EP1554184B1 - Foldable frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding rack for receiving and transporting bags, for receiving objects, to be suspended in the rack. The rack has a base part and side frame parts which are connected articulatedly to the base part at their lower end and are pivotal at least about 90° or more in relation to the base part, from a position perpendicular to the base part into a position substantially parallel to the base part. A cross strut is articulated to an upper end region of each of the side frame parts. The struts are pivotal toward one another parallel to the base part, and free ends thereof are connectable to one another in a substantially rigid manner so that the upper end regions of the side frame parts are held by the cross struts, which are articulated to the upper regions of the side frame parts and are rigidly connected to one another, at a minimum spacing defined by the cross struts. In a mutually connected condition, as above described, the free ends of the cross struts engage in one another in a connection region and are held together in substantially rigid manner by a pipe clamp reaching over the connection region, and in an unfolded condition the side side parts extend parallel to one another and are substantially perpendicular to the base part, so that similar racks can be stacked on top of one another with side frame parts aligned with one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a collapsible frame for receiving and transporting accommodated in the frame pockets, which in turn are provided for receiving items to be transported or stored, with a bottom part and side frame parts, which articulates at its lower end with the Connected to the bottom part and relative to the bottom part from a position perpendicular to the bottom part in a position substantially parallel to the bottom part position by about 90 ° or more are pivotable.

A corresponding frame is for example from the German Laid-Open Publication No. 41 38 507 Known in the known frame are each a rigid upper frame member and a rigid lower frame member provided so that on the upper rigid frame part, which is partially in the form of parallel rails, slidable rods can be suspended with these hanging flexible webs of material on these rails. The side panels are defined by four corner posts, which have a pivot point in the middle and which are each hingedly connected to the upper frame member and the lower frame member, so that the posts can be made to buckle in the middle and in this way the whole frame can be folded.

However, the known frame is intended to be folded only in the empty state, that is, without the accommodated in the frame pockets. In addition, the known frame is relatively expensive to manufacture, since each individual post must have a total of three different hinge points, namely a hinge relative to the lower frame part, a hinge relative to the upper frame part and in addition a kink in the center of the post.

DE 200 12 639 U discloses a frame according to the preamble of claim 1. Compared to this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a collapsible frame, which is simpler in construction and easier to manufacture.

This object is achieved by the features of characterizing the part of claim 1.

Also in the subject matter of the present invention, the side parts preferably consist essentially of two parallel and interconnected corner posts, but each of the corner posts now has only two joints, namely a hinge point for connection to the bottom part and a hinge point in the upper region for the connection with the cross brace. After erecting the side parts, the cross struts of the opposite side parts are pivoted toward each other and connected together in an overlapping connection area.

According to the invention it is provided that the free ends of the transverse struts intermesh and are held together by a substantially engaging the engagement region pipe clamp substantially rigid.

Here, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe clamp is resiliently supported on one of the transverse struts and biased in the direction of the connecting region of the two transverse struts, so that when Aufeinanderzuschwenken the two free ends of the crossbars initially interlock, the spring-biased clamp initially against the resilient Pre-tension is pushed back and then snaps back and overlaps the junction and so holds the two ends of the crossbars together.

In this way, it is relatively easy to achieve a rigid connection of the two transverse struts and thus a rigid connection of the two side parts, provided that the articulated connection of the cross struts with the side parts in this unfolded position does not allow relative displacement to the cross struts.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the invention in which flexible material webs extend between the side parts, which extend horizontally between opposite side parts when erecting the side parts and are tensioned by the righting side plate. These flexible material webs in turn exert a tensile force on the side parts and pull the side parts toward each other, while the cross struts ensure a minimum distance of the side parts and thus the position of the side parts is clearly fixed. Preferably, a plurality of webs are stretched in parallel between the side members and preferably also the transverse webs of material are interconnected by generally vertically or sloped connecting webs such that receiving pockets for articles are formed between the tensioned, horizontally extending webs and the interconnecting webs extending therebetween.

The cross struts are preferably dimensioned so that in the unfolded state of the side parts the same extend substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom part, wherein also the side parts defining corner posts with corresponding corner posts the bottom part are aligned, so that the unfolded frames are stackable.

