams, for loading draagrams and for transporting and storing unloaded draagrams.

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

METES NV

3650, DILSEN-STOKKEM Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

THOMAS Danny

3650 DILSEN STOKKEM

Belgium (54) Method and support frame for transport and storage of metal elements (57) In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support frame for the transport and storage of metal elements such as sheet material, the support frame comprising a base and a back structure, wherein the forms a loading surface for supporting and supporting loaded elements, the support frame further comprising at least one slot extending along and along that loading surface for releasable attachment of one or more support posts. In particular, the loading surface forms an inclination relative to the undercarriage, and the back structure comprises one or more supporting bodies extending perpendicular to said inclination. In further aspects, the invention relates to methods for the transport and storage of metal elements by means of frames, for the loading of frames and for the transport and storage of unloaded frames.

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024996 Filing number: BE2017 / 5544

Intellectual Property Office

International classification: B65D 19/44 B65D 19/38 Date of issue: 13/09/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 04/08/2017.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

METES NV, Siemenslaan 2-4, 3650 DILSEN-STOKKEM Belgium;

represented by

CRABBE Ellen, Pauline van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

BRANTS Johan Philippe Emile, Pauline Van Pottelsberghelaan 24, 9051, GHENT;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual taxes as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Code of Economic Law, for: Method and frame for transport and storage of metal elements.

INVENTOR (S):

THOMAS Danny, Siemenslaan 2-4, 3650, DILSEN-STOKKEM;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application:

Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 13/09/2018,

With special authorization:

BE2017 / 5544

METHOD AND FRAME FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF METAL ELEMENTS

TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The present invention relates to support frames for metal elements, and further to methods for the transport and storage of such elements, using one or more support frames.

STATE OF THE ART

In the manufacturing process of complex devices such as cars, power groups and compressed air compressors, the production of certain parts typically takes place in separate facilities. For example, such parts are produced by a specialized subcontractor at a separate location. Only at a final stage, all elements in an assembly facility are brought together and combined into the actual device. This of course requires the transport of some parts and elements between facilities for production and / or assembly.

All kinds of frames are known from the prior art, which aim to simplify this transport, and thereby minimize the risk of damage to the elements.

US 5 603 419 A, for example, describes a transport rack for transporting objects of a specific type. The rack thereby comprises a frame with a plurality of brackets. In particular, said brackets are configurable between a first position, for supporting the objects, and a second position, in which the empty rack can be stored in a compact manner.

The present invention aims to provide an improved support frame. After all, there is a need for frames that can be used more widely, so that sufficient support and protection can be offered to a wide range of elements. The frames must also be able to be stored compactly, in both filled and empty condition, and in the most efficient manner possible. Furthermore, these frames should be user-friendly and contribute to the most efficient logistics possible, while offering great security

BE2017 / 5544 as regards the unharmed transport and the unharmed receipt of the parts / elements. In view of, among other things, the environment, it is also preferable that the support frame is durable and can therefore be used frequently.

The present invention aims to provide a solution to at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a supporting frame according to claim 1, preferably at least suitable for the transport and storage of metal sheet material. However, the presence of folds and / or bends in the sheet material, for example of folded edges and / or of profiled ribs, makes the elements vulnerable. The transport and storage of such elements via conventional methods and supporting frames is therefore very risky.

In particular, it is very important that the elements are adequately supported during storage and / or transportation. It is therefore advantageous that the present invention provides one or more slots which extend into and along the loading surface of the support frame, and which are configured to receive and detachable attachment of one or more support posts. The elements can be graded against one or more of such support posts.

The loading surface also forms an angle of at least 0.5 ° and a maximum of 45 ° with the horizontal, so that the elements can be angled on it at an angle. The support poles, as well as the support bodies, extend perpendicular to that loading surface, thereby providing (inclined) support to the loaded elements.

Support frames with vertical support posts are known from the prior art. By taking the spacing sufficiently large between them, the elements could rust against these support posts. However, greater spacing results in less efficient padding of the carrier frame. Furthermore, the elements will then rest only locally, along their top edge, against the support posts, which can lead to local damage. In this support frame, the slope is inherent to the loading surface, to the

BE2017 / 5544 support surface and at the support posts. This allows safer filling of the support frame. Moreover, the elements can be arranged in a much more compact manner, and can easily be loaded and unloaded.

The dimensions (height, width, depth) of the support frame are preferably such that a plurality of support frames can be stacked into a block which utilizes the space provided as efficiently as possible. In particular, the width and depth of the support frame can be matched to the surface of a standard sea container. The length and width of the sea container is each time (slightly more than) a multiple of the mentioned width and depth of the supporting frames.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 19, for the transport and / or storage of metal elements, using a supporting frame according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 20, for loading a supporting frame with metal elements, on an inclined loading surface and against supporting bodies and / or supporting posts, wherein said supporting bodies and supporting posts extend perpendicular to the inclined loading surface. In this regard, the above-mentioned advantages can be repeated.

In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 21, for the transport and / or storage of unloaded frame frames, wherein, for example, a first frame frame is stacked on top of a second frame frame. The frames have a frame and a back structure. In particular, the frame of the second support frame along the top side forms one or more connectors, for cooperation with receivers along the bottom side of the base of the first support frame. This allows a very compact stacking of the unloaded frames. Preferably, the support frames are stacked in a stepped manner in a sideways direction.

BE2017 / 5544

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1A and 1B schematically show a side cross-section and a front view of a loaded supporting frame according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective drawing of a supporting frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective drawing of two stacked supporting frames according to Figure 2A, according to a first stacking method.

