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EP 2 177 442 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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03.04.2013 Bulletin 2013/14 |
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Date of filing: 09.10.2009 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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Housing adapted for placing on a pallet
Zur Positionierung auf einer Palette angepasstes Gehäuse
Boîtier adapté à être arrangée sur une palette
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO
PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR |
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Priority: |
16.10.2008 NL 2002104
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Date of publication of application: |
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21.04.2010 Bulletin 2010/16 |
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Proprietor: Scholte's Metaalbewerking B.V. |
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7876 TP Valthermond (NL) |
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Inventor: |
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- Wiekens, Jan
9645 LA Veendam (NL)
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Representative: Mink-Lindenburg, Charlotte Hildegard |
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Octrooibureau Mink B.V.
Twentepoort Oost 61-25 7609 RG Almelo 7609 RG Almelo (NL) |
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References cited: :
WO-A-2004/087513 FR-A- 2 043 963
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DE-U- 1 831 979 US-B1- 6 488 167
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The invention relates to a housing adapted for placing on a pallet, provided with
a frame comprising angle profiles and side panels for fastening to the frame, wherein
the frame also comprises transverse profiles and the side panels are arranged form-fittingly
on the inner side of the frame. Such a housing is often applied as a box mould for
application in the cheese industry. These box moulds are known in practice for curing
young cheese packed in foil. The foil cheeses, for instance in eight units per layer,
are stacked six layers high on a pallet. The overall mass of the cheese is then 900
kilograms. Because the foil cheese is very soft and held to some extent in shape by
the vacuum foil, a support is necessary which is referred to as a box mould.
[0002] The known box mould is of simple embodiment and consists of four wooden plates, preferably
of film-layered plywood. This is a compressed wood with a film layer. The four panels
are fastened to each other at the corners using steel angle profiles by means of rivets.
Tubular rivets are used for this purpose. Filler strips are arranged between the panels
and the angle profiles.
[0003] The known box mould has diverse drawbacks.
[0004] One of these is the time-consuming assembly using rivets. 64 rivets are needed for
one box mould. A hole has to be drilled for each rivet and the rivet must be riveted
with a special tool.
[0005] A second problem likewise has to do with the rivets and relates to the fact that
the rivets are not all equally cleanly finished on the inside of the box mould. During
removal the foil is occasionally torn from the cheese by protruding rivets.
[0006] A third problem relates to the fact that there are an increasing number of transport
operations with box moulds. The box mould is however bulky, so that for instance 70
fit into an open truck and 44 in a closed trailer.
[0007] A fourth drawback relates to safety. Current box moulds are filled with 900 kilograms
of cheese and subsequently stacked six-high in a storage area using a forklift truck.
It is a regular occurrence here that the forklift truck knocks against the box moulds,
which can thereby be damaged. Such damage is not clearly discernible in the known
box moulds. This is because the cheeses press the somewhat flexible panels back into
place from inside. The damage hereby remains unnoticed, but there does result a safety
risk with the danger of accidents for personnel.
[0008] A known housing according to the preamble of the main claim 1 is described in
WO-A-2004/087513. The known housing addresses the problem of time-consuming assembly and the increasing
number of transport operations.
[0009] The solution to all of these problems has been found in a completely new construction
for the box mould. The housing according to the invention has for this purpose the
feature that the length of the angle profiles is larger than the height of the side
panels, the angle profiles are provided with an edge running along each longitudinal
side of the angle profiles, the outside face of each side panel is provided with two
recesses running parallel to the side edge of the side panel and which recesses are
arranged to receive one of the edges of the angle profiles, such that in an assembled
state of the housing, the edges of each angle profile are received by recesses in
adjacent side panels, the side panels are arranged releasably on the inner side of
the frame, such that the side panels cover the profiles on the inside of the housing..
