EP2558375A1 - Load support device made of cardboard material that can withstand pressure forces exerted thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a load support device, made of cardboard material made up of at least one block element (1), characterised in that the shape of said block is substantially square, rectangular or the like, in other words, has a square, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal, triangular or equivalent cross-section, and has at least two vertical walls, preferably four (2, 3, 4, 5), a horizontal base (6), and an upper surface for receiving said load. Said block includes at least one locking fold (11) in one of the corners thereof, created by at least two lateral vertical contact sections (in the non-limiting event of a cube having a square or rectangular cross-section) which double the thickness of the material used at the points where the weight of the load will be distributed.

Description

 "Load carrier" type device of cardboard type material, resistant to pressure forces exerted on it.

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention relates to the technical sector of load-bearing type devices, that is to say a device capable of withstanding the pressure forces exerted notably laterally, in particular vertically, or in other directions, as will be explained hereinafter, etc., for example the weight of a load posed or fixed on said support device (in the preferred case of a stress or load exerted vertically).

PRIOR ART

 Pallet type devices are known to be produced by assembling pieces of wood (mainly) fastened in particular by nails, glues, staples, screws, etc., and the like.

 These devices make it possible to manipulate the load that will be placed therein for example to move it.

 These devices consist of a wooden tray under which rows of wooden support elements will be fixed. These support elements are spaced apart to allow their handling and allow the arms of machines such as lift trucks or pallet trucks to pass between the elements to allow the gripping and handling of the pallet / load device assembly. .

 All this is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be detailed here further.

One of the disadvantages of wooden pallet type devices is ^that they are not recyclable. Indeed, a used pallet (deterioration over time and uses), will have to be burned or stored by ^the user.

Moreover, in some parts of the world, wood is very scarce, and it is absurd that countries import wood for the purpose of creating wooden pallets, which is, on the one hand, expensive and on the other hand expensive. ecologically prevents the use of wood for more useful purposes. They are also polluting because, to travel between countries and regions, they are increasingly treated with chemicals to rid them of their parasites and germs. Pollutants are sometimes powerful and contaminate vegetation. Brittle, wooden pallets emit particles and debris that can be dangerous for health, like splinters treated in the hands.

Another disadvantage is that the wooden pallets are relatively heavy, the weight may be between 10 and 30 kg and a handling agent does not having no trolley can lift more than 200 kg pallet (empty) per day with possible adverse consequences on his health.

On the other hand, these pallets are capable of receiving very high loads in vertical stress.

 By "vertical" we refer to the direction of the Earth's gravitational force.

Numerous documents are also known for the purpose of precisely replacing wood (with the aim of overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above) with cardboard type materials. Indeed, the skilled person has thought of creating cardboard elements on which come to rest a tray-type element, all forming the pallet. These elements are manufactured and assembled by adhesives or other adhesive elements to ensure the fixing of the walls between them.

 By "carton type" is meant here well known products made from low quality cellulosic pulps on paper machines or the like. The term "cardboard" is also very well known.

Unfortunately, even if they have some resistance to loads, they do not provide satisfaction compared to traditional wooden pallets, especially in terms of strength, resistance to high loads, handling.

Indeed, accidental contacts or large loads literally "explode" or tear the support (s) cardboard.

In addition, these pallets "in cartons" are assembled by hot gluing type thermo-fuse, with solvents, the various elements together. From an ecological point of view, this is not interesting either and represents a cost.

Today wooden pallets are still very widely and very mainly used all over the world, which is a proof that the proposed alternatives have not been judged by the person skilled in the art as being satisfactory, despite the disadvantages known since decades.

The industry considered has therefore turned away from the ^" cardboard ^" sector for the pallets of load, after unsuccessful or unsuccessful trials.

However, the applicant has decided to resume studies of the ^" cardboard ^" sector, despite the negative bias indicated, and has filed a patent application FR 1002482 for a folding system for locking or self locking surfaces between them . This patent application is limited to the field of box type shoebox, trays, etc., therefore without special strength.

This had not been envisaged in the prior art at all.

 In this general field, patent GB 1 433 722 is known which has a folding system, this making it possible to replace the glue by said folding system.

 This prior system certainly represents a laudable attempt, but it is very limited in the sense that it is necessary to use cartons of very thin type, preferably of compact type or simple groove or simple micro groove because, in the use of large grooves or large thicknesses, the folding system takes more and more space and the box becomes unusable because the folding system, the rigidity can not be folded against a wall because of their rigidity accentuated. The higher the height of the box, the more important the folding system becomes. The useful volume is encumbered by folding systems.

