EP4365102A1 - Collapsible cover - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible cover (1) is provided for covering a layer of goods, preferably a palletized layer of goods. The cover (1) comprises a main body (2) which has a substantially plate-like shape and defines a main body region (20), a frame element (3) which defines a frame plane region (30) and is designed to surround the goods at least in sections, a connecting element (4) which connects the frame element (3) and the main body (2). The frame element (3) is displaceable between a storage position and a holding position, wherein the frame element (3) is further away from the main body in the holding position than in the storage position. Furthermore, a packaging system and a method for producing the cover (1) are provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a collapsible cover for covering a layer of goods, a packaging system and a method for producing a top cover.

Goods or articles such as bottles or glass containers are often transported in stacks on pallets. The goods are usually arranged in layers on a pallet. Between two layers of goods there is an intermediate layer (e.g. a so-called "layer pad"). This means that the top layer of goods stabilizes the layer of goods below. However, the top layer of goods in a stack cannot be stabilized by another layer of goods. Therefore, the top layer of goods is usually covered with a special cover (which can also be called a "top cover" or "top cap") to stabilize it. However, the known covers do not always stabilize the layer of goods in a satisfactory manner. In particular, when the pallet is processed and thus moved, the known covers can shift in relation to the layer of goods and thus cannot cover all the goods in the top layer of goods satisfactorily. This means that the cover cannot stabilize the top layer properly. In addition, the transport process of the goods can cause vibrations that can cause goods to fall down.

If the top cover does not adequately cover the top layer, a process step that involves wrapping a film around the goods can destabilize the top layer of goods. This can cause individual goods to fall off when the film is removed. If a stack of goods is exposed to different or fluctuating temperatures, the goods can shift and become destabilized. In addition, the goods can be high, which may be due to different moulds used to manufacture the goods and/or deformation of an intermediate layer on which the goods are placed. In addition, there are cardboard covers that are intended for single use only. However, it would be advantageous to provide a cover that not only sufficiently stabilises the top layer of goods, but is also reusable and efficiently transportable.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for covering a layer of goods, which can satisfactorily stabilize the goods, is reusable and easy to transport.

The present invention solves this problem by a cover having the features of claim 1, a packaging system having the features of claim 14 and a method for producing the cover having the features of claim 15.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible cover for covering a layer of goods, preferably a palletized layer of goods, comprising: a main body having a substantially plate-like shape and defining a main body portion, a frame member defining a frame portion and adapted to surround the goods at least in sections, a connecting member connecting the frame member and the main body, wherein the frame member is displaceable between a storage position and a holding position, wherein the frame member is further away from the main body in the holding position than in the storage position.

Compared to the known prior art, the present invention offers the advantage that the goods can be reliably held by the frame element. Furthermore, slipping of the cover on the goods layer is avoided. In addition, the cover according to one aspect of the present invention offers the advantage that it can be folded compactly in a storage position, so that a Transport of the cover without goods can be carried out simply and efficiently. In other words, the collapsible cover allows particularly space-saving storage or transport of the cover. Furthermore, the above configuration can provide a particularly stable cover which retains its shape even if it falls down or is subjected to external mechanical influences. Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the supporting frame element is moved telescopically to surround the goods at least in sections. Therefore, no folding mechanism or the like is necessary which requires pivoting areas, whereby the process or handling of the cover takes up more space overall. With the present invention, on the other hand, the cover can be placed on the goods even in a confined space. Furthermore, goods are prevented from slipping or falling down when the cover is put on.

The collapsible cover can be a cover that can assume at least two different states, namely a storage state (i.e. the storage position) and a holding state (i.e. the holding position). Both positions differ from each other in that the cover has a particularly compact dimension in the storage position and is able to hold a layer of goods in position in the holding position. The cover can be reversibly transferred between the storage position and the holding position. Preferably, the cover assumes the holding position as soon as the cover is lifted. For example, the cover can be gripped and lifted with a suction gripper, whereupon the cover is automatically transferred to the holding position. If the cover is placed on a flat surface or on another cover, the cover can be automatically transferred to the storage position. In other words, the frame element can be moved away from the main body by gravity as soon as the cover is lifted. This makes it possible to achieve particularly easy handling of the cover without the need for manual intervention.

