EP1391389B1

EP1391389B1 - Wall panel for a box pallet

Info

Publication number: EP1391389B1
Application number: EP20030077150
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Franciscus Nelen; Hielke Dijkstra
Original assignee: Seerden Industriele Verpakkingen BV
Current assignee: Seerden Industriele Verpakkingen BV
Priority date: 2002-08-07
Filing date: 2003-07-08
Publication date: 2006-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-08
Also published as: EP1391389A2; EP1391389A3

Description

The invention relates to a wall panel for a box pallet,
which box pallet comprises:

a generally rectangular pallet serving as support base, for instance comprising: a lath base, the laths of which are mutually connected by cross-laths, and a number of supports for placing the pallet on a ground such that some space remains clear under the lath base, such that the pallet can be lifted by means of a fork-lift truck or other lifting means, and
four standing wall panels which can be coupled releasably to the pallet and to each other;

a number of mutually parallel vertical laths which are held at chosen mutual distances by two metal horizontal first profiles which are coupled non-releasably to the respective ends of the laths.

Such a wall panel is known. In the known wall panel all connections between the components are carried out by making use of rivets, whereby assembly of the wall panel is labour-intensive. The known wall panel further makes use of first profiles having relatively complex forms, the cross-section of which varies with the longitudinal position, normally in a periodic alternation. The box pallet is hereby limited to standard dimensions and, although possible, it is difficult and expensive to manufacture box pallets in a different dimensioning desired by a customer.
In respect of the wish to obviate this drawback of the prior art, the invention proposes a wall panel of the type referred to in the preamble which has the feature that each first profile has a prismatic, general U-shape, wherein the legs of the U extend over the side surfaces of the laths and are coupled thereto.
In a particular embodiment the wall panel has the feature that the legs of the U are coupled to the laths by means of glueing.
Preferably however, the wall panel has the feature that the ends of the legs of the U have respective inward bent edges which engage in two slits arranged on the relevant sides in the end zones of the laths. Slits are arranged in a lath on both sides by sawing or milling. The lath is then pushed into the first profile, wherein the inward bent edges engage in the slits. In this construction the material of the laths, in particular wood, are under strain of shear along the full width. Depending on the type of wood and the length of the wood fibres under strain of shear, there results a strength which is greater than the strength of the wall panels according to the prior art.
In a particular embodiment the wall panel has the feature that each lath is strengthened in the region of the first profiles by impregnation with a curing plastic or glue. The shear strength is thereby increased. The impregnation is preferably carried out such that a vacuum is created on the end surface such that the reinforcing plastic or glue is drawn into the wood.
The described connection to the U-profile with inward bent edges which engage in slits has the advantage that the process of manufacturing the wall panel can be readily adjusted to large industrial scale. Not only is assembly very simple, but the dimensions of the walls and also the number of laths in a wall can also be chosen with almost complete freedom.
In a specific embodiment the wall panel has the feature that in the region of each first profile spacers are placed between the laths. This variant is preferably embodied such that each spacer engages on both inward bent edges of the first profiles.
Alternatively, the wall panel can be embodied such that the position of each lath relative to each first profile is fixed by a fixation element extending inward from the outside.
This latter embodiment can have the particular feature that the fixation element comprises a screw, nail or pointed pin.
An alternative has the feature that the fixation element consists of an inward punched beaded edge which is formed by pressing a pointed pin in the region of a lath through the body of a first profile such that said beaded edge is formed around the thus created perforation, whereafter the pin is removed, this such that the beaded edge extends into the material of the lath.
In order to enable correct positioning of a wall panel relative to a similar wall panel or a pallet, without any specific operation being required for this purpose, the wall panel is preferably characterized by at least one positioning strip arranged on a first profile and extending on the outer surface thereof for positioning a similar wall panel or a pallet relative to the wall panel.
In yet another embodiment the wall panel has the special feature that two second profiles are connected by means of connecting means to the respective ends of the first profiles, which second profiles form a rectangular framework together with the first profiles.
