EP4227236A1 - Blocks, pallet blocks and pallets - Google Patents

Abstract

Block (2), preferably for a pallet (1), in particular in the format of a block or Euro pallet, made of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like, the block (2) consisting of one or more layers of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like is produced, as well as a pallet (1) or load or load carrier formed therewith.

Description

The invention relates to a block, preferably for a pallet, in particular in the format of a block or Euro pallet, made of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like, a pallet formed from the blocks and a pallet deck and/or one of several Load carriers composed of bar-shaped blocks.

Block and Euro pallets make up seventy-five percent of the pallet market. Although pallets made of wood are used extensively, they have various problems. Although these pallets are stable due to the wooden construction, they are prone to repair, are relatively heavy and also take up a considerable volume. With a size of around one square meter, pallets with a height of sixteen centimeters are usually used.

In sensitive areas such as the production of food or pharmaceuticals, there is the problem that the pallets can be contaminated with vermin and are not sterile.

For this reason, pallets made of plastic materials have often been proposed in the past.

However, these often do not have the desired strength, are expensive to produce, just like wooden pallets, have an unfavorable CO2 balance and are problematic to dispose of.

The present invention therefore takes a different approach.

The object of the invention is to propose a stable load carrier or a stable pallet which has no problems with vermin and can also be used in sensitive environments. In addition, production costs, transport costs and CO2 emissions are to be reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the block is made from one or more layers of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like.

This creates a stable, but nevertheless inexpensive and environmentally friendly block that can be connected to any pallet deck. The pallet formed in this way can be recycled after a single use, so that return transport and the associated CO2 emissions are avoided. In addition, the risk of injury for users is reduced. In particular, the risk of injuring yourself on splinters of wood is eliminated.

It has proven to be very advantageous if the block is/are wrapped in at least one layer of paper, cardboard or cardboard.

The block is hereby protected by the enveloping layer. The enveloping layer is usually smooth, but can also be structured. With a structured outer layer, the friction between the block and the pallet deck, as well as between the block and the subsurface, but also between blocks that are in contact with one another, is increased.

It has proven to be very advantageous if the enveloping layer has a water-repellent finish.

This means that the block can also be used in damp areas.

It is also very advantageous here if an impregnation, a coating, an application of paint or a liner is provided, which produces the water-repellent properties.

Very good insensitivity to moisture is achieved with these finishes.

According to a development of the invention, it is also extremely advantageous if the enveloping layer is equipped with fold lines, closure tabs, gusset corners and/or corner flaps.

In this way, the enveloping layer can be designed in such a way that it completely encloses and seals all joints of the enveloping layer. The enveloping layer is also sealed at corners and edges by using gusset corners. In any case, the corner fold of the block is watertight.

Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous if the corners are folded inwards or outwards.

This also results in a dense configuration of the corners.

According to the invention, it is also very advantageous if the enveloping layer encases a base layer.

This protects the base layer very well.

According to a further development of the invention, it is also very advantageous if the blocks are equipped with an adhesive application, a clamping device, a latching device or the like, with the adhesive application being carried out using a contact adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a cold adhesive or the like.

This creates a very stable system of pallet deck and blocks. Several blocks can also be stably connected to one another. It is also possible to distribute the blocks as required or even to do without them altogether. The number of blocks can also be changed. Different pallet decks can be combined with different blocks. It is thus conceivable for a wooden or plastic pallet deck to be connected to these blocks as well as a pallet deck made of paper or cardboard like the blocks. It is also conceivable to nail or screw the pallet deck and blocks together.

Depending on the adhesive system used, the pallet is already assembled during manufacture or during use. These adhesive systems can also be used to attach the wrap-around sheet and seal it.

An extremely advantageous development of the invention is also present when the base layer is made of a structured material based on paper, cardboard, cardboard or the like.

Structured material is significantly more stable than flat paper, cardboard and cardboard material.

It has proven to be very advantageous if the structured material is in the form of corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, sinus cardboard, folded, rolled, kinked, pinned paper, cardboard or cardboard.

Such configurations result in very good stability. The honeycomb cardboard in particular has a very high level of stability.

