WO2004108542A1 - Collapsible metal box - Google Patents

Collapsible metal box Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004108542A1
WO2004108542A1 PCT/FR2003/003456 FR0303456W WO2004108542A1 WO 2004108542 A1 WO2004108542 A1 WO 2004108542A1 FR 0303456 W FR0303456 W FR 0303456W WO 2004108542 A1 WO2004108542 A1 WO 2004108542A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panels
box
panel
base part
box according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2003/003456
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Benoît ARNAUD
Jean-François BAUS
Jean-Laurent Bodolec
Original Assignee
Arnaud Sa
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arnaud Sa filed Critical Arnaud Sa
Priority to AU2003294054A priority Critical patent/AU2003294054A1/en
Priority to DE60320686T priority patent/DE60320686D1/en
Priority to EP03789471A priority patent/EP1633641B1/en
Publication of WO2004108542A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004108542A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
    • B65D7/24—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls collapsible, e.g. with all parts detachable
    • B65D7/26—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls collapsible, e.g. with all parts detachable with all parts hinged together
    • 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
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0215—Containers with stacking feet or corner elements

Definitions

  • Foldable metal box The present invention relates to a foldable metal box, in particular for transporting a material sensitive to creep, for example synthetic rubber packaged in bales, as well as a method for filling the box and a method for transferring contained goods. in such a case to a wooden case.
  • a material sensitive to creep for example synthetic rubber packaged in bales
  • Collapsible aluminum boxes comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape, resting on four feet, and removable panels articulated on this base part.
  • the two large panels have, over their entire length in the lower part, an extruded profile arranged to fit, when the body is mounted, in a corresponding extruded profile of the base part. Large panels can be removed as soon as they are folded in or out of the box.
  • the small panels of these aluminum boxes are connected to the base part by means of pins engaged in circular holes in the vertical corner posts of the base part. To dismantle the small panels, it is necessary, using suitable tools, to remove the pins and such a dismantling operation is reserved essentially for repairing the body.
  • folding steel boxes also comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape, resting on four feet, and panels hinged on this base part.
  • the feet are projecting so as to cover an underlying box when two boxes are stacked, and thus lock the panels of the underlying box.
  • the four panels are removable but are relatively difficult to be, being connected to the base part using pins, which has the aforementioned drawbacks.
  • These known boxes also comprise, on each side of the base part, a plurality of retaining tabs against which the panels can come to bear, in particular when the pressure of the goods inside the box is high, this which is the case when it is made of synthetic rubber balls.
  • the lower crosspieces of the four panels each have a substantially circular section profile, partially open towards the outside, so as to provide a space in which the tabs can engage when the panels are folded out of the body. .
  • the invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.
  • the folding metal box according to the invention comprises a base part of generally rectangular shape comprising four vertical corner uprights, and four panels articulated on the base part, including two small panels and two large panels, each panel comprising two lateral uprights vertical, at least one of the panels being removable, and preferably all the panels being.
  • At least one lateral upright and preferably each of these comprises a first male articulation element engaged in a corresponding opening of the corresponding corner upright.
  • at least one corner upright, and preferably each corner upright comprises a first male articulation element and the lateral upright corresponding to the associated opening.
  • the body can be characterized by the fact that the aforementioned opening has a shape making it possible to separate the panel concerned from the base part, by a relative displacement at least substantially vertically between the lateral upright and the corner upright.
  • the invention makes it possible to assemble and disassemble easily, in particular without a specific tool, the various panels of the body during the use thereof, which can be advantageous in particular for the loading and unloading of goods, for example .
  • the articulation of the panels on the base part can be carried out in many ways, the abovementioned opening (s) which receive the corresponding male articulation element (s) and make it possible to separate the panels from the base part which can be produced on the corner uprights of the base part, or alternatively on the panels themselves.
  • At least one opening may be constituted by a vertical slot opening at the upper end of a corner post, this slot being able in particular to be produced on one side of the corner post which faces to a large sign.
  • At least one opening can also be constituted by a vertical slot opening at the lower end of a lateral upright of a panel.
  • At least one opening can open on one side of a corner post which is adjacent to the side which faces the articulation element. This may be the case, for example, when the opening is intended to accommodate the articulation element of a small panel.
  • at least one opening may open on one side of the lateral upright of the panel which is adjacent to the side which faces the first articulation element, the latter being carried by an angle upright of the base part.
  • the first articulation element is on a panel, the latter may comprise a second male articulation element situated opposite the first articulation element and engaged in an opening, preferably substantially circular, of the corner post corresponding.
  • the first articulation element may comprise, opposite the first articulation element, an opening, preferably circular, and the corresponding angle upright may include a second male articulation element engaged in this opening.
  • the panel may include a second male articulation element engaged in an associated opening, preferably circular, with a corresponding angle upright.
  • the removable panel may comprise, opposite the first element articulation, a circular opening, and the corresponding angle upright may include a second male articulation element, engaged in the circular opening.
  • the body can be made of steel, at least in part.
  • the base part may comprise, on at least one side between two corner uprights, at least one retaining cleat for a corresponding panel.
  • the latter may include a lower cross member comprising a first profile, open at the bottom, and at least one opening on the outer wing of the profile to receive the cleat when the panel is folded outwards.
  • the lower cross member of a panel in particular of a small panel, may have an axis, in particular a solid axis, extending at least partially between the wings of the first profile, for example over the entire width of the panel. This axis can provide sufficient space with the web of the profile to allow the cleat to engage there.
  • the lower cross member of a panel may further comprise a second reinforcing profile, superimposed on the first.
  • a panel in particular a small panel, comprises the first male articulation element, this can be constituted by one end of the aforementioned axis.
  • the maximum thickness of small panels may be less than that of large panels.
  • Small panels can, for example, have a maximum thickness of around 20 mm, and large panels can have a maximum thickness of around 30 mm.
  • the base part preferably rests on at least four feet which may each have a lower base, the lower end of each corner upright of the base part being located above the base of the corresponding foot.
  • Large panels may include, at the top, pins and at least one corner upright of the base part may have at the bottom at least one opening for receiving a pin. This opening can also be arranged so as to receive the corner upright of an underlying box when two boxes are stacked in the folded state.
  • the opening for receiving a pin can be formed downwards and partly at least laterally inwards.
  • At least one pawn may have a generally tapered upward shape, in particular semi-pyramidal.
  • the box may include at least one locking system of at least one panel hinged with an adjacent panel.
  • Another subject of the invention is a method of transporting synthetic rubber bales, which can be characterized by the fact that a box is used as defined above.
  • the subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the above, a method of filling a metal case comprising panels, with bales of a material sensitive to creep, in particular bales of synthetic rubber, this method may include the step of filling the box by constituting a stack of bales whose last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the box so that during creep, this last layer is housed in it -even substantially in the interior volume of the body.
  • Another object of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a box intended to receive bales of a material sensitive to creep, in particular bales of synthetic rubber, these bales being stacked in successive layers in the box up to a last layer, the box being able to be characterized by the fact that it comprises panels the height of which is chosen so that the last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the box so that during the creep, the last layer lodges itself substantially in the interior volume of the body.
  • the box can be arranged to receive, for example, thirty-six standard size synthetic rubber balls, arranged on six layers.
