WO1996032767A1 - Structures rigides et unites pouvant etre erigees pour former de telles structures - Google Patents

Structures rigides et unites pouvant etre erigees pour former de telles structures Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996032767A1
WO1996032767A1 PCT/GB1996/000895 GB9600895W WO9632767A1 WO 1996032767 A1 WO1996032767 A1 WO 1996032767A1 GB 9600895 W GB9600895 W GB 9600895W WO 9632767 A1 WO9632767 A1 WO 9632767A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panels
panel
unit
box
erected
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1996/000895
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Rothwell Lee
Original Assignee
Poletech Systems Limited
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
Priority claimed from GBGB9507618.8A external-priority patent/GB9507618D0/en
Application filed by Poletech Systems Limited filed Critical Poletech Systems Limited
Priority to AU52848/96A priority Critical patent/AU5284896A/en
Publication of WO1996032767A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996032767A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
    • H02G3/02—Details
    • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
    • H02G3/086—Assembled boxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/225—Collapsible boxes

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned with relatively rigid structures and units which can be erected to form such structures and is especially concerned with box-like structures.
  • a box-like structure is useful as a cable access box to supply electrical cables to traffic signals providing ready access to the cables adjacent the traffic signal: this is useful should there be an accident damaging the signals and requiring replacement.
  • Such cable access boxes have been made of welded plastics sheet material, or injection moulded, or prefabricated of some other suitable material. Commonly, the cable access box provides a former for surrounding concrete which retains the cable access box in position. Similar boxes may be used to provide an inspection pit for an earth rod of an electrical installation, see for example GB-A-2084411A.
  • rigid box-like structures are used for storage bins and may be used for structural reinforcement purposes for example reinforcement girders.
  • Other rigid structures having wall portions include trough structures and these may have a number of walls, although normally being open at one side.
  • Such cable access boxes and other rigid box-like structures occupy a considerable volume and thus to store a significant number a good deal of storage space is required. Furthermore, transportation of box-structures can also be a problem because the box structures occupy considerable space.
  • the applicant has devised a unit which can be supplied in a flat, sheet ⁇ like, form but which can be readily erected to form a rigid, box-like or other structure of which all or most of the parts can be self-contained within the single sheet unit. Storage of such flat sheet form units requires considerably less storage space than is required for storage of a similar number of corresponding box-like structures. Furthermore, on a single lorry load a considerable greater number of such flat units can be transported than is possible with a corresponding number of box-like structures.
  • the invention may be considered to provide in one aspect a unit which can be erected to form a box-like structure comprising a plurality of first plastics panels (34) connected one to the next by first hinge portions (36), a first of the first panels at a first end portion of the unit comprising first fastening means (44) cooperable with second fastening means (46) provided by a second of the first panels at the opposite end of the unit when the panels are hinged about the hinge portions to form the box-like structure with the plastics panels providing the walls of the structure, whereby to retain the structure in erected condition.
  • the invention may be considered to provide a structure according to claim 31 wherein the further panels are identical and included openings positioned to receive the forks of a fork-lift truck.
  • each hinge portion is preferably formed integrally with the plastic panels which it connects.
  • each first hinge portion is positioned adjacent to surfaces of the first panels which, when the structure is erected, provide outer surfaces of the structure, each hinge portion being at the bottom of a groove which opens to the surfaces of the first plastics panels which, in erecting the structure, provide inner surfaces of the structure, the grooves facilitating hinging of the panels.
  • the surfaces defining the groove are so configured and arranged as to abut one another when the unit is erected thereby helping to rigidify the erected structure.
  • the grooves may be formed during the manufacture of the unit by an extrusion process.
  • the unit is made of a single flat sheet of uniformed thickness of a suitable plastics material, for example high density polyethylene, and any grooves are formed by machining, conveniently using a routing or trepanning tool.
  • the grooves adjacent the hinged portions are of substantially V-shaped cross-section.
  • Suitably arms defining the V-shaped cross-section are connected at the apex by a short connecting portion which provides the hinge portion; however, the walls defining the V-shaped cross-section may meet at the apex if desired.
  • the grooves adjacent the hinge portion are V- shaped cross-section they may have other cross-sections for example, semi-circular or rectangular; however, the V-cross-section grooves are preferred because this facilitates the abutment of the surfaces defining the groove against one another when the panels are hinged thus assisting in providing a more rigid structure.
