US20050001129A1 - Connection assembly for a grid structure - Google Patents

Connection assembly for a grid structure Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050001129A1
US20050001129A1 US10/800,391 US80039104A US2005001129A1 US 20050001129 A1 US20050001129 A1 US 20050001129A1 US 80039104 A US80039104 A US 80039104A US 2005001129 A1 US2005001129 A1 US 2005001129A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
assembly
elements
elongate
another
diameter
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/800,391
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English (en)
Inventor
Claude Decroix
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GREIF SERVICES BV
Original Assignee
GREIF SERVICES BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GREIF SERVICES BV filed Critical GREIF SERVICES BV
Assigned to GREIF SERVICES B.V. reassignment GREIF SERVICES B.V. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DECROIX, CLAUDE
Publication of US20050001129A1 publication Critical patent/US20050001129A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
    • E04C2/30—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure
    • E04C2/42—Gratings; Grid-like panels
    • E04C2/421—Gratings; Grid-like panels made of bar-like elements, e.g. bars discontinuous in one direction
    • E04C2/422—Gratings; Grid-like panels made of bar-like elements, e.g. bars discontinuous in one direction with continuous bars connecting at crossing points of the grid pattern
    • E04C2/425—Gratings; Grid-like panels made of bar-like elements, e.g. bars discontinuous in one direction with continuous bars connecting at crossing points of the grid pattern made of perforated bars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D47/00—Making rigid structural elements or units, e.g. honeycomb structures
    • B21D47/005—Making gratings