The main body may have a substantially rectangular shape. The plate-like shape may mean that the main body is mainly divided into two Dimensions that are significantly larger than an extension in the third dimension. The main body can have a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side can be parallel to each other. The first side and the second side can be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The shortest distance between the first side and the second side can define the thickness of the main body. The main body can also define a main body region in which the main body lies. The first side and the second side of the main body can each define a plane. The two planes can then in turn define the main body region. In other words, the main body region can be a solid body that has an infinite extension in two dimensions (ie the dimensions that extend orthogonally to the first direction). In the first direction, the main body region can have an extension that corresponds to the thickness of the main body in the first direction. Thus, the region in space in which the main body lies can be referred to as the main body region.

The frame element can be a component separate from the main body. This allows the frame element to be easily displaced relative to the main body. The frame element can be a self-contained element. In other words, the frame element can have a closed shape. In the holding position, the frame element can surround the goods on which the cover comes to rest, in particular completely surround them. This can ensure that the frame element reliably surrounds the goods in a layer of goods and holds them in position. Furthermore, the frame element can have a cross section that has a lip pointing inwards (ie in the direction of the goods in the holding position). This can ensure contact between the frame element and the goods. The cross section of the frame element can have a first frame element side and a second frame element side in the first direction. The first frame element side and the second frame element side can each define a plane. The frame element region can be spanned between the planes. In other words, the frame element region can have an extension in the first direction that Extension of the frame element in the first direction. The frame element can be a one-piece structure. In other words, the frame element can be formed exclusively by one element. This allows a structure of the frame element to be simplified and a robust frame element to be realized. The frame element is in particular not a wing or flap and is structurally different from a wing or flap. A wing or flap can perform a pivoting movement, whereas the frame element can perform a translational movement. This means that the frame element can advantageously be space-saving.

The connecting element can be an element that connects the frame element and the main body. The connecting element can be designed in such a way that it allows the frame element to be displaced relative to the main body between the storage position and the holding position. It can also prevent the frame element and the main body from assuming positions other than the storage position and the holding position. The connecting element can be a flexible element. This can ensure that the frame element can be moved back and forth between the holding position and the storage position. Alternatively, the connecting element can consist of individual elements (for example segments), whereby the segments themselves are not flexible. In this case, the segments can, for example, be pushed into one another or moved along one another in order to bring the cover from the storage position to the holding position and vice versa. In other words, a connection between the individual segments can provide a movement of the individual segments relative to one another. The connecting element can be designed to enable the frame element to perform a translational movement. In particular, the frame element can only be enabled to perform a translational movement. Thus, the movement path that the frame element follows when moving between the holding position and the storage position can run along a straight line. In contrast, the connecting element and/or the frame element can be designed to prevent a pivoting movement of the frame element. This can be achieved, for example, by The connecting element is connected to the frame element. Preferably, the connecting element, which can be provided on all sides of the main body, can be connected by the frame element. Thus, a pivoting movement of the frame element and/or the connecting element can be prevented.

The ability to move the cover between the storage position and the holding position means that the goods are held reliably by the frame element and that the cover is advantageously compact in a storage position so that it can be transported and/or stored with little space required. The secure hold of the goods can be achieved by the frame element being spaced apart from the main body in the holding position. Preferably, the frame element is at least five times, preferably ten times, as far away from the main body in the holding position as in the storage position.