In a specific variant this latter embodiment has the feature that the second profiles are prismatic and have a general U-shape, the inner dimensions and outer dimensions of which are substantially the same as those of the first profiles.
The latter described two embodiments can advantageously have the feature that the connecting means comprise a third profile in the form of an angle profile which has a general U-shape, the relatively narrow first end of which fits into a first profile and the second end of which has relatively long legs which fit into a second profile, and that both profiles are connected to the third profile by means of a suitable connection.
This latter embodiment can in turn advantageously have the feature that both legs of the first profile have a perforation and that said connection consists of a beaded edge formed by preferably first placing a substantially fitting support block in the third profile and then pressing a pointed pin from outside through the perforation in the relevant leg of the third profile such that said beaded edge is formed around the thus created perforation, whereafter the pin is removed such that the beaded edge extends through both said perforations and presses against the edge thereof.
The above specified embodiment having the special feature that two second profiles are connected by means of connecting means to the two ends of the first profiles, which second profiles form a rectangular framework together with the first profiles, can comprise in per se known manner a number of engaging elements arranged on vertical end elements, for instance toadstool-shaped elements. According to the prior art the engaging elements, in particular the toadstool-shaped elements, are coupled to laths. The present variant can have an increased strength in an embodiment where the engaging elements are arranged on the second profiles.
The embodiment of the wall panel as described above which has the feature that the second profiles are prismatic and have a general U-shape, the inner dimensions and outer dimensions of which are substantially the same as those of the first profiles, can advantageously have the special feature that the engaging elements extend via perforations through both legs of the second profiles and are fixed in the manner of a rivet by means of a beaded edge.
This latter variant can in turn advantageously have the feature that in the region of both the lower third profile and the upper third profile an engaging element is arranged extending therethrough via perforations.
The latter described two variants can advantageously have the feature that the engaging elements are arranged mirror-symmetrically relative to a horizontal central plane of the wall panel such that the second profiles can also be used in upside-down position.
A very simple and reliable coupling of a wall panel to a pallet or another wall panel is obtained with a variant in which the wall panel can be coupled by means of a number of coupling hooks to the pallet or a similar wall panel, each of which coupling hooks can occupy a stable rest position and a stable coupling position under the influence of spring means, in which coupling position a coupling hook is in hooking co-action with respectively the pallet or the upper first profile of a similar wall panel placed below the wall panel, for instance via perforations arranged in this upper first profile.
The wall panel can be embodied such that the profiles consist of stainless steel.
In yet another embodiment the wall panel can have the special feature that the profiles consist of Sendzimir galvanized steel.
In a preferred embodiment of the basic principle of the invention, the wall panel has the special feature that the bottom of the U has an inward lying central zone such that the legs of the U connect onto the central zone via two edge zones lying at a distance from the laths and forming channels therewith. The thus formed channels can have the favourable effect of being able to serve as drainage channels. The structure further has a great inherent rigidity of form.
An embodiment has been discussed with a positioning strip for positioning, relative to the wall panel, of a similar wall panel. These can also be sub-wall panels from which a wall panel is assembled. In a particular embodiment a wall panel has the special feature that the positioning strip has a general L-shape, the one leg of which extends through holes in the legs of the U and is connected to the bottom of the U, and the other leg of which extends outside the U. This embodiment is simple to realize but nevertheless has a great strength.
In yet another embodiment the wall panel has the special feature that a wall panel comprises a fixed lower sub-wall panel and an up and downward foldable upper sub-wall panel connected thereto via a horizontal hinge construction, wherein the hinge construction is embodied such that the upper sub-wall panel in its vertical pivot position can optionally pivot downward or be shifted downward into co-action with locking means. The use of a hinge construction has the advantage that no use need be made of a separate upper sub-wall panel which can easily be damaged or can even be lost. What is essential is that a pivoting movement and a displacement to a vertical locking position can both be realized with the simplest possible means.
