EP1165403B1 - Device for storing and transporting unit loads - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for storing and transporting unit loads, especially articles whose dimensions are substantially larger in at least one or two directions perpendicular to each other than in the remaining third direction in space. Said articles are substantially accommodated in U-shaped pouches ( 4, 5 ) that consist of flexible sheet material and that are mounted in a rack or a frame. Said pouches ( 4, 5 ) are suspended in one or more points in the vicinity of their upper edge and are fixed at least in one additional point in the area of their lower edge or below said lower edge. The inventive device is characterized by a substantially improved ease of loading. The individual articles are securely held in the pouches ( 4, 5 ).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for the storage and transport of General cargo, in particular objects, the dimensions of which are in at least one or two directions perpendicular to one another are significantly larger than in the remaining third spatial direction, the objects being received in substantially U-shaped pockets which are formed from a flexible sheet material and arranged in a frame or frame with the bags suspended at one or more points near their top edge are.

Such devices have long been known, for example from German patent applications P 41 58 507 and 195 49 166.

In the known devices, the U-shaped pockets are formed by a long material web, which is placed in a plurality of loops that are spaced one behind the other, for example Arranged rods are suspended, so that the web of material across a first rod is laid, extends downward and extends upward again in a U-shape, then over the next bar and so on. The sections that hung over the poles are sewn, so that they form closed loops through which the support rods extend through, so that the material web on these rods in their Longitudinal direction can not slip and therefore the U-shaped pockets always the same length or have depth.

In addition, these U-shaped pockets can also be formed in a variety of other ways. Examples of this are shown in those not yet published at the time of the present application German patent applications 198 26 429.1, 198 31 967.3, 198 57 575.0 and 199 03 297.1. in particular, the side walls of the pockets can be extended at the bottom, so that overall an H shape results in several U-shaped pockets arranged one above the other arranged vertically one above the other and connected to each other, so that the addressed U or H shape repeated several times and the bottom pockets through the pocket bottom which are closed at the top. The bags can also be made from individual sheets in the substantially the same shape and size are formed, each with the lower end of a bent into a first path adjacent to a J-shape and with the corresponding adjacent path Train is connected etc.

Corresponding devices are used, for example, in the automotive industry for the Inclusion of body and built-in parts, such as door panels, side doors, Rear doors and engine compartment flaps and also for many other forms of general cargo. The advantage Corresponding devices are that they can be loaded and unloaded relatively quickly and easily are that, as a rule, no additional packaging and damping material is required, if the bags themselves are made of a sufficiently soft, flexible material, which is a Excludes damage to the sensitive surfaces of objects to be transported, and that each item can be held individually in a pocket, and not in others Objects rub and damage them. A frame or frame can be used at the same time accommodate a large number of corresponding pockets in a clear arrangement and depending on the design of the frame or frame, each bag is also individually accessible, either from an open top or from at least one of the end faces of the U-shaped pockets forth.

The frame or the frame can of course also be collapsible and also the bags are generally easy to fold because they are made of flexible sheet material and fold, so that the device also transports very space-saving when empty can be.

Nevertheless, problems still arise when using appropriate devices, rectification of the present invention has set itself the goal.

For example, it can happen, especially if the items to be stored in the pockets not a flat, flat shape, but somewhat more complicated shapes like this For example, in the case of hoods or the like of motor vehicles, the case would be that the bag deform slightly after picking up or by picking up the object and thereby deforming adjacent pockets that are still empty in such a way that the loading openings the bags become difficult to access, i.e. that, for example, a neighboring empty pocket at a side loading opening or also in its upper area is deformed so that the insertion of a similar or different object Difficulties in this empty pocket and is only possible because the loading opening is stopped with one hand. Conversely, this can also be the removal the individual items from the pockets.

Another problem of the known devices is that irregularly shaped ones Objects, even if they are essentially two-dimensional and flat, still cannot take a clearly defined stable position in the pockets because of their lower Edge does not provide sufficiently spaced, well-defined support points so that these objects slip in the pockets, tip over and possibly a bit out of one of the look out the side loading openings so that during the transport of the device with these items there is a risk of damage because the items are not are fully protected in the pockets.

Compared to this prior art, the present invention is based on the object To create device with the features mentioned, in which the loading and Removal is facilitated and in which, if possible, the individual items in the Bags can be held more securely.

This object is achieved in that the bags additionally have at least one attachment in the Have area of their lower edge or below this lower edge.

Because the pockets have at least one fastening near their lower edge, the side walls of these pockets, which define the two U-legs in cross section, more or less tight and thus also in shape and at a defined distance be held, which does not exclude that the objects in the pockets nevertheless push out the side walls in one or the other area because these walls are formed from flexible sheet material. But you can achieve through this pretension that at least the side loading openings have a well-defined shape and minimum size keep so that access to the items stored in the pockets and vice versa it is possible to load the bags with the objects without opening this loading opening also keeps open.

The attachment can be arranged so that the downward tension of the Sidewalls essentially form a V-shape of the bag, but there may also be attachment points on both sides of the pockets, i.e. on one U-leg or its extension be arranged so that the U-shape is essentially preserved.

The attachment is expedient in the vicinity of a lateral loading opening of the pockets and provided at the lower edge or below the lower edge, because then the Influence of the clamping force on the shape of the loading opening is greatest. Of course can also be provided several fastening points distributed over the length of the bag be, especially at the opposite end, to get the bag in better shape overall to keep. In addition, the loading can also be provided from both sides of the bag be, so that in this case there is also a fastening at both ends of the bag in the lower area proves to be expedient.

An embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred in which the attachment is such it is provided that it generates a defined clamping force. According to a first variant, this can happen that this tension is generated by a weight, soft on the lower Bag ends is hung.

In concrete terms, this can be achieved, for example, by the U-legs of the individual pockets in the lower area near the loading opening, or corresponding extensions of these lateral U-legs are provided with eyelets to H-legs, with a Row of correspondingly arranged pockets one bar through all in alignment with each other aligned eyelets is pushed through, the weight of which then defines the resilience, with which the bags are stretched in the downward direction and thus kept in shape. Of course, such a rod can also be attached in other ways than by eyelets become.

A variant is particularly preferred in which the ends of the rod are accommodated in guides are in which the rod is generally vertically movable. This allows namely, that one is deformed due to the deformation of the pockets, which when shooting Objects can not always be avoided, effective shortening of the U-legs compensated without excessive tension in the web material, whereby nevertheless for the bags overall the effect of the attachment in the form of this tensioning device is maintained.

Of course, the individual pockets can also be individually fastened downwards by fastening be biased, for example with the help of elastic bands. The "pole" can also be made a semi-rigid material to be roughly the course of the lower attachment points adapt to a number of pockets if they are filled differently or differently are deformed. In addition, the rod itself can also be tightened with elastic straps or other elastic aids, such as springs or the like, can be biased downwards.

The guides for the rod ends are expediently provided with securing devices, an unintentional slipping or pulling the rod ends out of the guides prevent.

The tension of the pocket walls also means that these side pocket walls can fit more tightly on the objects contained therein, so that these objects not easily tilt in the pockets even if their lower edge is not sufficiently spaced, has defined support points.

However, the tilting of objects in the pockets can also be prevented by that in the pockets a transverse part extending transversely between the pocket walls is provided, in a position in which there is an object in the pocket can support on this cross member.

The cross member is preferably flexible and elastic, so that it can be inserted, for example Object is also easily moved away. Furthermore, it is useful if additional also longitudinal holding elements on the inside of the pockets, at least on one side, are provided, wherein one end of the cross member with such a holding element connected is. This allows an even better mobility and adjustment of the cross section for the Release of the loading opening and for engagement with one in the pocket Object. It goes without saying that the cross member in its various configurations as well regardless of the fact that a tension in the side walls of the bag is provided by the lower attachment. If the cross piece has a certain minimum stiffness (but still be essentially stretchable and flexible can) the function of opening a loading opening can also have a certain effect Take over part yourself and thus the function of generating the clamping force in the lateral Replace the walls of the bags. However, a combination of both variants is preferred, at least for the objects that easily tip in such bags.

An embodiment of the invention is particularly preferred, in which one holding element each one of the two sides of the pockets is provided in the interior thereof and the cross part with its two ends attaches to these holding elements, so that the holding element and cross members as a whole define an H shape. The two ends of one leg of the H are each at two spaced apart Points attached to one side of a bag or pierce the wall of one Bag (for example, two such holding elements could close immediately adjacent bags a continuous loop or they can be attached to the frame or others Parts attached). The cross member then connects the two holding elements within one Bag, which are preferably arranged exactly opposite.

In addition, the cross member is preferably from the middle between the two end points of the H-legs staggered, whereas the legs of the H itself have a relatively large extent should have in the longitudinal direction of the pocket, because then in the longitudinal direction extending holding elements attached cross member a relatively large mobility to Example in up and down direction. The holding elements and the cross member can in particular can also be detachably attached to the pockets.

It is understood that the holding elements are not necessarily horizontal along the pocket walls must be arranged, but that they are also inclined and, in extreme cases, even vertically could be arranged, but only a slightly inclined or horizontal arrangement is preferred.

Figur 1

eine herkömmliche Vorrichtung mit einer Reihe von in einem Gestell aufgehängten, U-förmigen Taschen,

Figur 2

die Ergänzung der herkömmlichen Vorrichtung durch eine erfindungsgemäße Spannvorrichtung,

Figur 3

eine Ansicht einer weiteren Taschenvariante mit einem zusätzlichen Sicherungselement,

Figur 4

die Anordnung des Sicherungselementes im Verhältnis zu einem in der Tasche aufgenommenen Gegenstand, der verkippungssicher ist und

Figur 5

die Anordnung und Benutzung des Sicherungselementes bei einem Gegenstand, der ansonsten nicht verkippungssicher in der Tasche aufgenommen werden könnte.

Further advantages, features and possible uses of the present invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the associated figures. Show it:

Figure 1

a conventional device with a series of U-shaped pockets suspended in a frame,

Figure 2

supplementing the conventional device with a tensioning device according to the invention,

Figure 3

a view of another pocket variant with an additional securing element,

Figure 4

the arrangement of the securing element in relation to an object accommodated in the pocket, which is tilt-proof and

Figure 5

the arrangement and use of the securing element in the case of an object that otherwise could not be accommodated in the bag in a manner that prevents it from tipping over.

The conventional device shown in Figure 1 consists of a bottom part 1, which as a box is formed and frame parts 2, 3, which are plugged together or articulated together are and which span a substantially cuboid frame, on which U-shaped Pockets 4, 5 are suspended, which consist of a flexible sheet material. Are there the pockets 4 are designed as individual pockets, while the pockets 5 are formed contiguously are, so that the side wall of one pocket also a side wall of an adjacent one Bag forms. The upper edges of the pockets 4, 5 can be loop-like, for example be formed with rods extending through these loops, which are not here are visible, and these pockets arranged in guides or on frame elements 3 and are optionally also attached. These individual carrying bars of the bags, for example, in the longitudinal direction the frame elements 3 can be moved, but they can also, and preferably be fixable in certain positions, for example by a clamping device in a guide rail, which via a lever all the rod ends recorded in the guides 3 jammed together, which are otherwise freely movable.

The individual pockets thus consist of a left U-leg 11 in the form of a side wall a pocket, a right side wall or a right U-leg 12 and a lower one, either horizontal or arcuate transverse part 13. The terms "side wall" or "U-leg" are used in the following synonymously for the U-legs designated with 11 and 12. The opening between the two U-legs 11, 12, which is directed downward through the transverse part 13 is limited, forms a loading opening and an arrow B indicates how a Object is inserted into such a pocket. With the pockets 5 it is clear that the designated pocket left side wall 11 for the pocket 5 in front with the right side wall 12 is identical. Still, it makes sense for the description, the left and right walls to distinguish, for example, by referring to the inner surfaces of the pockets.

However, the upper frame elements 3 can also be removable upwards, as shown in FIG Figure 2 is indicated by an arrow C, with Figure 2 additionally the features of the present Invention shows, namely in the form of a rod 6, which extends through eyelets 9 of a series of rags 8 extends, which in turn to the individual pockets in extension of the vertically hanging U-legs are sewn on. The ends of the rod 6 run in vertical guides 7 which are shown somewhat more precisely in the partial image shown separately at the bottom right in FIG.

The weight of the rod 6 tightens the side walls 11, 12, especially in the area of the front Edges of the side walls 11, 12 and thus keeps the loading opening 14 open and in the Distance, which is predetermined by the distance of the eyelets 9 on the rod 6. Optionally, the Rod 6 also have depressions or locking points through which the position of the eyelets at least is set in the tensioned state. However, the rod can also be a corresponding one have a rough surface or surface adhering well to the material of the eyelets, so that the eyelets are not so can slip easily. On the other hand, in some embodiments, a slight shifting of the eyelets may be desirable, reflecting the usability of the device does not necessarily have to restrict the fact that the pockets are nevertheless stretched in a well-defined manner and be kept open.

It is understood that a corresponding rod is also provided on the other side of the pockets can be and that the tab 8 over the entire length of the side walls can extend. In particular, the tabs 8 can also consist of an elastic material or they can be replaced by elastic bands on which corresponding eyelets 9 are attached. By using such an elastic suspension, the forces can distribute better, which may be unequal on the individual eyelets that the Bags are equipped differently, i.e. either partially empty or with different ones Objects are loaded.

As can be seen in the drawing at the bottom right in FIG. 2, the guides 7 are on their upper side closed or closable so that the rods 6 are not easily lifted up can be, but still remain vertically movable. You can also use rubber bands or the like bias the rod 6 down.

It goes without saying that instead of being suspended on a movable rod, each pocket is also individually with elastic strips or bands at fastening points in the lower frame or housing part 1 can be fixed.

Another variant of a pocket is shown in FIG. 3, which in this case consists of two Sidewalls 11 ', 12' is formed, which are simple, separate, rectangular webs with their two upper corners are suspended by eyelets 15 on two rods 16. The two side walls 11 ', 12' are connected to each other by a cross member 13 ', which in turn is U-shaped with relatively short U-legs is formed, which consist of a flexible, sewable material and to which Side walls 11 ', 12' are sewn on, while the actual transverse part of the connecting element 13 has a semi-rigid insert and therefore a fixed minimum distance defined between the side walls 11 ', 12', even if in principle the flexible side walls 11 ', 12 'allow the side walls 11', 12 'to tilt and thus also move towards one another would.

In addition, the rod 6 can be seen in the lower region, which extends through the eyelets 9 there, which are arranged in the lower corner region of the rectangular webs 11 ', 12'.

In addition, a securing element 20 in the form of an H-shape can be seen in this embodiment interconnected elastic bands. In detail, the securing element 20 consists of a transverse part 21 and two symmetrically arranged longitudinal parts 22.

The cross part 21 is fastened with its two ends to the longitudinal parts 22, specifically offset towards the end of the loading opening 14. The parts 21, 22 are expediently made of an elastic material, such as a Viton band or elastic band or rope, and the elements 21, 22 could have a cross section of a few mm ² , for example.

The ends of the H-legs 22 are near the front and rear edges of the side walls 11 ', 12' attached or passed through, for example in the form of loops with corresponding Holding elements or H-legs 22 connected in adjacent pockets.

At the rear opening of the U-shaped pocket you can see another cross or Stop part 17, which serves as a support part or stop for an object to be inserted.

Figures 4 and 5 show schematically the possible use of those used in Figure 3 Bag and the securing element 20 arranged therein. The upper part of the figures 4 and 5, the bag is only shown laterally in its contours and in the lower part is in one perspective view of an object to be recorded only together with the securing element 20 shown.

In the example in FIG. 4, a side door panel of a motor vehicle is shown schematically, which has a substantially rectangular outline and which is simply below the securing element 20 is inserted into the opening 14 of the pocket until it is shown on the additionally shown in Figure 4 rear cross part 17 abuts. Because of the long, straight lower edge of the door trim 25 this part is safely accommodated in the bag without any additional Supports needed.

