DE102011053058B4 - Reusable transport packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The inventive reusable packaging (1) for packaging in particular heavy goods has at least two substantially parallel outer surfaces, and comprises an upper clamping plate (2) and a lower clamping plate (3) and an elastic side surface pad (4), wherein the upper clamping plate (2) positionable above the material to be packaged, and the lower clamping plate (3) positionable below the material to be packaged and the side surface pad (4) can be wound around the side surfaces of the goods to be packaged, and by at least one tensioning device (5) Tensile forces between the upper clamping plate (2) and the lower clamping plate (3) can be applied, and wherein each clamping plate (2, 3) has a rectangular plan, four Grifflochstanzungen (6) in the region of the clamping plate corners, and four symmetrically arranged receptacles (7) for the tensioning device (5), and wherein the Gut facing the inner sides of the clamping plates (2, 3) further comprises means against V to slip (8). The inventive method comprises the following steps: (1) positioning a lower clamping plate (3) below and an upper clamping plate (2) above the goods; (b) wrapping the product with a resilient side surface pad (4); (C) applying tensile forces between the two clamping plates (2, 3) by means of at least one clamping device (5), so that the material to be packaged between the two clamping plates (2, 3) is clamped.

Description

introduction

The invention relates to the field of packaging of consumer goods. More particularly, the invention relates to a reusable heavy goods packaging apparatus (reusable packaging), and a method of using the same.

State of the art and disadvantages

Even heavy consumer goods such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators and the like are increasingly ordered over the Internet and transported by freight service to the consumer. Although such goods are not particularly susceptible to vibration, but must be packed accordingly stable due to the high weight.

In a not inconsiderable number of cases, a return transport of the already unpacked goods is required, for example, if the goods is faulty or does not appeal to the buyer. In most cases, the original shipping packaging is no longer available at this time because it is often damaged by unpacking and / or is typically disposed of immediately after unpacking due to its size.

The provision of a replacement packaging for the return shipping is of course associated with the corresponding time and cost. It is also undesirable to keep corresponding empty packaging at the freight company or at the manufacturer. Nevertheless, it must be ensured that the described heavy goods can be transported back to the manufacturer or seller without risk of damage by the consumer, without any transport damage due to bumps, bumps or scratches.

In the publication WO 01/66422 A1 a collapsible packaging is proposed, which consists of a lid, a bottom and a removable side wall. To ensure a stable cohesion, the side wall engages in recesses of the lid and the floor. Thus, it is only suitable for goods of specific and non-flexible size. In addition, the side wall is made of rigid foldable material. Although this leads to the said possibility of setting in the wells; however, the protective effect of such a wall against impact is low. A comparable solution is in the document DE 41 11 773 A1 disclosed. For limited adaptation to different high goods an inflatable cushion is proposed on the inside of the lid.

From the German Patent 11 20 354 is a multi-part packaging known, which is also provided only for goods always the same size ("mass-produced goods"). The side and top surfaces proposed there are brought into a stable shape by inflation. Although this leads to a good collapsibility of the packaging before or after their use and a good padding of the packaged goods; However, the inflation is associated with the corresponding effort.

Fixed, block-like interlocking upholstery are in the document EP 0 341 838 A1 shown; however, no flexibility is possible here with regard to the size of the packaged goods. Even a space-saving stowage is not given.

Object of the invention and solution

The object of the invention is to provide a device which solves the transport problem described, and at the same time no additional burden on the seller or other recipient of the return by bulky replacement packaging, etc. comes. In addition, the device in the unused state should be small-volume, also inexpensive to produce and reusable. Furthermore, the device should be flexibly adaptable to goods of different dimensions.

The object is achieved by a reusable packaging according to claim 1. Further embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the figures.

description

A reusable packaging according to the invention is used for packaging in particular heavy goods. Such goods typically can not be carried by a single person, but usually require two people to transport. Such a good has, in order to be packaged with a reusable packaging according to the invention, at least two substantially parallel outer surfaces. Preferably, these are the top and bottom of the Guts. It is clear that corresponding geometry features such. B. feet lead to an "imaginary" outer surface, which by definition can be parallel to another surface.