Preferably, the frame region and the main body region overlap in the storage position and preferably the frame region and the main body region are spaced apart from one another in the holding position. As explained above, the main body region can be a spatial body in which the main body lies. Likewise, the frame region can be a spatial body in which the frame element lies. If the frame region and the main body region now at least partially overlap with one another, the cover can have a particularly compact shape. In other words, the frame element can be arranged in relation to the main body such that the frame element surrounds the main body. In this case, for example, the frame region would lie in the main body region and coincide with it. In this case, a particularly compact storage position of the cover can be achieved because the frame region lies in the main body region. In other words, this can ensure that the frame element does not protrude beyond the dimensions in the first direction. This can advantageously achieve a compact packing size of the cover. In the holding position, on the other hand, the frame region can be spaced apart from the main body region. In other words, the frame element can have a distance from the main body area. This distance can substantially correspond to the length of the connecting element in the first direction orthogonal to the main body portion. Thus, it can be ensured that the goods of the goods layer on which the cover is placed can be held at a certain distance from the main body by the frame element. This can prevent the goods from falling out of the goods layers.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body region and the frame region are substantially parallel to one another in the storage position and/or in the holding position. Substantially parallel to one another can mean that several distances at different points between the frame element and the main body are substantially equal. In other words, several shortest distances between a point on the frame element and a point on the main body (e.g. on the respective first sides or the respective second sides) can be substantially equal. "Substantially equal" can mean that the distances do not deviate from one another by more than 5%. This can be due to the fact that the connecting element cannot move the frame element strictly parallel to the main body due to manufacturing tolerances and/or aging. Furthermore, the frame region can also be parallel to the main body region during a movement between the storage position and the holding position. This can prevent the frame element from becoming jammed or being placed crookedly on goods. This can be accomplished by designing the connecting element in such a way that the frame element can be smoothly transferred from the holding position to the storage position or vice versa.

Preferably, a circumferential length of the frame element does not change when it is moved from the holding position to the storage position and/or from the storage position to the holding position. In other words, the frame element can retain its external shape regardless of whether it is in the holding position or in the storage position. The external shape can mean an outline of the cover. In particular, the outline can be defined by an edge in a plan view of the cover. The external shape can be defined by the main body, the connecting element or the frame element. In other words, the outline can be defined by the element which is further out (i.e. has a greater distance from the center or center of gravity of the cover). Thus, the frame element can be moved in its frame-like form without the form (e.g. the shape) of the frame element changing. As a result, the frame element can have an improved holding function, compared to the case where it changes its shape when transferred from one position to another. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the holding function of the frame element is maintained during the movement sequence. In contrast, with the wing elements known from the prior art, for example, they have no holding function for goods in a folding movement, whereas the frame element of the present invention is able to hold the goods even when transferred between the holding position and the storage position.

In a preferred embodiment, the frame element and the connecting element are made of different materials. For example, the frame element can be manufactured separately from the connecting element and both elements can only be connected to one another in a later step. This makes it possible to provide the different properties of the elements. More precisely, the frame element can be rigid, whereas the connecting element can be a movable element. Furthermore, the connecting element can be designed as an elastic element. The connecting element ensures that the cover can be transferred from the storage position to the holding position, whereas the frame element ensures that no goods fall out of the goods layer to which the cover is applied (holding function).

In a preferred embodiment, the frame element is configured to be movable in a first direction perpendicular to the main body portion from the storage position to the holding position. In other words, the first direction may extend orthogonally away from the main body portion. The frame element can move away from the main body area in this direction driven by gravity. The frame element can be held by the connecting element. In addition, the connecting element can limit a movement path of the frame element by braking the frame element from the movement when it reaches the holding position and then holding it in the holding position.

Preferably, the frame element has a greater circumferential length compared to the main body. In other words, a sum of all edge lengths or side lengths of the frame element can be greater than a sum of all edge lengths or side lengths of the main body. Thus, in the storage position, the frame element can be arranged completely in the main body area. In other words, the frame element can surround the main body in the storage position. The connecting element can be arranged between the main body and the frame element in the storage position. For example, the connecting element can be arranged folded up in the space between the frame element and the main body (in the storage position). The cover can therefore be transported in a particularly space-saving manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element has a flexible folding mechanism. The connecting element can be a flexible element that can fold up in the storage position. In contrast, the connecting element can be fully unfolded in the holding position. The connecting element can be tensioned by gravity in the holding position through the frame element. In other words, the weight of the frame element can tension the connecting element so that the connecting element has its greatest possible extension in the first direction in the holding position. Furthermore, the frame element can have a greater weight than the connecting element. This can ensure that the connecting element is tensioned in the holding position. The folding mechanism can be implemented, for example, by thinning out the material. The connecting element can thus fold at defined points when being transferred from the holding position to the storage position. fold together. This allows a compact dimension of the connecting element in the storage position to be achieved. It is also conceivable that recesses in the connecting element can be used to define that the connecting element can be folded at certain points. This makes it easy to transfer between the holding position and the storage position.