[0010] The strength of the construction of the housing is increased by applying transverse
profiles which co-act with the angle profiles. Possible damage caused by a collision
with a forklift truck is better visible due to the transverse profiles. Because the
side panels are arranged releasably and form-fittingly on the inner side of the frame,
the use of rivets is unnecessary. The housing can hereby be assembled more quickly
compared to known housings without this detracting from the strength of the housing.
The risk of damage to the content of the housing is also vastly decreased. Damage
to the side panels, which often occur during transport, are also more readily discernible
and easier to repair by replacement thereof.
[0011] In a first embodiment of the present invention the transverse profiles are fastened
releasably to the angle profiles. The number of housings a truck can transport is
increased by disassembling the transverse profiles from the frame prior to transport.
This number can be further increased by making the frames nestable or providing them
with hinges on the corners.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention one or more edges of the side panels
are adapted for co-action with adjacent panels. The form-fitting of the side panels
is in this way improved, whereby the strength of the housing increases. This form-fitting
can be realized for instance by providing each profile on at least one side with a
recess in which the edge of an adjacent panel can be form-fittingly received.
[0013] The bottom side of the side panels is preferably adapted for co-action with the lower
transverse profile with which the side panel rests in downward direction on the frame.
This can for instance be realized by providing the bottom sides of the side panels
with a recess intended to be received in the lower transverse profile.
[0014] In an advantageous embodiment each transverse profile is provided with one or more
recesses intended for co-action with the angle profiles. The space between the side
panels and the angle profiles is hereby further reduced. The recesses also ensure
that the frame becomes more stable, since lateral displacements on either side of
the frame are prevented.
[0015] The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to a number of figures,
in which
Figure 1 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the normal
operating state.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows a top view of the co-acting edges with recesses of the side panels
mounted in the angle profile.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the bottom side of the angle profile.
Figure 5 shows three side views of the upper transverse profile.
Figure 6 shows three side views of the lower transverse profile.
[0016] Figure 1 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the normal
operating state. The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of an application
as box mould, but is expressly not limited thereto. A box mould is used mainly for
application in the cheese industry, but is suitable for any other application in which
products must be stored for some time. Box mould 1 is constructed from steel angle
profiles 2 and steel transverse profiles 4 and 7. Other materials can optionally be
used for this purpose, including plastic or aluminium. Transverse profiles 4, 7 and
angle profiles 2 are preferably attached to each other by releasable nut-bolt connections
(not shown), only 16 of which are necessary per box mould. Assembly is therefore made
considerably less time-consuming. The side panels, which are preferably manufactured
from wood, are pushed into the thus constructed frame. The film-layered plywood used
in the building industry is particularly recommended because of its strength and the
side provided with film. The side panels are provided on the edges with a co-acting
recess, whereby the side panels are form-fitting after assembly. Because the wooden
panels cover the nut-bolt connections on the inside, the inner side of the improved
box mould is smooth, so that the problem of damage to the cheeses during removal is
obviated. The wholly improved box mould can be disassembled and transported as a blank,
whereby transport costs and storage space can be considerably reduced.
[0017] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of Figure 1. This figure shows the elegant manner
in which side panels 3, transverse profiles 4 and angle profiles 2 co-act with each
other.
[0018] Figure 3 shows a top view of the co-acting edges with recesses of side panels 3,
wherein side panels 3 are mounted in angle profile 2. Due to the use of co-acting
recesses 5 it is possible to dispense with attachment to the angle profile by means
of usual fastening means, such as nuts and bolts. The shown edge is chosen in order
to elucidate the invention. Any random co-acting profile could however be applicable.
As shown in Figure 3, recesses 5 can be cut from panels 3. It is however also possible
for external co-acting recesses 5 to be arranged.
[0019] Figure 4 shows a side view of the bottom side of angle profile 2. Each panel is provided
on one side with a recess 5 for receiving a side of an adjacent panel. Angle profile
2 is folded or bent on the underside and thereby has a support surface for the side
panel (not shown). In the known box mould this support surface was welded on separately.