 Next, the GB patent does not explore any track other than making boxes and does not indicate any load-lowering capability on the doubly reinforced edges.

This document, limited to the manufacture of "boxes" with deep bottoms and low wall heights, therefore contributes to reinforcing the prejudice of the prior art.

 The Applicant has looked for other possible uses, as part of its research on studs, spars or pallets, and was able to show that in a completely surprising way, if we now use such a type of "folding of locking ", adapted correctly, to form pads this allowed to strongly strengthen the characteristics of strength, strength and flexibility conferred on the pad, and that it could therefore bear very large loads.

One of the merits of the Applicant is to have nevertheless sought an effective and elegant solution in the "cardboard" sector.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM POSE:

There is therefore a real need to create a high load support device (or a fortiori low or medium, but above all very high), which is inexpensive, at least as strong as existing devices (if possible more solid), recyclable, limiting to the maximum or most preferred completely avoiding the use of glue. Said device must be as light as possible in order to be handled as simply as possible.

 The object of the present invention is therefore to create an ecological device load support ensuring the best ratio strength / lightness and all at a lower cost.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention therefore relates to a load-bearing type device consisting of at least one element of "support" type. By "pad", we denote here any element substantially square, rectangular, or of similar shapes, for example of triangular horizontal section, trapezoidal, longitudinal members, etc., including (in the non-limiting case of a cube or analogous which are the preferred forms) four vertical walls and a horizontal base connecting the 4 walls.

By "load support" type element, we denote here any element intended to have to withstand a load placed ^" above ^" , that is to say exerting a constraint in the "vertical" direction on its face or upper surface and in particular we designate here pallet elements, etc.

 The stress may in some cases be exerted in the vertical direction but on the lower face, or on both the lower and upper faces, for example if the load is placed under the pad or the paddle, or if the pad or paddle is placed in the vertical direction between two loads for example to create a vertical gap between two or more loads.

 Similarly, the stress can also be exerted on a side face of the stud, by means of either a 90 ° rotation of the stud, or a manufacturing arrangement that will be easily understood by the skilled person.

 In what follows, we will limit ourselves to the case of a "vertical" constraint which will include all the others, by obvious technical equivalence, as for example lateral pressures.

FIG. 1 shows a most preferred "pad" created according to a preferred embodiment with a locking bend as described in FIG. 2.

Figure 2 shows a stud fixed on an upper plate.

Figure 3 which consists of Figures 3a to 3d, describes the preferred non-limiting embodiment of the "locking fold". Figure 4 which consists of Figures 4a through 4d, describes an embodiment ^of an alternative plot, also most preferred, and probably to date the ^"best embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a pad with a locking fold (1 1) composed of two lateral vertical contact sections (20, 21).

Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of a pad according to a less preferred embodiment.

 FIG. 7 represents a stud with an internal reinforcing device placed in the center of the stud.

Figure 8 which consists of Figures 8a and 8b, shows non-limiting examples of internal reinforcing elements.

 Figure 9 shows a non-limiting example of external reinforcing element.

Figure 10 shows a non-limiting example of a ^" lock wedge ^" .

11 shows the pad, the outer reinforcing member, and ^the wedge-like member lock according to the preferred embodiment.

12 shows a bottom view ^of a load bearing device 9 containing pads made according to the present invention.

 Figure 13 shows a bottom view of another load bearing device containing 9 pads made according to the present invention equipped with pads or "skis".

 Figure 14 which consists of Figures 14a to 14d shows the pad of Figure 4 with different types of locking folds (4 triangles, 3 triangles, 2 triangles, two contact sections).

As seen in FIG. 1, the stud (1) is, in a nonlimiting manner, a cube composed of four vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5) (masked reference under the flap (10)), a base portion (6), and four flap type elements (7, 8, 9, 10) created in the extensions of the vertical walls. It is also observed that at the right angles formed by said walls, it has been formed by folding "locking folds"> (1 1). (see operating mode below).

By "locking fold" is meant that at the corners, it forms at least two vertical lateral contact sections, at the edges of the pad, allowing at least to double the thickness to solidify the pad where the weight of the load will be distributed. By "lateral contact section" is meant in the present application, any vertical section created in the lateral extension of the vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5), and may be of any form adapted to ensure sufficient contact to reach the qualities sought (strength, resistance, elasticity).