Preferably, the connecting element is arranged substantially in the main body region in the storage position. "Substantially" here means that at least 60% of the connecting element is arranged within the main body region. This can ensure that the cover has a compact dimension in the storage position and the connecting element does not protrude from the cover and thus interfere with transport of the cover. For example, the connecting element can be arranged in a space between the frame element and the main body. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the main body has a recess into which at least part of the connecting element can be received in the storage position. Furthermore, the connecting element can be fastened to a projection which is attached to the main body. The projection can protrude from the main body in the first direction. Thus, the main body region can be defined, among other things, by the extension of the projection and the thickness of the main body in the first direction. In other words, one side of the main body (which together with the other side of the main body can form the main body region) can be defined at an emitting end of the projection in the first direction. The connecting element can thus nestle against the projection in the storage position or be folded up so that the projection projects beyond the connecting element in the first direction. This ensures that several covers can be easily stacked without fear of the connecting element being damaged. In other words, the projection can be used to stack several covers on top of one another without the connecting element being compressed between two covers.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element in the holding position forms a curtain or collar that surrounds the layer of goods at least in sections. In other words, the connecting element can be arranged at least in sections around the layer of goods on which the cover is placed. The connecting element can thus also help to secure the goods against falling out of the layer. Consequently, even very small goods can be protected from falling out by the connecting element. The connecting element can be provided completely around the layer of goods. Alternatively, the connecting element can also surround the goods in sections. For example, the corners can be cut out so that transfer between the holding position and the storage position can be simplified.

Preferably, the connecting element is designed such that it can be moved telescopically between the storage position and the holding position. In other words, the connecting element can consist of at least two segments that are designed such that they can be moved along one another or into one another. In the storage position, the segments can thus be arranged compactly on the cover. In the holding position, however, the segments can be moved apart so that the frame element can be kept at a distance from the main body. Furthermore, several segments can also be provided that can be moved telescopically relative to one another. In this embodiment, the connecting element is designed to be relatively rigid, since the segments can be rigid elements per se. This can improve the holding properties of the frame element and the connecting element. This can reliably prevent goods from falling out of the position of the goods on which the cover is provided.

Preferably, the main body and/or the frame element comprises polypropylene. Thus, the main body and/or the frame element can be designed to be sufficiently rigid to, on the one hand, retain their shape due to their own weight and, on the other hand, to hold the goods satisfactorily. In other words, the frame element and the main body can be designed to be sufficiently rigid to hold the goods securely and have sufficient inherent stability so that the cover can be easily handled (e.g. with a suction gripper).

The connecting element preferably comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The connecting element is preferably a flexible element which enables the cover to be transferred between the holding position and the storage position. The thermoplastic elastomer is also advantageously easy to clean in order to enable the cover to be used in the food industry. Furthermore, the weight of the cover can be kept low.

Preferably, the connecting element is a folding element that is configured to be folded in the storage position and unfolded in the holding position. Thus, the connecting element can be arranged on the cover in a particularly space-saving manner in the storage position. Preferably, the connecting element is in contact with the main body at several points in the storage position. Thus, small dimensions of the cover can be realized in the storage position. Furthermore, the connecting element can adapt well to goods to be transported. This is particularly useful when the goods protrude slightly beyond the outer dimensions of the cover.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element comprises at least two segments which can be moved relative to one another when moving from the holding position to the storage position. It is also conceivable that the connecting element is constructed in several parts. Each part or segment of the connecting element can itself be designed to be flexible or rigid. A suitable connecting element can thus be provided for every application of the cover. For example, a first segment can be designed to be flexible and connected to the main body on a first side and to a rigid second segment on the second side. The connection between the first segment and the main body and/or between the first segment and the second segment can be designed to be movable. The rigid second segment can thus optimally adapt to the goods and hold them. In In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element has two flexible segments, each of which is hingedly connected to one another. The second segment is hingedly connected to the frame element. The first segment is hingedly connected to the main body. Preferably, the first segment is longer than the second segment. Such a length can be measured in the main extension direction of the segments. This ensures that the frame element is sufficiently far away from the main body and can therefore hold the goods satisfactorily. By providing the two segments, the connecting element can be folded up so far in a storage position that the dimensions of the cover in the storage position are small. This allows advantageous transport or storage of the cover to be realized.