Definitions

  • connection assembly for a grid structure in which two elongate elements are connected at an intersection and also to a grid structure formed from such connection assemblies.
  • Such structures can be used in various commercial applications but have particular relevance to pallet containers wherein an inner plastic container suitable for transporting liquid substances is enclosed by an outer supporting container comprising such a grid structures.
  • pallet containers When used industrially, such pallet containers have to pass governmental approval inspections and fulfill certain criteria. For example, the filled pallet containers have to undergo interior pressure tests and drop tests from specific heights, which are also conducted at extremely low temperatures. The worst case drop is a diagonal drop onto the lower front wall of the pallet container where the bottom valve from the inner plastic receptacle is located.
  • vibration test Another important criterion for governmental approval is the so-called vibration test. To simulate transport vibrations by road or rail the filled pallet containers have to undergo low frequency vibrations for a certain amount of time.
  • European patent EP-A-0 916 777 discloses a connection assembly wherein first and second elongated elements are connected by providing a receiving opening in the first element through which the second element is passed, the two elements then being connected to one another at one or more positions in the region of their intersection.
  • the inner plastic receptacle tends to become displaced relative to the bottom pallet and as a result of the kinetic energy generated in impact, especially at the front impact wall and the adjacent lateral surrounding areas, the hollow bars of the grid structure tend to be severely deformed. This is especially true at the cross connections of the grid structure, as the elongate element with the receiving opening is more vulnerable.
  • the thin-walled plastic receptacle can be damaged by the deformed and buckled receiving opening.
  • connection assembly for a grid structure which overcomes or substantially mitigates the aforementioned problems when applied to used in a grid structure for a pallet container of the type described.
  • connection assembly comprising first and second elongate elements connected to one another at an intersection, the first element comprising a tube and defining at least one receiving opening through which the second element is passed, and characterised in that the portion of the first element defining the periphery of the receiving opening protrudes inwards into the tube to define a collar surrounding the second element.
  • the first element defines two aligned receiving openings through which the second element is passed, the portions of the first element defining the peripheries of both of the receiving openings protruding inwards into the tube to define two collars surrounding the second element.
  • an inner dimension of the or of each collar is dimensioned with respect to an outer dimension of the second element so as to provide a frictional fit of the two elements.
  • the first element is drilled to define the receiving opening, the diameter of the drilled aperture being less than the diameter of the second elongate element. Thereafter, the drilled aperture is preferably punched to deform the periphery of the aperture so that it is folded inwards into the tube to form the collar and to increase the diameter of the aperture to that of the receiving opening.
  • the inner surface of the first element is provided with at least one ridge, the apex of which lies close to or contacts the outer surface of the second element, at which position or positions the first and second elongate elements may be connected to one another.
  • first and second elongate elements are made of metal they may be connected to one another at said one or more positions by welding.
  • the first and second elongate elements are made of a plastics material, they may be connected to one another by ultrasonic welding, induction welding or melt bonding.
  • the first elongate element is tubular with a substantially circular, elliptical or ovoid cross-section.
  • the second elongate element may also be tubular with a substantially circular or oval cross-section.
  • the diameter of the second element is smaller by between 20% to 30% than the diameter of the first element.
  • a grid structure comprising a plurality of first elongate, tubular elements arranged in parallel and in a spaced relationship with respect to one another, a plurality of second elongate elements arranged in parallel and in a spaced relationship with respect to one another, the first and second elements intersecting and being connected to one another by means of at least one connection assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a grid structure in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention and comprising intersections formed by connection assemblies in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section through a first elongate element of each connection assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-section along the lines III-III in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 2 but showing a second elongate element intersecting the first elongate element;
  • FIG. 5 is transverse cross-sectional view along the line V-V in FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but of a T-intersection wherein the second elongate element terminates at its intersection with the first elongate element;
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the first elongate element similar to FIG. 3 but after a first stage during its manufacture
  • FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing how the second elongate element can bend out of an alignment perpendicular to the first elongate element;
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but of a first elongate element forming part of the prior art.
  • FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but of a prior art connection assembly.
  • a grid structure 1 comprises a plurality of first elongate, tubular elements 2 arranged in parallel in a spaced relationship with respect to one another and a plurality of second elongate elements 3 , which are also arranged in parallel in a spaced relationship with respect to one another.