Figure 2C shows a schematic perspective drawing of two stacked supporting frames according to Figure 2A, according to a second stacking method.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a support frame with two support columns detachably fastened along the front.

Figure 4 shows the support frame according to the embodiment of Figure 3, wherein the releasably attached support columns are released.

Figure 5 shows a detail corresponding to the indicated box in Figures 3 and 4. The locking mechanism is thereby unlocked.

Figures 6A and 6B show a buffer beam in retracted position and a buffer beam 25 in laterally projecting position, respectively.

Figures 7A and 7B show the front and back of six compactly stacked, unloaded carrier frames according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a support frame for the transport and storage of metal elements such as sheet material. The invention further relates to methods of transporting and storing metal elements by means of frames, to methods of loading frames and to methods of transporting and storing frames unladen.

BE2017 / 5544

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

One, de and the in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly assumes otherwise. For example, a segment means one or more than a segment.

When used approximately in this document at a measurable quantity, a parameter, a duration or moment, and the like, then variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably + are meant / -5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less than and of the quoted value, insofar as such variations apply in the described invention. However, this should be understood to mean that the value of the quantity by which the term is used approximately or round is itself specifically disclosed.

The terms include, comprising, consisting of, comprising, containing, containing, containing, contents, containing are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms which indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the prior art.

Claiming numerical intervals through the endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including these endpoints.

In a first aspect, the present invention describes a support frame for the transport and storage of metal elements such as sheet material, the support frame comprising a base and a back structure, the base extending along an underside of the support frame and the back structure extending along a back side. of the support frame, so that the base and the back structure define a space for loading elements; the back structure comprising one or more supporting bodies, for supporting loaded elements, and the supporting frame further comprising:

BE2017 / 5544 a loading surface, for supporting and supporting the loaded elements, and at least one slot, which slot extends in and along the loading surface, and is configured for the reception and releasable attachment of one or more support posts, to further support the elements mentioned.

In particular, the loading surface forms an inclination with respect to the undercarriage, at an angle of at least 0.5 ° and at most 45 °, and wherein said back structure support body extends substantially perpendicular to the inclined loading surface. Preferably, the support posts, when mounted in said slots, also extend perpendicular to the inclined loading surface.

The supporting frame is preferably at least suitable for the transport and storage of pleated, bent and / or flat metal sheet material. Such sheet material can for instance be processed into a housing for all kinds of devices. However, the presence of folds and / or bends in the sheet material, for example of folded edges and / or of profiled ribs, makes the elements vulnerable. The transport and storage of such elements via conventional methods and supporting frames is therefore very risky.

The underframe of the present support frame can be arranged, among other things, on a flat, horizontal surface, via the underside thereof. The support frame then defines a space for loading elements, on top of the base and along the back structure. More concretely, elements can be loaded on the loading surface and against the back structure. The supporting frame here comprises one or more supporting plates which together clamp a (possibly imaginary) loading surface. Preferably, the back structure in a sieve-like manner comprises one or more support bodies, which together clamp a (possibly imaginary) support surface, for lateral support of at least one loaded element. Further preferably, the supporting surface is substantially perpendicular to the loading surface.

Optionally, the back structure is detachable from the chassis, but preferably the back structure is rigidly connected to the chassis, which contributes to the rigidity of the support frame.

BE2017 / 5544

Specifically for certain types of sheet metal elements, it is very important that the elements are sufficiently supported during storage and / or during transport. For example, a first element can be arranged against the support body of the back structure. However, due to folds and / or bends in the elements, it is usually highly undesirable for the elements to rust against each other. Damage caused by the mutual sanding of the elements must also be avoided. In this regard, it is very advantageous that the present invention provides one or more slots which extend into and along the loading surface and which are configured to receive and detachable attachment of one or more support posts. As a result, further elements, if necessary, can each be arranged against one or more of such support posts.

The slot preferably extends into the loading surface, being worked into that loading surface. Furthermore, it preferably runs parallel to that loading surface. Preferably, one or more loose support posts can be inserted into each slot, their individual position being adjustable along that slot, after which they can be fixed at those set positions. This makes the support frame versatile, with the positions of the support posts being set according to the nature and dimensions of the loaded elements. Preferably, the fixed / attached support posts extend upwardly from the loading surface, substantially perpendicular to that surface. They can provide lateral support to the elements arranged against it. Preferably, the support posts can also be removed from the slots. For example, when arranging elements on the support frame, it may be advantageous that the support posts are removed so that they do not get in the way.

According to a non-limitative embodiment, the slot provides a profile with an undercut zone, in which the fixing posts can be loosened / clamped in a positive / negative way by a rotary movement, by means of a thread-screw hole clamping. The person skilled in the art is of course able to realize other embodiments, wherein support posts are attached via sliding lowering in a slot with notches, via clamping by means of a wedge, or by any other technique.

BE2017 / 5544

The aforementioned angle between the loading surface and the undercarriage is to be interpreted as the angle between the loading surface and the horizontal (possibly imaginary) base on which the undercarriage rests, or by which the undercarriage could be carried. Preferably, that angle is at least 0.5 ° and at most 45 °. More preferably, said angle is a maximum of 40 °, more preferably a maximum of 35 °, a further preferably a maximum of 30 °, a further preferably a maximum of 25 °, a further preferably a maximum of 20 °, a further preferably a maximum of 15 °. More preferably, said angle is at least 0.5 ° and at most 15 °, more preferably at least 1 °, more preferably at most 10 °, more preferably at most 8 °, more preferably at most 5 °. Preferably, said angle is at least 1 ° and at most 5 °, so preferably 1 °, 2 °, 3 °, 4 °, 5 °, 5 ° or any value in between. Preferably said angle is between about 2 ° and about 5 °. Optionally, this angle is adjustable between one of the above-mentioned preferred Intervals. This would allow, depending on the type of element (s), to set the optimum slope, so that the support frame can be used more widely. Preferably, however, it is a fixed angle, which contributes to the rigidity of the support frame.