  • the angle subtended by the arms defining the V-shaped groove depends on the number of panels forming the structure and the angles which the panels adapt in the erected structure; for example if the panels are to be disposed at right angles the arms defining the V-shape will likewise be at 90°C to one another.
  • the unit comprises a tongue portion projecting from one panel and engageable with a slot in another panel.
  • the tongue portion has an opening disposed in a part of the tongue portion which, when the tongue portion is engaged in the slot, projects beyond said other panel, in which opening a peg may be inserted to prevent the tongue portion being withdrawn from the slot.
  • the unit comprises at least one such peg defined by a weakened portion of the unit, the peg being such that it can be detached from the rest of the unit and inserted in the opening in the tongue portion after the structure has been erected.
  • the weakened portion of the unit may conveniently be provided by machining a groove defining the peg so that the peg can be separated from the remainder of the unit for use by cutting or otherwise separating the peg along the bottom of the groove.
  • a unit in accordance with the invention may comprise at least one second plastics panel connected to one of the first panels by a second hinge portion constructed and arranged so that when the unit has been erected to form a box-like structure the or each second panel can hinged about the second hinge portion to provide a flange portion projecting outwardly from the structure.
  • a unit in accordance with the invention may comprise at least one third panel connected to one of the first panels by a third hinge portion constructed and arranged such that as the unit is erected to form a box-like structure the or each third panel can be folded inwardly into the box-like structure to abut against the face of the panel to which it is connected by the third hinge portion thus to provide a reinforcement for the rim of the structure.
  • each of the first panels has a third panel hinge to it by a third hinge portion and opposite ends of each fourth panel are chamfered so that when the third panels are folded inwardly and the first panels hinged about the first hinge portions during erection of the unit to form the structure, the chamfered end faces of adjacent third panels abut one another whereby to retain the third panels in their folded over position.
  • This arrangement as well as assisting in retaining the third panels in position and thus defining the rim portion also assists in further rigidifying the box-like structure.
  • a slot may be formed through the third hinge portion and between the connected first and third panels, this slot being adapted to receive a tongue portion projecting from a first panel of a similar unit when the units are erected whereby to connect the units to one another.
  • a unit in accordance with the invention may, if desired, comprise a plurality of regions in each first panel, defined by weakened portions of the panel, which regions can be readily detached from the panel whereby to provide access to the interior of the box-like structure when erected, through the panels defining the walls. This can provide access through the walls of the box-like structure for conducting cables through the walls or to provide inlet or outlet ports for fluids.
  • a unit in accordance with the invention may comprise a fourth plastics panel connected to one of the first panels by a fourth hinge portion adjacent the first hinge portion, the fourth panel comprising third fastening means cooperable with fourth fastening means provided by one of the first panels when the unit is erected to provide a box-like structure, and said fourth panel is moved about the fourth integral hinge portion to bring the third and fourth fastening means into cooperation thus to close one end of the box-like structure.
  • This will provide a floor portion to the erected structure, for example.
  • By suitable positioning of yet another panel it is also possible to provide a lid portion in a similar manner.
  • a separate, further panel (of similar sheet material, or of any other suitable material) may be used to provide a floor portion. This may have a plurality of tongue portions received in slots in wall portions of the box structure to locate and retain the further panel in place, or the wall of the box-like structure may be rebated to provide location and support for the further panel.
  • a unit in accordance with the invention may, if desired, comprise fifth fastening means by which the unit when erected into a box-like structure may be connected to another article.
  • the fifth fastening means comprises a tongue portion adapted to be received in a slot in said other article, the tongue portion having an opening in which a peg is received in use to retain the tongue portion in the slot and thus the unit connected to said other article.
  • the peg may be tapered in plan so as to exert a wedge-like action when inserted in the opening.
  • the peg may have a notch in one edge portion in which material of the panel defining the opening seats when the peg is inserted to hold the peg in place.
  • the peg may have a notch in one edge portion and the opening in the tongue portion may be such that the peg can be inserted and rotated about an axis generally parallel with the direction of the insertion of the peg thereby to engage material of the panel defining the opening, in the notch in the peg thus to hold the peg in place.
  • the invention may be considered to provide a structure comprising a unit in accordance with the invention.