  • the dimensions of a rubber ball can for example be as follows.
  • the length of a bale can be between approximately 680 mm and approximately 710 mm inclusive.
  • the width of a bale can be between approximately 340 and approximately 355 mm, this width being for example substantially equal to half the length.
  • the height of a bale can be between approximately 160 mm and approximately
  • the invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a process for transferring goods contained in a metal case to a wooden case, in which the metal case used comprises four removable panels articulated on a base part , this process can include the following steps: the metal case being filled, remove the four panels, cover the goods resting on the base part of the metal case with a wooden case placed upside down, turn the part 180 ° metal base capped by the wooden case, - remove the metal base part.
  • the subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the above, a collapsible metal box comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape comprising four corner posts, and four panels hinged on the base part, two of which are small. panels and two large panels.
  • the base part comprises, on at least one side between two corner uprights, at least one retaining cleat for a corresponding panel, in particular a small panel, which itself has a horizontal lower cross member.
  • the box can be characterized by the fact that the lower cross member has a first section open downwards and at least one opening on the outer wing of the section.
  • This opening can accommodate the cleat when the panel is folded outward.
  • the lower cross member may have an axis, in particular a solid axis, extending at least partially between the wings of the first profile, for example over the entire width of the panel.
  • the lower crossmember can also comprise a second reinforcing profile, superimposed on the first.
  • FIG. 1 represents schematically, in perspective, a box according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the box of Figure 1, two panels of this box being folded outward
  • Figure 3 shows schematically and partially, in perspective, the box of Figure 1 after disassembly of a large panel
  • - Figures 4, 5 and 6 show schematically and partially, in perspective, the connecting elements of the base part to a large panel
  • Figure 7 shows schematically and partially, in perspective , the lower cross member of a large panel of the body of Figure 1
  • Figure 8 shows, schematically and partially, in perspective, a retaining cleat bearing against the lower cross member of a large panel
  • Figure 9 schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a small panel of the box of FIG.
  • FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate, in perspective, schematically and by tielle, the connecting elements between the base part and the small panel of Figure 8, - Figure 13 shows schematically and in perspective a pin, Figure 14 shows schematically and in perspective retaining cleats a lower cross member of a small panel of the box of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 15 represents in schematic cross-section the lower cross member of a small panel according to the invention
  • - FIG. 16 shows schematically and partially, in perspective , the end of a variant of the lower cross member of a small panel
  • FIG. 17 schematically and partially, in perspective seen from below, a foot of the body of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 18 represents in perspective , schematically, an example of a box variant according to the invention
  • FIG. 19 schematically represents, in front view, two boxes stacked in the unfolded state
  • FIG. 20 shows schematically, in perspective, two boxes stacked in the folded state
  • - Figures 21 and 22 are schematic top views of layers of rubber balls intended to be superimposed in the box according to the invention
  • Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a method of filling the box
  • Figures 25 to 29 illustrate a method of transferring goods from a box according to the invention to a wooden box.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of a foldable box 1 made of steel, in the assembled state, comprising a base part 2 of generally substantially rectangular shape, resting on four feet 3 of which only three are visible in FIG. 1, and four panels 4 articulated on the base part 2 around geometric horizontal axes of rotation.
  • the base part 2 has four sides 8 and four corners 9.
  • the large panels 4 also bear the reference 4a and the small panels the reference 4b.
  • the long sides bear the reference 8a and the short sides the reference 8b.
  • the body 1 could also be substantially cubic and include four panels of similar widths without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the base part 2 comprises, at its corners 9, corner uprights 5 formed in the example illustrated by sections of substantially rectangular, hollow and vertical section.
  • the corner uprights 5 are connected, on the sides 8 of the base part, by horizontal crosspieces 6.
  • the base part also includes a bottom 7 not visible in FIG. 1 and visible for example in FIG. 3.
  • the panels 4 each comprise a metal frame, made of steel in the example considered, comprising lateral vertical uprights 10 and lower horizontal cross members 12 and upper 11.
  • the metal frame further comprises vertical reinforcements 13 which connect the cross members 11 and 12.
  • Galvanized steel plates 14 are fixed to the metal framework.
  • the uprights 10, the crosspieces 11 and 12 and the reinforcements 13 are made of metal sections of galvanized steel, in the example illustrated.
  • a label holder 15 can also be attached to at least one panel 4.
  • the hinged panels 4 can be folded in or out of the box.
  • the geometric axes of articulation of the panels are located at different heights, so as to allow the panels to be folded over one another when the box is folded.
  • the panels are removable relative to the base part 2.
  • Locking systems 17 are provided to hold the panels 4 together and vertical when the body is assembled.
  • Each locking system 17 can for example comprise a latch 17a carried by a panel and which can engage in a part 17b fixed on the adjacent lateral upright of the neighboring panel.
  • Each lateral upright 10 of a large panel 4a is capped with a pin 20. The latter is for example engaged lower down in the profile constituting the lateral upright 10 considered.
  • each lateral upright 10 of a large panel 4 extends, when the panel is in a vertical position, mounted on the base part 2, in the extension of the underlying corner upright 5.
  • the pins 20 could also, alternatively, cover the small panels 4b without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • a second piece, not shown, can be fixed on the upper end of at least one corner post 5 of the base part 2.
  • This second pin may in particular be arranged to engage in an opening in the lower end of a lateral upright 10 of a panel when the panel is mounted, and to engage in an opening in the lower end of an amount of angle 5 of an overlying box when two folded boxes are stacked.
  • the base part 2 further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs 21, arranged on at least one side 8 of the base part 2 and preferably on each side, these tabs 21 are arranged so that the panels 4 can come pressing against them, especially when the pressure of the goods inside the box is high.
  • the base part 2 has three tabs 21 on its long sides 8a and two tabs 21 on its short sides 8b. If necessary, the number of catches 21 could be reduced, for example to a single cleat 21 per side.
  • a corner post 5 of the base part 2 is provided with an opening 30, constituted in the example considered by a slot opening at the upper end of the post d 'angle 5.
  • This opening 30 is arranged to cooperate with a first male articulation element 31 of the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a, shown in Figure 5, constituted in the example illustrated by a cylindrical protuberance, and being able to slide vertically in the opening 30 until it is detached from the angle post 5.
  • the angle upright 5 corresponding to the other end of the large side 8a and cooperating with the same large panel 4a comprises a second male articulation element 32, substantially identical to the first and constituted in the example illustrated by a cylindrical protuberance.
  • This protuberance 32 is arranged to cooperate with a circular opening 33 of the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a, shown in FIG. 7.
  • the shape and dimensions of the protrusion 32 are chosen so as to allow the large panel 4a to be able to be completely detached from the base part 2, the release of the second articulation element 32 outside the circular opening
  • the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a profile of substantially circular section, open at least partially outwards at 35.
  • the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a can come to bear against the cleat 21 of the base part 2, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the large panel 4a is vertical.
  • the opening 35 formed in the cross member 12 makes it possible to receive the catches 21 when the large panel 4a is folded outwards, so that the catches 21 do not prevent each large panel 4a from pivoting towards the outside.
  • FIGS. 9 to 12 show the arrangement of a small panel 4b on the base part 2.