The segments preferably surround the main body in the storage position, and the segments preferably form a collar or curtain in the holding position, which surrounds the position of the goods at least in sections. Even when the segments are provided, the frame element can be moved away from the main body by gravity in order to assume the holding position. Analogous to one of the above embodiments, when the cover is placed on a surface, the collar element can be transferred to the storage position together with the connecting element. This can provide easy handling of the cover, since no active action is required to transfer the cover from the storage position to the holding position.

At least two segments are preferably defined by a thinning of the material. The connections between the segments can be designed as a film hinge, for example. Furthermore, the connection between one of the segments and the main body can also be designed as a film hinge. In addition, the connection of one of the segments to the frame element can also be designed as a film hinge. This can provide a particularly simple connection mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least two segments run essentially parallel to an edge of the main body. This ensures that the segments do not tilt when transferred between the holding position and the storage position. This ensures problem-free operation. In particular, a direction of the main extension of the segments can run parallel to an edge of the main body.

Preferably, an extension of the connecting element in the first direction, which runs perpendicular to the main body region, is greater in the holding position than an extension of the connecting element in the first direction in the storage position. In other words, the connecting element can have a variable configuration, so that it has a different shape in the storage position than in the holding position. Thus, the cover can have smaller dimensions in the storage position than in the holding position. Thus, a simple or space-saving transport and/or storage of the cover in the storage position can be realized.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element has at least one recess. The recesses are preferably located at positions on the connecting element that are assigned to the four corners of the main body. This makes it possible to advantageously transfer the frame element from the holding position to the storage position, since the connecting element does not have to be folded and/or compressed at the corners. Furthermore, the recesses can be shaped like slots in a holding position so that they do not impair the holding properties of the connecting element or the frame element. In addition, further recesses can be provided in the connecting element so that, for example, water used when cleaning the cover can drain away easily. It is also conceivable to reduce the weight of the cover by providing further recesses in the connecting element.

The connecting element preferably has at least one recess, in particular one associated with a corner of the main body. As described in the above embodiment, the recess can facilitate transfer between the holding position and the storage position. This can be achieved particularly advantageously if the recess is located at the corners of the cover. In other words, the cover can have four recesses, each provided at a corner of the cover.

Preferably, the connecting element is designed such that the frame element is moved mainly, in particular exclusively, in a first direction orthogonal to the main body when it is moved between the storage position and the holding position. In other words, the frame element can only be movable in one spatial direction. Preferably, the frame element can move towards and away from the main body. For this purpose, the connecting element can have flexibility so that movement of the frame element in at least the first direction is possible. This means that the frame element can have a ring-like shape and can be attached to the main body, for example in a hanging position. If the main body is lifted up, the frame element can be in a hanging position at a distance from the main body. If the cover is placed on a surface, the frame element can come into contact with the main body. When moving between these two positions (storage position and holding position), the frame element can only move in one direction. Mainly can mean that the frame element also moves a little in another spatial direction. This is due to the possible flexibility of the connecting element. However, a movement in a spatial direction other than the first direction is very small compared to the movement in the first direction. For example, the movement in the first direction can make up at least 80% of the resulting movement. This makes it possible to create a particularly compact cover, since a movement of the frame element requires hardly any space. Furthermore, the cover can be particularly durable, since moments that can arise from a three-dimensional movement of the frame element can be avoided or reduced. In the case of a mainly Movement of the frame element in the first direction can mean a translational movement. This means that a pivoting movement, as occurs with wings or flaps, is not a movement mainly in the first direction. Rather, a movement of a wing or flap describes a circular path. The frame element of the present invention can describe a straight path when moving between the holding position and the storage position.