  • the first and second elements 2 and 3 are connected together at each intersection 4 of the structure 1 via a connection assembly 5 as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 .
  • the first tubular element 2 defines two aligned receiving openings 6 through which the second element 3 is passed.
  • the portion of the first element 2 defining the periphery of each opening 6 protrudes inwards into the interior of the tube to define a collar 7 that surrounds the second element 3 .
  • the diameter d 2 of the second element 3 is smaller than the diameter d 1 of the first element 2 , preferably by between 20% to 30%.
  • the diameter d 1 of the first element 2 could be 22 mm and the diameter d 2 of the second element 3 could be 16 mm.
  • first and second elements, 2 and 3 may both have a circular cross-section
  • other constructions are possible wherein the cross-sectional shape of one or both of the elements 2 and 3 is not circular but elliptical or ovoid.
  • the second element 3 has a circular cross-section but the first element 2 has a cross sectional shape that is elliptical, d 1 being the length of the major axis.
  • the first element 2 is always tubular
  • the second element 3 can be either of tubular or of solid construction.
  • intersections 4 shown in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 2 to 5 the first and second elements 2 and 3 cross so that two openings 6 are required in the tubular structure of the first element 2 to permit the second element 3 to pass completely therethrough.
  • T-shaped intersections 8 can be formed wherein the first element 2 is only provided with one receiving opening 6 and the second element 3 terminates within the tubular structure of the first element 2 after passing through the single opening 6 . Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the inner dimension of the receiving opening 6 formed in the first element 2 is sized with respect to the outer dimension of the second element 2 such that there is no play between the collar 7 and the second element 2 .
  • the second element 2 is then inserted through the opening 6 under the application of force to overcome friction between the outer surface of the second element 2 and the inner face of the collar 7 .
  • a non-positive frictional fit is established between the first and second elements 2 and 3 which adds to the mechanical strength of the connection assembly, particularly against bending moments which may arise under load in the plane of the two elements 2 and 3 .
  • the first element 2 may comprise an inner ridge 9 , the apex of which is arranged to lie close to or to contact the outer surface of the second element 2 at a position P 1 .
  • a second, identical ridge could also be provided on the opposite side of the first element 2 .
  • the ridge 9 can be formed when making the element 2 by externally applying pressure to form a longitudinal crease or indentation 10 .
  • the indentation 10 could be formed only in the regions of the intersections 4 of the two elements 2 and 3 .
  • An internal ridge 9 could also be formed within the tubular structure of the first element during its production process whereby the outer diameter of the element 2 tube would remain substantially circular or elliptical, without any significant external indentation 10 being visible.
  • the two elements 2 and 3 may be connected to one another at this point.
  • Such a connection may be performed by resistance welding for metallic elements 2 and 3 or alternatively by ultrasonic welding, induction welding or melt bonding if the elements 2 and 3 are made of a plastics material.
  • the openings 6 in the first element 2 can be made by drilling and punching operations as will now be described.
  • an aperture 11 is drilled into the tubular structure of the first element 2 , as shown in FIG. 7 , for example using flow drill technology.
  • the diameter D 2 of the aperture 11 is made less than the diameter D 3 of the required receiving opening 6 and is typically less than the diameter d 2 of the second element 3 .
  • a punch is then used to deform the periphery of the aperture 11 so that it is folded inwards into the tubular structure of the first element 2 to form the inwardly protruding collar 7 and to increase the diameter of the aperture 11 to a required diameter D 3 .
  • the high speed drill heats the metal around the hole so that it can be readily deformed inwardly by a subsequent punching operation to form the collar 7 .
  • the shape of the aperture 11 and the cross-sectional shape of the punch should be similar to that of the second element 3 , and typically are either circular or elliptical.
  • the collar 7 of the present invention reduces the likelihood of breakage of both the first and second elements 2 at the intersections 4 for two reasons. First, if the second element 3 is pushed out of an alignment perpendicular to the first element 2 , as shown in FIG. 8 , then the collar 7 supports the second element 3 and provides a smooth pivot surface about which the second element 3 can bend rather than the sharp ‘knife edge’ pivot points provided by the rim of the aperture 13 of the element 12 of the prior art arrangement, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • each collar 7 spreads the dynamic forces which occur between the first and second elongate elements 2 and 3 over its surface area so that there are no “knife edge” contacts between the elements 2 and 3 .
  • the inwardly protruding collars 7 strengthen the grid structure, reduce bulging and make it more rigid so that it provides a stronger support casing for the thin-walled inner container.
  • the first and second elongate elements bend inwards and outwards owing to the vibrations applied thereto and the present invention again reduces the likelihood of stress cracking and stress fractures occurring for the same reasons as indicated above.
  • the present invention provides a connection assembly and therefore a grid structure which is more able to withstand the strains and stresses imposed on it during testing and use than prior arrangements.
  • the present invention therefore provides a greater security to the carried load.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)
US10/800,391 2003-03-13 2004-03-12 Connection assembly for a grid structure Abandoned US20050001129A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03005725A EP1457617B1 (de) 2003-03-13 2003-03-13 Eine Gitterstruktur
EP03005725.1 2003-03-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050001129A1 true US20050001129A1 (en) 2005-01-06