  • the small panel 4b is folded outwards, while in FIG. 10, it is folded inwardly of the body and, in Figure 11, the small panel 4b has been removed.
  • Figure 12 shows only part of the small panel
  • the short side 8b of the base part 2 comprises an angle post 5 provided, in the example illustrated, with an opening 40 extending on two adjacent sides of the corner post 5.
  • a first articulation element 41 disposed at one end of the lower cross member 12 of the small panel 4b is engaged in the opening 40.
  • the latter comprises a vertical part 40a extending on the side of the angle post 5 directed towards the small panel, and a horizontal part 40b extending the upper end of the vertical part on the front side of the corner post 5.
  • the first articulation element 41 can, once brought to the top of the vertical part 40a of the opening 40, be moved through the horizontal part 40b to be detached from the angle upright 5. It does not leave the frame of the present invention when the horizontal part
  • 40b is made on the adjacent rear side of the corner post 5.
  • a circular opening 43 is produced, being arranged to receive a second male articulation element 44 of the small panel 4b, arranged at the other end of the lower cross member 12 and shown in FIG. 12.
  • the second articulation element 44 and the corresponding circular opening 43 are arranged in such a way that, when the articulation element 41 is detached from the opening 40, the second articulation element 44 can be separated from the circular opening 43, so as to completely disassemble the small panel 4b. It is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention if the circular opening 43 is formed in the lower overhang 12 of the short side 4b and if a second articulation element 44 is then produced on the corresponding corner post 5.
  • the illustrated box has large panels with a maximum thickness e a of approximately 30 mm, while the small panels 4b have a maximum thickness ⁇ b of approximately 20 mm, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
  • the large panels 4a are capped on their vertical uprights 10 with a pin 20 of semi-pyramidal shape, as illustrated in FIG. 13. It is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention if the shape of the pin 20 is different, for example frustoconical or other.
  • Each pin 20 is engaged and fixed, in the example considered, in the vertical upright 10 of a large panel 4a, constituted by a hollow profile.
  • the small panels 4b as illustrated in FIG. 14, can come to bear against tabs 21 arranged on the short sides 8a of the base part 2, these tabs 21 being two in number in the example considered.
  • the lower cross member 12 of the small panels 4b comprises, in the example illustrated, as can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, an axis 50, the latter being for example cylindrical and solid.
  • the axis is engaged in a first section 51, open downward, itself surmounted by a second reinforcing section 52.
  • the axis 50 can extend over the entire length of the lower cross member 12 and form at its two ends the two articulation elements intended to engage respectively in the openings 40 and 43.
  • the tabs 21 are arranged so that the small panel 4b can come to bear against them in a vertical position.
  • Openings 53 have been made on the outer wing of the lower profile 51. These openings 53 are two in number in the example considered and their location corresponds to that of the cleats 21.
  • each small panel 4b can come to bear against the corresponding tabs 21 by its axis 50.
  • the openings 53 make it possible to provide a space 54 between the axis 50 and the upper wing of the profile 51.
  • This space 54 makes it possible to accommodate the tabs 21 when the small panel 4b is folded outwards.
  • the openings 53 extend over the entire height of the profile in the example illustrated, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if they only extend over a part of this height.
  • a foot 3 has been shown in Figure 17 from below. It has two substantially perpendicular sides 60 and 61.
  • a base 62 generally triangular, connects the sides 60 and 61.
  • the height of the leg 3 is for example around 95 mm.
  • the base 62 has at least one opening 63, two in the example illustrated, allowing a liquid to flow, in particular during the step of galvanizing the steel constituting the body.
  • the corner post 5 has an opening 64 in its lower part, this opening 64 being formed downwards and also laterally inwards, in the example illustrated.
  • the corner post 5 is set back relative to the base 62, which prevents it from resting on the ground and also allows a certain locking of an underlying box when two boxes in the folded state are stacked, the upper end of a corner upright 5 of the underlying box positioned in the recess.
  • the sides 60 and 61 of the leg 3 have been cut at an angle on their edge adjacent to the corner post 5, so as to facilitate stacking of the boxes.
  • the pins 20 can engage in the openings 64 of the corner posts 5 during the stacking of two boxes and thus lock the panels of an underlying box in the assembled state.
  • FIG 18 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the box of Figure 1, further comprising an element 70 connecting the feet 3 under each large panel 4a.
  • the element 70 comprises a sole 71 and spacers 72, two in number in the example considered, connecting the sole 71 to the crosspiece 6 of the base part 2.
  • Figures 19 and 20 show two stacked boxes, respectively in the unfolded and folded state.
  • the dimensions of the box are chosen so that one can stack nine boxes in the folded state or two boxes in the unfolded state in a shipping container, of standard dimensions, and that two cases can hold front in this container.
  • the width of the interior available space of a maritime container is of the order of 2.33 m.
  • the vertical dimension of a crate is advantageously chosen so that the height of two superimposed crates is slightly less than that of the space available for the passage of the doors of a maritime container, this height being between 2.20 m and 2.30 m. It is not going beyond the scope of the present invention if at least one of the openings 30 and 40 is produced not on a corner post 5 but on a side post 10 of a panel, and if the element of corresponding male joint is produced on the corresponding angle post 5.
  • the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, and it is in particular possible to modify the relative dimensions of the panels and of the base part.
  • the height of the panels is chosen so as to allow the following filling process to be implemented, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.
  • the rubber balls B are placed in the box in successive layers, for example six layers.
  • the rubber balls B can for example be positioned in alternative layers respectively according to FIG. 21 and according to FIG. 22, Thus, the lowest layer will comprise for example six balls positioned according to FIG. 21; the next layer will have six balls arranged according to figure 22, and the layer still above will have balls again positioned according to figure 21, and so on until, for example, the sixth layer, the highest.
  • bale length of a bale for example between 680 mm and 710 mm, is substantially equal to twice its width, for example between 340 mm and 355 mm.
  • the height of the panels 4 is chosen such that the sixth layer protrudes upwards from the upper edge of the panels 4, as can be seen in FIG. 23. However, during the creep of the rubber, the balls B settle and the height of the stack decreases, to the point that it arrives substantially at the level of the upper edges of the panels 4, as illustrated in FIG. 24.
  • the upper layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels by a height which is for example between about 1/4 and about 8/9 of the initial thickness of a rubber ball.
  • a height which is for example between about 1/4 and about 8/9 of the initial thickness of a rubber ball.
  • the height of excess relative to the upper edge of the box can be loading, of the order of about 160 mm, the useful height of the box being 980 mm and the bales being arranged in six superimposed layers.
  • the invention also makes it possible to implement a method for transferring goods, in particular rubber balls B, of a metal box comprising four removable panels and a base part, for example a box 1 according to the invention, as illustrated , to a wooden case C.
  • This transfer process comprises the following steps illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 29.
  • the balls B are initially placed inside the metal box 1, as illustrated in FIG. 25.
  • the panels 4 of this box are firstly removed in the step illustrated in FIG. 26. Only the base part 2 of the box 1 remains, which supports the balls B.
  • the balls B are capped with a wooden case C arranged upside down, in the next step, shown in FIG. 27.