The frame element preferably has a closed, in particular essentially ring-shaped, structure. A closed structure exists when there is no end. In other words, the frame element can have no end or no interruption, as for example a wing or a flap has, but can extend continuously (i.e. without interruption) around a central region of the main body. This allows the frame element to have a particularly high level of stability. The frame element can therefore hold the goods particularly well. Furthermore, unwanted displacement of the frame element can also be avoided. For example, in the case of a cover with flaps or wings, a wing on one side can be deflected. This cannot happen with the frame element because no side can be moved individually. Instead, all sides of the frame element can be connected to one another. This can increase the stability of the frame element.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a packaging system is provided, comprising at least one layer of goods forming a load, and a cover according to one of the above embodiments, which covers the layer of goods. Accordingly, for example, a pallet with palletized goods can be reliably protected against slipping or falling out of individual goods.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for producing one of the above covers is provided, the method comprising: 2-K molding a connecting element to connect the connecting element to the frame element and the main body. The 2-K molding can also be referred to as multi-component injection molding. Here, a An injection-molded part can be produced that consists of two or more different plastics. Multi-material injection molding allows different components (such as polypropylene and thermoplastic elastomers) to be joined together. Both materials can have different properties and be bonded together. This means that a particularly good hold can be provided between the individual elements without the need for additional connecting elements.

Individual features or aspects of the embodiments can be combined with other embodiments or features to form new embodiments. The advantages and configurations mentioned in connection with the respective features also apply analogously to the new embodiments. The advantages and configurations mentioned in connection with the device also apply analogously to the method and vice versa.

Fig. 1

ist eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Abdeckung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 2a und 2b

sind schematische Schnittansichten entlang eines Schnitts A-A aus Fig. 1 gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 3a und 3b

sind schematische Schnittansichten entlang eines Schnitts A-A aus Fig. 1 gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 4a und 4b

sind schematische Schnittansichten entlang eines Schnitts A-A aus Fig. 1 gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 5a bis 5c

sind schematische Schnittansichten mehrerer aufeinandergestapelter Abdeckungen gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 6a und 6b

sind perspektivische Teilansichten einer Abdeckung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 7a und 7b

sind schematische Schnittansichten einer Abdeckung entlang eines Schnitts A-A aus Fig. 1 gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig.1

is a schematic plan view of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2a and 2b

are schematic sectional views along a section AA of Fig.1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3a and 3b

are schematic sectional views along a section AA of Fig.1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4a and 4b

are schematic sectional views along a section AA of Fig.1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5a to 5c

are schematic sectional views of several covers stacked on top of each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6a and 6b

are partial perspective views of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7a and 7b

are schematic sectional views of a cover along a section AA of Fig.1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig.1 shows a schematic plan view of a cover 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cover 1 has a main body 2 with a substantially rectangular base area. The main body defines a main body region 20 (in Fig.1 not shown) which has the same thickness as the main body 2. In other words, the main body region has the same extension in the first direction 10 as the main body 2. Furthermore, the cover 1 has a frame element 3 which can be displaced between a storage position and a holding position. The frame element 3 defines a frame region 30 in which the frame element lies. The frame region and the main body region are each defined by the extension of the frame element 3 and the main body 2 in the first direction 10. The frame element 3 is fixed to the main body 2 with a connecting element 4. The displaceability of the frame element 3 between the storage position and the holding position is ensured by the connecting element 4. In one embodiment, the connecting element 4 is a flexible element which allows the frame element 3 to be displaced between the storage position and the holding position. The functionality of the displacement between storage position and holding position can be provided by a material of the connecting element 4 or by a geometric design of the connecting element 4.