In this case, the articulation areas of the transverse struts on the side parts or their posts are preferably arranged so that the upper ends of the posts remain free and the upper ends of the corner posts of the side parts and the lower ends of the corner posts of the bottom parts are preferably designed so that they stack when stacked mesh several racks and are thus secured against lateral displacement.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper ends of the corner posts of the bottom part are formed similar to the upper ends of the corner posts of the side parts and also the side parts and the corner posts of the side parts are hinged to the corner posts of the floor parts, that in the folded state of the frame, when the side panels are folded down, expose the top ends of the corner posts of the floor panels. The corner posts of the floor parts are generally relatively short post pieces, which extend substantially perpendicular to the plane otherwise defined by the bottom part. This configuration makes it possible that the collapsed racks are stackable.

For collapsing, that is for folding the side parts, it may also be useful if the hinged to the upper regions of the side parts or the corner posts of the side members cross struts in a position parallel to the side panels next to the side panels or next to the corner posts of the side parts and are lockable to these. Just as well, it is also possible that for folding the frame, the cross braces are pivoted into a position in which they extend more or less in extension of the side parts and the corner posts of the side parts.

In addition, an articulation of the cross braces on the corner posts of the side parts in the manner appropriate in that one of the parts has an axis defining pivot pin and the other of the parts is received thereon with a slot, so that the cross member or the corresponding counterpart on the slot is displaceable on the pin and thereby certain positions of the transverse struts can be locked relative to the side parts.

Figur 1a-e

Prinzipskizzen eines zusammenklappbaren Gestells in verschiedenen Positionen,

Figur 2a-e

eine ähnliche Ausführungsform wie Figur 1, jedoch mit in dem Gestell aufgehängten Taschen, in ähnlichen Aufklappositionen wie in Figur 1a-e,

Figur 3

die isoliert dargestellten Querstreben,

Figur 4

eine Skizze zur Veranschaulichung der Verbindung gegenüberliegender Querstreben,

Figur 5

Details der Verbindung zwischen dem oberen Bereich von Eckpfosten von Seitenteilen mit den Querstreben,

Figur 6

eine Serie von Bildern, welche das Aufrichten des erfindungsgemäßen Gestells zeigen und

Figur 7

eine Serie von Bildern, welche das Zusammenklappen des Gestells zeigen.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the accompanying figures. Show it:

FIG. 1a-e

Schematic diagrams of a collapsible frame in different positions,

Figure 2a-e

a similar embodiment as FIG. 1 but with pockets suspended in the frame, in similar opening positions as in FIG. 1a-e .

FIG. 3

the cross braces shown in isolation,

FIG. 4

a sketch to illustrate the connection of opposing cross braces,

FIG. 5

Details of the connection between the upper area of corner posts of side panels with the cross braces,

FIG. 6

a series of images showing the erection of the frame according to the invention and

FIG. 7

a series of pictures showing the collapse of the frame.

One recognizes in FIG. 1 in a side view of the bottom part 1, with short, laterally attached thereto corner posts 2, side parts 3, 4 and hinged to the side parts 3, 4 cross struts 5 and 6 respectively.

It is understood that in the in FIG. 1 shown, schematic side view in each case only the leading edges of the bottom part and the side parts are recognizable, which are preferably formed by generally consisting of square tubes cross struts or corner posts. It can be easily imagined that in a plane behind the plane of the paper again the same elements are connected twice and parallel to the elements of the plane of the paper by means of struts or the like, thus forming the frame as a whole.

In FIG. 1a the frame is completely folded. As a special note, it should be noted that while the cross member 5 is practically unfolded in extension to the side part 3 and covers the side parts 4, while the cross member 6 is folded back parallel to the side part 4 and preferably locked thereto.

In FIG. 1b is the left side part 3 erect. In Figure 1c In addition, the right side panel is also erected, while the cross braces have still retained their original position relative to the side panels 3 and 4, as it consists in the folded state.

In Figure 1d the transverse struts 5, 6 are pivoted towards each other and engage with their free ends in engagement with each other. In this case, a pipe clamp 7 can be seen, which is resiliently mounted on the transverse strut 6 and which is slightly pushed back when nesting the two free ends of the transverse struts 5, 6 and only in the in Figure 1e snaps back position shown while the two interconnected ends of the cross braces 5, 6 overlaps. In this way, the transverse struts 5, 6 held together rigidly by the cross-clamp 7. It is understood that to collapse the frame, the pipe clamp 7 only has to move to the right against the force of the resilient bias to the two ends of the crossbars 5, 6 can move apart again and then collapse the frame in reverse order.

