Bin for storage of loose materials

Abstract

 A bin for storage of loose materials is provided which comprises a base wall (2) and a side wall (4) emerging from the base wall (2) for defining a holding space (5) therewith; the bin further has radial-stiffening means (15) in engagement with the inner surface of the side wall of the holding space and at least extending between one connecting region (16) defined on the inner surface of a predetermined face and a corresponding connecting region (16) defined on the inner surface of another one of said faces.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bin for storage of loose materials.

[0002] In particular the bin in reference is intended for agricultural or industrial uses for receiving bodies or goods of different typologies such as, for example, fruit, vegetables, pulses, fruit juices or pulp, fluids for industrial use or industrial goods of relatively reduced sizes as compared with the bin sizes.

[0003] It is known that there are presently on the market bins of plastic material, used in the agricultural food field, substantially consisting of a holding body of a parallelepiped structure internally defining a housing space intended for receiving the material to be stored or transported.

[0004] As can be easily understood, typically bins must meet some requirements such as maximizing of the usable inner volume, in order to optimize transportation and storage costs under the same overall-bulkiness conditions of the bin, as well as reduction in weight and more specifically reduction in the amount of raw material used for making them, so that the production costs (raw material, energy consumption) are reduced as much as possible.

[0005] Beside these requirements, it is necessary, on the other hand, that an appropriate structural strength both at the side walls and at the bottom should be ensured.

[0006] In fact, it is to note that bins in reference typically have sizes in the order of about 1-1.5 m³ and are therefore subjected to heavy structural loads, in case of filling with goods the specific gravity of which is usually close to that of water.

[0007] It is apparent that, if these bins are wished to be handled in a reliable manner and to be stowed in appropriate transportation means without any risks of structural yielding and it the outer sizes of same are wished to be maintained as much as possible constant so as to enable stowage in suitably arranged spaces, it is essential above all for the side walls not to be subjected to too many radial deformations, that is bulging effects, when the bin is filled.

[0008] Presently, in an attempt to meet all the requirements briefly outlined hereabove, without on the other hand using materials differentiated from each other in the same bin (i.e. plastic materials of different nature or combination of plastic materials with metal materials or other reinforcing structures that would involve difficulties in case of possible recycling), bins have been made which are provided with side walls suitably equipped with stiffening column-shaped structures at the central regions of each face, and with horizontal or inclined ribs typically extending parallelly of each other, at the upper edge.

[0009] This type of solution has enabled bins having a good resistance to bulging to be obtained, due exactly to the presence of structural elements along the side wall of the bin itself, capable of withstanding the radial action exerted by the possible product contained in the bin.

[0010] It is apparent that the presence of the column-shaped structures and ribs causes a reduction in the available room within the bin for stowing the goods to be contained therein, the outer bulkiness of said bin being the same.

[0011] Under this situation, a solution (reproduced in Fig. 1) has been recently chosen in which the side walls of the bin, instead of having a smooth and flat inner surface, exhibit an inner surface provided with relatively extended areas projecting outwardly.

[0012] With this type of solution a marriage has been successfully obtained between a good structural strength ensured by ribs and column-shaped structures and good inner volumes ensured by the hollows present on the inner side of the bin side walls.

[0013] While the solution in Fig. 1 has found widespread success, it has however proved not to be devoid of drawbacks both as regards its structure and in the field tightly connected with its manufacture.

[0014] Firstly, due to the presence of said hollows on the inner side of the bin side walls, moulds provided with shaped portions are to be compulsorily used, so as to define the necessary undercuts for formation of the side walls.

[0015] This, during the withdrawing step, involves the necessity of carrying out movements on the mould structure for retracting the portions housed in the corresponding undercuts. Alternatively, it is necessary for the builder to opt for use of plastic materials of weak stiffness and/or to adopt solutions that enable deformation, by virtue of the particular geometry given to the bin, the material quality being the same, thereby allowing withdrawal of the punch by elastic deformation of the side walls.