When the support frame is placed on a horizontally flat surface, the loading surface forms an inclination with respect to the horizontal. Preferably, the support posts and support members (of the back structure) extend perpendicular to that loading surface, thus forming an angle to the vertical. The elements can therefore be arranged inclined on the loading surface, against the aforementioned support posts and support bodies. Standing elements are therefore arranged in a more stable manner, since their center of gravity tends towards the support body and / or towards the support post. In addition, this enables an efficient method of loading and unloading the support frame: for example, a support post is placed / removed each time before placing / removing an element. During that loading and unloading, the loaded elements are always stably arranged against the (supporting bodies of the) back structure, and / or against the supporting posts. The user is in no way hindered from adding or removing further elements / support posts.

Support frames with vertical support posts are known from the prior art. By taking the spacing sufficiently large between them, the elements can rest against these support posts. However, a bigger one

BE2017 / 5544 spacing results in less efficient filling of the support frame. Furthermore, the elements will then rest only locally, along their top edge, against the support posts, which can lead to local damage. In this support frame, the slope is inherent to the loading surface, to the supporting surface and to the supporting posts. This allows a safer and easier filling of the support frame. In addition, the elements can be arranged much denser, allowing more elements to be loaded on the same frame.

The inventors found that at angles below 0.5 °, the center of gravity of the elements shifts only slightly relative to their point of support on the loading surface, so that the stability of the loaded elements is insufficiently guaranteed. However, the greater the angle of inclination, the less efficient the space on the support frames is used. The angle is therefore preferably at most 10 °.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the supporting frame comprises one or more spoon openings, for cooperation with a spoon lifting device such as a forklift truck. This allows an efficient movement and stacking of the supporting frames, as well as an efficient transfer to and from a container loading space and the like. Preferably, at least two or more such spoon openings are contained by the base of the support frame.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the support frame comprises steel. Preferably, the frame and / or the back structure comprise a steel frame comprising steel tubes. Tubes with a side profile of 30 mm to 60 mm, for example of approximately 40 mm, and with a wall thickness of 2 mm to 5 mm, for example of approximately 3 mm, provide the necessary strength without making the supporting frame excessively heavy. Preferably, that steel is provided with a surface treatment such as a paint layer and / or a galvanization layer, which contributes to the durability of the supporting frame.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the support frame comprises one or more materials with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. Support surfaces and supporting parts coated with a material of high friction coefficient have the advantage of preventing the elements arranged on or against them from sliding.

BE2017 / 5544

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the support frame comprises one or more materials of high abrasion resistance, such as a polyamide (trade names: Akulon, Nylon, Ertalon, Nylatron, Ultramid, Vestamid, Zytel, Sustamid, Zellamid and the like). Support surfaces and supporting parts which are coated with a material of high wear resistance have the advantage that they are more durable because they wear less quickly. In addition, worn support surfaces and supporting parts would increase the risk of damage to the elements.

It is also possible, when loading the carrier frame, to provide soft parts for protection, such as auctioning polystyrene foam (eg trade name Styrofoam) and / or air bags / cushions. It is even possible to have flat sheet elements resting directly against each other, with an optional polystyrene foam sheet between each pair of elements, and thus without support posts. On the other hand, it is also possible to cover the support posts with a polystyrene mouse sheet or with a rubber.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said loading surface slopes towards the back. In other words, when the support frame with its frame is placed on a flat surface, the lowest part of the loading surface is located along the back of the support frame. Preferably this allows to arrange an element on the inclined loading surface, the element being additionally supported by one or more supporting members of the back structure. This allows for a very stable arrangement of the support elements, against that rigid back structure.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said slot extends according to the direction of the slope of the loading surface. That is, according to a direction perpendicular to the isoplanes or isolines of said slope, or still, according to the gradient of the loading surface. The slot thus extends into and along the loading surface, between the front and rear of the support frame. This allows loading of the supporting frame, whereby a first element leans against the supporting elements of the back structure. Subsequent elements always lean against the supporting posts placed between them. The positions for fixing the support posts are chosen according to the thickness of the elements.

BE2017 / 5544

Alternatively, the loading surface slides off in a sideways direction. Preferably, the aforementioned slots still extend in the direction of the slope, i.e. in the lateral direction. The loaded elements then lean in a sideways direction and are preferably supported sideways by support posts. Again, the positions for securing the support posts, now in the lateral direction, are adjusted according to the thickness of the elements. This configuration is very advantageous for loading and unloading the support frame along its front. Optionally, the back structure provides a finger bar, and / or a detachable finger bar can be attached along the front of the support frame. The loaded elements can then be secured by protruding grip fingers, as described below.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the supporting frame further comprises at least one support column, which support column extends perpendicular to the chassis. When the support frame with its frame is placed on a horizontally flat surface, the support column therefore preferably extends vertically. Preferably, one or more support columns are positioned along the periphery of the chassis, i.e. near the front, rear, left and / or right side; they screen the loading space of the support frame. Preferably, such support columns also provide support for an overhead support frame, in case the support frames are stacked.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said support column is positioned near a corner of the frame. According to an embodiment, the frame is rectangular in top view, and that frame is provided at the front with one support column on the left corner and with one support column on the right corner. Such a positioning of the support columns provides an improved shielding of the cargo space, and an improved support of the upper supporting frame.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the chassis comprises a receiver, along its underside, and the support column at the top opens into a connector, which connector is suitable for cooperation with said receiver. This simplifies and stacking two such frames, in optionally loaded condition. The connectors of one support frame are received in the receivers of the higher support frame. Furthermore, the support columns provide at least partial support for that above

BE2017 / 5544 mounting frame. The rigid back structure is preferably also provided with one or more such connectors. A stacking through a connector-receiver connection is simpler, and is also safer and more stable. Preferably, the frame is therefore at least suitable for resting on a flat, horizontal surface, and moreover for carrying on an underlying supporting frame.