  • the assembly is then returned by rotating it 180 °, as illustrated in FIG. 28, so that the wooden box C is on the ground and the base part covers the balls B.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
  • Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible metal box (1), comprising :- a base part (2) of general rectangular shape, having four vertical corner posts (5), - four panels (4) hinged on the base part, i.e. two small panels (4b) and two large panels (4a), each panel having two vertical side posts, wherein at least one of the panels (4) being detachable, wherein at least one of the side post and the corner post (5) having a first hinge element engaged into a corresponding aperture of the other of the side post and the corner post (5),and wherein the aperture is so shaped that the panel (4) can be loosened from the base part (2) by an at least substantially vertical mutual displacement between the panel side post and the base part corner post (5).

Description

Caisse métallique repliable La présente invention concerne une caisse métallique repliable, notamment de transport d'un matériau sensible au fluage, par exemple du caoutchouc synthétique conditionné en balles, ainsi qu'un procédé de remplissage de la caisse et un procédé de transfert de marchandises contenues dans une telle caisse vers une caisse en bois. Foldable metal box The present invention relates to a foldable metal box, in particular for transporting a material sensitive to creep, for example synthetic rubber packaged in bales, as well as a method for filling the box and a method for transferring contained goods. in such a case to a wooden case.
On connaît des caisses repliables en aluminium comportant une partie de base de forme générale rectangulaire, reposant sur quatre pieds, et des panneaux amovibles articulés sur cette partie de base.Collapsible aluminum boxes are known comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape, resting on four feet, and removable panels articulated on this base part.
Les deux grands panneaux comportent, sur toute leur longueur en partie inférieure, un profilé extradé agencé pour s'emboîter, lorsque la caisse est montée, dans un profilé extradé correspondant de la partie de base. Les grands panneaux peuvent être enlevés dès qu'on les rabat vers l'intérieur ou vers l'extérieur de la caisse.The two large panels have, over their entire length in the lower part, an extruded profile arranged to fit, when the body is mounted, in a corresponding extruded profile of the base part. Large panels can be removed as soon as they are folded in or out of the box.
Les petits panneaux de ces caisses en aluminium sont reliés à la partie de base à l'aide de goupilles engagées dans des orifices circulaires des montants d'angle verticaux de la partie de base. Pour démonter les petits panneaux, il faut, à l'aide d'outils adaptés, retirer les goupilles et une telle opération de démontage est réservée essentiellement à la réparation de la caisse.The small panels of these aluminum boxes are connected to the base part by means of pins engaged in circular holes in the vertical corner posts of the base part. To dismantle the small panels, it is necessary, using suitable tools, to remove the pins and such a dismantling operation is reserved essentially for repairing the body.
On connaît par ailleurs des caisses repliables en acier comportant également une partie de base de forme générale rectangulaire, reposant sur quatre pieds, et des panneaux articulés sur cette partie de base. Les pieds sont saillants de manière à coiffer une caisse sous-jacente lorsque deux caisses sont gerbées, et verrouiller ainsi les panneaux de la caisse sous-jacente. Les quatre panneaux sont démontables mais le sont relativement difficilement, étant reliés à la partie de base à l'aide de goupilles, ce qui présente les inconvénients précités. Ces caisses connues comportent en outre, sur chacun des côtés de la partie de base, une pluralité de taquets de retenue contre lesquels les panneaux peuvent venir en appui, notamment lorsque la pression de la marchandise à l'intérieur de la caisse est importante, ce qui est le cas quand celle-ci est constituée de balles de caoutchouc synthétique. Les traverses inférieures des quatre panneaux comportent chacune un profilé de section sensiblement circulaire, ouvert partiellement vers l'extérieur, de manière à ménager un espace dans lequel les taquets peuvent s'engager lorsque l'on rabat les panneaux vers l'extérieur de la caisse. Il existe un besoin pour bénéficier d'une caisse métallique repliable perfectionnée et relativement peu coûteuse, dont le gerbage soit facile à effectuer.There are also known folding steel boxes also comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape, resting on four feet, and panels hinged on this base part. The feet are projecting so as to cover an underlying box when two boxes are stacked, and thus lock the panels of the underlying box. The four panels are removable but are relatively difficult to be, being connected to the base part using pins, which has the aforementioned drawbacks. These known boxes also comprise, on each side of the base part, a plurality of retaining tabs against which the panels can come to bear, in particular when the pressure of the goods inside the box is high, this which is the case when it is made of synthetic rubber balls. The lower crosspieces of the four panels each have a substantially circular section profile, partially open towards the outside, so as to provide a space in which the tabs can engage when the panels are folded out of the body. . There is a need to benefit from an improved and relatively inexpensive collapsible metal box, the stacking of which is easy to perform.
Il existe aussi un besoin pour bénéficier d'une caisse métallique repliable permettant d'utiliser au mieux l'espace disponible dans les conteneurs maritimes. II existe également un besoin pour bénéficier d'une caisse métallique repliable permettant un démontage simple et rapide des panneaux lors de l'utilisation de la caisse.There is also a need to benefit from a collapsible metal box allowing the best use of the space available in maritime containers. There is also a need to benefit from a collapsible metal box allowing a simple and rapid disassembly of the panels when using the box.
Il existe encore un besoin pour bénéficier d'une caisse métallique repliable à usage multiple, et pour permettre d'utiliser au mieux le volume intérieur d'une caisse métallique repliable lors de son chargement. L'invention vise à répondre à tout ou partie des besoins précités.There is still a need to benefit from a foldable metal box for multiple use, and to allow the best use of the interior volume of a foldable metal box during loading. The invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.
La caisse métallique repliable selon l'invention comporte une partie de base de forme générale rectangulaire comportant quatre montants d'angle verticaux, et quatre panneaux articulés sur la partie de base, dont deux petits panneaux et deux grands panneaux, chaque panneau comportant deux montants latéraux verticaux, au moins l'un des panneaux étant amovible, et de préférence tous les panneaux l'étant.The folding metal box according to the invention comprises a base part of generally rectangular shape comprising four vertical corner uprights, and four panels articulated on the base part, including two small panels and two large panels, each panel comprising two lateral uprights vertical, at least one of the panels being removable, and preferably all the panels being.
Selon un aspect de l'invention, au moins un montant latéral et de préférence chacun de ceux-ci comporte un premier élément d'articulation mâle engagé dans une ouverture correspondante du montant d'angle correspondant. En variante, au moins un montant d'angle, et de préférence chaque montant d'angle, comporte un premier élément d'articulation mâle et le montant latéral correspondant l'ouverture associée.According to one aspect of the invention, at least one lateral upright and preferably each of these comprises a first male articulation element engaged in a corresponding opening of the corresponding corner upright. As a variant, at least one corner upright, and preferably each corner upright, comprises a first male articulation element and the lateral upright corresponding to the associated opening.
La caisse peut se caractériser par le fait que l'ouverture précitée présente une forme permettant de désolidariser le panneau concerné de la partie de base, par un déplacement relatif au moins sensiblement verticalement entre le montant latéral et le montant d'angle. L'invention rend possible de monter et de démonter facilement, notamment sans outil spécifique, les différents panneaux de la caisse lors de l'utilisation de celle-ci, ce qui peut être avantageux notamment pour le chargement et le déchargement des marchandises, par exemple.The body can be characterized by the fact that the aforementioned opening has a shape making it possible to separate the panel concerned from the base part, by a relative displacement at least substantially vertically between the lateral upright and the corner upright. The invention makes it possible to assemble and disassemble easily, in particular without a specific tool, the various panels of the body during the use thereof, which can be advantageous in particular for the loading and unloading of goods, for example .
Dans toute la suite, les termes « vertical/horizontal, supérieur/inférieur, haut/bas, dessus/dessous, extérieure/intérieure » et autres termes d'orientation doivent être compris relativement à un observateur se trouvant devant la caisse posée à l'endroit sur une surface plane horizontale. Par « caisse repliable », on entend une caisse dont on peut rabattre les panneaux vers l'intérieur ou vers l'extérieur de la caisse.Throughout the following, the terms "vertical / horizontal, upper / lower, up / down, above / below, outside / inside" and other orientation terms must be understood with respect to an observer standing in front of the box placed at the place on a flat horizontal surface. By "collapsible box" means a box whose panels can be folded inward or outward of the box.
L'articulation des panneaux sur la partie de base peut s'effectuer de multiples manières, la ou les ouvertures précitées qui reçoivent le ou les éléments d'articulation mâles correspondants et permettent de désolidariser les panneaux de la partie de base pouvant être réalisées sur les montants d'angle de la partie de base, ou en variante sur les panneaux eux-mêmes.The articulation of the panels on the base part can be carried out in many ways, the abovementioned opening (s) which receive the corresponding male articulation element (s) and make it possible to separate the panels from the base part which can be produced on the corner uprights of the base part, or alternatively on the panels themselves.
Dans un exemple de mise en œuvre, une ouverture au moins peut être constituée par une fente verticale débouchant à l'extrémité supérieure d'un montant d'angle, cette fente pouvant notamment être réalisée sur un côté du montant d'angle qui fait face à un grand panneau. Au moins une ouverture peut encore être constituée par une fente verticale débouchant à l'extrémité inférieure d'un montant latéral d'un panneau.In an exemplary implementation, at least one opening may be constituted by a vertical slot opening at the upper end of a corner post, this slot being able in particular to be produced on one side of the corner post which faces to a large sign. At least one opening can also be constituted by a vertical slot opening at the lower end of a lateral upright of a panel.
Toujours dans un exemple de mise en œuvre, au moins une ouverture peut déboucher sur un côté d'un montant d'angle qui est adjacent au côté qui fait face à l'élément d'articulation. Cela peut être le cas par exemple lorsque l'ouverture est destinée à accueillir l'élément d'articulation d'un petit panneau. En variante, au moins une ouverture peut déboucher sur un côté du montant latéral du panneau qui est adjacent au côté qui fait face au premier élément d'articulation, celui-ci étant porté par un montant d'angle de la partie de base. Lorsque le premier élément d'articulation est sur un panneau, ce dernier peut comporter un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle situé à l'opposé du premier élément d'articulation et engagé dans une ouverture, de préférence sensiblement circulaire, du montant d'angle correspondant.Still in an exemplary implementation, at least one opening can open on one side of a corner post which is adjacent to the side which faces the articulation element. This may be the case, for example, when the opening is intended to accommodate the articulation element of a small panel. As a variant, at least one opening may open on one side of the lateral upright of the panel which is adjacent to the side which faces the first articulation element, the latter being carried by an angle upright of the base part. When the first articulation element is on a panel, the latter may comprise a second male articulation element situated opposite the first articulation element and engaged in an opening, preferably substantially circular, of the corner post corresponding.
En variante, mais toujours dans le cas où le premier élément d'articulation est sur le panneau, ce dernier peut comporter, à l'opposé du premier élément d'articulation, une ouverture, de préférence circulaire, et le montant d'angle correspondant peut comporter un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle engagé dans cette ouverture.As a variant, but always in the case where the first articulation element is on the panel, the latter may comprise, opposite the first articulation element, an opening, preferably circular, and the corresponding angle upright may include a second male articulation element engaged in this opening.
Lorsque le premier élément d'articulation mâle est réalisé sur le montant d'angle, le panneau peut comporter un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle engagé dans une ouverture associée, de préférence circulaire, d'un montant d'angle correspondant. En variante, mais toujours dans le cas où le premier élément d'articulation mâle est réalisé sur le montant d'angle, le panneau amovible peut comporter, à l'opposé du premier élément d'articulation, une ouverture circulaire, et le montant d'angle correspondant peut comporter un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle, engagé dans l'ouverture circulaire.When the first male articulation element is produced on the angle upright, the panel may include a second male articulation element engaged in an associated opening, preferably circular, with a corresponding angle upright. As a variant, but always in the case where the first male articulation element is produced on the corner upright, the removable panel may comprise, opposite the first element articulation, a circular opening, and the corresponding angle upright may include a second male articulation element, engaged in the circular opening.
La caisse peut être réalisée en acier, en partie au moins.The body can be made of steel, at least in part.
La partie de base peut comporter, sur au moins un côté entre deux montants d'angle, au moins un taquet de retenue d'un panneau correspondant.The base part may comprise, on at least one side between two corner uprights, at least one retaining cleat for a corresponding panel.
Ce dernier peut comporter une traverse inférieure comprenant un premier profilé, ouvert vers le bas, et au moins une ouverture sur l'aile extérieure du profilé pour recevoir le taquet lorsque le panneau est rabattu vers l'extérieur.The latter may include a lower cross member comprising a first profile, open at the bottom, and at least one opening on the outer wing of the profile to receive the cleat when the panel is folded outwards.
La traverse inférieure d'un panneau, notamment d'un petit panneau, peut comporter un axe, notamment un axe plein, s 'étendant au moins partiellement entre les ailes du premier profilé, par exemple sur toute la largeur du panneau. Cet axe peut ménager avec l'âme du profilé un espace suffisant pour permettre au taquet de s'y engager.The lower cross member of a panel, in particular of a small panel, may have an axis, in particular a solid axis, extending at least partially between the wings of the first profile, for example over the entire width of the panel. This axis can provide sufficient space with the web of the profile to allow the cleat to engage there.
La traverse inférieure d'un panneau, notamment d'un petit panneau, peut comporter en outre un deuxième profilé de renfort, superposé au premier. Dans le cas où un panneau, notamment un petit panneau, comporte le premier élément d'articulation mâle, celui-ci peut être constitué par une extrémité de l'axe précité.The lower cross member of a panel, in particular of a small panel, may further comprise a second reinforcing profile, superimposed on the first. In the case where a panel, in particular a small panel, comprises the first male articulation element, this can be constituted by one end of the aforementioned axis.
L'épaisseur maximale des petits panneaux peut être inférieure à celle des grands panneaux. Les petits panneaux peuvent avoir, par exemple, une épaisseur maximale de 20 mm environ, et les grands panneaux une épaisseur maximale de 30 mm environ. La partie de base repose de préférence sur au moins quatre pieds qui peuvent comporter chacun un socle inférieur, l'extrémité inférieure de chaque montant d'angle de la partie de base se situant au-dessus du socle du pied correspondant.The maximum thickness of small panels may be less than that of large panels. Small panels can, for example, have a maximum thickness of around 20 mm, and large panels can have a maximum thickness of around 30 mm. The base part preferably rests on at least four feet which may each have a lower base, the lower end of each corner upright of the base part being located above the base of the corresponding foot.