[0016] It is apparent that in the last-mentioned case the bin will be unable to have high properties of mechanical strength and in particular of radial stiffness.

[0017] In other words, creation of geometrical patterns having undercuts at the side walls involves important complications as regards the mould manufacture, which will bring about very important repercussions of the economical type or, alternatively, involves manufacturing of a product having weak mechanical properties and poor capabilities of meeting the typical requirements that a bin must have.

[0018] In conclusion, in order to make a product adapted to be used with versatility and to conveniently meet heavy stresses, resort must be made to very complicated structures, such as the one shown in Fig. 1, involving very high production costs both as regards the bin and above all as regards the mould for bin formation.

[0019] To be added to the above is the fact that the bin shown in Fig. 1 surely does not possess an even inner surface, which is adapted to prevent possible damages to the contents thereof (above all if it is fruit) and not to hinder emptying operations of the bin itself even if they are carried out by partial overturning of same.

[0020] In fact, the side wall areas in which hollows are made by means of corresponding undercuts surely do not involve geometrical patterns providing smoothed shapes and typically constitute goods-accumulating regions of difficult cleaning and more generally where the goods are likely to stagnate.

[0021] It is also to note that in the traditional solution shown in Fig. 1 and in any case in all presently known solutions, a fundamental function is performed by the ribs located on the upper rim which are essential for an action of radial holding.

[0022] These ribs too give rise to structural complications during the mould-planning step and represent dirt-storing regions of difficult cleaning.

[0023] It is therefore apparent that bins similar to the one shown in Fig. 1 hardly lend themselves to be used for food applications where, due to sanitary purposes, as much as possible smooth inner and outer surfaces are required in order to carry out cleaning and sterilizing operations of the containers in a simple and reliable manner.

[0024] Often for uses where very high sanitary conditions are required it is therefore necessary to use smooth-walled bins that, as said above, do not offer a structural strength and therefore must necessarily have walls of relatively large thickness or of reduced overall dimensions, which will bring about easily conceivable inconveniences.

[0025] In the light of the above, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide a new bin typology capable of substantially obviating all drawbacks typical of the prior art.

[0026] Within the scope of this technical task, it is a primary aim of the invention to provide a new bin for storage of loose materials capable of combining construction simplicity with a high mechanical performance in terms of stiffness of the side walls and therefore resistance to bulging, and with maximization of the volume offered by the holding space intended for housing the goods that the bin must carry.

[0027] It is also an important aim of the invention, in addition to this fundamental one, to offer a bin which is substantially devoid of geometrical unevennesses or undercuts involving regions where the goods or liquids can stagnate, which will impair the sanitary features of the container itself during its operating step.

[0028] It is a further aim of the invention to reach the above specified aims without requiring use of a greater amount of plastic material for manufacturing said bin and without requiring use of differentiated materials or particular reinforcing metal structures.

[0029] The foregoing and further aims that will become more apparent in the progress of the present description are substantially achieved by a bin in accordance with the appended claims.

[0030] Further features and advantages will be best understood from the detailed description of some preferential non-exclusive embodiments of a bin for storage of loose materials in accordance with the present invention. This description is taken hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, in which:

• Fig. 2 is a perspective top view of a first embodiment of a bin in accordance with the invention;
• Fig. 3 is a plan view of the bin shown in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 4 is a section taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3;
• Fig. 5 is a perspective bottom view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 7 is an overall perspective top view of a second embodiment of a bin in accordance with the present invention;
• Fig. 8 is a plan view of the bin shown in fig. 7;
• Fig. 9 is a cross-section taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8;
• Fig. 10 is a perspective bottom view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 7;
• Fig. 11 is a perspective top view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 7;
• Fig. 12 is still a perspective view of a third embodiment of a bin in accordance with the present invention;
• Fig. 13 is a plan view of the bin in Fig. 12;
• Fig. 14 is a cross-section of the bin in Fig. 12, taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13;
• Fig. 15 is a cross-section of the bin in Fig. 12, taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 13;
• Fig. 16 is a perspective bottom view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 12;
• Fig. 17 is a perspective top view of one half still referring to the bin shown in Fig. 12;
• Fig. 18 is a perspective top view of one half of a fourth embodiment of a bin in accordance with the invention;
• Fig. 19 is a perspective bottom view of the bin half shown in Fig. 18;
• Fig. 20 is a perspective top view relative to a fifth embodiment of a bin in accordance with the invention;
• Fig. 21 is a perspective bottom view of one half of the bin shown in Fig. 20;
• Fig. 22 is a perspective top view of a sixth embodiment of a bin in accordance with the invention;
• Fig. 23 is a perspective top view of a seventh embodiment of the bin in reference; and
• Figs. 24 and 25 are diagrammatic plan views relative to eighth and ninth embodiments of a bin in accordance with the invention.

[0031] With reference to Figs. 2 to 21, a bin for storage of loose materials, i.e. not provided with rigid packages of their own, has been generally identified by reference numeral 1.

[0032] In particular, bin 1 will be adapted for use in the agricultural or food field for receiving a great number of typologies of goods such as fruit, vegetables, mashed fruit or vegetables or fruit or vegetables juices and/or pulps and still other goods; alternatively, for industrial-scale uses the bin in reference will be adapted for storage of generally unpackaged liquids, fluids or solid pieces.

[0033] Bin 1 conventionally comprises a base wall 2 of polygonal shape, preferably having a rectangular or square conformation with a perimetric edge 3 from which a side wall 4 vertically emerges.

[0034] The side wall 4 and base portion 2 define a holding space 5 of predetermined volume within which the material to be stored can be put.

[0035] The side wall 4 also has an upper rim 4a delimiting an access opening for loading and unloading of the material intended for stowing in the holding space 5.

[0036] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the bin side wall has an outer surface 6 of substantially prismatic conformation defined by a predetermined number of faces 7 angularly consecutive to each other, as well as an inner surface 8 facing the holding space 5 and opposite to the outer surface 6.

[0037] Depending on requirements and uses, the side wall 4 can be provided or not with through slits 9 (see Fig. 7, for example), which are typically disposed on parallel lines in mutual side-by-side relationship and have the role of efficiently ventilating the bin contents, above all when the goods are stowed in cold rooms after harvesting.

[0038] The base wall 2, in turn, has an upper surface 10 facing the holding space, and a lower surface 11 which is provided with vertical strengthening ribs 12 disposed in a grid arrangement, as shown in Figs. 5, 10, 16, 19 and 20.

[0039] Emerging from the lower surface 11 of the base wall are rest projections or attachment projections 13 for the bin feet which are disposed at the junction angle regions 14 between consecutive faces of the side wall.

[0040] Although it is not reproduced in the accompanying drawings, it is to note that surface 11 could be equipped with rest feet or projections also disposed at the centre line of bin sides or, optionally, with a central foot.

[0041] In an original manner and in accordance with the present invention, bin 1 is also provided with radial stiffening means 15 in engagement with the inner surface 8 of the bin side wall 4 and at least extending between a connecting region 16 defined on the inner surface of a predetermined one of said faces and a corresponding connecting region 16 defined on the inner surface of another of said faces of the side wall.

[0042] More specifically, the radial stiffening means is such shaped that it creates a mechanical connection between the connecting region 16 relative to one face and the connecting region 16 relative to an adjacent face.

[0043] In addition, as can be viewed, the connecting regions 16 between which the radial stiffening means 15 mechanically interacts extend at a central area of the inner surface of each face.

[0044] In more detail, the radial stiffening means 15 comprises a curved surface portion 17 extending at the connecting region 16 provided on each face, and a connecting length 18 substantially extending at angle regions of the side wall and interposed between one curved surface portion, corresponding to one face, and the curved surface portion corresponding to the consecutive face.