The invention will now be elucidated with reference to the annexed drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art box pallet;
Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the box pallet of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view corresponding with Fig. 1 of a box pallet according to the invention;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view corresponding with Fig. 3 of an embodiment with double side wall;
Fig. 4A and 4B show two views corresponding with Fig. 4 of an embodiment in which the double side wall is embodied with a fixed lower panel and a pivotable upper panel in respectively the closed and a half-open position;
Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the box pallet of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 shows a view of the box pallet identical to that of Fig. 3 and wherein the diverse components are shown on enlarged scale;
Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a connection between a lath and a first profile;
Fig. 8 is a frontal schematic view of a shear load of a wall panel according to the invention;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the coupling of Fig. 7 with spacers;
Fig. 9A shows the detail A of Fig. 9;
Fig. 10 shows an alternative fixation of a lath relative to a first profile;
Fig. 11 is a perspective partial view of a first profile with a positioning strip;
Fig. 12 shows a wall panel with a rectangular metal framework;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view on enlarged scale of a part of the box pallet according to Fig. 4;
Fig. 14 shows an exploded view of a first profile and a third profile;
Fig. 15 shows a view corresponding with Fig. 14 of the situation in which the third profile is pushed into the first profile;
Fig. 16 shows a view corresponding with Fig. 15 of the situation in which pointed pins are placed in position for perforating the first profile in the region of a perforation in the third profile for the purpose of bringing about a non-releasable connection between these profiles;
Fig. 17 shows a perspective view corresponding with Fig. 16 of the situation in which the pointed pins have realized said connection;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the coupling of the legs of the third profile to a second profile, making use of a pressing tool;
Fig. 19 shows the thus realized connection;
Fig. 20 shows a partially perspective view and partially exploded view of the coupling of a first, a second and a third profile together to a toadstool-shaped engaging element;
Fig. 21 shows a partly cut-away perspective view of the completed connection according to Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 shows a wall panel according to the invention for elucidation of the coupling hooks;
Fig. 23 shows the detail XXIII of Fig. 22;
Fig. 24 shows an exploded view of a U-profile with a coupling element for coupling to a toadstool-shaped engaging element;
Fig. 25 shows a view corresponding with Fig. 24 of a variant;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the reduced connection according to Fig. 25;
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a coupling hook in its coupling position;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the coupling hook of Fig. 27 in its rest position;
Fig. 29, 30 and 31 respectively show the coupling hook in the strict sense, the bracket and the spring steel strip which form part of the coupling hook as according to Fig. 27 and 28;
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the coupling hook in the coupling position of Fig. 27, which co-acts with a pallet base;
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the coupling hook in the coupling position of Fig. 27, which co-acts with the U-profile of another similar wall panel;
Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a hinge between two sub-wall panels in its downward shifted locking position;
Fig. 34A shows a cross-sectional view of the hinge connection in the locking position of Fig. 34; and
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the hinge in its upward shifted pivoting position in which the upper sub-wall panel is pivoted forward through a small angle.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a prior art box pallet 1. Box pallet 1 comprises a rectangular pallet 2 which serves as support base and comprises a lath base 3, the laths 4 of which are mutually connected by cross-laths 5, and a number of supports 6 for placing pallet 2 on a ground such that a space 7 remains clear under lath base 3, such that pallet 2 can be lifted by means of for instance a fork-lift truck. Box pallet 1 further comprises four standing wall panels 8, 9, 10, 11 which are releasably coupled to pallet 2 and to each other.
Each wall panel 8, 9, 10, 11 comprises a number of mutually parallel vertical laths held at chosen mutual distances by two metal horizontal first profiles 13, 14 which are coupled non-releasably to the respective ends of laths 12. The first profiles 13, 14 have an extended vertical dimension in the region of laths 12. In these regions, the coupling zones, the laths are connected non-releasably via perforations to the lengthened parts of the first profiles by means of rivets extending therethrough.