Les grands panneaux peuvent comporter, en partie supérieure, des pions et au moins un montant d'angle de la partie de base peut comporter en partie inférieure au moins une ouverture de réception d'un pion. Cette ouverture peut également être agencée de manière à recevoir le montant d'angle d'une caisse sous-jacente lorsque deux caisses sont gerbées à l'état replié.Large panels may include, at the top, pins and at least one corner upright of the base part may have at the bottom at least one opening for receiving a pin. This opening can also be arranged so as to receive the corner upright of an underlying box when two boxes are stacked in the folded state.
L'ouverture de réception d'un pion peut être formée vers le bas et en partie au moins latéralement vers l'intérieur. Au moins un pion peut présenter une forme générale effilée vers le haut, notamment semi-pyramidale. La caisse peut comporter au moins un système de verrouillage d'au moins un panneau articulé avec un panneau adjacent.The opening for receiving a pin can be formed downwards and partly at least laterally inwards. At least one pawn may have a generally tapered upward shape, in particular semi-pyramidal. The box may include at least one locking system of at least one panel hinged with an adjacent panel.
L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, un procédé de transport de balles de caoutchouc synthétique, pouvant se caractériser par le fait que l'on utilise une caisse telle que définie plus haut.Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, is a method of transporting synthetic rubber bales, which can be characterized by the fact that a box is used as defined above.
L'invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, un procédé de remplissage d'une caisse métallique comportant des panneaux, avec des balles d'un matériau sensible au fluage, notamment des balles de caoutchouc synthétique, ce procédé pouvant comporter l'étape consistant à remplir la caisse en constituant un empilement de balles dont la dernière couche dépasse du bord supérieur des panneaux tout en étant suffisamment engagée dans la caisse pour qu'au cours du fluage, cette dernière couche se loge d'elle-même sensiblement dans le volume intérieur de la caisse.The subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the above, a method of filling a metal case comprising panels, with bales of a material sensitive to creep, in particular bales of synthetic rubber, this method may include the step of filling the box by constituting a stack of bales whose last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the box so that during creep, this last layer is housed in it -even substantially in the interior volume of the body.
L'invention a encore pour objet, selon un autre de ses aspects, une caisse destinée à recevoir des balles d'un matériau sensible au fluage, notamment des balles de caoutchouc synthétique, ces balles étant empilées par couches successives dans la caisse jusqu'à une dernière couche, la caisse pouvant se caractériser par le fait qu'elle comporte des panneaux dont la hauteur est choisie de telle sorte que la dernière couche dépasse du bord supérieur des panneaux tout en étant suffisamment engagée dans la caisse pour qu'au cours du fluage, la dernière couche se loge d'elle-même sensiblement dans le volume intérieur de la caisse.Another object of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a box intended to receive bales of a material sensitive to creep, in particular bales of synthetic rubber, these bales being stacked in successive layers in the box up to a last layer, the box being able to be characterized by the fact that it comprises panels the height of which is chosen so that the last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the box so that during the creep, the last layer lodges itself substantially in the interior volume of the body.
La caisse peut être agencée pour recevoir par exemple trente-six balles de caoutchouc synthétique de dimension standard, disposées sur six couches.The box can be arranged to receive, for example, thirty-six standard size synthetic rubber balls, arranged on six layers.
Les dimensions d'une balle de caoutchouc peuvent par exemple être les suivantes.The dimensions of a rubber ball can for example be as follows.
La longueur d'une balle peut être comprise entre environ 680 mm et environ 710 mm inclus.The length of a bale can be between approximately 680 mm and approximately 710 mm inclusive.
La largeur d'une balle peut être comprise entre environ 340 et environ 355 mm, cette largeur étant par exemple sensiblement égale à la moitié de la longueur. La hauteur d'une balle peut être comprise entre environ 160 mm et environThe width of a bale can be between approximately 340 and approximately 355 mm, this width being for example substantially equal to half the length. The height of a bale can be between approximately 160 mm and approximately
200 mm. L'invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, un procédé de transfert de marchandises contenues dans une caisse métallique vers une caisse en bois, dans lequel la caisse métallique utilisée comporte quatre panneaux amovibles articulés sur une partie de base, ce procédé pouvant comporter les étapes suivantes : la caisse métallique étant remplie, enlever les quatre panneaux, recouvrir la marchandise reposant sur la partie de base de la caisse métallique par une caisse en bois disposée à l'envers, retourner à 180° la partie de base métallique coiffée par la caisse en bois, - enlever la partie de base métallique.200 mm. The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to a process for transferring goods contained in a metal case to a wooden case, in which the metal case used comprises four removable panels articulated on a base part , this process can include the following steps: the metal case being filled, remove the four panels, cover the goods resting on the base part of the metal case with a wooden case placed upside down, turn the part 180 ° metal base capped by the wooden case, - remove the metal base part.
L'invention a encore pour objet, indépendamment ou en combinaison avec ce qui précède, une caisse métallique repliable comportant une partie de base de forme générale rectangulaire comportant quatre montants d'angle, et quatre panneaux articulés sur la partie de base, dont deux petit panneaux et deux grands panneaux. La partie de base comporte, sur au moins un côté entre deux montants d'angle, au moins un taquet de retenue d'un panneau correspondant, notamment d'un petit panneau, qui, lui, comporte une traverse inférieure horizontale.The subject of the invention is also, independently or in combination with the above, a collapsible metal box comprising a base part of generally rectangular shape comprising four corner posts, and four panels hinged on the base part, two of which are small. panels and two large panels. The base part comprises, on at least one side between two corner uprights, at least one retaining cleat for a corresponding panel, in particular a small panel, which itself has a horizontal lower cross member.
La caisse, selon cet aspect de l'invention, peut se caractériser par le fait que la traverse inférieure comporte un premier profilé ouvert vers le bas et au moins une ouverture sur l'aile extérieure du profilé.The box, according to this aspect of the invention, can be characterized by the fact that the lower cross member has a first section open downwards and at least one opening on the outer wing of the section.
Cette ouverture peut permettre de recevoir le taquet lorsque le panneau est rabattu vers l'extérieur.This opening can accommodate the cleat when the panel is folded outward.
La traverse inférieure peut comporter un axe, notamment un axe plein, s 'étendant au moins partiellement entre les ailes du premier profilé, par exemple sur toute la largeur du panneau.The lower cross member may have an axis, in particular a solid axis, extending at least partially between the wings of the first profile, for example over the entire width of the panel.
La traverse inférieure peut comporter en outre un deuxième profilé de renfort, superposé au premier.The lower crossmember can also comprise a second reinforcing profile, superimposed on the first.