[0045] Practically, each of the faces defining the bin side wall has an inner surface partly (i.e. at a central region) defined by the curved surface portions 17 and partly (i.e. at the angle regions) defined by the connecting lengths 18 between a curved portion and the curved portion relative to an adjacent face.

[0046] Externally, each face has a surface defined by a substantially flat perimetric frame comprising opposite and flat side portions 19 extending vertically at the angle regions of the side wall and delimiting respective central areas 20 the shape of which, as shown in the drawings, matches that of the corresponding curved surface portions 17.

[0047] It is to point out that the last-mentioned surface portions, and therefore the corresponding central areas 20 as well, of the outer side surface are of cylindrical conformation having a vertical or possibly slightly inclined directrix and a generatrix shaped in the form of an arc of a circumference or an ellipse or more generally of a conic.

[0048] These curved surface portions 17 have a vertical extension substantially equal to that of the corresponding face of the side surface which, depending on the embodiments, can have one or more stiffening ribs 21 of horizontal or inclined extension at the end, close to the upper rim 4a.

[0049] In turn, each connecting length 18 comprises a thin wall having horizontally opposite ends 18a rigidly connected to corresponding end junction regions 17a of consecutive curved portions 17.

[0050] The connecting length can be defined by a flat thin wall, as shown in the embodiment referred to in Figs. 7 to 11, or by a thin wall of curved conformation, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6 and 12 to 21.

[0051] Preferably (see examples of Figs. 7, 12, 18, 20), each connecting length 18, at the angle regions and in cooperation with the side wall, defines auxiliary storage spaces 22, where a predetermined volume of goods to be stowed in the bin can be housed.

[0052] Preferably spaces 22 are delimited at the lower part thereof by a respective bottom wall 22a, which can be advantageously disposed below the bin base wall 2, that is substantially at the same level as the rest surface on the ground (see Fig. 11). It is to note that in some cases where access at each bin side for intervention with lifting systems is not required, the bottom walls 22a placed on the ground floor are provided to be joined by respective connecting regions 22b extending on at least two opposite sides of the bin and substantially disposed on the ground floor as well (see Fig. 22). In conclusion, the upper surface of the base wall 2 can be substantially flat or be provided with hollows at the angles (Fig. 11) or at opposite sides (Fig. 22).

[0053] In order to make filling of the auxiliary spaces 22 easier, the connecting length preferably has windows or passage openings 23 (see examples in Figs. 7, 12, 20) to bring each auxiliary space into communication with the holding space 5.

[0054] A thin wall 24 of vertical extension can be provided internally of spaces 22.

[0055] This wall 24 radially extends between each connecting length 18 and the side wall 4.

[0056] Still with reference to the angle regions, it is to note that each connecting length 18 can define tubular column-shaped structures which are closed at an upper end and open at a lower end (see the embodiment referred to in Figs. 2 to 6, for example).

[0057] In the example of Figs. 7 to 11, the bin can be advantageously provided with column-shaped structures defined by a vertical tubular wall in engagement with the side wall. These column-shaped structures are preferably disposed in pairs at each angle region and define stiffening elements for stacking as well as rest regions for receiving corresponding feet when several bins are stacked up.

[0058] Alternatively (see example in Figs. 12-17), at the angle regions, the side wall itself can have a tubular structure which is open at the lower part thereof and closed at the upper part thereof, still for defining column-shaped stiffening structures.

[0059] It is to note (see example in Fig. 23) that the connecting lengths 18 can also be formed of tapes or bands made separately of the bin and applied to the latter at the angle regions for mechanically connecting consecutive surface portions 17. In particular, the added tapes or bands 18 can provide respective end portions 18a active, upon closure, on column-shaped structures similar to those described with reference to Figs. 7 to 11.

[0060] Finally, shown in Figs. 24 and 25 are solutions in which the means 15 comprises thin, preferably flat, walls, each extending from one face 7 to one face 7 opposite or adjacent to the starting one.

[0061] The invention achieves important advantages.