Family

ID=32748882

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/800,391 Abandoned US20050001129A1 (en) 2003-03-13 2004-03-12 Connection assembly for a grid structure

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20050001129A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1457617B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE395478T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60320929D1 (de)
ES (1) ES2307844T3 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090320722A1 (en) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-31 Jon Korbonski Pallet assembly
US20170321964A1 (en) * 2016-05-03 2017-11-09 Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. High temperature ceramic support rack

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2892649B1 (fr) * 2005-10-27 2008-01-18 Primet Sarl Ets Procede de fabrication de structures en metal tresse et les produits obtenus selon le procede

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US548998A (en) * 1895-10-29 Tubular-rail joint
US2067945A (en) * 1935-06-10 1937-01-19 Herman J Peters Method of forming tube connections
US3068026A (en) * 1958-06-13 1962-12-11 Gen Motors Corp Cryogenic fluid transfer line coupling
US3344370A (en) * 1965-06-03 1967-09-26 Dielectric Products Engineerin Coaxial transmission lines
US3429033A (en) * 1965-02-19 1969-02-25 Rca Corp Method of securing a rod to a supporting structure
US4202484A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-05-13 Conoco, Inc. Compression prestressed weld joints
US4321068A (en) * 1979-10-11 1982-03-23 Lodge-Cottrell Ltd. Non-welded discharge electrode
US4776719A (en) * 1987-11-09 1988-10-11 Kreider Jeff A Tubular structural system
US5517744A (en) * 1994-11-04 1996-05-21 Cosco, Inc. Press-fit tube-connection system
US6186696B1 (en) * 1996-12-31 2001-02-13 Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry Method for the crosswise shrinking of a cylindrical part in a tubular part, tool kit for its implementation, and assembly of two corresponding parts
US6688803B2 (en) * 1999-12-23 2004-02-10 Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer N.V. Connection assembly
US6758360B2 (en) * 1999-12-23 2004-07-06 Royal Packaging Industry Leer N.V. Pallet container with grid support structure

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3068029A (en) * 1959-12-21 1962-12-11 Schwartz Metal Company Inc Structural assembly
FR2472072A1 (fr) * 1979-12-21 1981-06-26 Gubri Sa Ets L Perfectionnements apportes aux articles ou produits du genre des echelles et a leurs procedes de fabrication
DK0916777T3 (da) 1997-11-04 2003-06-10 Royal Packaging Industry Van L Forbindelsessamling.

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US548998A (en) * 1895-10-29 Tubular-rail joint
US2067945A (en) * 1935-06-10 1937-01-19 Herman J Peters Method of forming tube connections
US3068026A (en) * 1958-06-13 1962-12-11 Gen Motors Corp Cryogenic fluid transfer line coupling
US3429033A (en) * 1965-02-19 1969-02-25 Rca Corp Method of securing a rod to a supporting structure
US3344370A (en) * 1965-06-03 1967-09-26 Dielectric Products Engineerin Coaxial transmission lines
US4202484A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-05-13 Conoco, Inc. Compression prestressed weld joints
US4321068A (en) * 1979-10-11 1982-03-23 Lodge-Cottrell Ltd. Non-welded discharge electrode
US4776719A (en) * 1987-11-09 1988-10-11 Kreider Jeff A Tubular structural system
US5517744A (en) * 1994-11-04 1996-05-21 Cosco, Inc. Press-fit tube-connection system
US6186696B1 (en) * 1996-12-31 2001-02-13 Vallourec Composants Automobiles Vitry Method for the crosswise shrinking of a cylindrical part in a tubular part, tool kit for its implementation, and assembly of two corresponding parts
US6688803B2 (en) * 1999-12-23 2004-02-10 Royal Packaging Industries Van Leer N.V. Connection assembly
US6758360B2 (en) * 1999-12-23 2004-07-06 Royal Packaging Industry Leer N.V. Pallet container with grid support structure

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090320722A1 (en) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-31 Jon Korbonski Pallet assembly
US8403284B2 (en) * 2008-06-27 2013-03-26 Jon Korbonski Pallet assembly
US20170321964A1 (en) * 2016-05-03 2017-11-09 Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. High temperature ceramic support rack

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE395478T1 (de) 2008-05-15
EP1457617A1 (de) 2004-09-15
EP1457617B1 (de) 2008-05-14
ES2307844T3 (es) 2008-12-01
DE60320929D1 (de) 2008-06-26

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GREIF SERVICES B.V., NETHERLANDS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DECROIX, CLAUDE;REEL/FRAME:015749/0911

Effective date: 20040825

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION