EP3068701B1 - Corner element for shaping the volume of a polygonal structure and polygonal structure fitted with an assembly of such corner elements - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an angle element, commonly referred to as a "pad", for assembling and scaling a polygonal structure.

It also relates to a polygonal structure, especially for the packaging of products, assembled by means of such corner elements.

By "polygonal structure" is meant any type of container, crate or receptacle construction intended in particular to contain one or more objects, or of shelter or cabin type, and comprising lateral sides assembled on a bottom or generally on a fixed support. .

Traditionally, the assembly of the different sides of such a structure requires the use of fixing means such as nail, screw or glue for setting volume of the structure and the attachment of the lateral sides.

It has of course been found that the assembly of the lateral sides of a polygonal structure by means of such fixing means, irremovable, had a number of major disadvantages. Indeed, if some sides were badly assembled, it was very difficult or impossible to separate them without damaging part of the sides to reassemble them properly.

The use of corner elements dedicated specifically to the assembly of the lateral sides thus tends to develop to overcome this disadvantage.

In this regard, reference may be made to the document FR 2 805 521 which discloses a packaging assembly comprising a pallet and removable side sides which are assembled on the pallet by means of studs having an isosceles triangle base plate and sidewalls erected from a face of the base plate and converging at an angle of the plate.

We can also refer to the document FR 2 967 976 which relates to an assembly pad of a box also comprising a base plate from which stand for each lateral side of the box, an outer side wall and an inner side wall defining a reception space on one side side of the box.

Although advantageous in many respects, however, it has been found that this type of stud does not give the structure sufficient rigidity for the intended applications.

The document FR 2 848 988 describes a device for assembling a box. This is a stud comprising a corner referenced 42. It is therefore not a stud having a base plate forming, in a receiving zone of two adjacent lateral sides of a box, a continuous surface. so as to allow a support against each other side sides of the box received in two slots of the stud.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide an assembly system and, more particularly, a corner element capable of imparting increased stability and rigidity to a polygonal structure, while maintaining easy assembly and disassembly of the structure.

For this purpose, the invention proposes an angle element for the setting of a polygonal structure in volume, comprising a base plate and two external lateral walls erected from a face of the plate and converging towards an angle of the element, and two internal partitions each extending parallel to a side wall to define a first receiving housing of a first lateral side of the polygonal structure and a second housing receiving a second lateral side of the polygonal structure adjacent to the first side.

In addition, in at least one receiving area of two adjacent lateral sides, the first housing and the second housing communicate with each other along the entire height of the corner element, the base plate forming a continuous surface in this area. so as to allow a support against each other side sides received in said housing.

Thus, thanks to a support of the amounts of the adjacent lateral sides which is exerted over the entire length of the lateral sides, one considerably increases the lateral stability of the structure and, consequently, its rigidity.

According to another characteristic of the corner element according to the invention, the side walls delimit respective receiving surfaces of two slats of two adjacent lateral sides and are provided with slats latching means comprising a slats guiding surface. in the form of a ramp.

According to yet another characteristic, the internal partitions delimit respective receiving surfaces of two uprights on two adjacent lateral sides and are provided with slats latching means comprising a guide surface of the slats in the form of a ramp. The side walls and the internal partitions each comprise, for each lateral side of the structure, a latching lug for latching the slats, the latching lug comprising said guide surface and a locking stop for a slat.

The corner element comprises reinforcements which each comprise a bearing face for one end of the edge of a jamb on a lateral side, the support faces of the reinforcements extending perpendicularly to the respective internal partitions.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement is parallelepipedal and extends at least over the entire height of the corner element.

It can also be provided that the internal partitions have, on their side facing the side walls, stiffening ribs.

Advantageously, the corner element comprises fixing tabs which extend from the base plate opposite the side walls for fixing the element on the polygonal structure.

Advantageously, the internal faces of the partitions form two by two an angle of 90 ° and define a volume which opens directly towards the interior of the structure.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the angular zone of the external lateral walls is provided with a locking cleat for holding a strap for holding the structure. The structure can thus be maintained in the assembled state or when it is in the form of a package, unassembled.

The subject of the invention is also, in a second aspect, a polygonal structure comprising a set of corner elements as defined above, for the assembly of the lateral sides of the structure.

The corner elements can be fixed on a background.

Preferably, each lateral side of the structure comprises uprights whose longitudinal edge which constitutes an edge of the lateral side is tapered at 45 °.

In one embodiment, the lateral sides of the structure comprise slats fixed on uprights.

In a variant, the lateral sides of the structure are solid.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une structure polygonale selon l'un des aspects de l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective et agrandie d'un élément d'angle utilisé pour l'assemblage de deux côtés latéraux de la caisse de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus de l'élément d'angle de la figure 2 ; et
• la figure 4 est une vue de coté de l'élément d'angle des figures 2 et 3.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a polygonal structure according to one of the aspects of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a perspective and enlarged view of an angle element used for the assembly of two lateral sides of the body of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a top view of the corner element of the figure 2 ; and
• the figure 4 is a side view of the corner element of the figures 2 and 3 .

We will first refer to the figure 1 , which illustrates a perspective view of a polygonal structure 1 according to the invention, illustrated in a supposedly vertical use position.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the polygonal structure is constituted by a box or generally a container comprising lateral sides assembled on a bottom.

Note however that the bottom is here optional, the lateral sides can be fixed or placed on the ground or on a support.

Similarly, it is not beyond the scope of the invention when the polygonal structure adopts any other form, such as a shelter, a cabin, dwelling ...

As we see on the figure 1 , the box 1 comprises a lower pallet 2 constituting the bottom of the box, two long lateral sides 3 and two small lateral sides 4 assembled in pairs and at the bottom 2 by means of four lower corner elements 5.

Four upper corner members 6 also assemble the upper ends of the lateral sides 3 and 4.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated on the figure 1 , the box 1 is a box with four sides. It thus comprises four lower corner elements 5 and four upper corner elements 6.

Of course, it is also beyond the scope of the invention when the body has a different number of lateral sides. In this case, there will be provided lower corner elements and upper corner elements in a number corresponding to the lateral sides of the box.

Note also that the lower corner elements 5 are all identical. The upper corner elements 6 are also identical. As will be indicated later, however, the upper corner elements may differ from the lower corner elements.

The box 1 is here made of wood or alternatively, from any other material suitable for the intended use, such as cardboard, metal, plastic, ... and may comprise a set of feet, such as 7, integral with the pallet 2. The pallet 2 here has a rectangular shape and comprises an upper plate 8 which forms the bottom of the box and which can, for example, be made by a single wooden plate or a succession of slats to stick or nail, or spaced.

We also see on the figure 1 that the lateral sides of the box each comprise two vertical uprights 10 interconnected by the ends of three longitudinal strips 11, 12 and 13, respectively upper, middle and lower, in particular nailed, directly fixed by their ends on the uprights 10.

Of course, and as it is conceived, the median blades are optional.

Note however that, according to an advantageous characteristic of the body, the uprights 10 have a rectangular horizontal section. They are placed towards the inside of the box, with respect to the slats 11, 12 and 13.

It will also be noted that, for each lateral side, the upper end of the uprights 10 is flush with the upper edge of the upper batten 11. Similarly, the lower end of the lateral uprights is flush with the lower edge of the lower batten 13.

In other words, for each side wall 3 or 4, the uprights 10 extend from the upper edge 14 of the upper batten 11 to the lower edge 15 of the lower batten 13.

We will now refer to figures 2 , 3 and 4 which illustrate in perspective and on a large scale the structure of the lower corner elements 5. Each corner element 5 is a stud made of a single molded part, for example plastic such as polypropylene. Such pads may also be made from another material, for example metal, and may be manufactured according to another manufacturing method, for example forged.

The corner element 5 comprises a base plate 17 which, for a four-sided box, has generally an isosceles triangle shape, and side walls 18 and 19 erected vertically and at right angles from the upper face 20 of the base plate 17. The side walls 18 and 19 extend along the entire length of the sides of the base plate 17 and converge at an angle 21 of the corner element 5. In other words, the side walls 18 and 19 form between them a right angle and each delimit, internally, a surface 22 and 23 for receiving an end zone of the outer face of the slat At the angle 21 of the base plate 17, the corner element 5 has an inner corner 24 with a rectangular base erected vertically from the face 20 of the base plate to delimit two bearing faces. 25 and 26 for an end slice of two adjacent lower slats 13.

Furthermore, the corner element 5 has two internal partitions 28 and 29 each extending parallel to a side wall 22 or 23. The two internal partitions 28 and 29 are thus orthogonally erected with respect to the base plate 17 and form a right angle.

In the vicinity of their ends 30 and 31, the internal partitions are provided with rectangular parallelepipedal reinforcements 32 and 33 which extend from the face of the internal partitions 28 and 29 facing the side walls 18 and 19.

In the extension of the reinforcements 32 and 33, the internal partitions also comprise brackets 34 and 35 of stiffening.

The side walls 18 and 19 delimit with the internal partitions 28 and 29 provided with reinforcements 32 and 33 associated with the brackets 34 and 35 a first housing L1 receiving a first lateral side of the body and a second housing L2 receiving the a second lateral side of the box adjacent to the first side. Each housing L1 and L2 defines a first compartment C1 receiving a lateral end of a lower batten 13 and a second compartment C2 receiving the lower end of a post 10.

The first compartment C1 is delimited externally by the internal face of the side walls 22 and 23 and, internally, by the external faces of the reinforcements 32 and 33 and the brackets 34 and 35. This first compartment C1 is still delimited by one of the faces from the corner 24.

The second compartment C2 is delimited by the outer face of the internal partitions 28 and 29. It is also delimited by one of the faces of the reinforcements 32 or 33.

We also see on figures 2 , 3 and 4 that the side walls 18 and 19 have internally legs 36 and 37 in which snap the lower slats 13 adjacent.

As can be seen, the latching lugs 36 and 37 comprise an inclined top face, such as 38, formed for example by triangular ribs or alternatively by a continuous surface, facilitating lateral deformation of the walls 18 and 19 to facilitate The latches 13 further include a lower face 38 'each forming a right angle with one of the walls 18 and 19 to form a stop for locking a lower lath.

The internal partitions 28 and 29 are also provided with such latching means. We see indeed on the figure 3 that the outer face of the reinforcements 32 and 33 is also provided with latching tabs 39 and 40, for example similar to the latching tabs 36 and 37 of the side walls and also having a ramped upper surface to facilitate the latching of the lower slats 13 and a lower face constituting a locking stop. Of course, other embodiments of these tabs, for example without blocking stopper perpendicular to the internal wall, may be considered.

Of course, when the corner elements 5 are made in one piece by molding a plastic material, openings, such as 41 and 42, will be provided for the insertion of a punch in the bottom of a mold to allow demolding tabs 36, 37, 39 and 40.

Finally, note that stiffening ribs, such as 43, for example horizontal or vertical, here vertical, are formed in the face of the internal partitions facing the side walls 18 and 19.

Referring again to the figure 1 it can be seen that the face of the base plate opposite the side walls 18 and 19 is provided with anti-slip reliefs 44 by which it rests on the lower pallet.

These anti-slip reliefs are advantageously made on the upper pads.

It will be noted however that, as regards the lower corner elements, these reliefs are of course optional and could be omitted.

The corner elements are completed by tabs, such as 45, which extend from the lateral sides of the base plate, in the extension of the side walls and project from the face of the plate. base opposite to the face 20 carrying the side walls and the internal partitions.

These tabs 45 are here two in number for each lateral side of the box. Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the invention when the corner element comprises a different number of such tabs. However, such tabs remain optional, particularly as regards the upper pads. The upper pads may nevertheless be provided with such tabs to allow a setting of a higher box during a stacking.

We finally see on the figure 4 that the corner element is completed, at the angle 21, by a cleat 46 camming, conventional type for securing a strap for maintaining the box in the assembled state, or the unassembled state when the structure is in the form of a package.

To assemble a polygonal box by means of corner elements which have just been described, it is simply necessary to insert two adjacent lateral sides of the box into each corner element and, in particular, to insert one ends of each lower batten in the compartment C1 and the lower end of an upright 10 in the compartment C2 by snapping the lower batten into the latching tabs 36, 37, 39 and 40.

In this position, the lower edge 15 of the lower lath rests flat against the base plate 17, the free end edge of the lath being in abutment with one of the bearing faces 25 or 26 of the wedge 24.

Similarly, the edge of the uprights 10 rests against one of the side faces of the reinforcements 32 and 33.

It will be noted, however, that in the reception zone of the lateral sides of the box, the housings L2 dedicated to receiving the uprights 10 communicate, the base plate 17 forming, in this zone, a continuous zone.

In other words, after having properly cut the edges next to the uprights 10 to 45 °, it can be seen that, thanks to this arrangement, the edges are supported longitudinally along their entire height, thus giving the body increased rigidity. . The rigidity is also improved thanks to the support of the end slices of the lower slats against the corner 24. It will also be noted that the structure of the parallelepiped reinforcements 32 and 33 which extend at least over the entire height of the element d The angle further contributes to increasing the rigidity of the body. But it could also be provided that the reinforcements extend at a height less than that of the corner element.