[0020] Figure 5 shows three side views of upper transverse profile 4. Transverse profile
4 is provided with two recesses 5 intended for co-action with angle profiles 2 (not
shown). Transverse profile 4 is further provided with holes 6 with which transverse
profile 4 and angle profile 2 can be fastened to each other with usual fastening means.
[0021] Figure 6 shows three side views of lower transverse profile 7. The lower transverse
profile has a structure substantially identical to that of the upper transverse profile,
wherein recess 8 and holes 9 have the same functions as recesses 5 and holes 6 of
the upper transverse profile. The lower edge 10 of transverse profile 7 is however
wider and serves to receive side panel 3. Side panel 3 is provided for this purpose
on the underside with a recess 11, so that side panel 3 is enclosed on the underside
in the frame.
[0022] The number of angle profiles will of course amount to four and the number of transverse
profiles amounts at this moment to eight, wherein four are situated on the top side
and four on the bottom side of the box mould. The number of transverse profiles can
optionally be increased if an even stronger construction is desired.
[0023] Finally, the invention is expressly not limited to the described and shown embodiment,
but extends generally to any embodiment falling within the scope of protection of
the appended claims, as seen in the light of the foregoing description and drawings.
1. Housing(1) adapted for placing on a pallet, provided with a frame comprising angle
profiles (2) and side panels (3) for fastening to the frame, wherein the frame also
comprises transverse profiles (4,7) and the side panels (3) are arranged form-fittingly
on the inner side of the frame characterized in that the length of the angle profiles (2) is larger than the height of the side panels
(3), the angle profiles (2) are provided with an edge running along each longitudinal
side of the angle profiles (2), the outside face of each side panel (3) is provided
with two recesses running parallel to the side edge of the side panel (3) and which
recesses are arranged to receive one of the edges of the angle profiles, such that
in an assembled state of the housing, the edges of each angle profile (2) are received
by recesses in adjacent side panels (3), the side panels (3) are arranged releasably
on the inner side of the frame, such that the side panels (3) cover the profiles (2,4,7)
on the inside of the housing (1).
2. Housing (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transverse profiles (4,7) are fastened releasably to the angle profiles (2).
3. Housing (1) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that one or more edges of the side panels (3) are adapted for co-action with adjacent
panels (3).
4. Housing (1) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that each profile (2,4,7) is provided on at least one side with a recess (5,8,9) in which
the edge of an adjacent panel (3) can be form-fittingly received.
5. Housing (1) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bottom sides of the side panels (3) are adapted for co-action with the lower
transverse profile (7).
6. Housing (1) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the bottom sides of the side panels (3) are provided with a recess (11) intended
to be received in the lower transverse profile.
7. Housing (1) as claimed in claims 1 and 6, characterized in that each transverse profile (4,7) is provided with one or more recesses (5, 9) intended
for co-action with the angle profiles (2).
1. Zur Positionierung auf einer Palette angepaßtes Gehäuse (1), das einen Rahmen aufweist,
der Winkelprofile (2) und Seitenplatten (3) zur Befestigung an dem Rahmen aufweist,
wobei der Rahmen auch Querprofile (4, 7) aufweist und die Seitenplatten (3) formschlüssig
an der Innenseite des Rahmens anliegen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Länge der Winkelprofile (2) größer ist als die Höhe der Seitenplatten (3), daß
die Winkelprofile (2) Kanten aufweisen, die entlang jeder Längsseite der Winkelprofile
(2) verlaufen, daß die Außenseite jeder Seitenplatte (3) mit zwei Rücksprüngen versehen
ist, die parallel zu der Seitenkante der Seitenplatte (3) verlaufen, wobei diese Rücksprünge
ausgebildet sind, um eine der Kanten der Winkelprofile aufzunehmen, so daß im zusammengebauten
Zustand des Gehäuses die Kanten jedes Winkelprofils (2) von Rücksprüngen in benachbarten
Seitenplatten (3) aufgenommen sind, wobei die Seitenplatten (3) lösbar in der Innenseite
des Rahmens angeordnet sind, so daß die Seitenplatten (3) die Profile (2, 4, 7) auf
der Innenseite des Gehäuses (1) bedecken.