  • a box-like structure as set out in the last preceding paragraph may comprise a separate further panel assembled with the unit and retained in position by engagement of tongue portions projecting from the floor panel in slots formed in the first panels of the unit, during assembly of the structure.
  • the further panel may be a floor panel.
  • the floor panel is shaped, for example by injection moulding to provide a collecting basin for fluids, the floor panel having one or more orifices to provide inlets or outlets to the box-like structure.
  • the further panel may provide a frame to rigidify the structure.
  • the invention may be considered to provide a box-like structure comprising a unit having a plurality of first plastics panels (34, 108, 116) connected one to the next by hinge portions (36), the first panels (108) at opposite end portions of the unit each providing first fastening means (122) cooperable with fastening means provided by at least one further panel (110) extending between said opposite end portions when the first plastics panels are hinged about the hinge portions to form the box-like structure with the first panels providing the walls of the structure, whereby to retain the structure in erected condition.
  • a central one of the first panels conveniently provides a load carrying surface of a pallet structure, the first panels at opposite ends of the central first panel being hinged about the hinge portions to provide support rails of rectangular cross-section and the further panel extending between and within the support rails with opposite end ones of the first panels received in slots in the further panel thus to retain the structure in assembled condition, the further panel providing additional support to the central, load carrying first panel.
  • a structure as set out in the last preceding paragraph comprises a plurality of said further panels positioned at intervals lengthwise of the support rails.
  • these further panels are identical and include openings positioned to receive the forks of a fork lift truck.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a first unit embodying the invention
  • Figure 2 is a plan view similar to Figure 1 but showing panels of the unit hinged inwardly to provide rim portions;
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the first unit partially erected to form a box-like structure
  • Figure 4 shows the first illustrative unit erected to form a first illustrative box-like structure
  • Figure 5 is a view in cross-section on the line B-B of Figures 1 and
  • Figure 6 is a fragmentary view partly in section showing a rim portion of the first illustrative box-like structure
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of a second unit embodying the invention, having first panels of different dimensions and a second plastics panel connected to one of the first panels by a second integral hinge portion;
  • Figure 8 is a plan view of a third unit embodying the invention.
  • Figure 9 is a plan view of a further panel suitable for assembly with the first illustrative unit during erection;
  • Figure 10 is a plan view of a fourth unit which can be erected to form a box-like structure embodying the invention;
  • Figure 11 is a plan view of a further panel suitable for use in assembling a structure with the unit shown in Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a plan view of a fourth box-like structure embodying the invention.
  • Figure 13 is an end view of the structure shown in Figure 12;
  • Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of a tongue portion engaged in a slot in the erection of a box-like structure embodying the invention.
  • Figure 15 is a plan view of a peg suitable for use with the box-like structure shown in Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 is a view of a further tongue portion in engagement with a slot for use in erection of a box-like structure embodying the invention.
  • Figure 17 is a plan view of a peg suitable for use with the structure as shown in Figure 16;
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view of a further panel suitable for use in forming a fifth box-like structure embodying the invention;
  • Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a sixth box-like structure embodying the invention.
  • Figure 20 is a plan view of a seventh unit embodying the invention suitable for use in erecting a seventh box-like structure
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a eighth box-like structure embodying the invention.
  • Figure 22 is a plan view of a further panel suitable for use in the box-like structure of Figure 21 shown at a different scale;
  • Figure 23 is a fragmentary view in section on the lines A-A of Figures 1 and 7 of the drawings;
  • Figure 24 is a view in cross-section on the line D-D of Figure 7.
  • Figure 25 is a view in cross-section showing hte hinge portion of Figure 23 when hinged to form a structure embodying the invention
  • Figure 26 is a view in section of the sixth structure when including a support bracket.
  • a first illustrative unit 30 embodying the invention is shown in Figure 1.
  • This unit can be erected to form a first box-like structure itself embodying the invention in one of its aspects, as shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.
  • the first illustrative unit is formed from a sheet of 8 mm thick high density polyethylene which is relatively strong and rigid.
  • the first illustrative unit comprises a plurality (namely 4) of first plastics panels 34 connected one to the next by integral first hinge portions 36. Each hinge portion 36 is positioned adjacent surfaces 38 of the panels 34 which, when the structure is erected as shown in Figures 3 and 4, provide outer surfaces of the structure.