At least two elements (7, 9), preferably four, of flap type (7, 8, 9, 10), will be created and may be adapted to be fixed by any known means to an upper tray element (12) ( especially glues: wood glues, heat fuses ... staples, clips, strapping straps, welding (if the material allows it), adhesives etc). Said flaps (7, 8, 9, 10) serve as a contact surface between the plate and the pad. Preferably, use will be made of ecological fixation by solvent-free bonding.

FIG. 2 thus represents this stud (1) fixed to said upper plate (12) on which the load will be placed.

According to a preferred embodiment, said stud-type element (1), as well as the locking folds (1 1) are created from a flat rectangular plate as indicated in patent FR 1002482.

The invention consists of a three-dimensional structure derived from a flat product, the flat product consisting of a plate, the plate comprising at least two substantially perpendicular edges, a first lateral fold forming a boundary between a first side and a bottom on the one hand and a second lateral fold forming a border between a second side and the bottom on the other hand, the width of the sides being equivalent, the first and second folds forming a square in the corner of the plate, the square having two folds along its diagonals, these folds forming two inner triangles and two outer triangles, a cutout being formed on the fold common to one of the inner triangles and its adjacent outer triangle, the inner triangles being folded one on the other. other to form the three-dimensional structure, the outer triangle not adjacent to the cut being folded over the inner triangle adjacent to the cut to lock the struct three-dimensional and to form a preliminary triangular assembly composed of three thicknesses of flat product and the outer triangle adjacent to the cut.

The invention is also characterized in that the inner triangles are folded towards the inside of the plate.

The sides (3, 4) are folded inwards and towards the bottom (6). Also, by pinching the two inner triangles (c, d), in each corner of the tray being mounted. Beaks are formed in the four corners. The plot is immediately put in shape. Then, just lock it with the outer triangles (a, b). By folding the outer triangle (b) on the inner triangle (d), the locking is achieved. The final hold blocking will be done by folding the outer triangle (a) on the inner triangle (c). Between the inner triangle (d) and the outer triangle (a), there is a cut of material on the line of the common side. All the triangles, the sides and the bottom are solidary in the same plate. Finally, in each corner, all the triangles forming the final assembly (11) are joined by at least one face. The outer triangle (a) blocks the assembly, wedged by the edge (60) of one side (3, 4) side juxtaposed triangles of the angle in short bending. The stud is mounted.

From a rectangular or square plate format, to form a pad having a bottom and four sides. Draw on the plate, the straight lines defining the common height for the four sides, also intended to delimit the bottom. The height is characterized by the distance between a border (perimetry of the plate) and the line drawn parallel, being the closest to it. Once these four straight lines are drawn, each is therefore parallel with respect to at least one edge of the plate to obtain the height of the four sides of the box to be built. Also allowing to obtain the perimetry of the bottom of the box, being able to be a rectangle or any other similar forms. These straight lines must be traced to the ends of the edges (perimetry) of the plate, which will be perpendicular to their points of intersection. Each line drawn is therefore perpendicular to two other lines to form four equivalent squares in the corners of the plate, itself having right angles. The squares will be named "lock squares".

In the four squares, draw the two perpendicular diagonals in their center, to form four triangles per square. In each square, the diagonal starting from the bottom of the box, more precisely starting from the right angle of the perimetry of the bottom, will be named the diagonal number one. The second diagonal is that cutting the diagonal number one by the middle. On the second diagonal, make a cut between the point of intersection with the diagonal number one and between one of the opposite end points of it. The second diagonal will have a cut on half of its length. Its symmetry with respect to the point of intersection of the two diagonals will be represented by an uncut line and a cut line having an equivalent length.