In this context, it is also extremely advantageous if the structured material is designed to be continuous or interrupted.

With both variants, a very stable base layer is formed.

It is also very advantageous if the structured material is loose or bound.

Both variants lead to high stability.

It has proven to be very advantageous if the structured material is bound by a binder, for example water glass.

The use of a preferably biodegradable binder, such as water glass, ensures that several layers of the structured material that are arranged next to one another or one on top of the other cannot shift relative to one another. The stability of the block is increased again.

According to the invention, it is also extremely advantageous if the structured material is formed from punching or cutting waste.

The use of punching or cutting waste makes ecological and economic sense. The punching or cutting waste can either be structured accordingly or loosely joined together and bound with a binding agent. In both cases, the result is a very stable bond.

It is also extremely advantageous if the structured material is aligned in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material are essentially or at least essentially aligned in the direction of the occurring load, ie preferably essentially or at least essentially vertically.

Standing layers of paper are particularly stable. These are prevented by the construction according to the invention from deviating to the side. If the fibers contained in the respective layers are also aligned in the direction of the layers, maximum compressive strength and stability is achieved, provided that the layers and fibers are prevented from deviating to the side, which according to the teaching of the invention by the structuring and / or the binding is ensured.

It is also conceivable according to the invention that the structured material is aligned in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material are aligned essentially or at least essentially transversely to the direction of the occurring load, ie preferably essentially or at least essentially horizontally.

A high compressive strength and stability can also be achieved through an intelligent selection and combination of horizontal layers. Especially when horizontal and vertical layers are combined with each other, the optimum in stability and compressive strength is usually achieved.

According to a further development of the invention, it is also very advantageous if the block is made from recycled paper or is made from recycled paper to a large extent.

The use of recycled paper, at least to a large extent, is efficient and conserves resources. In addition, used and/or defective pads can simply be disposed of with the waste paper without having a negative impact on the environment. Rather, the resource waste paper is used here in a cycle. CO2 emissions are minimized.

Furthermore, it has proven to be very advantageous according to the invention if skids or the like are provided, with which two or more blocks are connected, the skids also being made of paper, cardboard, wood and/or other recycled preferably fibrous materials are formed and are connected to the pallet blocks by gluing, clamping, latching or the like.

This achieves maximum flexibility and stability.

According to a development of the invention, it is also extremely advantageous if the blocks are arranged under a plate deck, with the number, arrangement and size of the pallet blocks on a pallet being variable.

By using different blocks in terms of number, width, length and height, the pallet can be adapted to the planned use. A significant reduction in pallet height is conceivable without any negative effects in terms of stability and handling. The usable volume of transport options is thus increased. The dead space is reduced.

Another use that is very advantageous according to the invention is when the blocks are designed as carriers that can have a beam-like appearance, with several carriers being able to form a load carrier or load carrier by being connected next to one another or crosswise.

Such a load carrier can be used, for example, as a load carrier for goods or as a light but stable substructure for pallets.

It has proven to be very advantageous if a connecting cover layer is arranged on the carriers, which covers at least a partial area of the charge carrier or load carrier.

This again increases stability and a broader range of applications.

The invention is illustrated below using several exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

ein Schaubild der einer erfindungsgemäßen Palette mit Palettendeck und als Palettenblöcke ausgebildeten Blöcken,

Fig. 2

ein Schaubild derselben Palette von der Unterseite her,

Fig. 3

einen geöffneten Block,

Fig. 4

einen Zuschnitt für eine einhüllende Lage eines Blockes,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Faltung der Verschlußlappen der einhüllenden Lage mit nach innen gefalteten Verschlkußlappen,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer Faltung der Verschlußlappen der einhüllenden Lage mit nach innen gefalteten Verschlkußlappen,

Fig. 7

einen Zuschnitt für eine einhüllende Lage eines Palettendecks,

Fig. 8

eine Darstellung eines möglichen Aufbaus der Tragschicht eines Blocks oder eines Palettendecks, wobei die Tragschicht als Gefache ausgebildet ist,