  • Each hinge portion 36 is at the bottom of a groove 39 (see Figure 23) which opens to surfaces 40 of the panels 34 which, in erecting the structure, provide inner surfaces of the structure.
  • the grooves facilitate hinging of the panels.
  • the surfaces 42 defining the groove 39 are flat and so configured and arranged to abut one another when the unit is erected as can be seen viewing Figure 25. This assists in rigidifying the structure.
  • the first illustrative unit further comprises first fastening means in the form of a tongue portion 44 projecting from one of the panels 34 at a first end portion of the unit.
  • Second fastening means is provided by a slot 46 in a second of the first panels 34 at the opposite end of the unit.
  • the tongue portion 44 is cooperable with the slot 46 by insertion in the slot when the panels 34 are hinged about the hinge portions 36 to form the box-like structure thus to retain the structure in erected condition (see Figure 4).
  • the first illustrative unit further comprises four second plastics panels 38 each connected to one of the first panels 34 by a second integral hinge portion 50 so constructed and arranged that each second panel 48 can be hinged about the second hinge portion 50 to provide a flange portion projecting outwardly from the structure.
  • the hinge portions 50 are provided at the bottom of grooves of V-shape cross-section as shown in Figure 23 but in this case the second hinge portions are positioned so that the panels can be hinged outwardly as can be seen from, for example,
  • FIG. 3 and 4. A generally U-shaped opening is cut to provide a second tongue portion or tab 54.
  • Each hinge portion 50 is discontinuous and the two parts of each hinge portion 50 are separated by the tab 54.
  • the tabs 54 remain projecting beyond the panels 34 but coplanar with the panels 34 as can be seen viewing Figures 3 and 4.
  • the first illustrative unit 30 further comprises four third plastics panels 56 each connected to one of the first panels 34 at the opposite end to the third panels 48 by a third integral hinge portion 58 at the bottom of a groove which is of V-shaped cross-section similar to that shown in Figure 23 but in this instance with the hinge portion 58 being adjacent the inner surfaces 40 of the first panels 34 and the groove opening to the outer surfaces 38.
  • a shallow groove 60 is cut across the surface 41 of the third panels which is coplanar with the outer surface 40 of the first panels 34 and part way across the inner surface 40 of the panels 34. This groove 60 removes the hinge portion 58 where it crosses the line of the hinge portion 58.
  • the third hinge portions are so constructed and arranged that when the unit is erected to form the first box-like structure shown in Figure 4, each third panel can be folded inwardly of the box-like structure so that the face of the panel 56 lies against the inner face 40 of the box-like structure to which it is connected by the hinge portion 58 thus to provide the reinforcement for the rim of the structure.
  • This can be seen in some detail in Figures 2 and 6.
  • one of the panels 56 is shown as it is being hinged in the direction indicated by the arrow Z and the remaining panels 56 in Figure 2 are shown in their hinged over positions.
  • each fourth panel Opposite ends of each fourth panel are provided with chamfered end faces 72.
  • the first illustrative unit further comprises a peg 62 which is defined by a weakened portion of the unit, namely a groove around the peg.
  • the presence of the groove ensures that the peg can be detached from the rest of the unit.
  • the peg is so dimensioned that it can be inserted, after it has been detached in an opening 64 provided in the tongue portion 44 of the unit.
  • the groove defining the peg is conveniently of a rectangular cross- section substantially as shown in Figure 24. The peg is shown having been detached in Figure 4.
  • the first illustrative unit also comprises a plurality of regions 66 and 67 in each first panel 34 which are defined by weakened portions of the panel namely grooves 68 and 70 which are circular in plan and have generally rectangular cross-section substantially as shown in Figure 24.
  • the grooves allow weakened regions 66, 67 to be detached from the panel to provide access openings through the panels 34 which can permit access to the interior of the box-like structure when it has been erected.
  • the third panels 56 are first hinged inwardly as shown in Figure 2.
  • the peg 62 is detached from the unit.
  • the second panels 48 are then hinged outwardly leaving the tabs 54 protruding.
  • the first panels 34 are then hinged about the hinge portions 36 until a stage substantially as shown in Figure 3 is reached at which point a further panel 74 may be introduced if desired.
  • the further panel 74 is shown in Figure 3 aligned for introduction to form a floor or base panel to the erected box-like structure and, if to be used, is positioned with tongues 76 in engagement with corresponding slots (not shown in the drawings) in the panels 34.