Then raise the sides of the stud, folding the lines of the perimetry of the bottom so that they are vertical. At the same time, assist the lifting in each corner, pinching inward the two triangles, forming the edges of the pad. Fold the lines of the sides of the triangles forming precisely the edges of the stud and fold the common side of the two triangles evoked. More precisely, they are the triangles of which one of their side forms the edges of the stud or the height of one side of the stud. Once the two triangles are folded and pinched, one of their faces is placed side by side. The edges of the four corners of the tray are high. The plot gets in shape. Folding and formatting being part of the claim. Then, locate in each lock square, the third triangle above these two first contiguous triangles, because there are still two unfolded triangles. This third triangle is distinguished by the fact that it has not undergone the cutting of the second diagonal on one of its sides. Fold the line of the common side of the third triangle with the first two triangles. Precisely, it is necessary to fold the third triangle on one of the first two triangles not having in common a side of triangle. Subsequently, these three triangles visually form a single triangle having three thicknesses of material. The stud is formed and locked. Folding and formatting being part of the claim. The fourth triangle, not yet folded, being bound only by a single common side to the third triangle. Fold the line of this common side so as to fold the surface of this fourth triangle on all three triangles, which allowed to form the pad. It must be folded down on one of the visible faces of the first two triangles and not directly on one side of the third triangle. In fact, fold this fourth triangle at the line of the side attached to the third triangle. Bring it back and fold it on the free face of the two first contiguous triangles, precisely on the one having no face hidden by the third triangle, this first or second triangle having no common side with this fourth triangle. The fourth triangle will be folded to ^the opposite of the third to visually form and four of them, a single triangle by four thicknesses of material. Make the manipulation in each corner of the plate to mount the stud. The pad thus created according to patent FR 1002482 thus comprises 4 vertical side walls, a base element joining the 4 side walls.

 The stud comprises at least one "locking fold" disposed in at least one corner of the stud. Preferably each angle comprises a locking fold.

The embodiment of the preferred ^" locking fold ^" (as indicated in patent FR 1002482) is understood to mean that the folding makes it possible to create at least 2 vertical lateral contact sections materialized by at least 2 triangles per angle, preferably three, even four triangles and which when starting the mounting of the block by folding, bring the four sides closer to form so said open stud.

 According to this embodiment of "folding lock", there is not necessarily the need for glue to build the stud.

Figure 3 illustrates the embodiment of the locking fold using a flat rectangular plate. This plate comprises at least two vertical walls (4, 3) substantially perpendicular to each other, which are folded laterally relative to the remainder of the plate which will be the base element (6) of the stud. The two vertical walls (4, 3) are of the same width in order to create in their extension, a square zone (in the corner of the plate), composed of at least two triangles, preferably four triangles (a, b, c, d) themselves formed by the diagonals of said square zone. According to the non-limiting example of FIG. 3, the line formed between the triangles (a and d) is incised and the triangles (c and d) are folded towards the inside of the plate (6) (the triangles c and d will form only one double-thickness triangle). We will fold the triangle (b) on the double triangle (c, d) to form a triple triangle, and finally we can fold the triangle (a) on the triple triangle. The folding thus created is the "folding lock" (1 1). This embodiment makes it possible to create at least three thicknesses (in this case 4 thicknesses) at the edge (60).

 The same procedure can be created between the walls (2 and 3) (4 and 5) and (5 and 2) to achieve 4 locking folds (11) in each of the corners of the stud (1).

According to other embodiments, it is possible to cut the triangle (a) and remove it, in order to create only 3 triangles, which after folding, will form in the same operating mode the triple thickness.

 We can also in addition to the triangle (a), remove the triangle (b), which will double the thickness.

 We can naturally only create two triangles (c, d) with a single diagonal in the square zone.

As we have just seen, one of the interesting points is that the "locking fold" (11) used actually creates at least two vertical contact surfaces (in the non-limiting case of a cube of square cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section) that doubles the thickness of the material used where the weight of the load is to be distributed. In addition, the fact of not using glue or little glue, or staples or other conventional means of attachment, allow to gain elasticity, a shock absorption that also improve the desired strength characteristics.

 According to another embodiment, it will be possible to use the creation of two triangles formed solely by a single diagonal in the square zone. Certainly, naturally resulting in loss of qualities in the characteristics of strength, flexibility, sought.

 According to another preferred embodiment, it is possible to create an alternating pad as observed in FIGS. 4. FIG. 4a shows the precut flat plate having the particularity of having tongue-like elements (13, 14, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b) preferably placed in the extension of the flap elements (9, 7) of the walls (2, 4). The tongues 13 and 14 are respectively placed at the center of the flaps (9 and 7), while the tongues (15a, 15b) are placed on either side of the tongue (13); the tongues (16a, 16b) being placed on either side of the tongue (14).