[0062] Firstly, due to the shaping and particular positioning within the side wall 4 of the radial stiffening means 15, the bin in accordance with the invention is particularly strong from a structural point of view as regards radial deformations.

[0063] In particular, the curved conformation given to the surface portions 17 and the continuity obtained with the connecting lengths 18 lead the bin side walls to substantially work by pulling instead of working by bending as it happened in bins of the traditional type.

[0064] Due to this particular geometric choice of the bin in reference, auxiliary reinforcing structures (such as ribs, for example) are reduced to a minimum which will bring about a simplification of the bin itself and, as a result, a reduced complexity of the moulds required for bin production.

[0065] From the point of view of material waste too it is apparent that bin 1 is very evolutionary relative to the known art, because the side walls are brought to work in an optimal manner, thereby reducing the overall amount of material needed for manufacturing the bin in reference, the structural behaviour being the same.

[0066] From the point of view of the volume offered for receiving the goods within the holding space, the bin being the object of the invention represents an improvement relative to similar embodiments of the traditional type, because the geometry of the inner surfaces of the side wall is free from undercuts or sharp variations and because the connecting lengths or walls between adjacent curved portions define auxiliary storage spaces in which a great amount of goods can be housed. The version of greater volume can be obtained by adopting solutions that do not require movements on the mould punch (solution in Fig. 2 or with added elements in Fig. 23).

[0067] In addition to the above, it will be recognized that, due to the radial stiffness offered by the side walls, bins can be of greater height than the conventional 700-800 mm height typical of traditional bins, without creating particular deformation problems during the operating step.

[0068] It is to note that advantageously all structural features of the bin in reference are achieved by means of particular geometrical conformations given to the radial stiffening means and without requiring use of reinforcing structures made of differentiated plastic materials or metal materials that, as known, would involve dismantling problems in case of recycling of the material forming the bin at the end of the lifetime of the latter.

[0069] It is also to point out that, due to the structural strength offered by the geometry of the new bin in reference, the latter will be made, without creating any problem, both with ventilation holes on the side walls thereof and with side walls that are internally and externally completely smooth, even eliminating the presence of horizontal ribs; in this way the bin will be able to be conveniently used also in fields, such as the food industry for example, in which very high sanitary requirements are needed, which consist in the bin capability of being easily emptied and subsequently cleaned without any possibility of liquid stagnation.

[0070] From a manufacturing point of view, the possibility of avoiding ribs on the outer wall and/or undercuts on the inner side of the side wall generally involves a simplification in the structure of the mould intended for producing the bin.

[0071] Finally, due to the possibility of, if wished, eliminating the typical angular columns open on the lower bin side usually corresponding to the injection side, moulds with a reduced opening stroke of the press can be planned for withdrawal of the workpiece from the mould, thereby enabling production of bins having big overall dimensions in height without resorting to apparatuses that have sizes that do not correspond to the standard ones present on the market and that, clearly, would be very expensive.

[0072] The bin is also very advantageously in its most specific aspects.

[0073] In particular, the possible absence of column-shaped structures at the angles not only enables the angle regions themselves to be utilized for receiving the goods, but in particular allows these angle regions to be utilized up to the rest surface on the ground, which will further increase the available inner volume.

[0074] This solution also enables elimination of additional components (feet) to be mounted by fitting or by screwing for closing the angular column and positioned at the lower side of the bin. Use of these components is presently necessary for:

• providing a sufficient rest surface on the ground,
• cooperating in coupling between stacked bins,
• closing the angular-column cavity so as to prevent entry of dirt therein.

[0075] The elimination of said components has economical advantages also connected with a reduction in the amount of the plastic material used, the elimination of the assembling step and the possibility of sealingly closing the cavities (thereby eliminating seepage and consequent stagnation) using plugs placed on top of the columns at positions where there are no stresses causing separation.

[0076] Still with reference to the angle regions, it is to note that from a structural point of view providing the possibility of making the connecting lengths 18 in a planar form is very advantageous and efficient in that this shape is the most efficient for absorbing loads that are present both on the radially inner side and on the radially outer side of each of said lengths 18.