Preferably, the support frame is of height, width and depth such that it can be efficiently stacked within a standard space such as a standard sea container. Preferably, the available space is used to the full. The skilled person is of course capable of realizing such a supporting frame according to dimensions that are adapted to the application envisaged, and in particular to the space available for stacking during transport and storage.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the chassis at the top comprises a connector, which connector is suitable for co-operation with the said receiver along its underside. The latter connectors enable a very compact stacking of empty frames, also via a connector-receiver coupling, and using the same receivers. The underframe of the upper supporting frame is thereby arranged on the underframe of the supporting supporting frame, and thus at least partly within the loading space of said supporting supporting frame. Furthermore, the back structure of the upper supporting frame is preferably arranged against that of the supporting supporting frame. It is not necessary to actually detach (possibly) detachable back structures from the associated chassis. The latter is a great advantage, because it allows the frames to be provided with a fixed back structure, without complicating the compact and simple stacking of the empty frames.

Preferably the connector on the top of the chassis is positioned forward, relative to the receiver (along the bottom). This makes it possible to arrange the back structures of the support frames along one another, as described above. Preferably, the latter connector (along the top of the chassis) is positioned sideways, relative to the receiver (along the bottom). This makes it possible to arrange back structures with a protruding corner support in a compact manner along each other, wherein said protruding corner supports are arranged diagonally along each other. The resulting stack will be stepped

BE2017 / 5544 in the forward and sideways direction. This makes it possible to make the corner supports heavier, so that a rigid support frame is obtained, without the support frame being too heavy.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said support column is detachably connected to the chassis. A detachable support column can be removed when loading and unloading the support frame, so that loading / unloading is not hindered.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the supporting frame comprises at least one holder, suitable for storing at least one detached support column. Preferably said container is enclosed by the back structure of the supporting frame. Preferably, each detachable support column can be stored in one or more holders provided for this purpose on the support frame. As a result, the detached support columns will always be available, and will also be lost less quickly.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said holder is positioned along a top part on the back of the back structure. That upper part is defined as an upper section of the back structure, with a height approximately equal to the height of the loading surface above the ground. This permits a very compact stacking of unloaded support frames, the back structure of the upper support frame being arranged against the back support structure of the supporting support frame, with the above holder of the upper support frame positioned above the back support support structure.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the chassis comprises a locking mechanism, for preventing the reception and removal of support posts from the slot, and wherein said support column provides a locking of said locking mechanism. In other words, the support column can only be attached to the frame, after locking the locking mechanism. In addition, the locking mechanism can only be unlocked after removing the detachably attached support column. According to one embodiment, the slot has an open end along the front, and support posts can be slid in and out of the slots along those open ends. When locked, the aforementioned locking mechanism seals those open ends. This increases the safety of the support frame during transport, where there is a risk of the support posts vibrating loose and sliding out.

BE2017 / 5544

When using the support columns, the slots must be locked so that the support posts cannot vibrate out of those slots. With a complete filling of the support frame with elements and support posts in between, up to the locking mechanism, those support posts are even completely fixed. By the way, locking is a mandatory action when fastening the support columns to the chassis, so that the locking itself is not a step that can be easily forgotten or skipped, due to a possible human error.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, said locking mechanism is a sliding locking mechanism. For example, all openings along the front are closed by one sliding, sideways movement of the locking mechanism. A similar locking mechanism can be provided along left and / or right side, in case of sideways oriented slots.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the supporting frame comprises at least one buffer beam, which buffer beam is configurable between a laterally projecting position and a retracted position. This is advantageous when the carrier frame is loaded with long elements, which, due to their great length, extend beyond the (shielded) loading space of the carrier frame. The buffer beams are then brought into a laterally protruding position, whereby the (vulnerable) ends of the elements are shielded. Preferably, the buffer beams are at least hingeably configurable between said positions.

The buffer beams are preferably lockable in the laterally projecting position and / or in the retracted position. Preferably, the buffer beams are at least slidably lockable in said positions.

According to a further or alternative embodiment, at least one buffer beam is positioned along a support column. Preferably, the buffer beam has a U-shaped or L-shaped profile, which can be stored compactly around said support column (in retracted position), and can be laid down (in laterally projecting position) to protect the longer parts. As described above, the support columns, in a detachably attached state, are preferably provided along the periphery of the chassis, more preferably near the corners. The buffer beams are also preferably provided near those corners of the chassis.

BE2017 / 5544

According to a further or alternative embodiment, the support frame comprises two or more openings for the detachable attachment of a finger bar. The term finger bar is to be understood herein as an elongated member having a plurality of laterally projecting fingers. Preferably, those fingers are provided at regular intervals along the length of the beam for lateral mounting and securing of loaded elements. Preferably such finger bars can be provided along the left side and / or along the right side of the support frame. They extend between the back structure and the support column at the front left, respectively between the back structure and the support column at the right front. Preferably said back structure and support columns are provided for this purpose with mounting holes, and further preferably said mounting holes are lock-shaped. Preferably, different types of finger bars can be provided, with different finger thickness, finger length, and / or finger spacing, depending on the elements to be loaded.