The tongues (13 and 14) are of the same length as the length of the walls (4 and 7) so that once folded these tabs (13 and 14) come into contact with the base (6) of the stud. This in order to bring increased strength to the assembly with a "reinforcement" function. The tabs (1 5a, 15b, 16a, 16b) are smaller in size than the tabs (13, 14) but are all four of the same length and width. They are adapted to the width of the orifices (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) created on the flaps (8, 10) of the walls (3, 5). The tongues can thus pass through the orifices placed preferably (15a, 15b, 16a, 16b) and block the assembly once folded to prevent any type of movement. The tongue (15a) will pass through the orifice (18a), the tongue (1 5b) will pass through the orifice (17a), the tongue (16a) will pass through the orifice (17b) and finally the tongue (16b) will pass through the orifice (18b).

 The stud thus created can not be detached (see Figure 4d). The bending of the stud is adapted so that the tongues (13 and 14) are positioned between added elements (19, 35) (of identical dimensions to those of the walls (8, 10)) which will be separated from each other just to let these tabs (13 and 14).

 Elements (36, 37) of dimensions equal to the elements (8, 10) come to bring even more stability and reinforcement to the pad.

 The set thus created will absolutely be able to move since all the elements are adapted to self-lock with each other.

The figure shows the locking fold (1 1) with two lateral contact sections (20, 21) as shown in Figure 5 (below).

 This alternative stud may naturally comprise the locking folding system (11) as described in FIG. 3 or any other locking folding system forming (11) at least two thicknesses of the edge level, (see FIG. 14)

 This alternative stud has the advantage of having all the elements from the outset to ensure maximum strength, without having to create different reinforcing elements. However, said stud may receive an external reinforcing element, if desired by those skilled in the art.

 The alternative block may be glued against a floor with glue or with a double-sided adhesive device and recyclable type, permanently locking the system and making it completely integral.

FIG. 5 represents a stud being folded with the creation of a locking fold with two lateral contact sections (20, 21), which are glued, or fixed by any other means known to one another.

Figure 6 shows another plot according to an even less preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 thus shows, in a nonlimiting manner, a reinforcing element (30) in the center of a stud (1) which blocks and prevents the locking folds from moving. The locks folds are fully maintained in position, thanks to this reinforcing element. Moreover, he leaves no game between all the elements so to make the stud or the beam completely rigid in order to absorb lateral shocks. FIG. 8 represents non-limiting examples of internal reinforcing elements (30) or (31) designed to be placed inside the stud (1).

This internal reinforcing element (30 or 31) is also designed to provide more resistance to the pressures that will be applied, and therefore more strength to the load support assembly. This internal reinforcing element will be placed in the empty space of the stud type element (1) at its center.

 This element of the internal reinforcement type may be a cross-type element, oval, zig-zag or elements of the type of rods, tubes, etc. etc. It will be constituted by any element capable of guaranteeing a contribution in horizontal and vertical solidity, in particular, cardboard-type material (the same as that used for the stud-type elements), or any other material accessible to those skilled in the art. The spider, consisting of square of cardboard arranged in the vertical of the grooves and nested in braces generated a capacity of resistance to the descent of heavy load, coming to reinforce the doubling of the walls.

The internal reinforcing element (30 or 31) consolidates both the lowering of the load from top to bottom preferably but also to the lateral level because, in case of shock on one side of the stud or the spar. The energy of the shock will pass through the wall to dissipate in the reinforcement and then dissipate the energy in the whole pad, preventing deformation and destruction of the pad itself.

 It is naturally possible to provide other examples of internal reinforcing elements that will be easily accessible to the skilled person. In a particular embodiment, it is possible to provide an external reinforcing element (40) which can be placed for example around the vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5) in order to bring even more strength and reinforcement to the plot (1). This can be particularly useful in case of handling errors that may occur which could damage the plot type element. It is also an additional element to block the positioning of lock bends (at least double thickness).

 In a preferred embodiment, this external reinforcing element (40) will be a "belt" type element completely surrounding the "stud" type element. (see Figure 9)

 This "belt" type element doubles the thickness of the walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the stud and strongly accentuates the load-lowering capacities and then strengthens the resistance against perforation by a sharp tool such as forklift handling elevator.

In a preferred embodiment, an additional locking wedge-type reinforcing member (50) is also added (FIG. 10). This element (50) is made of the same material used for the other elements constituting the load-supporting device. This element includes a base (51) and four portions (52, 53, 54, 55) adapted to consolidate and lock the position of the locking fold (11). Indeed, the 4 portions are spaced respectively one of the others to allow the passage between them bending locks.

 The portions (52, 53, 54, 55) of this locking wedge (50) are slid against the four vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the stud, on the inside, and against the folds of locks (11), preventing them from breaking down and preventing the inclination or buckling of the vertical walls of the stud (1). Once this lock wedge is in place. The base of the shim (51) may come into contact with the internal reinforcing member (30 or 31) if the latter is used.