[0077] It is finally to note that, while having all the above-listed technical, operating and manufacturing advantages, the bin in reference is compatible, as regards stacking, with bin embodiments already present on the market, so that, for its use, the replacement of still usable bins of a traditional typology is not required.

Claims

1. A bin for storage of loose materials comprising:

- a base wall (2);

- a side wall (4) emerging from a perimetric edge (3) of the base wall (2) to define a holding space (5) therewith for materials to be stored, said side wall (4) having an upper rim (4a) delimiting an access opening to the holding space, said side wall also having an outer surface (6) defined by a predetermined number of faces (7) disposed one after another, and an inner surface (8) facing said holding space,
characterized in that it further comprises radial-stiffening means (15) in engagement with the inner surface of the side wall and extending at least between one connecting region (16) defined on the inner surface of a predetermined one of said faces and one corresponding connecting region (16) defined on the inner surface of another of said faces.

2. A bin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said radial-stiffening means 15 is such shaped that it creates a mechanical connection between the connecting region (16) relative to each face and the connecting region relative to the adjacent face.

3. A bin as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said radial-stiffening means (15) comprises:

- at least one curved surface portion (17) defined at the connecting region (16) provided on each face (7);

- at least one connecting length (18) substantially extending at angle regions (14) of the side wall and interposed between a curved portion corresponding to each face and the curved portion corresponding to the adjacent face.

4. A bin as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that each curved surface portion (17) is a cylindrical surface portion having a vertical directrix and a generatrix substantially in the form of an arc of a conic, in particular either of a circumference or an ellipse or a parabola, or a hyperbola.

5. A bin as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that each curved surface portion (17) has a substantially vertical extension equal to the corresponding face (7) of said side wall (4).

6. A bin as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that each connecting length (18) comprises a thin wall having horizontally opposite ends (18a), rigidly connected with corresponding end junction regions (17a) of adjacent curved surface portions (17).

7. A bin as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that each connecting length (18) is a flat or curved thin wall.

8. A bin as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that each connecting length (18) defines auxiliary storage spaces (22) at the angle regions (14) and in cooperation with the side wall (4).

9. A bin as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one radial thin wall (24) extending in a vertical direction and inside each auxiliary space (22) between said connecting length (18) and the side wall (4).

10. A bin as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that each connecting length (18) has through windows (23) to bring each auxiliary space (22) into fluid communication with said holding space (5).

11. A bin as claimed in anyone of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that each of said faces comprises an outer surface (6) having substantially flat opposite side portions (19) extending vertically at the angle regions (14) of the side wall (4) and delimiting respective central areas (20) the shape of which preferably substantially matches that of the corresponding curved surface portions (17).

12. A bin as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that each of said central areas, at said rim comprises at least one stiffening rib (21) having a substantially horizontal resisting surface.

13. A bin as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said auxiliary storage spaces (22) are open at the top.

14. A rim as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that each connecting length (18), at the angle regions (14) defines tubular column-shaped structures which are closed at an upper end and open at a lower end.

15. A bin as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said auxiliary spaces (22) are delimited at the lower part thereof by a respective bottom wall (22a) extending below the base wall (2).

16. A bin as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that at said angle regions (14) the side wall has a tubular structure which is open at the lower part thereof and closed at the upper part thereof so as to define stiffening column-shaped structures.

17. A bin as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that it comprises tubular walls associated with the side wall at each angle region (14) for defining pairs of stiffening column-shaped structures having rest areas on top, which are arranged to receive a corresponding foot (13) of another bin to be stacked up.

18. A bin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface (6) thereof is substantially of a prismatic shape.

19. A bin as claimed in anyone of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that each connecting length (18) is an added band.

20. A device as claimed in claims 17 and 19, characterized in that each added band (18) has ends (18a) active, upon closure, on the rest areas of said column-shaped structures.

Drawing