L'invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'exemples non limitatifs de mise en œuvre de celle-ci, ainsi qu'à l'examen du dessin annexé, sur lequel : la figure 1 représente de manière schématique, en perspective, une caisse conforme à l'invention, la figure 2 est une vue en perspective schématique de la caisse de la figure 1, deux panneaux de cette caisse étant rabattus vers l'extérieur, la figure 3 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, la caisse de la figure 1 après démontage d'un grand panneau, - les figures 4, 5 et 6 représentent de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, les éléments de liaison de la partie de base à un grand panneau, la figure 7 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, la traverse inférieure d'un grand panneau de la caisse de la figure 1, la figure 8 représente, de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, un taquet de retenue venant en appui contre la traverse inférieure d'un grand panneau, la figure 9 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, un petit panneau de la caisse de la figure 1, rabattu vers l'extérieur, les figures 10 à 12 illustrent, en perspective, de manière schématique et partielle, les éléments de liaison entre la partie de base et le petit panneau de la figure 8, - la figure 13 représente de manière schématique et en perspective un pion, la figure 14 représente de manière schématique et en perspective des taquets de retenue d'une traverse inférieure d'un petit panneau de la caisse de la figure 1, la figure 15 représente en coupe transversale schématique la traverse inférieure d'un petit panneau selon l'invention, - la figure 16 représente de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective, l'extrémité d'une variante de traverse inférieure d'un petit panneau, la figure 17 représente, de manière schématique et partielle, en perspective vue de dessous, un pied de la caisse de la figure 1, la figure 18 représente en perspective, de manière schématique, un exemple de variante de caisse selon l'invention, la figure 19 représente de manière schématique, en vue de face, deux caisses gerbées à l'état déplié, la figure 20 représente de manière schématique, en perspective, deux caisses gerbées à l'état replié, - les figures 21 et 22 sont des vues de dessus schématiques de couches de balles de caoutchouc destinées à être superposées dans la caisse selon l'invention, les figures 23 et 24 illustrent un procédé de remplissage de la caisse, et les figures 25 à 29 illustrent un procédé de transfert de marchandises d'une caisse selon l'invention vers une caisse en bois.The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples of implementation thereof, as well as on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIG. 1 represents schematically, in perspective, a box according to the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the box of Figure 1, two panels of this box being folded outward, Figure 3 shows schematically and partially, in perspective, the box of Figure 1 after disassembly of a large panel, - Figures 4, 5 and 6 show schematically and partially, in perspective, the connecting elements of the base part to a large panel, Figure 7 shows schematically and partially, in perspective , the lower cross member of a large panel of the body of Figure 1, Figure 8 shows, schematically and partially, in perspective, a retaining cleat bearing against the lower cross member of a large panel, Figure 9 schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a small panel of the box of FIG. 1, folded outwards, FIGS. 10 to 12 illustrate, in perspective, schematically and by tielle, the connecting elements between the base part and the small panel of Figure 8, - Figure 13 shows schematically and in perspective a pin, Figure 14 shows schematically and in perspective retaining cleats a lower cross member of a small panel of the box of FIG. 1, FIG. 15 represents in schematic cross-section the lower cross member of a small panel according to the invention, - FIG. 16 shows schematically and partially, in perspective , the end of a variant of the lower cross member of a small panel, FIG. 17 schematically and partially, in perspective seen from below, a foot of the body of FIG. 1, FIG. 18 represents in perspective , schematically, an example of a box variant according to the invention, FIG. 19 schematically represents, in front view, two boxes stacked in the unfolded state, FIG. 20 shows schematically, in perspective, two boxes stacked in the folded state, - Figures 21 and 22 are schematic top views of layers of rubber balls intended to be superimposed in the box according to the invention, Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a method of filling the box, and Figures 25 to 29 illustrate a method of transferring goods from a box according to the invention to a wooden box.
On a représenté à la figure 1 un exemple de caisse repliable 1 en acier, à l'état monté, comportant une partie de base 2 de forme générale sensiblement rectangulaire, reposant sur quatre pieds 3 dont trois seulement sont visibles sur la figure 1, et quatre panneaux 4 articulés sur la partie de base 2 autour d'axes géométriques de rotation horizontaux.FIG. 1 shows an example of a foldable box 1 made of steel, in the assembled state, comprising a base part 2 of generally substantially rectangular shape, resting on four feet 3 of which only three are visible in FIG. 1, and four panels 4 articulated on the base part 2 around geometric horizontal axes of rotation.
La partie de base 2 comporte quatre côtés 8 et quatre coins 9. Les grands panneaux 4 portent également la référence 4a et les petits panneaux la référence 4b. De même, parmi les quatre côtés 8 de la partie de base 2, les grands côtés portent la référence 8a et les petits côtés la référence 8b.The base part 2 has four sides 8 and four corners 9. The large panels 4 also bear the reference 4a and the small panels the reference 4b. Likewise, among the four sides 8 of the base part 2, the long sides bear the reference 8a and the short sides the reference 8b.
La caisse 1 pourrait encore être sensiblement cubique et comporter quatre panneaux de largeurs similaires sans que l'on sorte du cadre de la présente invention.The body 1 could also be substantially cubic and include four panels of similar widths without departing from the scope of the present invention.
La partie de base 2 comporte, au niveau de ses coins 9, des montants d'angle 5 constitués dans l'exemple illustré par des profilés de section sensiblement rectangulaire, creux et verticaux.The base part 2 comprises, at its corners 9, corner uprights 5 formed in the example illustrated by sections of substantially rectangular, hollow and vertical section.
Les montants d'angle 5 sont reliés, sur les côtés 8 de la partie de base, par des traverses horizontales 6.The corner uprights 5 are connected, on the sides 8 of the base part, by horizontal crosspieces 6.
La partie de base comporte également un fond 7 non apparent sur la figure 1 et visible par exemple sur la figure 3.The base part also includes a bottom 7 not visible in FIG. 1 and visible for example in FIG. 3.
Les panneaux 4 comportent chacun une ossature métallique, en acier dans l'exemple considéré, comprenant des montants verticaux latéraux 10 et des traverses horizontales inférieure 12 et supérieure 11. L'ossature métallique comprend en outre des renforts verticaux 13 qui relient les traverses 11 et 12. Des plaques en acier galvanisé 14 sont fixées sur l'ossature métallique.The panels 4 each comprise a metal frame, made of steel in the example considered, comprising lateral vertical uprights 10 and lower horizontal cross members 12 and upper 11. The metal frame further comprises vertical reinforcements 13 which connect the cross members 11 and 12. Galvanized steel plates 14 are fixed to the metal framework.
Les montants 10, les traverses 11 et 12 et les renforts 13 sont constitués de profilés métalliques en acier galvanisé, dans l'exemple illustré.The uprights 10, the crosspieces 11 and 12 and the reinforcements 13 are made of metal sections of galvanized steel, in the example illustrated.
Un porte-étiquette 15 peut également être fixé sur au moins un panneau 4. Les panneaux articulés 4 peuvent se rabattre vers l'intérieur ou vers l'extérieur de la caisse. Les axes géométriques d'articulation des panneaux se situent à des hauteurs différentes, de manière à permettre de rabattre les panneaux les uns sur les autres lorsque la caisse est repliée. Dans l'exemple illustré, les panneaux sont amovibles relativement à la partie de base 2.A label holder 15 can also be attached to at least one panel 4. The hinged panels 4 can be folded in or out of the box. The geometric axes of articulation of the panels are located at different heights, so as to allow the panels to be folded over one another when the box is folded. In the example illustrated, the panels are removable relative to the base part 2.