 The portions (52, 53, 54, 55) double the load descent capabilities with respect to single walls. But also, the portions increase the capacity of the outer walls of the stud side impact, preventing premature breakage or perforations by the forks of a forklift for example.

In the case where an internal reinforcing element (30 or 31) is used, the latter is adapted to leave the space just sufficient to slide the locking wedge (50).

The top of the base of the locking wedge (50) comes into direct contact with the underside of the plate (12), considerably increasing the bonding and holding contacts of the stud. The four flaps (7, 8, 9, 10) and the contact surface of the locking wedge make the stud (1) fixed and can not be torn off.

 In fact, the walls of the stud are doubled thanks to the locking wedge greatly increasing the strength of the walls and their buckling.

The use of solvent-free, environmentally friendly and recyclable glue in the packaging is limited to fixing the upper surface of the locking wedge and the flaps against the underside of the upper plate (12). Subsequently, the entire system with or without locking wedge (50) is permanently imprisoned creating a compact and rigid assembly.

The present invention creates a stud which makes it possible to achieve a phenomenon of buckling towards the outside of the stud. This outward buckling is elasticity like a horizontal metal bar, receiving a load, deforms during a load posing violently. The deformation will store the energy of the shock and then return to the initial shape, once the impact is complete. This is the same situation for double thicknesses. In the opposite case, the rigidity of a single thickness, in the angle would have exploded the volume, the energy can not be absorbed by any significant deformation on a single thickness. In the case of two triangles glued in an angle, forming two contact surfaces, the thicknesses also serve as damper and peel themselves to deform. Then they will come back for them, helped by the possible reinforcement element ^and possible locking wedge. As can be seen perfectly in FIG. 15, and in a nonlimiting manner, the folds of locks can come into contact with the upper part of the stud, or with the upper plate, in order to absorb part of the weight of the load which will be put on it.

According to a preferred embodiment, and for the purpose of creating a high-performance load-bearing device, a plurality of stud-like elements (1) will be attached to a tray-like element (12) (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

The gaps between said elements of the type "pads ^" will be studied to provide an optimal distribution of the weight of the load that can be fixed on it. These differences will also be adapted to allow the easy handling of load-bearing type devices by handling equipment, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, a pad will have the following dimensions (non-limiting):

 - 130x100x90 mm,

 - 100x100x90 mm,

- 200x100x90 mm.

The volumes may be preferably narrow in shape to form longitudinal members over a pallet length or width and preferably to 50x100x90 mm. On a pallet 1200x800 or 1200 x 1000 mm for example, there are preferably three longitudinal members.

 The height can also varied and take the preference 100 mm. In fact, the present invention is naturally not limited as the boxes since the locks folds can be cut and locked by the collapsing means, internal reinforcing elements, locking wedges as well as external reinforcing elements. On these formats, a multitude of conclusive industrial tests have been made and the pallets work perfectly. They have been reused several times. As such, tests were carried out with double micro-spline cartons, triple splines equipped with reinforcing wedges and locking wedges, without even using the external reinforcing element. It was possible to install a load, weighing 1980 kg, on only four studs.

The pads are not deformed or destroyed. They have fulfilled their support role.

Using stronger cartons such as double flats and larger paper weights, the Applicant achieved 600 kg load descent on the same pad volume. Many tests have also been done in the form of pallets and in industrial and logistics. Pallets resist the same way as in wooden pallets. Depending on the quality of the boards used, each block can at least withstand a load drop of 600 kg or more. Standard pallets of 1200x800, 1200x1000 or 1150x1150 dimensions, preferably having 9 studs, can support uniformly distributed loads of 5400 kg. Among other things, the reinforcement wedge is triple-fluted cardboard whose layers of paper are high density and good quality "kraft". Other grades of cardboard can be used to achieve the same result.

 The resistance of the upper plate is naturally adapted to the load which will have to be supported.

 Depending on the quality of the cardboard used, the pads have a particularity of being waterproof at their base, due to the characteristics of the folds of locks. Having no cut in the angle by the approximation of the first two triangles and according to the configuration, the pads do not let moisture in. A pad as in Figure 6 will be quickly subject to water attack, the material being cut. Cartons that can be treated against humidity makes it possible to arrange the pallets according to the invention on the outside. A cardboard pallet will be between 2 and 5 kg.