Fig. 9

eine Darstellung eines weiteren möglichen Aufbaus der Tragschicht eines Blocks oder eines Palettendecks, wobei die Tragschicht durch gebundene Stanz- bzw. Schnittabfälle gebildet ist,

Fig. 10

eine Darstellung eines weiteren möglichen Aufbaus der Tragschicht eines Blocks oder eines Palettendecks, wobei die Tragschicht aus gefaltetem Kartonmaterial gebildet ist,

Fig. 11

eine Darstellung eines weiteren möglichen Aufbaus der Tragschicht eines Blocks oder eines Palettendecks, wobei die Tragschicht aus Wellpappematerial gebildet ist, und

Fig. 12

eine Darstellung eines weiteren möglichen Aufbaus der Tragschicht eines Blocks oder eines Palettendecks, wobei die Tragschicht aus Sinuskartonmaterial gebildet ist.

show:

1

a diagram of a pallet according to the invention with a pallet deck and blocks designed as pallet blocks,

2

a diagram of the same pallet from below,

3

an open block

4

a blank for an enveloping layer of a block,

figure 5

a schematic representation of a fold of the closure flaps of the enveloping layer with closure flaps folded inwards,

6

a schematic representation of a fold of the closure flaps of the enveloping layer with closure flaps folded inwards,

7

a blank for an enveloping layer of a pallet deck,

8

a representation of a possible structure of the base layer of a block or a pallet deck, with the base layer being designed as compartments,

9

a representation of another possible structure of the base layer of a block or a pallet deck, the base layer being formed by bound punching or cutting waste,

10

a representation of another possible structure of the base layer of a block or a pallet deck, the base layer being formed from folded cardboard material,

11

a representation of a further possible structure of the base layer of a block or a pallet deck, the base layer being formed from corrugated board material, and

12

a representation of another possible structure of the base layer of a block or a pallet deck, the base layer being formed from sinus board material.

With 1 is in 1 denotes a pallet deck. The underside of the pallet deck 1 is provided with blocks 2 designed as pallet blocks, so that industrial trucks can drive under the pallet deck 1 and this can be lifted and transported.

The pallet deck 1 is formed from an enveloping outer layer 3 and an inner support layer 4 .

In this exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 3 has a moisture-resistant or water-repellent finish on its outside. This moisture-resistant finish can be produced by impregnation, coating or even an application of paint. Paper, cardboard, cardboard or the like can be used as the material for the outer layer 3, for example. The use of structured material is also conceivable in certain cases. Structured material can be, for example, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard or the like.

The inner support layer 4 is formed by one or more layers of a structured material. Corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, sinus cardboard, folded, rolled, creased, pinned paper, cardboard or cardboard can be used for this. The Structured material can be continuous or discontinuous. In addition, it is conceivable for the structured material to be loose or bound, with a binding agent, for example water glass, being provided for binding.

In this connection it is also conceivable that the structured material is formed from punching or cutting waste. The CO2 balance of pallet 1 is particularly good when using waste materials.

It is essential that the structured material is aligned in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material are essentially or at least essentially aligned in the direction of the occurring load or transversely thereto, ie preferably essentially or at least essentially vertically or horizontally.

A particularly stable base layer 4 is obtained by a combination of both orientations. The vertically aligned fibers are not able to deviate, since they prevent this through the horizontally aligned fibers. Conversely, the vertical fibers also hold the horizontal ones.

This creates a stable lattice framework that is light on the one hand, but still very stable.

The base layer 4 can, for example, as in the 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 shown have compartments ( 8 ), bound punching or cutting waste ( 9 ) contained or folded ( 10 ), rolled or otherwise shaped cardboard strips. Paper, cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for example, can also be rolled up and used. Likewise, the use of corrugated cardboard ( 11 ) or sinus board material ( 12 ) conceivable.

This construction allows the thickness of the pallet deck to be determined depending on the desired strength. The dimensions of the pallet decks can also be freely selected.