Preferably, said slot is further suitable for the attachment of an upwardly directed finger bar, i.e. with upwardly directed fingers, for further support of the elements along the loading surface.

In a second aspect, the present invention describes a method for the transport and / or storage of metal elements such as sheet material, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one supporting frame as described above, and loading the supporting frame, comprising arranging of one or more elements on the loading surface of the support frame. In this regard, the above-mentioned advantages can be repeated.

In a third aspect, the present invention describes a method for loading a support frame with metal elements such as sheet material, the support frame comprising a frame and a back structure, wherein the support frame comprises a loading surface provided with one or more slots for detachable attachment of one or more a plurality of support posts, which loading surface forms an angle with the chassis of at least 0.5 ° and a maximum of 45 °, and wherein the back structure further comprises one or more supporting bodies extending perpendicularly to the loading surface, the method comprising the steps of:

BE2017 / 5544 arranging a first element, on the loading surface and against the said supporting members of the back structure, optionally attaching one or more supporting posts in the slots provided for this purpose, optionally providing a protective sheet on and / or against the first element , and arranging a further element, on the loading surface and against the support posts, against the protective sheet, and / or against the first element.

Preferably, the attached support posts also extend perpendicular to the loading surface.

The same advantages as mentioned above, in connection with the arrangement of the elements on an inclined loading surface and against inclined supporting posts and / or supporting bodies, can be repeated in this connection. The supporting frame preferably relates to a supporting frame according to the first aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention describes a method for the transport and / or for the storage of two or more, unloaded supporting frames, comprising an underframe and a back structure, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a first unloaded support frame, and arranging a second, unloaded support frame, on top of the base of the first, and against the back structure of the first, the support of the first support frame comprising one or more connectors along an upper side thereof, and wherein the frame of the second support frame comprises one or more receivers, along an underside thereof; the arrangement takes place in such a way that the said connectors are received in the said receivers.

The first, unloaded support frame is preferably positioned with its chassis on a substantially flat surface.

This allows a very compact and simple stacking of supporting frames with a fixed back structure. It is preferably two or more supporting frames according to the first aspect of the invention.

BE2017 / 5544

In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples and figures illustrating the invention, which are in no way intended or interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Figures 1A and 1B schematically show a side cross-section and a front view, respectively, of a loaded supporting frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support frame 1 comprises a base 2 and a back structure 3. The base 2 provides two spoon openings 4, so that the support frame 1 can be easily lifted and displaced by means of a spoon lifting device such as a fork lift. With respect to the supporting frame 1, a bottom side 5 and a back side 6 can be indicated; the frame 2 extends along the underside 5, while the back structure 3 extends along the back 6 of the supporting frame 1. The supporting frame 1 further defines a loading surface 7 with two slots 8 along it, for inserting and clamping support posts 9. The back structure 3, on the other hand, simultaneously functions as a supporting body 10 for the loaded elements 12, thereby defining a supporting surface 11 for those elements 12. The loaded elements 12 thereby occupy a loading space of the supporting frame 1, which loading space is partly demarcated by the chassis. 2 and the back structure 3. The figure further shows that the loading surface 7 slopes towards the back 6 of the supporting frame 1. It forms an angle α with the frame 2 (or at least with the underside 5 of that frame 2). The support surface 11 and the support posts 9 extend perpendicular to that loading surface 7.

The elements 12, in this case block-shaped and equal in shape and size, are now arranged on the supporting frame 1. They are supported by the loading surface 7. At the same time, they are supported laterally, either against the support surface 11 or against the support posts 9.

Figure IB further shows an enlarged detail, illustrating a mechanism by which the support posts 9 are clamped in the slots 8 at the bottom. These slots 8 extend along the loading surface 7, according to the direction of its inclination, i.e. between the front and the rear of the support frame.

1. Along the front of the supporting frame 1, the slots 8 open to an open end. They show their undercut profile, as shown in figure IB and further in the detail of the figure. For their attachment in a slot 8, the support posts 9 are provided at the bottom with a threaded rod 13. The respective

BE2017 / 5544 threaded rod 13 is suitable for reaching into the undercut zone of the slots 8, where the threaded end 13 can be clamped in a corresponding screw hole, for example that of a nut 14. Preferably, a type of nut 14 with a relatively large transverse surface is used for this purpose, for instance of approximately 15 cm ² . A sufficiently rigid mounting of the support post 9 is thus obtained. Preferably, said nut 14 is form-fitted in the undercut zone of the slot 8, so that turning a support post 9 relative to the supporting frame 1 necessarily results in the turning of the threaded end 13 within the nut 14. Non-limiting examples of suitable nuts 14 have a square or rectangular cross section. When rotating about its axis, in a positive sense, the (loose) support post 9 is fixed in its current position along the slot 8. By turning in a negative sense, the (fixed) support post 9 can be clamped, after which its position along the slot 8 is adjustable. Loose support posts 9, if no further support posts 8 or elements 12 get in the way of this, can be pushed into and out of the undercut slot 8 at the front. Preferably, each of the threaded ends 13 is at all times provided with a nut 14.

Example 1

This example describes the loading of the supporting frame 1 according to figure 1, in an embodiment of the present invention. Initially, an unloaded support frame 1 is provided on a substantially flat horizontal surface, with the underside 5 resting on the surface. A first element 12 'is then arranged on the loading surface 7 of the supporting frame 1, against the supporting surface 11. That element 12 is immediately stable, due to the inclination. The user thus has the hands free to subsequently insert a first pair of two loose support posts 9 ', respectively in the two slots 8 provided for this purpose. The support posts 9' are pushed into those slots from the front, against the first element 12 ". These support posts 9 'are clamped in the slots 8 by positive rotation. Further, a next element 12 is then arranged on the loading surface 7, against the first pair of support posts 9 '. Additional elements 12 and support posts 9 are similarly arranged until support frame 1 is finally fully loaded.

BE2017 / 5544

On the basis of this information, the person skilled in the art is now also able to unload the loaded carrier frame 1, by carrying out the corresponding steps in reverse order.

Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective drawing of a supporting frame 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The supporting frame 1 comprises a base 2 and a back structure 3. The base 2 spans a loading surface 7, which loading surface 7 forms an angle α with the base 2, that is to say, with the base (not shown), along the striped line on which the base 2 rests. The back structure 3 further provides a support body 10. This support body 10 forms a support surface 11 which extends perpendicularly to the loading surface

7. The loading surface 7 is further provided with two slots 8 for the attachment of support posts 9 (not shown). These slots 8 have an undercut profile along the front. The support frame 1 further comprises two support columns 15, which extend perpendicularly to the frame 2, that is to say, on the aforementioned base (not shown). The support pillars 15 may be fixedly connected or detachably attached to the base 2. Firstly, they allow to stack a first support frame 2 on top of a second support frame 2, even if the second support frame 2 is loaded - see above figure 2B. For this purpose, each support column 15 opens into a connector at its top

16. Such a connector 16 'is also provided at the top of the back structure 3. Along the bottom 5, the frame forms three receivers 17, 17 'for co-operation with said connectors 16, 16' when stacking. The chassis 2 also comprises two connectors 16 along the top side. The latter are equally suitable for co-operation with the same receivers 17, in a compact stacking of the supporting frames 1 in empty condition - reference is made to Figure 2C.

Figure 2B shows a schematic perspective drawing of two stacked supporting frames 1 according to Figure 2A, according to a first stacking method. The receivers 17, which are positioned at the front of the frame 2 of the upper supporting frame, thereby rest on the connectors 16 at the top of the supporting columns 15 of the supporting (or underlying) supporting frame 1. Furthermore, the connector 16 'is located at the top of the back structure 3 of the supporting supporting frame. , slid into the receiver 17 'at the rear of the base 2 of the upper support frame 1.

Figure 2C shows a schematic perspective drawing of two stacked supporting frames 1 according to Figure 2A, according to a second stacking method. This includes the

/2017 / 5544 receivers 17 positioned along the underside 5 in front of the frame 2 of the upper support frame 1, on the connectors 16 at the top of the frame 2 of the support support frame 1. In addition, the back structure 3 of the upper support frame 1 rests against the support surface 11 of the load-bearing frame

1. This second stacking method allows compact stacking of the supporting frames 1 in an unloaded state.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a support frame 1 with two detachably attached support columns 15 along the front. The support frame 1 comprises a base 2 and a back structure 3, and rests its base 2 on the base (not shown in the figure), center of four support feet 19. On the undercarriage further four supporting plates 20 are mounted along the top side, which together clamp a loading surface 7. These support plates 20 are optionally covered with a rubber. In particular, that loading surface 7 is inclined towards the back, at an angle of approximately 3 ° with respect to the base. The back structure 3 further comprises four vertically inclined support bodies 10. Together they clamp a support surface 11. Said support surface 11 extends perpendicularly to the aforementioned loading surface 7. The frame 2 of the supporting frame 1 also comprises a plurality of spoon openings 4.

Along the left side and the right side of the supporting frame 1, respectively, there is a finger bar 21, each time between the back structure 3 on the back side and the support column 15 on the front. Both finger bars comprise a plurality of inwardly facing fingers 22 for enclosing, laterally supporting and / or laterally securing the interposed elements 12 (not shown in the figure). These and other finger bars 21 can be detached and attached to the supporting frame 1 in lock holes 23 provided for this purpose, furthermore techniques known in the art. In the three slots 8, which extend at the bottom in and along the loading surface 7, three upwardly directed finger bars 21 were also mounted by means of bolts and nuts. These finger bars 21 can be disassembled if desired.

Now suppose, for example, that there are no finger bars 21 mounted in the slots 8 at the bottom of the support frame 1, but rather that support posts 9 are used for supporting the elements 12 laterally during loading. Such support posts 9 can then be secured in the slots 8, for example as described above. In particular, the

BE2017 / 5544 slots 8 extend at the front on an open end, for inserting additional support posts 9 or for removing support posts 9 already present in the slot 8. The figure then shows the sliding locking mechanism 24, for locking said entry and removal, by slidingly covering said open ends. It is advantageous that the ends of each of the slots 8 can be covered in one sliding movement. Moreover, the locking mechanism 24 is secured by means of the support column 15 at the front right. The locking of the open ends is therefore a necessary step in placing the support column 15. This makes the supporting frame 1 much safer, and moreover less subject to human error.

The figure also shows four buffer beams 25, which are positioned at the four corners of the support frame. These buffer beams 25 are configurable between a laterally projecting position and a retracted position, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

Two or more such frames 1 can be stacked on top of each other, even when loaded; For this purpose, each support foot 19 ends at the bottom on a receiver 17, and for this purpose the support columns 15 as well as the corner posts of the back structure 3 at the top form a connector 16, suitable for cooperation with the said receivers 17. In the present embodiment, the connectors 16 are simply designed as upward facing, open sleeve ends.

Figure 4 shows the supporting frame 1 according to the embodiment of Figure 3, wherein the releasably attached support columns 15 are released. Previously, the side finger bars 21 (no longer shown in the figure) were also disassembled. The detached support columns 15 are now stored in holders 18 provided for this purpose along an upper part on the back side 6 of the back structure 3.