 As an indication and not limitation, and for a pad size of preferably 1 mm in length, 100 mm in width and 90 mm in height, we will have the following characteristics:

The cardboard envelope of the plot itself:

The pad may be composed of a corrugated sheet of double corrugated type or single corrugation. But also the triple flute as the compact. The thickness of the sheet may be from 2 to 7 mm. But it is possible to consider higher thicknesses.

The reinforcing element (30, 31), preferably in cross-section:

 The reinforcing member (30, 31) may be composed of single corrugated cardboard, double fluted sheets, triple fluted sheet or compact. Depending on the desired load-lowering resistance and economic constraints. The thickness is progressive, ranging from 2 mm to 20 mm.

 The locking wedge (50) with its four flaps:

 The thickness is scalable according to the cardboard sheet which can be of the simple groove, the double groove or the triple groove, or even the thick compact sheet. The thickness of the locking wedge may be preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm.

The external reinforcing element (40): It is a sheet of cardboard preferably in single or double groove, also in compact. The thickness may be between 4 and 10 mm thick. The triple groove can be used. The materials used can be naturally of any type: similar to the cardboard, such as PP honeycomb sheet; plastic plates, possibly metal sheets.

 Preferably, it will be possible to use double-corrugated cardboard, single corrugated cardboard, triple-corrugated cardboard, compact cardboard, single or double corrugated cardboard. Quality mixtures such as, for example, build the stud with a single corrugated cardboard, then slip in a cardboard reinforcement type triple flutes then lock the stud with a lock wedge made of a double-fluted cardboard. Then we can reinforce the stud with an external reinforcement element in single or double groove. The triple groove, or any other material that will be easily accessible to the skilled person.

 The studs can be glued to any place on the entire surface of the top plate. It is possible to produce pallets of any size and containers of any size with studs glued below, according to the invention.

The splines will preferably be vertical to reinforce the phenomenon of descent of load (that is to say the distribution of weight).

In particular, cardboard from recycling can be used. A plot consumes little material, it is also possible to recover old packaging and cut with a punch the formats in sufficient areas.

 To further significantly increase the strength of the stud or the spar, it is also possible to stick all the elements named together as, the internal reinforcing element is glued in the bottom. The locking wedge is glued with the internal walls of the stud. Or the triangles can be glued together. The elements are all bonded by means of gluing, preferably with a solvent-free glue type wood glue. The plot takes indestructible features. But it remains recyclable, with solvent-free glue, throwing it into a cardboard bin and grinding it. The white wood glue, solvent-free is just recyclable, certified recyclable with cartons. It is also nonflammable.

The upper plate may be made of the same material as that used for the manufacture of the stud but may naturally be made of any other material according to the general knowledge of the skilled person. The invention also covers all the embodiments and all the applications which will be directly accessible to the person skilled in the art upon reading the present application, and of his own knowledge.

It is for example possible to manufacture studs but also long narrow studs as spars. In the case of longitudinal members, it will be easily possible to adapt the reinforcements, the locking wedges, the belts accordingly.

It is also possible to manufacture podiums, steps, stools, tables, sommiers, cardboard furniture, etc. generally any element acting as "load support". We can of course think of accessory pads of lateral wedges between pallets, during transport in the trucks, the maritime containers or others. Logisticians use plastic bags, often filled with polystyrene particles ... The cardboard blocks being damping, they can be fixed on the side walls of the pallets or against the walls of the trailer.

Claims

1. Device type "load carrier", made of cardboard type material consisting of at least one element type "pad" (1), characterized in that said pad is substantially square, rectangular, and the like, c i.e., has a square, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal, triangular, and square straight horizontal section and has at least two vertical walls, preferably four (2, 3, 4, 5), a horizontal base (6) , and an upper surface for receiving said load, and in that said stud comprises at least one "locking fold" (11) in one of its corners, created by at least two lateral vertical contact sections (in the case non-limiting of a cube of square cross section, or of a rectangular cross section) which double the thickness of the material used at the places where the weight of the load will be distributed.

 2. Device of "load carrier" type according to claim 1, characterized in that two lateral vertical contact sections (20, 21) are created in the lateral extension of at least two vertical walls, preferably four (2, 3, 4, 5); said lateral vertical sections being glued, or fixed by any other known means to one another.