The FIGS. 2a-e show exactly the same sequence of folding a frame, in which case the frame of the frame of the FIG. 1 only differs in that between the two side parts 3, 4 now parallel tracks 8 extend from a flexible material, which in turn are interconnected by vertical connecting tracks 9, so that 9 substantially rectangular pockets are formed between the horizontal tracks 8 and the vertical tracks. In the folded state according to FIGS. 2a and 2b hang the bags still loosely folded between the two side parts 3, 4 or they rest on the bottom part 1. By erecting the side parts 3, 4, the horizontal tracks 8 are stretched and reach their full voltage when the two transverse struts 5, 6 are brought together and rigidly connected together so that they hold the two side parts 3, 4 at a predetermined minimum distance, which is dimensioned so that in this state, the webs 8 are just taut. In addition, the cross braces are also sized so that in this state, the two side parts 3, 4 and their corner posts extend substantially parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the bottom part and exactly in the extension of the short corner posts 2 of the bottom part.

FIG. 3 shows in isolation the two transverse struts 5 and 6, wherein the cross member 5 in the FIGS. 1 and 2 is articulated to the left recognizable side part 3, while the cross strut 6 is hinged to the opposite right side part 4. It can be seen that the two transverse struts 5, 6 each have a slot 15 and 16, however, wherein the slot 15 of the cross member 5 extends in the longitudinal direction of the cross member 5, while the slot 16 of the cross member 6 in the transverse end leg of the cross member 6 extends. This different arrangement of the slots is related to the desired different end positions, the transverse struts 5, 6 relative to the side parts 3 and 4 according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 can accept. The corresponding mechanism will be even better in FIG. 5 clarified.

In FIG. 4 one recognizes the nature of the connection of the two transverse struts 5, 6 at their free ends. In the present example, the cross member 5 is provided with an extended end portion, in which the end portion of the cross member 6 can engage appropriately. In addition, the cross strut 6 is provided with a pipe clamp 7, which is resiliently supported on the transverse strut 6. When mating the two free ends of the transverse struts 5, 6 engages the cross member 6 in the open end of the cross member 5 and the end of the cross member 5 presses the pipe clamp 7 against the resilient bias something back. Once the cross struts 5, 6 in the FIGS. 1e or 2e shown, have reached aligned position snaps the clamp 7 from its resiliently biased position and thereby also overlaps a portion of the end portion of the cross member 5, so that between these two parts a rigid connection is made.

In FIG. 5 The side part 3 or its corner post is provided with a U-shaped cross-section holding part, between whose U-legs, a pivot pin 12 extends. The pivot pin 12 also extends through a slot in the transverse strut at the same time 5, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the transverse strut 5. In the in FIG. 5 In the upper left position shown, the transverse strut 5 is pivotable relative to the side part 3 about the pin 12. However, the cross strut 5 in the top left in FIG. 5 moved position shown down, so that the pin runs upwards in the slot, so the cross member 5 is located with a lying below the pivot portion on the side part 3 and can not, or at least be pivoted by a small angle. This relative position is in the FIGS. 1a-c respectively. 2a-c shown. After pulling up the cross strut 5 in the in FIG. 5 Top left position shown but the cross member 5 in the lower left in FIG. 5 shown position to be pivoted. Due to the addition of the transverse strut 5 end leg but also this end leg finally strikes against the side part 3 and thus defines the position shown, in which the cross member 5 extends substantially perpendicular to the side part 3.

The cross strut 6, the in FIG. 5 is recognizable to the right, is in a similar manner in its perpendicular to the side part 4 aligned position (top right in FIG. 5 ) can be locked by also here the pivot pin is moved in a slot in a position in which the end leg of the cross member 6 abuts against the side part 4. The slot extends in this case perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cross member 6 in the beginning of the cross member 6 end legs. In the below in FIG. 5 shown position of the pin in the slot, the cross member 6 relative to the side part 4 is pivotable.

FIG. 6 shows in a series of single images 1-12, as the collapsed frame erected and in the example in FIG. 2e shown end position can be brought. The process essentially corresponds to that already in connection with the FIGS. 1 and 2 has been described.

FIG. 7 shows a series of frames showing the folding of the frame. It should only be noted that, as for example in the sub-images 1 and 2 of FIG. 7 detects, the clamp 7 must be withdrawn and disengaged from the free end of the cross member 5 must be brought so that the cross member 5 pivoted upward and out of engagement with the free end of the cross member 6 can be brought. All other operations simply correspond to a reversal in the FIGS. 1a-e and 2a-e described operations.

It is also important that the side panels can be locked, if possible, to the vertical corner post 2 of the bottom part 1, so that the side parts 3, 4 after erecting even without connection of the crossbars are already held substantially perpendicular, even if they, for example, the flexible webs 8 of the pockets thereby can not sufficiently put under bias.