  • the final panel 34 is hinged and manipulated to introduce tongue portion 44 through the slot 46, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the peg 62 is inserted 64 to retain the box-like structure in assembled condition.
  • the box-like structure 32 may be assembled with or without the further panel 74 and is shown in Figure 4 without the further panel 74.
  • the peg 62 is slightly tapered and is preferably provided with a notch 78 (see Figure 15) in one edge portion in which material of the panel defining the opening 64 seats when the peg is inserted to hold the peg in place. It will be understood that the plastics material of which the illustrative unit is made provides sufficient resilience to allow the peg to be inserted.
  • FIG. 16 and 17 An alternative possible construction is shown in Figures 16 and 17 in which the opening 64 is of D shape in plan and a peg 63 is used which has a notch 80 in one edge portion.
  • the opening 64 in this case as shown in Figure 16 is of such a shape (substantially D-shaped) that the peg can be inserted into the opening and rotated about an axis generally parallel with the direction of insertion of the peg 63, whereby to engage material of the panel defining the opening 64 in the notch 80 and thus hold the peg in place and retain the box-like structure in its erected condition.
  • the second illustrative unit is shown in plan in Figure 7.
  • like parts are identified by like reference characters.
  • first plastics panels 34 each being rectangular but two panels 34 are opposite one another in the erected box ⁇ like structure being of smaller width than the other opposite pair of panels.
  • first panels are provided with two adjacent tongue portions 44, 45 engageable in slots 46, 47 in another of the first panels, instead of the single tongue portion 44 and single slot 46 described with reference to the first illustrative unit.
  • the second illustrative unit comprises a fourth plastics panel 82 connected to one of the first panels 34 by a fourth integral hinge portion 84 adjacent, but extending at right angles, to a first integral hinge portion 36.
  • the fourth plastics panel 82 further comprises third fastening means, namely a tongue portion 86 cooperable with fourth fastening means namely a slot 88 provided by one of the first panels 34 when the unit is erected to provide a box-like structure and said fourth panel 82 is moved about the fourth integral hinge portion 84 to bring the tongue portion 86 into the slot 88.
  • the fourth plastics panel when positioned as described above closes one end of the box-like structure which is formed in a manner similar to the further panel 74 mentioned in connection with the first unit.
  • the fourth panel 82 comprises a region 90 defined by a weakened portion namely a groove 92, of the panel 82 which can be readily detached from the panel 82 to provide an opening in the panel 82.
  • a similar detachable region 94 may be provided in one or more of the first panels 34.
  • the second illustrative unit is provided with three second panels 48 which may be hinged outwardly, the fourth panel 82 being provided instead of a fourth second panel.
  • the second illustrative unit also comprises four third panels 54 which can be folded inwardly as in the case of the first illustrative unit so as to reinforce the rim portion of the box-like structure.
  • Each of the tongues 44, 45, 86 is provided with an opening 64 within which a peg 62 can be inserted to retain the box-like structure in its erected condition.
  • the pegs may be of similar construction to the pegs of the first illustrative unit and conveniently defined in the second panels 48 as in the case of the first illustrative unit.
  • the second illustrative unit is intended to be used as a cable access box and may be installed adjacent a set of traffic lights for example with the second panels flanged outwardly and retained in concrete poured around the box-like structure.
  • the region 94 is removed and the third illustrative unit 92 shown in Figure 8 may be formed into a box-like structure and connected to the second illustrative structure formed from the unit shown in Figure 7 to provide a cable duct from the cable access box provided by the second illustrative unit to a traffic pole (not shown).
  • the third illustrative unit likewise comprises four first plastics panels 34 connected to one another by hinged portions 36.
  • this comprises first fastening means provided by a generally hooked shaped tongue portion 98 which is engaged in a slot 46 providing second fastening means of another of the first panels 34 at the opposite end of the unit from the hook portion 98.
  • the third illustrative unit comprises fifth fastening means provided by tongue portions 102 generally similar to the tongue portions 44 which are adapted to be received in slots 106 positioned at either side of the region 94 of the panel 34 of the second illustrative unit.
  • the duct provided by the third structure can be assembled with the second box-like structure and secured thereto by insertion of the tongue portions 102 in the slots 106 and insertion of pegs (not shown) in openings 64 provided in the tongue portions 102.