First profiles 13, 14 thus have a cross-sectional shape which varies periodically with the longitudinal position.
The lower first profiles 13 have clamps 15 for coupling to respectively laths 4 and/or 5 such that wall panels 8, 9, 10, 11 can be coupled to pallet 2. By means of toadstool-shaped coupling elements 35 on wall panels 9, 11 which can co-act with connecting elements 16 on wall panels 8, 10 which are provided with complementary slots, the four wall panels 8, 9, 10, 11 can also be firmly connected to each other. Box pallet 1 thus forms a robust unit of pallet 2 and wall panels 8, 9, 10, 11.
The following figures 3-34 all relate to box pallets and wall panels as according to the teaching of the present invention. It is noted that all corresponding components in all figures are designated with the same reference numerals.
Fig. 3 shows a box pallet 21. This latter comprises a generally rectangular pallet 2 serving as support base, comprising in this case a lath base 3, the laths 4 of which are mutually connected by cross-laths 5, and a number of supports 6 for placing pallet 2 on a ground such that some space 7 remains clear under lath base 3, such that pallet 2 can be lifted by means of a fork-lift truck or other lifting means, and four standing wall panels 28, 29, 30, 31 which are releasably coupled to pallet 2 and to each other by means of coupling means to be further described.
Each wall panel 28-31 comprises a number of mutually parallel vertical laths 312 held at chosen mutual distance by two metal horizontal first profiles 33, 34 which are coupled non-releasably to the respective ends of laths 312.
Each first profile 33, 34 has a prismatic, general U-shape, wherein the legs of the U extend over the side surfaces of laths 312 and are coupled thereto.
It is noted that "prismatic" is understood to mean a shape with a cross-section which is identical at any longitudinal position. The invention is essentially distinguished in this sense from the described prior art as according to Fig. 1 and 2, wherein the horizontal first profiles 13, 14 have a cross-section which in this case varies periodically with the longitudinal position. These prior art first profiles 13, 14 are therefore not prismatic.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the front panel consists of two half-panels which are placed one above the other and which are of identical construction. So as to realize such an option, each sub-wall panel 28', 28" and each whole wall panel 29, 30, 31 has in this embodiment two positioning strips 48 on both the lower profile 33 and the upper profile 34 for positioning the relevant (sub-)wall panel of a similar wall panel or a pallet. Also provided are releasable fastening hooks 61 which will be described later with reference to Fig. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
Fig. 4A shows a perspective view corresponding with Fig. 4 of a box pallet, in which the front panel likewise consists of two sub-wall panels placed one above the other. Other than in the embodiment of Fig. 4, said two sub-wall panels are coupled to each other by hinges 80. This allows a forward pivoting of the upper sub-wall panel 28B as according to an arrow 458. For the detailed structure of hinges 80 reference is made to Fig. 34, 34A and 35. In the closed situation shown in Fig. 4A, the displacement in forward direction of upper sub-wall panel 28B as according to arrow 458 is blocked in that the toadstool-shaped locking element 59 according to Fig. 6 engages in a slotted hole 251 in an end part 71 or 72 as according to Fig. 6 and 24. From this locked position the upper sub-wall panel 28B can be shifted upward, whereby the locking is released and the displacement according to arrow 458 becomes possible.
Fig. 5 shows an exploded view elucidating the structure of box pallet 21 according to Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 shows box pallet 21 on relatively small scale with a number of constituent parts therein on enlarged scale for the purpose of elucidating a number of aspects of the invention. These parts will all be discussed below.
Fig. 7 shows an important aspect of the invention. In this embodiment the ends of legs 35, 36 of the U of a first profile 33, 34 have respective inward bent edges 37, 38 which engage in two slits 39, 40 arranged in end zones 41 of laths 12 on the relevant sides 42, 43. In this manner the laths 12 can be brought by sliding into coupling co-action with profiles 33, 34.