2. Gehäuse (1) gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Querprofile (4, 7) lösbar mit den Winkelprofilen (2) verbunden sind.
3. Gehäuse (1) gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine oder mehrere Kanten der Seitenplatten (3) ausgebildet sind, um mit den benachbarten
Seitenplatten (3) zusammenzuwirken.
4. Gehäuse (1) gemäß Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jedes Profil (2, 4, 7) an mindestens einer Seite mit einem Rücksprung (5, 8, 9) versehen
ist, in den die Kante einer benachbarten Seitenplatte (3) formschlüssig aufnehmbar
ist.
5. Gehäuse (1) gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Unterseiten der Seitenplatten (3) ausgebildet sind, um mit dem unteren Querprofil
(7) zusammenzuwirken.
6. Gehäuse (1) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Unterseiten der Seitenplatten (3) mit einem Rücksprung (11) versehen sind, der
zur Aufnahme in dem unteren Querprofil vorgesehen ist.
7. Gehäuse (1) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 und 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß jedes Querprofil (4, 7) mit einem oder mehreren Rücksprüngen (5, 9) versehen ist,
die vorgesehen sind, um mit den Winkelprofilen (2) zusammenzuwirken.
1. Boîtier (1) adapté à être arrangé sur une palette pourvu d'un cadre qui comprend des
profilés angulaires (2) et des plaques latérales (3) à fixer sur le cadre, dans lequel
le cadre comprend également des profilés transversaux (4, 7), les plaques latérales
(3) étant placés sur la face intérieure du cadre de manière à en épouser la forme,
caractérisé en ce que la longueur des profilés angulaires (2) est supérieure à la hauteur des plaques latérales
(3), et en ce que les profilés angulaires (2) présentent des bords s'étendant le long de chaque côté
longitudinal des profilés angulaires (2), en ce que le côté extérieur de chaque plaque latérale (3) est pourvue de deux encoches s'étendant
parallèlement au bord latéral de la plaque latérale (3), ces encoches étant destinées
à recevoir un des bords des profilés angulaires, de manière que dans l'état assemblé
du boîtier les bords de chaque profilé angulaire (2) sont reçus par des encoches dans
les plaques latérales (3) adjacentes, les plaques latérales (3) étant fixées de façon
détachable sur la face intérieure du boîtier de manière que les plaques latérales
(3) couvrent les profilés (2, 4, 7) à l'intérieur du boîtier (1).
2. Boîtier (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les profilés transversaux (4, 7) sont fixés de façon détachable sur les profilés
angulaires (2).
3. Boîtier (1) selon les revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce qu'un ou plusieurs bords des plaques latérales (3) sont adaptées à coopérer avec les
plaques latérales (3) adjacentes.
4. Boîtier (1) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que chaque profilé (2, 4, 7) est pourvu sur au moins un côté d'une encoche (5, 8, 9)
dans laquelle le bord d'une plaque latérale (3) peut être reçu par épousement de forme.
5. Boîtier (1) selon les revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les côtés inférieurs des plaques latérales (3) sont adaptés à coopérer avec le profilé
transversal inférieur (7).
6. Boîtier (1) selon les revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les côtés inférieurs des plaques latérales (3) sont pourvus d'une encoche (11) destinée
à être reçue par le profilé latéral inférieur.
7. Boîtier (1) selon les revendications 1 et 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque profilé transversal (4, 7) est pourvu d'une ou de plusieurs encoches (5, 9)
destinées à coopérer avec les profilés angulaires (2).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description