The outer layer 3 is formed from a blank 51 which has a central part 52 which corresponds to the extent of the pallet 1 . At the four edges of the middle part 52 side walls 53, 54, 55, and 56 are hinged. Gusset corners 57 are provided between two adjacent side walls, which seal the respective corner when the outer layer 3 is unfolded. In this exemplary embodiment, adhesive flaps 58 are provided on the edges of the side walls 53, 54, 55 and 56 pointing away from the central part 52 and are adhesively bonded to the base layer 4 of the pallet 1. Other, sealed constructions of the corners are conceivable. The flaps and gusset corners can be folded inwards or outwards. In figure 5 an inner fold is schematically provided, whereas 6 schematically shows an outward fold. When folded inwards, the risk of mechanical damage tends to be lower.

In order to now completely envelop the base layer 4, either a further cover surface 59 is glued on or two of the blanks 51 are used and these are glued on both sides of the base layer 4.

It is conceivable that in the side walls 53, 54, 55 and 56 reinforcements made of paper, cardboard, but also plastic are introduced or after assembling the pallet 1 reinforcements are glued on from the outside. The stability and resilience of the pallet can be significantly improved, especially in the corner area. A reinforcement for lashing down the goods can also be implemented in this way.

The blocks 2 are constructed according to the same principle as the pallet deck 1.

The blocks 2 are formed from an enveloping outer layer 23 and an inner support layer 24 .

In this exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 23 has a moisture-resistant or water-repellent finish on its outside. This moisture-resistant finish can be produced by impregnation, coating or even an application of paint. For example, paper, cardboard, cardboard or the like can be used as the material for the outer layer 23 . The use of structured material is also conceivable in certain cases. Structured material can be, for example, corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard or the like.

The inner support layer 24 is formed by one or more layers of a structured material. Corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, sinus cardboard, folded, rolled, creased, pinned paper, cardboard or cardboard can be used for this. The structured material can be continuous or discontinuous. In addition, it is conceivable for the structured material to be loose or bound, with a binding agent, for example water glass, being provided for binding.

In this connection it is also conceivable that the structured material is formed from punching or cutting waste. The CO2 balance of the pallet is particularly good when using waste materials.

It is essential that the structured material is aligned in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material are essentially or at least essentially aligned in the direction of the occurring load or transversely thereto, ie preferably essentially or at least essentially vertically or horizontally.

A particularly stable base layer 24 is obtained by a combination of both orientations. The vertically aligned fibers are not able to deviate, since they prevent this through the horizontally aligned fibers. Conversely, the vertical fibers also hold the horizontal ones.

This creates a stable lattice framework that is light on the one hand, but still very stable.

The base layer 24 can, for example, as in the 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 shown have compartments ( 8 ), bound punching or cutting waste ( 9 ) contained or folded ( 10 ), rolled or otherwise shaped cardboard strips. Paper, cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for example, can also be rolled up and used. Likewise, the use of corrugated cardboard ( 11 ) or sinus board material ( 12 ) conceivable.

With this construction, the length, width and especially the height of the pallet block 2 can be determined depending on the desired use.

The outer layer 23 is formed from a blank 41 which has a middle part 42 corresponding to the length and width of the pallet block 2 . At the four edges of the middle part 42 side walls 43, 44, 45, and 46 are hinged. Gusset corners 47 are provided between two adjacent side walls, which seal the respective corner when the outer layer 23 is unfolded. On the edge of the side wall 43 pointing away from the middle part 42, a cover surface 48 is articulated, which is equipped with connecting lugs 49 on its three free sides.

In order to completely enclose the supporting layer 24 , the outer layer 23 is unfolded and glued to the supporting layer 24 .

It is conceivable that reinforcements are placed in the bottom wall 42, the side walls 43, 44, 45 and 46, or that reinforcements are glued on from the outside after the pallet block 2 has been assembled. The stability and resilience of the pallet block 2 can be significantly improved, especially in the corner area.

The blocks 2 are arranged as required on the underside of the pallet deck 1 and are preferably glued to it, with provision being made to glue the top surface 48 to the pallet deck 1 so that the sealing of the outer layer 23 with the gusset corners 47 can act against standing water. Contact adhesive, hot melt adhesive, cold adhesive or the like can be provided for this purpose. A connection by means of clamps, latches, clamps, nails, screws or the like is also conceivable. This achieves maximum flexibility and stability.