In a simple embodiment the bottom of the U is flat and lies against the flat bottom edge of lath 5. However, Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment in which the bottom 31 of the U has an inward pressed central zone 302 such that legs 35, 36 of the U connect onto the central zone 302 via two edge zones 305, 306 respectively lying at a distance from laths 12 and forming channels 303, 304 therewith.
Fig. 8 shows the manner in which a wall panel 28 can be under strain of shear for the purpose of testing its shear strength. The panel 28 is suspended in the one corner 101 of the panel, while a tensile load 103 is applied to the diagonally opposite corner 102. The loading force is indicated with vector 104. This loading force is resolved into a force component 105 extending in longitudinal direction of laths 12 and a transverse component 106 extending in longitudinal direction of profiles 33, 34. Tests have shown that with the construction of Fig. 7 a shear strength is realized which is greater than the strength of the prior art panel, see Fig. 1 and 2.
Fig. 9 shows that spacers 45 can be placed between laths 12 in the region of each first profile 34. The detail A of Fig. 9, which is drawn on enlarged scale in Fig. 9a, shows that in this embodiment each spacer 45 engages on both inward bent edges 37, 38 of the first profiles 34. Assembly of a wall panel can thus also be realized very simply as far as this aspect is concerned by successively moving up one lath and a spacer at a time. These spacers also serve to strengthen the first profile.
The position of each lath 12 relative to each first profile 34 is preferably fixed by a fixation element 46 extending inward from outside.
Fig. 10 shows that the fixation element can consist of an inward punched edge 46 which is formed by pressing a pointed pin 47 downward as according to arrow 111 through body 148 of a first profile 34 in the region of a lath 12 such that said edge 46 is formed around the thus created perforation 248. Pin 47 is then removed, this such that edge 46 extends into the material of lath 12. A non-releasable connection is thus ensured.
As discussed above with reference to Fig. 4, each wall panel in the drawn embodiments has at least one positioning strip 48 arranged on first profile 33, 34 and extending on the outer surface thereof for the purpose of positioning a similar wall panel or a pallet 2 relative to wall panel 28-31.
Fig. 11 and Fig. 6 show that strip 48 has a general L-shape adapted to the inner shape of profile 33, 34, and has in the region of the leg 148 of profile 34 a perforation 112 which is used for unbreakable coupling of strip 48 to profile 34. In the same manner as in fact shown in Fig. 10, a pointed pin can be placed through body 148 in the region of perforation 112, whereby an inward directed fixation edge 113 is created, whereby strip 48 is inseparably connected to profile 34. It is noted that strip 48 is placed in profile 34 through a slot-like perforation 114.
Attention is drawn to the fact that strip 48 has an oblique starting edge 161, thus ensuring easy positioning.
The one leg 148 extends through two holes 312, 313, in the legs 33, 35 of the U and is connected to the bottom 302 of the U. The other leg 161 extends outside the U.
Fig. 12 shows an embodiment in which two second profiles 51, 52 are connected by means of connecting means 53, to be described below, to the respective ends of the first profiles 33, 34, which second profiles form together with the first profiles the rectangular frame shown in Fig. 12.
In this embodiment the second profiles 51, 52 are prismatic and have a general U-shape, the inner dimensions and outer dimensions of which are substantially the same as those of first profiles 33, 34.
Fig. 13 shows on enlarged scale the construction of box pallet 21' as according to Fig. 4.
Fig. 14, 15, 16, 17 show that said connecting means comprise a third profile 53 in the form of an angle profile having a general U-shape, the relatively narrow first end 54 of which fits into a first profile 34 and the second end 55 of which has two relatively long legs which fit into a second profile (not shown). Both profiles 33, 34; 51, 52 are connected to the third profile by means of a suitable connection.
Both legs of first profile 34 are provided with a perforation in a manner to be described below and said connection consists of an edge formed by pressing a pointed pin 56 from outside through a perforation 57 in the relevant leg of the third profile 53 such that said edge is formed in the region of the thus created perforation 57. Pin 56 is then removed such that the edge extends through both said perforations and presses against the edge thereof.
Fig. 14, 15, 16, 17 show the described structure and operations. Arrows 115 indicate the direction in which the pins 56 are pressed through profile 34.
As a result of a tensile or pressure force a profile, i.e. a first, a second or a third profile, can bend open at the position of the connection in question. In order to prevent this the third profile can be additionally fixed to the first profile and the third profile to the second profile making use of a deforming operation as according to Fig. 18 and 19. This additional fixing is brought about by bending inward the edges 37, 38 of the first profile. This deforming operation takes place using a schematically drawn pressing tool 131, which according to Fig. 18 is moved downward as according to arrow 132 and thus bends the edges 37, 38 inward to the bent shapes designated 37', 38'.
Fig. 20 and 21 show that on vertical profiles 51, and in this case also on the horizontal profiles 34, there are arranged toadstool-shaped engaging elements 59, as according to these figures, in the connecting corners. The toadstool-shaped elements 59 comprise a shank 201, a slightly widened portion 202 and a substantial widening 203. The shank fits through perforations 204-206 and, with a relatively narrow end zone 208, through a relatively small perforation 208 in respectively the second profile 51 and third profile 53, although the widened portion 202 is too wide to pass through perforation 204, whereby the widened portion 202 remains protruding as a shank outside the third profile 51.
The end zone 208 of toadstool 59 protrudes just sufficiently outside the rear side of the second profile 51 to be provided in the manner of a rivet with a beaded edge by means of a punching operation, whereby a firm fixation results. It is noted that in respectively the second profile 51 and third profile 53 there are also arranged respective perforations 205', 206' which can also serve for positioning a toadstool 59. It is hereby possible to apply the third profile 53 on both the top side and on the underside of the wall panel. In the prior art system (see Fig. 1 and 2) the toadstools on the upper and underside are at different distances from the outside. The holes at the different positions are necessary in order to ensure full interchangeability of the known system and the system according to the invention and to still only need to use one type of third profile.
With reference to Fig. 12, attention is drawn to the fact that, in accordance with a particular aspect of the invention, the engaging elements 59 can be arranged mirror-symmetrically relative to a horizontal central plane of a wall panel 28, 31. The relevant second profiles can hereby be used in upside-down position. In the embodiment of Fig. 12 a toadstool 59 is also situated in the central zone of the wall panel.
Fig. 24, 25 and 26 show that fixing brackets 71, 72 respectively can be arranged on the ends of the first profiles 33, 34 for coupling to toadstools 59. Fig. 13 among others shows the manner in which said coupling can be realized. The respective slots 251, 252 in fixing brackets 71, 72 fit over the widened portion 202 of toadstool 59. The button or the widest outer end 203 fits inside the general U-shape of brackets 71, 72.
Fig. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 show the structure of coupling hook 61 with the associated components.
Fig. 27 shows the coupling position in which hook 61 is coupled as according to Fig. 32, 33 to respectively a pallet 2 or the profile 34 of another wall panel.
Fig. 28 shows the open position in which the hook is at rest and ready to be displaced to its coupling position.
Fig. 29 shows the actual hook which, by means of a hinge pin 271 extending through holes 601, 602 in lips 603, 604 bent inward at 90 , can co-act with a bracket 74 as shown in Fig. 30. Use can be made for this purpose of a control lip 272 which extends to the side of hinge pin 271 and which can be pushed for instance with the thumb to move the hook out of its coupling position to its rest position, and vice versa. As shown particularly in Fig. 29, hook 61 is built up of a strip of metal with multiple bends. The inward bent lips 603, 604 support a hinge pin 271 via holes 601, 602 arranged therein. The lip 604 also co-acts with spring means consisting of a spring steel strip 62 which is formed integrally with hinge pin 271. Reference is also made in this respect to Fig. 31.
With reference to Fig. 27 and 28 it will be apparent without further explanation that both the hooking position and the rest position are stable positions.