  • Figures 10-13 relate to a fourth illustrative box-like structure comprising a plurality of first plastics panels 34, 108, 116 connected one to the next by integral hinge portions 36, the first panels 108 at opposite end portions of the unit each providing fastening means cooperable with fastening means provided by a further panel 110 (see Figures 11 and 13).
  • the fourth unit has a plurality of slots 112.
  • the slots on each of the panels 34 and 116 are parallel to one another and spaced at uniform intervals and the slots 112 in adjacent panels are aligned with one another.
  • the further panel 110 is provided with tongue portions 114 which are of such a dimension as to be cooperable with the slots 112.
  • the further panel 110 is of such a length as to extend between opposite end portions when the first plastics panels 34 are hinged about the hinge portions 36 to form a box-like structure with the first panels providing walls of the structure.
  • the central one of the first panels 116 is larger than the other first panes
  • Slots 112 are formed in opposite edge regions of the central panel 116 and spaced apart by a distance sufficient to received two tongue portions of the further panel 110 which are projecting in the same direction from one side of the panel 110. Between these two tongue portions is a support surface 120 which, when the structure is assembled, engages an undersurface of the central panel 116 and provides support for it.
  • a plurality of panels 110 are first positioned with their tongue portions 114 in aligned slots 112 at opposite edge portions of the central panel 116 with the support surface 120 of each panel 1 10 in engagement with the undersurface of the central panel.
  • the first panels 34 are then hinged around the hinge portions 36 so that the other tongues 114 of each of the panels 110 are received in the slots 112 of the first panels 34.
  • Each of the panels 110 further comprises a slot 122 extending into the panel 110 from the side opposite the support surface 120.
  • This slot 122 provides fastening means in which the end panels 108 are inserted thus to retain the box-like structure formed by the panels 116, 34, 34, 108 at either side of the support surface 118 of the central panel 116, in erected condition.
  • the box-like structure so formed provides support rails of rectangular cross-section at opposite side of the central first panel 116 and the further panels 110 extend between and within the support rails with opposite ends 108 of the first panels received in the slots 122 of the panels 110.
  • the surfaces 120 of the further panels 110 provide additional support to the central, load- carrying first panel 116.
  • the further panels 110 are identical and include openings 124 positioned to receive the forks of a fork lift truck thus to lift the panels.
  • Figure 18 shows a floor panel which may be used in conjunction with a box-like structure similar to the first box-like structure to provide a fifth box-like structure for collection and drainage of fluid.
  • the panel 126 shown in Figure 18 may be injection moulded and is provided with tongues 76 by which it may be secured to the walls of the first unit in the same manner as the further panel 74.
  • the panel 126 is provided with openings 128 which may provide inlets and or outlets for fluid.
  • FIG 19 a sixth box-like structure comprising four panels 34 which may be connected by insertion of the tongue 44 in a slot not shown and retained in the erected condition by insertion of a peg 62 in an opening 64 in the tongue 44.
  • a third panel 56 may be hinged to each first panel for folding inwardly of the box-like structure to provide reinforcement of the box-like structure.
  • Both the panels 34 and the panels 56 may be provided with slots 130 which, when the panels ' 56 are hinged inwardly so that they lie against the panels 34, are aligned.
  • Each of the panels carries a spaced pair of slots 130 the distance between which is equivalent to the spacing between the forks of a fork lift truck.
  • the panels 34, 56 of this sixth structure may also be provided with pairs of slots 132, 134 which, when the panels 56 are folded inwardly to lie against the panels 34 are aligned with one another.
  • the slots 132, 134 are positioned to receive tongue portions projecting from flat panels similar to the panel 74 shown in Figure 9 but with the tongue portions appropriately positioned, the flat panels strengthening the structure, making it more rigid and providing a load bearing surface for the erected pallet structure provided by this sixth box- like structure 129.
  • Two further panels may be included one located and retained in position by the slots 132 and the other, spaced from it, retained by the slots 134 thus to provide a top and bottom floor to the pallet.
  • the walls 34 may be extended upwardly to provide a storage or transport bin with integral reinforced pallet structure including spaced fork lift truck slots, for use as a storage or transport bin.
  • One or more aligned openings 136 in the panel 54 where only a single floor panel is to be used (retained in the slots 132), may support brackets 138 extending across the structure between opposite walls 34. Portions 140 of the brackets 138 are received in the openings 136 when the panels 56 are hinged inwardly as indicated by the arrow Y in Figure 26.
  • the brackets 138 may also be provided with lugs 142 which are engaged in corresponding openings in the walls 34 to provide additional support for the floor panel.
  • the first illustrative box-like structures are stackable one on top of the other.
  • the part of the shallow groove 60 cut in the panel 56 is in register with the part of the groove cut in the inner ' surface 40 of the panel 34 thus to provide a slot 61 of rectangular cross-section into which the tabs 54 projecting from the bottom of a box can be inserted.
  • Boxes or pallets and the like can also be made stackable without use of the tabs 54 by constructing the units in such a way that they taper when erected so that the bottom of one unit locates over the rim of the unit below it. This is easily accomplished by making the walls of units of the box-like structure such that the hinge portions connecting panels defining the walls are not parallel to one another but converge at a selected angle.
  • tabs 54 may also be used as legs on which to stand the box-like structure.
  • floor panels which are positioned using tongue portions projecting from the panels received in slots in the wall portions of a box- like structure may be further rigidified by use of pegs passing through holes in the tongue portions.
  • Figure 20 shows a seventh illustrative unit which, when erected to form a seventh box-like structure, provides a structure in the form of a coffin.
  • the structure comprises four first panels 34, 35, connected by hinge portions 36 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 1.
  • the panels 35 are tapered.
  • Further panels 144, 146 are provided at opposite end portions of one of the panels 35 and likewise hinged thereto by hinge portions 36.
  • the panels 144, 146 are provided with outwardly projecting tongue portions 44 which are engaged in slots 46 in the adjacent panels 34 to retain the structure in its erected condition.
  • Pegs 62 engaging in holes 64 in the tongues 44 assist in retaining the structure in assembled condition.
  • Figure 21 shows an eighth box-like structure in the form of a trough 148 comprising first plastics panels connected to one another by integral first hinge portions which can be erected from a sheet of flat material in a similar manner to that discussed above and retained in an erected condition by engagement of tongue portions 44 in slots in one of the panels and the use of pegs 62 inserted in openings 64 in the tongue portions, as described above.
  • An end panel 150 may be provided with extensions 152 (shown in-line in Figure 21) to provide legs to support the trough structure 148.
  • the trough structure may also comprise reinforcing brackets 154.
  • wall panels 156 integrally hinged at 158 to the trough portion so that the panels 156 can be hinged inwardly as in the case of panels 56 of the first illustrative unit thus to reinforce the rim portion of the trough.
  • the panels 156 may engage in recesses 160 in portions of the brackets 154 thus to retain the brackets in position.
  • the brackets 154 may be solid in which case they act as separators as well as giving added rigidity to the trough structure or they may have a central region 162 (indicated in dash-line in Figure 22) which can be removed to provide reinforcement.
  • the end panel 150 can be grooved to receive the first panels providing the walls and may be provided with gaskets to make the trough watertight.
  • wall panels of box-like structures in accordance with the invention may be provided with opposed parallel grooves on the internal faces of the walls into which separate panels may be slid.
  • the grooves conveniently may be either parallel with the hinge portions 36 or extend at right angles to the hinge portions 36 depending on the arrangement required. If the grooves are at right angles to the hinge portions 36 then the panel is parallel with the bottom of the structure and may be in the form of trays or have openings which, may hold components.
  • box-like structures may be formed in accordance with the invention for many purposes and may be provided, for example with means for mounting wheels on the structures (for example to make a so-called u wheelie-bin") and may have brackets for attaching pivotally mounted lid portions.
  • the hinge portions of structures in accordance with the invention may have flexible reinforcing means for example adhesive tape applied in the region of the hinge portion or a sprayed-on polymeric coating material to provide reinforcement.
  • the slots and tongue portions may be provided with metal or other reinforcements.
  • high density polyethylene is preferred, other rigid polymeric materials may be used to provide units and box-like structures in accordance with the invention, provided they are of adequate strength and thickness to provide sufficient rigidity.
  • a box-like structure otherwise similar to the first illustrative box-like structure may if desired' be provided with a lid to close the structure at the end portion adjacent the rim means; this may be a separate item or provided by a further plastics panel integrally hinged to one of the first panels.