The blocks 2 according to the invention can be combined with any pallet decks, for example made of wood or plastic.

Compared to known pallets, the height of the blocks 2 can be reduced, so that the undesired dead space when using the pallets is significantly reduced without having to accept restrictions when using industrial trucks.

Because the outer layers 3 and 23 are moisture-resistant and water-repellent, the pallet can also be used in damp environments. Here, service lives were achieved that come close to those of conventional pallets.

In addition, due to the cardboard material used, no complex exchange system for pallets is necessary. Rather, the pallets are used one-way and then sent for paper or cardboard recycling.

This not only helps to reduce contamination of pallets, but also ensures that CO2 is saved, since empty pallets are not transported for the exchange system. In addition, there is no need for costly repairs to pallets.

The pallets according to the invention can also be used in sensitive areas, such as in the production of medicines.

During transport, you don't have to pay attention to whether vermin have nested in the pallets. Based on the material used, it can be assumed that these problems do not exist.

A further area of use of the blocks 2 is that they are designed as, for example, beam-shaped carriers. Several of these carriers can together form a load carrier or load carrier by being arranged next to one another or connected crosswise.

Such load carriers or load carriers can hold objects or can also be used as a substructure, for example to compensate for unevenness or different heights at the storage or transport location. So it is conceivable that such load carriers are provided for height compensation in flight containers where high stability and yet low weight are important.

Such charge carriers are highly stable and yet very light. Compared to wooden pallets and other wooden constructions, a considerable part of the weight can be saved.

Depending on the application, a connecting cover layer can also be arranged on the carriers, which is able to cover at least a partial area of the charge or load carrier.

Claims (17)

Block preferably for a pallet, in particular in the format of a block or Euro pallet, made of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like, characterized in that the block is made of one or more layers of paper, cardboard, cardboard and/or the like. Block according to Claim 1, characterized in that the block is encased by at least one layer of paper, paperboard or cardboard, it being possible for the enveloping layer to be made water-repellent, for which purpose an impregnation, a coating, an application of paint or a liner can be provided, which creates the water-repellent properties. Pallet block according to Claim 2, characterized in that the enveloping layer is equipped with fold lines, closure flaps, gusset corners and/or corner flaps, it being possible for the corners to be folded inwards or outwards. Block according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the enveloping layer encases a supporting layer. Block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocks with an adhesive application, a clamping device, a Are equipped latching device or the like, wherein the application of adhesive can be performed with a contact adhesive, hot glue, cold glue or the like. Block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting layer is made of a structured material based on paper, cardboard, cardboard or the like, the structured material being corrugated cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, sinus cardboard, folded, rolled, creased, pinned paper, Cardboard or cardboard can be formed. Block according to claim 6, characterized in that the structured material is continuous or discontinuous. Block according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the structured material is loose or bound. Block according to Claim 8, characterized in that the structured material is bound by a binding agent, for example water glass. Block according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the structured material is formed from stamping or cutting waste. Block according to one of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the structured material is oriented in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material essentially or at least essentially in the direction of the occurring load, ie preferably essentially or at least essentially are aligned vertically. Block according to one of Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the structured material is oriented in such a way that the layers and/or the fibers of the material are substantially or at least substantially transverse to the Direction of the load that occurs, ie are preferably aligned substantially or at least substantially horizontally. Pad according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad is made from recycled paper, or is made from a large proportion of recycled paper. Block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that runners or the like are provided, with which two or more blocks are connected, the runners also being made of paper, cardboard, wood and/or other recycled, preferably fibrous, materials and with the Blocks are connected by gluing, clamping, latching or the like. Use of one or more blocks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocks are arranged under a pallet deck, the number, arrangement and size of the blocks being variable on a pallet. Use of one or more blocks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocks are designed as carriers which can have a bar-shaped appearance, it being possible for several carriers to form a load carrier or load carrier by connecting them side by side or crosswise. Use according to Claim 16, characterized in that a connecting cover layer is arranged on the carriers and covers at least a partial area of the charge carrier or load carrier.

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