According to the invention, the reusable packaging comprises an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate and a side pad, wherein the upper clamping plate positioned above the goods to be packaged, and the lower clamping plate positioned below the goods to be packaged and the elastically designed side surface cushion around the side surfaces of the goods to be packaged can be wound. It is further provided that by means of at least one clamping device tensile forces between the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate can be applied. In this way, the product to be packaged is clamped between the two clamping plates and there, and laterally protected by the side surface pad.

According to the invention it is further provided that each clamping plate has a rectangular plan, four Grifflochstanzungen in the region of the clamping plate corners, and four symmetrically arranged receptacles for the clamping device, and that the Gut facing the inner sides of the clamping plates further comprise means against slipping. It is clear that the corners of the clamping plates can also be rounded or have a chamfer.

The Grifflochstanzungen preferably have a width which corresponds approximately to the width of a human hand. For ergonomic reasons, they can be lined with a hand padding. Optionally, eyelets for load hook or the like may be present, which are preferably also distributed symmetrically on the clamping plate.

The fixtures for the clamping device are arranged symmetrically in order to distribute the tensile forces as symmetrically as possible between the upper and the lower clamping plate.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, both clamping plates have an identical basic structure. This means that the Grifflochstanzungen and the fixtures for the clamping device in both clamping plates are each arranged in the same places. At the same time it is clear that the lower clamping plate, for example, due to the provision of additional feet, may deviate slightly in its final configuration of the upper clamping plate, without the two clamping plates differ substantially in their basic structure from each other. Thus, reusable packaging according to the invention can be provided from a minimum number of different components.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the clamping plates are made of laminated wood or plastic. Plywood is also known as MDF (medium density (wood) fiber board). Wooden clamping plates are more economical, especially for small quantities, than plastic ones, which have a longer service life.

According to another embodiment, the clamping plates are made of a different wood, or of metal. Of course, combinations of all mentioned materials are possible. Thus, both layer structures of different materials, as well as plates with recesses, in which another material is used, possible. It is also possible that the upper clamping plate is made of a different material, or of a different combination of materials, than the lower clamping plate.

According to a further embodiment, the clamping device is designed as a threaded rod. By turning the threaded rod its length is changed, or it engages in corresponding threaded holes, which are provided in the upper and / or lower clamping plate. By turning the threaded rod thus the distance between the two clamping plates changed, whereby the material to be packaged clamped between the clamping plates or clamped between them.

According to yet another embodiment, the tensioning device comprises toggle levers which are selectively attached to rigid, flexible or combined straps.

According to another embodiment, the tensioning device is designed as at least one lashing strap with a ratchet. By pressing the ratchet, the length of the lashing strap is shortened, so that the material is clamped between the clamping plates. Preferably, two lashing straps are present, which, as seen from above, run crosswise, so that along each of the four side surfaces of the reusable packaging runs along a part of a lashing belt.

A further development of this embodiment provides that the receptacles for the clamping device are arranged as L-shaped cut belt guides in the plate edge centers and optionally reinforced, for example with plastic or metal inserts. This L-shape has the advantage that the belt runs inside the tension plate, but close to its outer edge. In this way, the belt is protected by the clamping plate, and on the one hand can not be solved in an undesirable manner from the belt guide, on the other hand, however, be easily removed manually from the clamping plate. It is clear that the gap distance and the gap width of the belt guide should be slightly larger than the thickness or the width of the lashing strap to avoid jamming.

An essential feature of the invention is the anti-slip device. This is arranged on the sides facing the packaged Good inside the clamping plates. Hereinafter, three embodiments will be described.

According to a first embodiment, the means against slipping on positively acting on the good projections, guides and / or strips on. These can be made in one piece with the respective clamping plates, or retrofitted, z. B. screwed or plugged, be. It is clear that the form-fitting components are adapted as far as possible to the geometry of the goods to be packaged. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the components are easily and flexibly fixable at different locations of the respective clamping plate.

It is further preferred if the components are present not only on one, but on both clamping plates. The components can also be distributed over both clamping plates, so that they complement each other in an advantageous manner, for example, by mutually offset by 90 ° arrangement of each mutually parallel bars.

According to a second embodiment, the means against slipping by a frictionally acting on the material integrated covering is formed. This coating does not change the thickness of a clamping plate or only insignificantly, in contrast to the components described above. Integrated means that the covering is made, for example, by scratching or otherwise structuring the clamping plate. This roughening results in a higher coefficient of friction between the clamping plate and to be packaged Good.

According to a third embodiment, the means against slipping is formed by a frictionally acting on the material attached patch. This means that the pad can be made of a different material than the clamping plate. Particularly preferably, the covering consists of a rubber-like material, which has a particularly high coefficient of friction with respect to the mostly smooth surfaces of the goods to be packaged.

Irrespective of whether integrated or attached, the covering can cover the inside of the clamping plate over the whole or partial area.

Another essential aspect of the invention is the elastic side surface pad. This protects those sides of the goods that are not already protected by the clamping plates.

According to a preferred embodiment, the side surface pad is made in one piece and / or made of foam. Alternatively, multi-piece upholstery segments are possible, so that the pad can be extended as required by fitting individual pad segments.

According to a further embodiment, the side surface pad is sewn into a nonwoven fabric. Particularly preferred this fleece is made of polypropylene (PP).

The fleece appreciates the elastic material of the side surface pad both against sharp-edged protrusions of the goods to be packaged, as well as against external influences, such as other sharp-edged objects or weathering.

According to a preferred embodiment, the side surface padding on a two vertical end portions connecting or bridging closure device. This means that the closure device does not have to be arranged exactly on the vertical edges of the side surface cushion, but rather also allows an overlapping of the end regions. The closure device is used for a quick and secure closing of the side surface pad.

Particularly preferably, the closure device for closing the side surface upholstery and / or for adjusting its circumference at least two straps with or without clips, toggle closures, one or more Velcro, at least one zipper, multi-row snaps and / or rubber bands, with straps with Clips are most preferred. Of course, combinations of said embodiments are possible. As mentioned, the closure device serves both to make a connection between the two end regions of the side surface cushion, as well as to allow for a certain length flexibility thereof. In this way, goods to be packaged can be packaged to varying degrees without having to replace the side padding.

According to an alternative embodiment, the side surface pad is formed as an elastic hose. This hose is pulled, preferably from above, over the goods to be packaged. Depending on the diameter and flexibility of the hose this is more or less closely to the outer contours of the goods. In this way, the good is always enclosed on all sides, without the need for straps or the like. It is clear that such a side pad is preferably composed of a combination of different materials, some of which are responsible for optimum protection and others for optimum stretchability.

According to a further embodiment, the side surface pad additionally has on its top and / or bottom edge a knock-in and / or attachable extension in the form of additional pocket (s) for packaging goods of greater height. This means that by using this extension, the height of the side surface cushion can be increased. In all cases, in which the good only has a standard height of, for example 85 cm, the extension is not used.

If the extension is provided, for example, in the form of an attached pocket, then under certain circumstances it can not be avoided that the side-face padding in the region of this seam consists only of fleece but not of the actual padding material (foam). Therefore, the seam or attachment point should be made as narrow as possible.

Preferably, the height of the additional extension at the top or bottom is 15 cm or 20 cm. Two mutually disproportionate extensions are particularly preferred. In this way, heights of the side surface cushion of 100 or 120 cm can be provided if it has a (standard) height of 85 cm without the additional extensions.

Preferably, the reusable packaging is suitable for goods with 60 cm × 60 cm × 85 cm and / or the good a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a refrigerator or the like (white goods). Such goods are without a corresponding outer packaging in a transport particularly threatened by transport damage. At the same time, their original packaging is disposed of in most cases directly after unpacking and are therefore usually not available for a possibly necessary return transport.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the dimension of a chuck plate is 66 ± 5 cm × 76 ± 5 cm × 2 ± 1 cm. With these dimensions, most of the devices described above can be safely and gently pack for transport, without resorting to different chipboard floor plans.

It is further preferred that the above mentioned slipping of the material preventing deposit per clamping plate from four strips 15 cm wide and 80 cm and 40 cm in length is formed, which at a distance from the outer edge of the clamping plate of 2.5 cm the inside of the same are fixed. However, it is clear that even different sizes and shapes of the coating can have a similarly good effect.

Finally, it is preferred that the amount of side padding without any additional extensions provided is 85 cm (height) × 260 cm (length, circumference) × 10 mm (thickness). It is clear that other than the dimensions described are advantageous depending on the goods to be packaged.

The invention also discloses a method of packaging, in particular, heavy goods having at least two substantially parallel outer surfaces. To avoid repetition with respect to the preferred components to be used, reference is made to the above description.

Accordingly, after the basic provision of the required components, a lower clamping plate is positioned below and an upper clamping plate above the goods. It is clear that preferably initially laid down the lower clamping plate in the correct orientation near the good, then the good should be placed on this and finally covered by the upper clamping plate. However, there are conceivable cases in which the goods raised and then at the same time from below and above comes into contact with the corresponding clamping plate.

Now, a wrapping of the goods takes place with an elastic side surface pad. The side padding has the goal to protect the goods on the previously unprotected sides with a protection against shocks, scratches or weathering.

Then tensile forces are applied between the two clamping plates by means of at least one clamping device, so that the two clamping plates clamp the good between them. It is clear that, if necessary, a corresponding positioning of the clamping device is necessary. If lashing straps with ratchets are preferably used as the tensioning device, then they are also suspended or threaded through into likewise preferably existing and particularly preferably L-shaped cut, arranged in the plate edge centers belt guides.

In the manner described, the good is now protected on all sides and can be transported without major risk of transport damage.

Optionally, a securing of the side surface pad can be done, for example, with the aid of the closure devices described above.

In addition, it is preferred that in the course of positioning it is ensured that the material is secured against slipping by means preferably provided. Again, reference is made to the above detailed description.

The described invention advantageously solves the problems described in the introduction. It provides a device with which heavy goods of different dimensions can be transported without their original packaging and protected from bumps, scratches and other environmental influences, without the need for any other packaging. At the same time, the use of the reusable packaging according to the invention means no additional burden on the seller or other recipient of the return in terms of space requirements, since the reusable packaging according to the invention in the unused state is very space-saving. In addition, it is simple and made of commercially available materials and therefore inexpensive to produce. In addition, it is often reusable, and individual components can be replaced separately if needed, further reducing long-term costs.

The inventive method allows in a simple way the packaging of particular heavy goods without recourse to their original packaging for the purpose of their transport, for example, from a consumer back to the manufacturer.

figure description

1 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a clamping plate of the reusable packaging according to the invention in a perspective view.

2 shows a perspective view of the reusable packaging according to the invention together with a packaged Good.

In the 1 a particularly preferred embodiment of a clamping plate of the reusable packaging according to the invention is shown in a perspective view. The clamping plate shown 2 . 3 can be an upper clamping plate 2 or a lower clamping plate 3 be, there according to the particularly preferred embodiment, the two clamping plates 2 . 3 have an identical basic structure.

The clamping plate 2 . 3 has a rectangular floor plan, four handle hole punches 6 in the area of the clamping plate corners, and four symmetrically arranged receptacles 7 for the clamping device (not shown). The handle hole punches 6 have a width that corresponds approximately to the width of a human hand. The pictures 7 for the clamping device are presently arranged as L-shaped cut belt guides in the plate edge centers. The gap distance and the gap width of the belt guide are slightly larger than the thickness or the width of the lashing strap (not shown) in order to avoid jamming.

Furthermore, the guts (not shown) facing inner sides of the clamping plates 2 . 3 (In the picture, the upward-facing, visible side) also means against slipping 8th on. According to the shown and preferred embodiment, the means against slipping 8th formed by a frictionally acting on the material attached patch. The covering covers the inside of the clamping plate 2 . 3 present partial area. As shown in the figure, the covering is formed of four strips 15 cm wide and 80 cm and 40 cm long, respectively, which are spaced from the outer edge of the clamping plate 2 . 3 of 2.5 cm on the (in the picture facing upwards) inside are fixed.

In the 2 is a perspective view of the reusable packaging according to the invention 1 shown together with a packaged item (hidden).

According to the invention, the reusable packaging comprises 1 an upper clamping plate 2 and a lower clamping plate 3 and an elastic side padding 4 , wherein the upper clamping plate 2 positioned above the material to be packaged, and the lower clamping plate 3 positioned below the material to be packaged and the side padding 4 wrapped around the side surfaces of the goods to be packaged. By means of a tensioning device 5 , which is realized here in the form of two crossed lashing straps, tensile forces between the upper clamping plate 2 and the lower clamping plate 3 applied. In this way, the product to be packaged between the two clamping plates 2 . 3 clamped and there, as well as laterally by the side surface pad 4 protected.

The four handle hole punches 6 are symmetrical in the area of the clamping plate corners of each clamping plate 2 . 3 arranged. Shooting for the clamping device 5 On the other hand, according to the illustrated embodiment, they are not present, so that the lashing straps lie directly over the outer edges of the clamping plates 2 . 3 run.

The side padding 4 is in one piece, is made of foam, and sewn into a fleece made of PP. The fleece protects the elastic material of the side surface padding 4 both against sharp-edged protrusions of the goods to be packaged, as well as against external influences, such as other sharp-edged objects or weather conditions (not shown). It also has a closure device bridging its two vertical end regions 9 on. The end regions preferably overlap, which is why in the figure only one end region overlaps 4 ' is visible. The closure device 9 points to closing the side padding 4 and for adjusting its circumference (by means of the length of the closure device 9 ) present two straps with clips, similar to the known from backpacks ago clips on.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

reusable packaging

2

upper clamping plate

3

lower clamping plate

4

Side-surface pad

4 '

end

5

jig

6

Handle hole punching

7

Shooting for the clamping device

8th

Means against slipping

9

closure device

Claims (12)

Returnable packaging ( 1 ) for packaging particularly heavy goods having at least two substantially parallel outer surfaces, comprising an upper clamping plate ( 2 ) and a lower clamping plate ( 3 ) and an elastic side padding ( 4 ), wherein the upper clamping plate ( 2 ) positioned above the goods to be packaged, and the lower clamping plate ( 3 ) positionable below the goods to be packaged and the side surface pad ( 4 ) is wound around the side surfaces of the goods to be packaged, and wherein by means of at least one tensioning device ( 5 ) Tensile forces between the upper clamping plate ( 2 ) and the lower clamping plate ( 3 ) are applicable, and wherein each clamping plate ( 2 . 3 ) a rectangular floor plan, four handle punched holes ( 6 ) in the area of the clamping plate corners, and four symmetrically arranged receptacles ( 7 ) for the tensioning device ( 5 ), and wherein the Gut facing the inner sides of the clamping plates ( 2 . 3 ) means against slipping ( 8th ) exhibit. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein both clamping plates ( 2 . 3 ) have an identical basic structure and / or are made of plywood or plastic. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the tensioning device ( 5 ) is designed as at least one lashing strap with ratchet. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the recordings ( 7 ) for the tensioning device ( 5 ) are arranged as L-shaped cut belt guides in the plate edge centers and optionally reinforced. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the anti-slipping agent ( 8th ) has positively acting on the good projections, guides and / or strips, and / or wherein the means against slipping ( 8th ) is formed by a frictionally acting on the material integrated covering, and / or wherein the means against slipping ( 8th ) Is formed by a frictionally acting on the material attached patch. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side surface padding ( 4 ) is in one piece and / or made of foam, and / or wherein the side surface pad ( 4 ) is sewn into a fleece. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side surface padding ( 4 ) one its two vertical end portions ( 4 ' ) connecting or bridging closure device ( 9 ) having. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the side surface padding ( 4 ) is formed as a preferred elastic hose. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side surface padding ( 4 ) in addition to its upper and / or lower edge has a einschlagbare and / or attachable extension in the form of additional pocket (s) for packaging goods of greater height. Returnable packaging ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension of a clamping plate ( 2 . 3 ) 66 ± 5 cm × 76 ± 5 cm × 2 ± 1 cm, and / or wherein the covering per clamping plate ( 2 . 3 ) is formed of four strips 15 cm wide and 80 cm or 40 cm in length, which at a distance from the outer edge of the clamping plate ( 2 . 3 ) of 2.5 cm are fixed on the inside thereof, and / or wherein the dimension of the side surface padding ( 4 ) without any additional extensions 85 cm × 260 cm × 10 mm. Method for packaging in particular heavy goods having at least two substantially parallel outer surfaces, comprising the following steps: - positioning a lower clamping plate ( 3 ) below and an upper clamping plate ( 2 ) above the estate; - wrapping the goods with an elastic side padding ( 4 ); - Applying tensile forces between the two clamping plates ( 2 . 3 ) by means of at least one tensioning device ( 5 ), so that the goods to be packaged between the two clamping plates ( 2 . 3 ) is clamped. The method of claim 11, further comprising securing the side surface pad (10). 4 ) versus Unwinding and / or securing the goods against lateral slipping takes place.

Images