  • the wall portions of the box-like structures may be provided with cutout parts or holes and weakened regions designed to accommodate various pipes, tubes, electrical wires, drains and the like for various purposes.
  • a separate lid and associated frame can be placed over the whole structure in engagement with the rim means to provide added strength to that region of the structure, if desired.
  • box-like structures in accordance with the invention may be used for many and varied purposes and can readily be supplied in flat form for erection at a desired use location.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne une unité que l'on peut ériger pour former une structure en forme de boîte, cette unité comportant une pluralité de premiers panneaux (34) en plastique reliés deux à deux par de premières parties à effet de charnière (36), un premier de ces premiers panneaux situé à une première extrémité de l'unité comportant un premier organe de fixation (44) pouvant coopérer avec un second organe de fixation (46) dont est pourvu un second des premiers panneaux à l'extrémité opposée de l'unité lorsque les panneaux tournent autour des parties charnière de façon à former la structure en forme de boîte avec les panneaux de plastique constituant les murs de la structure, maintenant ainsi la structure en position érigée.
PCT/GB1996/000895 1995-04-12 1996-04-12 Structures rigides et unites pouvant etre erigees pour former de telles structures WO1996032767A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU52848/96A AU5284896A (en) 1995-04-12 1996-04-12 Rigid structures and units which can be erected to form such structures

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9507618.8A GB9507618D0 (en) 1995-04-12 1995-04-12 Poletech Box 1
GB9507618.8 1995-04-12
GB9513535.6 1995-06-29
GBGB9513535.6A GB9513535D0 (en) 1995-04-12 1995-07-03 Poletech Box/Variations & Additions

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996032767A1 true WO1996032767A1 (fr) 1996-10-17

Family

ID=26306869

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1996/000895 WO1996032767A1 (fr) 1995-04-12 1996-04-12 Structures rigides et unites pouvant etre erigees pour former de telles structures

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5284896A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996032767A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2238140A1 (es) * 2003-05-05 2005-08-16 Aem,S.A Arqueta modular plegable.
CH700927B1 (de) * 2006-06-06 2010-11-15 Regent Beleuchtungskoerper Ag Leuchteneinbausystem.

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR495732A (fr) * 1919-02-08 1919-10-16 Henri Seron Coffrets pour appareils électriques et autres applications et leur procédé de fabrication
US3858745A (en) * 1973-08-23 1975-01-07 Nosco Plastics Box wall fasteners
FR2419870A1 (fr) * 1978-03-14 1979-10-12 Ono Caisse ouverte en matiere plastique expansee depliable a plat
FR2428372A1 (fr) * 1978-06-09 1980-01-04 Merlin Gerin Coffret d'appareillage en tole pliee
DE3046954A1 (de) * 1980-12-12 1982-07-15 AKUTEC Angewandte Kunststofftechnik GmbH, 8000 München Faltkiste
WO1992018392A1 (fr) * 1991-04-11 1992-10-29 Midwest Plastic Fabricators, Inc. Boite pliable pour composants electriques
US5315654A (en) * 1992-12-02 1994-05-24 Kraft Carroll K Armored telephone line protective system

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR495732A (fr) * 1919-02-08 1919-10-16 Henri Seron Coffrets pour appareils électriques et autres applications et leur procédé de fabrication
US3858745A (en) * 1973-08-23 1975-01-07 Nosco Plastics Box wall fasteners
FR2419870A1 (fr) * 1978-03-14 1979-10-12 Ono Caisse ouverte en matiere plastique expansee depliable a plat
FR2428372A1 (fr) * 1978-06-09 1980-01-04 Merlin Gerin Coffret d'appareillage en tole pliee
DE3046954A1 (de) * 1980-12-12 1982-07-15 AKUTEC Angewandte Kunststofftechnik GmbH, 8000 München Faltkiste
WO1992018392A1 (fr) * 1991-04-11 1992-10-29 Midwest Plastic Fabricators, Inc. Boite pliable pour composants electriques
US5315654A (en) * 1992-12-02 1994-05-24 Kraft Carroll K Armored telephone line protective system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2238140A1 (es) * 2003-05-05 2005-08-16 Aem,S.A Arqueta modular plegable.
CH700927B1 (de) * 2006-06-06 2010-11-15 Regent Beleuchtungskoerper Ag Leuchteneinbausystem.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5284896A (en) 1996-10-30

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