When the structure has a bottom, after assembly of the side walls of the body, it is then necessary to proceed to the fixing of the pads on the pallet by any appropriate means, for example by means of nails, staples, screws or glue, using the lower legs 45.

The assembly of the box can then be secured by using straps, of course optional, which are jammed in the cleats 46, also optional.

It will be noted that the pads which have just been described make it possible to increase the volume of an increased rigidity conditioning box. But the assembly remains removable by releasing the lateral sides of the corner elements and, in particular, the latching lugs 36, 37, 39 and 40 by manually deforming the side walls.

It will further be noted that the height of the corner element just described is such that the distance between the latching lugs and the baseplate is sufficient to allow the insertion of the lower lateral slats, taking into account the presence of the legs 45.

Note also that internally, the internal partitions form an angle of 90 °. Thus, unlike the angle elements according to the state of the art which comprise, in this zone, additional elements, the corner element here comprises, in the convergence zone of the internal partitions, a surface devoid of relief, which significantly increases the load capacity of the crate.

Finally, note that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described.

Indeed, as indicated above, the lateral sides of the box may include any number of slats assembled by any suitable means on the uprights. The lateral sides can also be made in the form of solid panels, in particular, but not exclusively in wood or cardboard assembled on vertical posts or incorporating such uprights and provided with orifices, at the location of the latching tabs. , 37, 39 and 40 to ensure the maintenance of the lateral sides in the studs.

Of course, the embodiment that has just been described applies to the realization of any polygonal structure and is not limited to the assembly of a box.

Claims (11)

1. Corner element for assembling a polygonal structure (1) provided with at least a first lateral side and a second lateral side adjacent to the first side, each lateral side having battens secured to uprights, said corner element comprising a base plate (17) and two external lateral walls (18, 19) that rise from one face of the plate and converge towards a corner of the element, and two internal partitions that each extend parallel to a lateral wall in order to delimit a first housing (L1) for receiving the first lateral side and a second housing (L2) for receiving the second lateral side, at least in a receiving zone for the two lateral sides of the polygonal structure, the first housing and the second housing communicating with one another over the entire height of the corner element, the base plate forming in this zone a continuous surface so as to allow one of the lateral sides of the polygonal structure that are received in said housings to bear against the other, said element comprising reinforcements (32, 33) which respectively have a bearing face for the end of the edge of an upright on one lateral side of the polygonal structure, the bearing faces of the reinforcements extending perpendicularly to the respective internal partitions, the lateral walls delimiting respective receiving surfaces for two battens of the two lateral sides of the polygonal structure and being provided with snap-fastening means (36, 37) for the battens comprising a ramp-like guide surface for the battens, the internal partitions delimiting respective receiving surfaces for two uprights (10) of the two lateral sides of the polygonal structure and being provided snap-fastening means (39, 40) for the battens comprising a ramp-like guide surface for the battens, and wherein the lateral walls (18, 19) and the internal partitions (28, 29) each have, for each lateral side of the structure, a snap-fastening tab for the batten comprising said guide surface and a blocking stop for the batten.
2. Corner element according to Claim 1, wherein each reinforcement is parallelepipedal and extends at least over the entire height of the corner element.
3. Corner element according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the internal partitions have stiffening ribs (43) on their face that faces the lateral walls.
4. Corner element according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, comprising securing tabs (45) which extend from the base plate on the opposite side from the lateral walls in order to secure the element to the polygonal structure.
5. Corner element according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the internal faces of the partitions form, in pairs, an angle of 90° and, when said corner element is used for assembling the polygonal structure, the internal faces of the partitions delimit a volume which opens directly into the interior of the polygonal structure.
6. Corner element according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the angular zone of the external lateral walls is provided with a jamming cleat (46) for holding a retaining strap of the structure.
7. Polygonal structure, characterized in that it has a set of corner elements according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, for joining together the lateral sides of the structure.
8. Structure according to Claim 7, characterized in that the corner elements are secured to a bottom of the structure.
9. Structure according to either of Claims 7 and 8, wherein each lateral side of the structure has uprights, the longitudinal edge of which that forms an edge of the lateral side is bevelled at 45°.
10. Structure according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the lateral sides of the structure have battens secured to uprights.
11. Structure according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, wherein the lateral sides of the structure are solid.

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