As Fig. 29 shows particularly clearly, spring 62 co-acts with the bent lip 604 which forms part of hook 61 and which is provided with a circular edge 332 with three recesses 333, 334, 335. These define three stable pivot positions. Recess 334 defines an intermediate opening position with light stopping.
Attention is drawn to the fact that hinge pin 271 is formed integrally with, and forms part of, the spring-steel spring strip 62.
Fig. 32 and 33 show the operative position of hook 61, respectively in the situation where hook 61 co-acts with a pallet 2 and a profile 34 via respectively the underside of a lath 4 and while hooking into perforations 362 of a profile 34.
The hooking connection can be released by pressing against control lip 272 as according to arrow 276.
Fig. 34, 34A and 35 show a hinge connection between two sub-wall panels placed one above the other as according to Fig. 4.
As is the case with many hinge constructions, the hinges consist of two parts connected fixedly to the elements to be pivotally coupled. Use is made of a connection to the U-profiles of the mutually adjacent sub-wall panels of the type as shown in Fig. 11 for the positioning strip. Discussion hereof will therefore be dispensed with. To the lower U-profile 33 are fixed two upward extending, curled strips 451, 452, between the curled end zones 480, 481 of which is clamped a pin 453 with a flat front face 454. This pin 453 is the hinge pin which serves for co-action with a round hook 455 forming the end zone of a strip 456 which is connected in the drawn manner to the upper U-profile 34.
As will be apparent from the figures, in the situation of Fig. 35 the upper U-profile 34, and therefore the upper wall panel, can pivot downward as according to arrow 458.
Alternatively, the profile 34 can move straight downward as according to arrow 459 into the position shown in Fig. 34, in which the upper wall panel is locked against pivoting, for instance by making use of a connection of the type in which a "toadstool" 59 as according to Fig. 6 engages in a slotted hole 251 in an end part 71 or 72 as according to Fig. 6 and 24. An excellent locking can hereby be realized in very simple manner making use of elements already present.
The arrow 459 indicates that the upper profile 34 can move upward to the situation in which the round hook 455 engages around the pin 453 and can be moved downward into the locked position shown in Fig. 34.
It will be particularly apparent from Fig. 34 that the opening 460 in the curled edge 455 is just large enough for passage of pin 453 as a result of the recessed flat face 454 present thereon. This enables connection and disconnection of the pin and the bent edge 455, while in the upper pivot position this releasable displacement is blocked because the effective diameter in the horizontal plane of pin 454 is greater than the free opening 460.

Claims

Wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31) for a box pallet (21),
which box pallet (21) comprises:
a generally rectangular pallet (2) serving as support base, for instance comprising: a lath base (3), the laths (4) of which are mutually connected by cross-laths (5), and a number of supports (6) for placing the pallet (2) on a ground such that some space (7) remains clear under the lath base (3), such that the pallet (2) can be lifted by means of a fork-lift truck or other lifting means, and

four standing wall panels (28), (29), (30), (31) which can be coupled releasably to the pallet (2) and to each other;
which wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31) comprises:
a number of mutually parallel vertical laths (12) which are held at chosen mutual distances by two metal horizontal first profiles (33), (34) which are coupled non-releasably to the respective ends of the laths (12) ;
characterized in that
each first profile (33), (34) has a prismatic, general U-shape, wherein the legs of the U extend over the side surfaces of the laths (12) and are coupled thereto.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the legs (35),(36) of the U are coupled to the laths (12) by means of glueing.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the ends of the legs (35), (36) of the U have respective inward bent edges (37), (38) which engage in two slits (39), (40) arranged on the relevant sides (42), (43) in the end zones (41) of the laths (12).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 3,
characterized in that
in the region of each first profile (34) spacers (45) are placed between the laths (12).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 4,
characterized in that
each spacer (45) engages on both inward bent edges (37), (38) of the first profiles (34).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the position of each lath (12) relative to each first profile (34) is fixed by a fixation element (46) extending inward from the outside.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 6,
characterized in that
the fixation element comprises a screw, nail or pointed pin.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 6,
characterized in that