3. Device of the "load bearing" type according to claim 1 characterized in that said "locking fold" (11) is formed in the non-limiting case of a cube, by the creation of several vertical lateral contact sections materialized by at least two triangles by angle (b, d), preferably four triangles (a, b, c, d), created in the extension ^of at least two vertical walls (e.g. 3 and 4) and in that said locking fold is created, in the case of four triangles by incision on the line formed between triangles (a and d), then by folding the triangles (c and d) towards the inside of the plate (6) (the triangles c and d will form only one double thickness triangle) then by folding the triangle (b) on the double triangle (c, d) to form a triple triangle, and finally to fold the triangle (a) on the triple triangle, thus forming at least a triple thickness at the edges of the pl ot.

 4. Device of "load carrier" type according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one can create a stud comprising at least one locking fold (1 1), starting from a plate pre-cut plate having the particularity of having tongue-like elements (13, 14, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b) placed in the extension of the flap elements (9, 7) of the walls (2, 4), the tongues ( 13 and 14) being respectively placed at the center of the flaps (9 and 7), while the tongues (15a, 15b) are placed on either side of the tongue (13) and the tongues (16a, 16b) are placed on either side of the tongue (14).

5. Device of "load carrier" type according to claim 4, characterized in that the tongues (13 and 14) are of the same length as the length of the walls (4 and 7) so that once folded these tabs (13 and 14) come into contact with the base (6) of the stud.

 6. Device according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the tabs (1 5a, 15b, 16a, 16b) are smaller in size than the tabs (13, 14). but are all 4 of the same length and the same width, and in that they are adapted to the width of the orifices (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) created on the flaps (8, 10) of the walls (3, 5 ), and in that the bending of the stud is adapted so that the tabs (13 and 14) are positioned between added elements (19, 35) (of identical dimensions to those of the walls (8, 10)) which will be separated the one of the other just to let these tabs (13 and 14).

 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that internal reinforcing elements (30) or (31) are designed to be placed inside the stud ( 1) at its center and will be selected from the elements of type cross, oval, zig-zag or elements of the type of rods, tubes, etc. etc.

8. Device of "load carrier" type according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an external reinforcing element (40) may be provided, for example, placed around the vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5) for the purpose of providing even more strength and reinforcement to the stud (1), and in that this external reinforcing element (40) will be a "belt-like" element completely surrounding the element of the type "Plot".

 9. "Load support" type device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an additional reinforcing element of the locking wedge type (50) made of the same material used for the other elements constituting the load-supporting device and in that this element comprises a base (51) and four portions (52, 53, 54, 55) adapted to consolidate and lock the position of the locking fold (1 1) .

10. Device of "load carrier" type according to claim 9, characterized in that the 4 portions (52, 53, 54, 55) are spaced respectively from one another to allow the passage between them the locking folds. and come to slide against the four vertical walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the stud, on the inside, and against the folds of locks (11), preventing them from breaking and preventing tilting or buckling vertical walls of the stud (1), the base of the wedge (51) coming into contact with the internal reinforcing element (30 or 31) if the latter is used.

 1 1. "Load support" type device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking folds (1 1) can come into contact with the upper part of the stud, or with the upper plate, in order to absorb some of the weight of the load that will be placed on it.

12. Device of "load carrier" type according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that one will fix to a type element upper plate (12) several elements of type pads (1), preferably 9 pads for a plate (12) of dimensions preferably 1200x800 mm, or 1200x1000 or 1150x1 150; the studs having preferred dimensions of 130x100x90 mm, 100x100x90 mm, or 200x100x90 mm.

 13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that:

 the stud (1) may be composed of a corrugated cardboard sheet of the double-groove or single-groove type, or triple-groove type of compact, with a sheet thickness of 2 to 7 mm.

 - The reinforcing element (30, 31) may be composed of single corrugated cardboard sheets, double flutes, triple flutes or compact, depending on the desired load descent resistance and economic constraints with a thickness is scalable between from 2 mm to 20 mm.

 - The locking wedge (50) has a scalable thickness according to the cardboard sheet which may be of the single groove, the double groove or the triple groove, or even the thick compact sheet, with a thickness of the locking wedge preferably between 4 mm and 10 mm.

 - The external reinforcing element (40) is a cardboard sheet preferably in single or double groove, also in compact, with a thickness which can be between 4 and 10 mm, the triple groove can be used.

 14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that according to the quality of the cardboard used, the studs (1) are sealed at their base, thanks to the characteristics of the folds of locks: not having Cutting in the corner by the approximation of the first two triangles and depending on the configuration, the pads do not let moisture in.