As you can see in pictures 6 and 8 of the FIG. 7 can recognize, the corner posts of the side part 3 and 4 are inserted into the corresponding corner posts 2 of the bottom part and can be unlocked simultaneously via a crossbar which connects two corner posts of each side part. How to get in FIG. 5 can also recognize the upper ends of the corner posts of the side parts 3 and 4 are expanded and correspond in cross section substantially the cross section of the corner posts 2 of the bottom part 1. The lower ends of the corner posts 2 of the bottom part 1 or additional approaches to the bottom part 1, with the corner posts 2 are aligned, however, correspond in their cross section substantially the corner posts of the side parts 3 and 4, so that these lower ends of the corner posts 2 and the corresponding extensions can be used to fit in the extensions of the corner posts of the side parts 3 and 4, as this in FIG. 5 are shown. This allows stacking of the collapsible racks both in the erected, that is unfolded state and in the folded state. The stacking in the unfolded state is also possible, inter alia, that the transverse struts 5, 6 are hinged below the upper free ends of the corner posts of the side parts 3 and 4 at this.

Claims (10)

1. A folding rack for receiving and transporting bags to be suspended in the rack, which for their part are provided for receiving objects to be transported and/or stored, having a base member (1) and lateral frame members (3, 4) which are connected articulatedly to the base member at their lower end and are pivotal about approximately 90° or more in relation to the base member, from a position perpendicular to the base member into a position substantially parallel to the base member, in which there is articulated to the upper end region of the lateral frame members in each case a cross strut (5, 6), and these are pivotal toward one another parallel to the base member, and the free ends thereof are connectable to one another in a substantially rigid manner so that the upper ends of the lateral frame members are held by the cross struts, which are articulated to the upper regions of the lateral frame members and are rigidly connected to one another, at a minimum spacing defined by the cross struts, characterized in that in the mutually connected condition the free ends of the cross struts engage in one another and are held together in substantially rigid manner by a pipe clamp reaching (7) over the connection region and in the unfolded condition the lateral frame members extend parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the base member, so that similar racks can be stacked on top of one another with lateral frame members aligned with one another.
2. A folding rack according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pipe clamp is held resiliently on one of the two cross struts and pretensioned into a position reaching over the region of connection of the cross struts.
3. A folding rack according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two webs (8) of a flexible material are arranged between the lateral frame members and define with one another and/or with connection webs (9) extending between adjacent webs receiving bags for objects, with the flexible webs extending horizontally tensioned between the lateral frame members in the unfolded condition of the rack.
4. A folding rack according to Claim 1 to 3, characterized in that when the racks are stacked on top of one another the upper free ends of the lateral frame members are each defined by the upper ends of corner posts, and in that the base members also have corner posts (2), which are flush with the corner posts of the lateral frame members when the lateral frame members are unfolded, with the lower end of a corner post of the base member engaging in the upper end of a corner post of a lateral frame part when the racks are stacked on top of one another and so being prevented from being displaced laterally.
5. A folding rack according to Claim 4, characterized in that the upper ends of the corner posts (2) of the base member are similar in construction to the upper ends of the corner posts of the lateral frame members, and in that the lateral frame members are articulated to the corner posts of the base members such that when the lateral frame members are folded in the upper ends of the corner posts of the base members are exposed so that folded-up racks can also be stacked on top of one another in such a way that they are prevented from slipping.
6. A folding rack according to either of Claims 4 or 5, characterized in that one of the cross struts is pivotal parallel and next to one of the corner posts of one of the lateral frame members, and may be locked thereto.
7. A folding rack according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the height of the rack, defined by the lateral frame members, is at least half the width of the rack, defined by the spacing between the set-up lateral frame members.
8. A folding rack according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that tensioning means are provided on the lateral frame members, and these allow flexible material webs extending between the set-up lateral frame members to be tensioned or their tension to be increased.
9. A folding rack according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the corner posts defining the lateral frame members are pushed into corner posts of the base member whereof the internal cross-section substantially corresponds to the external cross-section of the corner posts of the side part, with the corner posts of the base member and the corner posts of the lateral frame part additionally being connected to one another by a pin and slot connection, with the corner posts of the lateral frame members and the base members being locked in alignment with one another in one position of the pivot pin in the slot and the corner posts of the lateral frame members being pivotal in relation to the corner posts of the base member in the other position of the pivot pin in the slot.
10. A folding rack according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the points at which the cross struts are articulated to the lateral frame members are constructed such that the cross struts, as well as defining a minimum spacing, at the same time define the maximum spacing between the lateral frame members.

Images