It can also be established that the sliding locking mechanism 24 is now no longer secured; It can thereby be freely shifted to the right, whereby the aforementioned open ends of the slots 8 will become exposed.

Figure 5 shows a detail corresponding to the indicated box in Figures 3 and 4. The locking mechanism 24 is thereby unlocked. The open ends of the slots 8 are thereby exposed. In particular, it is now possible to place one or more support posts 9 in each of the slots 8.

BE2017 / 5544

Figures 6A and 6B show a buffer beam 25 in retracted position and a buffer beam 25 in laterally projecting position, respectively. In the embodiments according to figures 3 to 5, such buffer beams 25 are mounted on the corners of the supporting frame 1, along the supporting columns 15 and along the corner posts of the back structure 3. Each of the buffer beams 25 forms a U-profile, comprising a back wall 26 and two side walls 27, suitable for receiving said (tubular) support columns / corner posts.

For mounting the buffer beams 25, the support columns / corner posts each have a hole 28, for cooperation with L-shaped recesses 29 in both side walls 27 of the buffer beam 25. Mutual fixing is done by inserting a pin or bolt (not shown on the figure), through both the boreholes 28 and L-shaped recesses 29. By Hinging around the corner point of the L-shaped recess 29, the buffer beam 25 can be hingedly configured between a retracted position (Figure 5A) and a side / side projection position (Figure 5B).

The supporting columns 15 and the corner posts of the back structure 3 furthermore provide an engagement rib 30, and the buffer beams 25 furthermore provide two mutually perpendicular notches 31,31 ', for engaging them on said engagement rib 30. By sliding along one leg of the L-shaped recess 29, the buffer beam 25 can thereby be slidingly locked in the retracted position (Figure 5A) or in the side / side projecting position (Figure 5B).

Figures 7A and 7B show respectively the front and the back of six compactly stacked, unloaded carrier frames 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the supporting frames 1 comprises a rectangular frame 2 which, along the top side, near the four corner points, each forms one upwardly directed connector 16. Furthermore, the four support feet are formed on the underside into receivers 17, for co-operation with the said connectors 16. In particular, the connectors 16 are shifted along the top of the chassis 2 in each side, in a forward and lateral direction, relative to the receivers 17 ( Along the underside of the same chassis 2). This results in a stepped stacking, in the forward and sideways direction. It makes it possible to arrange the back structures 3 of the upper supporting frames 1 along each other, wherein the protruding buffer beams 25 do not get in each other's way. It thus allows a more compact stacking in an unladen condition.

BE2017 / 5544

From the rear (figure 7B) it can be determined that it is advantageous to position the holders 18 along an upper part on the back of the back structure 3. The stored support columns 15 are each positioned above the back structure 3 of the underlying supporting frame 1, which permits a more compact stacking.

The numbered elements on the figures are:

BE2017 / 5544

1.frame

2. chassis

3. back structure

Spoon opening

5. underside

6. back

7. loading area

8. slot

9. support pole

10. support body

11. support surface

12. element

13. threaded rod

Nut

15. support column

16. connector

17. receiver.

18. holder

19. support foot

20. carrier plate

21. finger bar

22. finger

23. closing hole

24. locking mechanism

25. buffer beam

26. back wall

27. side walls

28. borehole

29. L-shaped cutout

30. engagement rib

31. notch

It is believed that the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above and that some modifications or changes to the described examples and figures can be added without revaluating the added claims

BE2017 / 5544

Claims (19)