The Fig. 2a and 2b show schematic sectional views along a line AA of Fig.1 according to a further embodiment. In the sectional views from Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b These are partial sections of a cover 1. The Fig. 2a shows the cover 1 in a holding position. The Fig. 2b shows the cover 1 in a storage position. Fig. 2a In the holding position shown, the frame element 3 is spaced from the main body 2. Furthermore, in Fig. 2a The main body area 20 is shown in dashed lines. Likewise, Fig. 2a the frame area 30 is shown in dashed lines. The main body area 20 and the frame area 30 are parallel to each other in the present embodiment, regardless of the position of the cover 2. Furthermore, the connecting element 4 is formed by three segments 5, 6, 7. The individual segments are connected to each other by means of hinges 8, 9. In the present embodiment, the hinges 8, 9 are film hinges that are formed by thinning out the material. The Fig. 2a The holding position shown is reached by lifting the main body 2. As a result, the frame element 3 moves in the direction of gravity (ie in the first direction 10) driven by gravity. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2a As shown, the main body 2 is lifted vertically from a plane. In this case, the frame member 3 moves in the first direction 10, which is orthogonal to the main body portion 20, in the direction of gravity. When the main body 2 is placed on a plane so that the frame member 3 comes into contact with the ground, the cover 1 folds up to assume the storage position. This state is shown in Fig. 2b Here, the segments 5, 6, 7 fold around the hinges 8, 9, so that the frame element 3 moves closer to the main body 2. Thus, the dimension in the first direction 10 of the cover 1 is reduced and transport or storage is made easier. In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b In the embodiments shown, the connecting element 4 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In addition to the joints 8, 9, this also allows material elasticity to be achieved in the segments 5, 6, 7. This allows the connecting element 4 to be particularly well adapted to the goods to be transported. The frame element 3 is a circumferential element that essentially follows the edges of the main body 2 (see illustration in Fig.1 ). The connecting element 4, on the other hand, is not completely circumferential and has in the areas which correspond to the corners of the main body. This allows for particularly easy transfer between the storage position and the holding position.

Fig. 3a and 3b are schematic sectional views of a section of a cover 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the main body 2 has a foot 11 which is attached to the main body 2. In the present embodiment, the foot 11 is formed integrally with the main body 2. The foot is a stable, circumferential foot 11 which can bear the weight of the cover 1 when it is stacked. Circumferential here means that the foot runs along the outer edges of the main body 2. In an alternative embodiment, the foot 11 is subsequently attached to the main body 2. The connecting element 4 is articulated to the foot 11 by means of a joint 8. In the present embodiment, the connecting element 4 comprises only one segment 5. The frame element 3 is arranged on the segment 5 by means of a second joint 9. In the present embodiment, the frame element 3 has an inwardly projecting projection 31. This projection can ensure that the frame element 3 is in contact with the goods to be transported and can therefore hold them securely. The main body 2 has a center point M in a plan view (see Fig.1 ). The center point M of the main body 2 corresponds to the center of gravity of the cover 1. Fig. 3a and 3b In the embodiment shown, the foot is inclined outwards (ie away from the centre of the cover 1). This ensures that the cover 1 can be transferred particularly reliably from the holding position to the storage position. The projection 31 of the frame element 3 projects from the frame element 3 in the direction of the centre M of the cover 1. Furthermore, the frame element of the present embodiment is a circumferential frame which is solid and can bear the weight of the stacked covers 1 when several shelves 1 are stacked on top of one another. Fig. 3b shows the storage position of the cover 1 of the present embodiment. By inclining the foot 11, the frame member 3 outside the foot 11 will come into contact with the main body 2.

Due to the design of the frame element 3, the cover 2 can rest on both the base 11 and the frame element 3, which enables particularly simple and reliable stacking of the cover 1. In other words, in the present embodiment, the main body region 20 comes into contact with the frame region 30.

Fig. 4a and 4b show sectional views of a further embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiment with the difference that in the present embodiment no foot is provided on the main body 2. Instead, the connecting element 4 is directly connected to the main body 2 in an articulated manner with a first joint 8. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the connecting element 4 has two segments 5, 6. The frame element 3 in the present embodiment corresponds to the frame element of the previous embodiment. The first segment 5 in the present embodiment is designed as a particularly long flexible element so that it can simply be folded inwards when transferred from the holding position to the storage position. Due to the longer connecting element (ie due to the greater extension of the connecting element 4 in the first direction 10), the goods to be transported can be better encompassed by the frame element or the connecting element 4. In Fig. 4b the storage position of the present embodiment is shown. Here, the weight of the main body or of the additional covers 1 stacked on it is mainly carried by the frame element 3. The first segment 5 is elastically deformed in the storage position so that the connecting element 4 is arranged completely within the frame area 30. The second segment 6 is also elastically deformed in order to represent an extension of the frame element 3 in the first direction 10.