In the example in FIG. 5, however, another door trim 26 is shown, for example one in the lower area shows a strongly cut out door (for example in front of a fender). In doing so this door trim 26 is transported in the pocket, if possible, in the orientation shown so that they can be removed from your pocket in this exact orientation and immediately can be installed without having to turn it laboriously. The bottom edge of this Door trim 26 is so short, however, that the trim is not stable on the bottom of the bag stands up, but can tilt very easily, especially with rocking transport movements.

The end shown on the left in FIG. 5 could thereby emerge from the front opening of the Protrude bag and be damaged. In this case, this is the door trim first inserted in the same manner as shown in connection with Figure 4 was, i.e. until the right edge of the door trim against the rear stop or the stop part 17 triggers. Then the person who pushed the door trim into his pocket has to grip the cross part 21 with one hand due to the elastic design of the holding parts 22 to pull over the upper left corner of the door trim 26 and the cross member 21 under hang this front corner. The securing element 20 thus holds the door trim 26 in the position shown in Figure 5 securely without the door trim 26 slipping or can tilt.

The elastic holding elements at the lower edge of the U-shaped pockets are preferably of this type attached that they move out when lowering the upper frame parts holding the bags prevent the bags from getting out of the frame.

Claims (18)

1. An apparatus for storing and transporting piece goods, in particular articles whose dimensions in at least one or two mutually perpendicular directions are clearly larger than in the remaining third direction in space, wherein the articles are received in substantially U-shaped pockets (4, 5) which are formed from a flexible web material and which are arranged in a support stand or frame (2, 3), wherein the pockets (4, 5) are suspended at one or more points in the proximity of their upper edge, characterised in that the pockets (4, 5) additionally have at least one fixing in the region of their lower edge or below their lower edge.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the fixing is mounted to the pockets (4, 5) in the proximity of a lateral loading opening (14).
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the fixing is in the proximity of the two lower ends of a U-shaped pocket (4, 5).
4. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the fixing of the lower edge of the pockets (4, 5) is afforded with a defined tensioning force.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the defined tensioning force is given by the weight of an article hanging on the pocket (4, 5).
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the tensioning force of the fixing is produced solely or additionally by an elastic aid.
7. Apparatus according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the lateral limbs (11, 12) of the U-shape of the U-shaped pockets (4, 5) or a downwardly directed prolongation portion thereof have respective openings or eyes (9) through which is arranged a bar (6) which extends transversely through the pocket and the weight of which defines the downwardly directed tensioning force at the side walls (11, 12) of the pockets (4, 5).
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the ends of the bar (6) are accommodated in substantially vertically extending guides (7).
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the bar (6) is biased away from the pockets (4, 5) through the lower eyes (9) or openings by elastic aids, such as for example rubber bands or the like.
10. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterised in that the guides (7) for the bar ends (6) have a securing means to prevent the bar ends from unintentionally sliding out of the guide.
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that in their interior the pockets (4, 5) have a transverse portion (13), extending transversely between the pocket walls.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the transverse portion (21) is flexible and preferably elastic.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterised in that there is provided at least one holding element (22) which extends substantially in the longitudinal extent along a pocket wall (11, 12) in the interior thereof and which is also preferably flexible and elastic.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that an end of the transverse portion (21) is connected to the holding element (22) which extends in the longitudinal direction.
15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that provided on both sides in the interior of the pockets (4, 5) is a respective holding element (22) extending substantially in the longitudinal direction, the transverse portion (13) extending between these two holding elements (22).
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterised in that the holding elements (22) and the transverse portion (13) substantially define an H-shape, wherein the ends of respective ones of the limbs of the H-shape (22) are secured to two points of a wall (11, 12) of the pocket (4, 5) or pass through same there.
17. Apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterised in that the holding elements (22) and the transverse portion (13) are made in one piece from elastic material.
18. Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that elastic holding elements are mounted to the lower edge of the U-shaped pockets in such a way that upon downward movement of the upper frame portions holding the pockets they prevent the pockets from moving out of the frame.

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