CONCLUSIONS 1. A support frame 1 for the transport and storage of metal elements 12 such as sheet material, the support frame 1 comprising a base 2 and a back structure 3, the base 2 extending along a bottom side 5 of the support frame 1 and the back structure 3 extends along a back 6 of the supporting frame 1, so that the frame 2 and the back structure 3 define a space for loading elements 12; the back structure 3 comprising one or more supporting bodies 10, for supporting loaded elements 12, and the supporting frame 1 further comprising: a loading surface 7, for supporting and supporting the loaded elements 12, and at least one slot 8, which slot 8 extends in and along the loading surface 7, and is configured for the reception and releasable attachment of one or more support posts 9, for further support of said elements 12, wherein the loading surface 7 forms an inclination with respect to the chassis 2, at an angle α of at least 0.5 ° and at most 45 °, and wherein said supporting body 10 of the back structure 3 substantially extends perpendicular to the inclined loading surface 7, characterized in that the supporting frame 1 further comprises at least one support column 15, which support column 15 extends perpendicular to the chassis 2. Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 1, characterized in that the said loading surface 7 slopes towards the back. Supporting frame 1 according to one of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said slot 8 extends according to the direction of the slope. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said supporting column 15 is positioned near an angle of the frame 2. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame 2 comprises a receiver 17, along its underside 5, and that the support column 15 opens at the top into a connector 16, which connector 16 is suitable for cooperation with said receiver 15. BE2017 / 5544 Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 5, characterized in that the base 2 comprises a connector 16 at the top, which connector 16 is suitable for cooperation with said receiver 17. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the said support column 15 is detachably connected to the frame 2. Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 7, characterized in that the back structure 3 comprises at least one holder 18, suitable for storing at least one detached support column 15. Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 8, characterized in that said holder 18 is positioned along an upper part on the back 6 of the back structure 3. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the frame 2 comprises a locking mechanism 24, for preventing the reception and removal of support posts 9 from the slot 8, and wherein said support column 15 provides a locking of the said locking mechanism 24. The supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 10, characterized in that it is a sliding locking mechanism 24. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one buffer beam 25, which buffer beam 25 is configurable between a laterally projecting position and a retracted position. Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 12, characterized in that the buffer beam 25 is at least hingeably configurable between said positions. Supporting frame 1 according to one of the preceding claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the buffer beam 25 can be locked in the laterally projecting position and / or in the retracted position. Supporting frame 1 according to the preceding claim 14, characterized in that the buffer beam 25 can be locked at least slidingly in said positions. Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the buffer beam 25 is positioned along a support column 15. BE2017 / 5544 Supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two or more openings 23 for the detachable attachment of a finger bar 21. The supporting frame 1 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said slot 8 is further configured for the reception and releasable attachment of a finger bar 21, for further support of said elements 12. A method for the transport and / or for the storage of metal elements 12 such as sheet material, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one supporting frame 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and loading the supporting frame 1 , comprising arranging one or more elements 12 on the loading surface 7 of the supporting frame 1. 20. A method for loading a support frame 1 with metal elements 12 such as sheet material, the support frame 1 comprising a base 2 and a back structure 3, the support frame 1 comprising a loading surface 7 provided with one or more slots 8 for releasable attachment of one or more support posts 9, which loading surface 7 forms an angle α with the chassis 2, of at least 0.5 ° and at most 45 °, and wherein the back structure 3 further comprises one or more supporting bodies 10 extending perpendicular to the loading surface 7 , the method comprising the steps of: arranging a first element 12 ', on the loading surface 7 and against the said supporting bodies 10 of the back structure 3, optionally attaching one or more supporting posts 9' in the slots 8 provided for this purpose, optionally providing a protective sheet on and / or against the first element 12 ', and arranging a further element 12, on the loading surface 7 and against the supporting posts 9', against the protective sheet, and / or against the first element 12 ', characterized in that the loaded supporting frame 1 is further stacked on top of an underlying support frame 1, the support being arranged on at least one support pillar 15 of that underlying support frame 1. BE2017 / 5544 21. A method for the transport and / or for the storage of two or more, unloaded frames 1 comprising a frame 2 and a back structure 3, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a first, unloaded mounting frame 1, 5 - detaching one or more detachable support columns 15 from the first support frame 1, and arranging a second, unloaded support frame 1, on top of the base 2 of the first, and against the back structure 3 of the first, the base 2 of the first mounting frame 1 comprises one or more connectors 16, along an upper side thereof, and wherein the underframe 2 of the second support frame 1 comprises one or more receivers 17, along an underside thereof; the arrangement takes place in such a way that said connectors 16 are received in said receivers 17. 22. The method according to previous claim 21, characterized in that the second support frame 1 is arranged on top of the first support frame 1 in a stepwise manner in a lateral direction. ^FlGu Ke _N BE2017 / 5544 ^ΒΕί ° η ₅ 544 BE2017 / 5544 • G BE2017 / 5544 BE2017 / 5544 BE2017 / 5544 j :: ¾ Μ — f? %: y: î ^Ee2 <»7/5544 'Vi' • '? \'y> \. \ χ <'\ x'>> v ···· 'w \ ^s a & Ν & ώλ? 'V'''As' · '' W '“'« '' W ' ^s \ i *' t '.?'<'S''^k'iW-''';'ayva ^ ^{ ''v * T vr' * ' X ^s 'S> \ -. X \ x? \ '\ i, A _s ' î ^ ^ss '' \\ xXA N <.. '? xN \ xW < TOURIST OFFICE. 1 ^^: ^ Λλ \ · ^; ^ \ Χχχ \ ΧΧ \ νχχχ »Α '» ^ \\ Χ \ ΧΧνΛ \ Χ \\ Χ \ Χ> \\ Χ5χ \ Χ. \\\ Χ «» Λ \ Χχ \ Χ.Χ ^ \ Χ \ ΧΛΧ \ Χ5 \\ Χ. \ Χ \\ χ \\ χχ \ χχ \\ Χ \\ ΧνΧ> \ χ-: Α> Ν ·. · <^ ΊχΧ ^ ·· ·} < '''Aï XXX ^ XX χ X χΧ X Χχ'Λ ^^ λ. ** χΜ> \ Χ ·· χχ X · £ XX ^s · »X ·»''ί' ”ί $ ^% 'X $ χ' ? •• '•• Χνχχ.χχ - ^ χ ...-.-, ..,; ....; ... χΧ> ··· »Χ <<ν · •.' ••. •. • . • x-.x.xS. ·· 'Xw'V .χ.χΧ' '·' ' BE20V / 5544. X ··· • ^ Kxs ·? ’· Λ .. S vs -k ^ 4 '· ^ a? S .- ^x I K / * Ά '4k *> jr <'<A \ C ^s * \ Λ 's. W; ^ v-Mt 3 is / tJ Ç>. ; 'ϊ. Ϊ \ ^! t, -. '! «Ϊ́8 ς-ίχ-χζ iI ηΜΛ '« vi ss ^s ^ \ $ I' ^ss * Λ - 'W, - <> I * k UH _V \ ^ S ^ SsxX <£ k sss I kk S «** ''. Γ 'bag f>, k' X ¹ '-' • 'S-xj'. :% · * ·· χν.χ% · .χ5 ^. · .. y ru- ^ V, amiu k S ^V -¾ \, k '4 Ά 1¾ k k y · x · -A «3 M Mïv'WZT ^ K k kki ^v s Ac k * kkr AA '.' ^ K C x-C · îk •••••• - • -s -S sis. <ss> S; '/% BE2017 / 5544 METHOD AND FRAME FOR TRANSPORT AND STORAGE OF METAL ELEMENTS