the fixation element consists of an inward punched beaded edge (46) which is formed by pressing a pointed pin (47) in the region of a lath (12) through the body (148) of a first profile (34) such that said beaded edge (46) is formed around the thus created perforation (248), whereafter the pin (47) is removed, this such that the beaded edge (46) extends into the material of the lath (12).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized by at least one positioning strip (48) arranged on a first profile (34) and extending on the outer surface thereof for positioning relative to the wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31) of a similar wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31) or a pallet (2).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
two second profiles (51), (52) are connected by means of connecting means (53) to the respective ends of the first profiles (33), (34), which second profiles form a rectangular framework together with the first profiles.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 10,
characterized in that
the second profiles (51),(52) are prismatic and have a general U-shape, the inner dimensions and outer dimensions of which are substantially the same as those of the first profiles (33),(34).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 10 or 11,
characterized in that
the.connecting means comprise a third profile (53) in the form of an angle profile which has a general U-shape, the relatively narrow first end (54) of which fits into a first profile (34) and the second end (55) of which has relatively long legs which fit into a second profile, and that both profiles (33), (34), (51), (52) are connected to the third profile by means of a suitable connection.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 12,
characterized in that
both legs of the first profile have a perforation and that said connection consists of a beaded edge formed by preferably first placing a substantially fitting support block in the third profile and then pressing a pointed pin (56) from outside through a perforation (57) in the relevant leg of the third profile (53) such that said beaded edge is formed around the thus created perforation, whereafter the pin (56) is removed such that the beaded edge extends through both said perforations and presses against the edge thereof.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 10,
comprising a number of engaging elements, for instance toadstool-shaped elements (59), arranged on vertical end elements,
characterized in that
the engaging elements (59) are arranged on the second profiles (51),(52).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 11,
characterized in that
the engaging elements (59) extend via perforations through both legs of the second profiles (51), (52) and are fixed in the manner of a rivet by means of a beaded edge (60).
Wall panel as claimed in claim 15,
characterized in that
in the region of both the lower third profile (53) and the upper third profile (53) an engaging element (59) is arranged extending therethrough via perforations.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 15 or 16,
characterized in that
the engaging elements (59) are arranged mirror-symmetrically relative to a horizontal central plane of the wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31) such that the second profiles (51), (52) can also be used in upside-down position.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the wall panel can be coupled by means of a number of coupling hooks (61) to the pallet (2) or a similar wall panel (28), (29), (30), (31), each of which coupling hooks (61) can occupy a stable rest position and a stable coupling position under the influence of spring means, in which coupling position a coupling hook (61) is in hooking co-action with respectively the pallet (2) or the upper first profile (34) of a similar wall panel placed below the wall panel, for instance via perforations (62) arranged in said upper first profile.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
each lath (12) is strengthened in the region of the first profiles (33), (34) by impregnation with a curing plastic or glue.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the profiles (33), (34), (51), (52) consist of stainless steel.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the profiles (33), (34), (51), (52) consist of sendzimir galvanized steel.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
the bottom (301) of the U has an inward lying central zone (302) such that the legs (35, 36) of the U connect onto the central zone (302) via two edge zones (305, 306) lying at a distance from the laths (12) and forming channels therewith.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 9,
characterized in that
the positioning strip has a general L-shape, the one leg (148) of which extends through holes (312, 313) in the legs of the U and is connected to the bottom (301) of the U, and the other leg (161) of which extends outside the U.
Wall panel as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that
a wall panel comprises a fixed lower sub-wall panel and an up and downward foldable upper sub-wall panel connected thereto via a horizontal hinge construction (451, 452, 456), wherein the hinge construction is embodied such that the upper sub-wall panel in its vertical pivot position can optionally pivot downward or be shifted downward into co-action with locking means (59, 251).