Fig. 5a to 5c show the embodiments described above in a stacked state. More specifically, in Fig. 5a which were previously Fig. 2a and 2b described embodiment is shown as it is formed in a stacked state from several covers 1. In Fig. 5b is the Fig. 3a and 3b shown Embodiment stacked on top of each other. In Fig. 5c is the Figures 4a and 4b illustrated embodiment are stacked on top of each other. In all figures it can be seen that the covers 1 can be easily stacked on top of each other in the storage position, so that when the covers 1 are not in use they can be stored or transported in a space-saving manner.

Fig. 6a and 6b are schematic and perspective partial views of a cover 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the connecting element 4 is formed by a flexible thermoplastic elastomer. The individual segments are formed by joints 8, 9. In the present embodiment, the joints are film hinges formed by thinned material. The frame element 3 is a circumferential frame element. In a preferred embodiment, the frame element is made of polypropylene. Furthermore, the present embodiment has recesses 13, each of which is provided in the connecting element 4 at a corner position of the main body 2. In other words, the connecting element 4 is not provided circumferentially around the main body 2. Rather, the connecting element 4 is only arranged on the edges of the main body. The individual connecting elements, each of which is assigned to an edge of the main body 2, are not directly connected to one another. As a result, in the Fig. 6b In the storage position shown, a particularly advantageous folding of the connecting element 4 can be achieved. In addition, further recesses 14 are provided in the connecting element 4, which ensure that the weight of the connecting element 4 is reduced and, on the other hand, ensure that water used in a wash cycle drains off without any problems.

Fig. 7a and 7b show sectional views of another embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The Fig. 7a and 7b The embodiment shown essentially corresponds to that in Figures 2a and 2b shown embodiment with the difference that in the embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b In the embodiment shown, only a first segment 5 and a second segment 6 are provided to form the connecting element 4. This allows In the storage position, the frame element 3 is positioned relative to the main body 2 such that the main body region 20 and the frame region 30 are at least partially congruent (ie at least partially overlap). In this way, a particularly compact dimension can be achieved in the storage position.

List of reference symbols:

1

cover

2

Main body

3

Frame element

4

Connecting element

5

first segment

6

second segment

7

third segment

8th

first joint

9

second joint

10

first direction

11

Foot

13, 14

Recesses

20

Main body area

30

Frame area

Claims (15)

A collapsible cover (1) for covering a layer of goods, preferably a palletized layer of goods, comprising: a main body (2) having a substantially plate-like shape and defining a main body portion (20), a frame element (3) which defines a frame plane region (30) and is designed to surround the goods at least in sections, a connecting element (4) which connects the frame element (3) and the main body (2), wherein the frame element (3) is displaceable between a storage position and a holding position, wherein the frame element (3) is further away from the main body (2) in the holding position than in the storage position. Cover (1) according to claim 1, wherein a circumferential length of the frame element (3) does not change during a displacement from the holding position to the storage position and/or from the storage position to the holding position. Cover (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame element (3) and the connecting element (4) are formed from different materials. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member (3) is configured to be movable from the storage position to the holding position in a first direction perpendicular to the main body portion (20). Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) has a flexible folding mechanism. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) is designed such that it can be displaced telescopically between the storage position and the holding position. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) is a folding element configured to be folded in the storage position and unfolded in the holding position. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) comprises at least two segments (5,6,7) which can be moved relative to one another during the displacement from the holding position to the storage position. Cover (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least two segments (5,6,7) are defined by a material thinning. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) has at least one recess (13, 14), in particular associated with a corner of the main body (2). Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) is designed such that the frame element (3) is moved mainly, in particular exclusively, in a first direction (10) orthogonal to the main body (2) during a displacement between the storage position and the holding position. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame element (3) has a closed, in particular substantially annular, structure. Cover (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an extension of the connecting element (4) in the first direction (10) which is perpendicular to the main body region (20) is greater in the holding position is an extension of the connecting element (4) in the first direction (10) in the storage position. Packaging system comprising: at least one layer of goods forming a load, and the top cover (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, covering the uppermost layer of goods. A method of manufacturing a top cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising:
2k molding of the connecting element (4) to connect the connecting element (4) to the frame element (3) and the main body (2).

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