Des systèmes de verrouillage 17 sont prévus pour maintenir les panneaux 4 ensemble et verticaux quand la caisse est montée. Chaque système de verrouillage 17 peut par exemple comporter une clenche 17a portée par un panneau et pouvant s'engager dans une pièce 17b fixée sur le montant latéral adjacent du panneau voisin.Locking systems 17 are provided to hold the panels 4 together and vertical when the body is assembled. Each locking system 17 can for example comprise a latch 17a carried by a panel and which can engage in a part 17b fixed on the adjacent lateral upright of the neighboring panel.
Chaque montant latéral 10 d'un grand panneau 4a est coiffé d'un pion 20. Celui-ci est par exemple engagé inférieurement dans le profilé constituant le montant latéral 10 considéré. Dans l'exemple illusfré, chaque montant latéral 10 d'un grand panneau 4 s'étend, lorsque le panneau est en position verticale, monté sur la partie de base 2, dans le prolongement du montant d'angle 5 sous-jacent.Each lateral upright 10 of a large panel 4a is capped with a pin 20. The latter is for example engaged lower down in the profile constituting the lateral upright 10 considered. In the illustrated example, each lateral upright 10 of a large panel 4 extends, when the panel is in a vertical position, mounted on the base part 2, in the extension of the underlying corner upright 5.
Les pions 20 pourraient aussi, en variante, coiffer les petits panneaux 4b sans que l'on sorte du cadre de la présente invention. Un deuxième pion non représenté peut être fixé sur l'extrémité supérieure d'au moins un montant d'angle 5 de la partie de base 2.The pins 20 could also, alternatively, cover the small panels 4b without departing from the scope of the present invention. A second piece, not shown, can be fixed on the upper end of at least one corner post 5 of the base part 2.
Ce deuxième pion peut être notamment agencé pour s'engager dans une ouverture de l'extrémité inférieure d'un montant latéral 10 d'un panneau lorsque le panneau est monté, et pour s'engager dans une ouverture de l'extrémité inférieure d'un montant d'angle 5 d'une caisse sus-jacente lorsque deux caisses repliées sont gerbées.This second pin may in particular be arranged to engage in an opening in the lower end of a lateral upright 10 of a panel when the panel is mounted, and to engage in an opening in the lower end of an amount of angle 5 of an overlying box when two folded boxes are stacked.
La partie de base 2 comporte en outre une pluralité de taquets de retenue 21, disposés sur au moins un côté 8 de la partie de base 2 et de préférence sur chaque côté, ces taquets 21 sont agencés de telle sorte que les panneaux 4 puissent venir en appui contre eux, notamment lorsque la pression de la marchandise à l'intérieur de la caisse est importante. Dans l'exemple illustré, la partie de base 2 comporte trois taquets 21 sur ses grands côtés 8a et deux taquets 21 sur ses petits côtés 8b. Le cas échéant, le nombre de taquets 21 pourrait être réduit, par exemple à un seul taquet 21 par côté.The base part 2 further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs 21, arranged on at least one side 8 of the base part 2 and preferably on each side, these tabs 21 are arranged so that the panels 4 can come pressing against them, especially when the pressure of the goods inside the box is high. In the example illustrated, the base part 2 has three tabs 21 on its long sides 8a and two tabs 21 on its short sides 8b. If necessary, the number of catches 21 could be reduced, for example to a single cleat 21 per side.
Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 3 et 4, un montant d'angle 5 de la partie de base 2 est pourvu d'une ouverture 30, constituée dans l'exemple considéré par une fente débouchant à l'extrémité supérieure du montant d'angle 5. Cette ouverture 30 est agencée pour coopérer avec un premier élément d'articulation mâle 31 de la traverse inférieure 12 du grand panneau 4a, représenté sur la figure 5, constitué dans l'exemple illustré par une protubérance cylindrique, et pouvant coulisser verticalement dans l'ouverture 30 jusqu'à être désolidarisé du montant d'angle 5.As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a corner post 5 of the base part 2 is provided with an opening 30, constituted in the example considered by a slot opening at the upper end of the post d 'angle 5. This opening 30 is arranged to cooperate with a first male articulation element 31 of the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a, shown in Figure 5, constituted in the example illustrated by a cylindrical protuberance, and being able to slide vertically in the opening 30 until it is detached from the angle post 5.
Comme illustré sur la figure 6, le montant d'angle 5 correspondant à l'autre extrémité du grand côté 8a et coopérant avec le même grand panneau 4a comporte un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle 32, sensiblement identique au premier et constitué dans l'exemple illustré par une protubérance cylindrique.As illustrated in FIG. 6, the angle upright 5 corresponding to the other end of the large side 8a and cooperating with the same large panel 4a comprises a second male articulation element 32, substantially identical to the first and constituted in the example illustrated by a cylindrical protuberance.
Cette protubérance 32 est agencée pour coopérer avec une ouverture circulaire 33 de la traverse inférieure 12 du grand panneau 4a, représentée sur la figure 7.This protuberance 32 is arranged to cooperate with a circular opening 33 of the lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a, shown in FIG. 7.
La forme et les dimensions de la protubérance 32 sont choisies de manière à permettre au grand panneau 4a de pouvoir être désolidarisé complètement de la partie de base 2, le dégagement du deuxième élément d'articulation 32 hors de l'ouverture circulaireThe shape and dimensions of the protrusion 32 are chosen so as to allow the large panel 4a to be able to be completely detached from the base part 2, the release of the second articulation element 32 outside the circular opening
33 devenant possible une fois que le premier élément d'articulation 31 a été extrait de l'ouverture 30.33 becoming possible once the first articulation element 31 has been extracted from the opening 30.
La traverse inférieure 12 du grand panneau 4a illustrée à la figure 7 comporte un profilé de section sensiblement circulaire, ouvert au moins partiellement vers l'extérieur en 35.The lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a profile of substantially circular section, open at least partially outwards at 35.
La traverse inférieure 12 du grand panneau 4a peut venir en appui contre le taquet 21 de la partie de base 2, comme illustré sur la figure 8, lorsque le grand panneau 4a est vertical. L'ouverture 35 ménagée dans la traverse 12 permet de recevoir les taquets 21 lorsque le grand panneau 4a est rabattu vers l'extérieur, afin que les taquets 21 n'empêchent pas chaque grand panneau 4a de pivoter vers l'extérieur.The lower cross member 12 of the large panel 4a can come to bear against the cleat 21 of the base part 2, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the large panel 4a is vertical. The opening 35 formed in the cross member 12 makes it possible to receive the catches 21 when the large panel 4a is folded outwards, so that the catches 21 do not prevent each large panel 4a from pivoting towards the outside.
On a représenté sur les figures 9 à 12 l'agencement d'un petit panneau 4b sur la partie de base 2. Sur la figure 9, le petit panneau 4b est rabattu vers l'extérieur, tandis que sur la figure 10, il est rabattu vers l'intérieur de la caisse et, sur la figure 11, le petit panneau 4b a été démonté. La figure 12 représente uniquement une partie du petit panneauFIGS. 9 to 12 show the arrangement of a small panel 4b on the base part 2. In FIG. 9, the small panel 4b is folded outwards, while in FIG. 10, it is folded inwardly of the body and, in Figure 11, the small panel 4b has been removed. Figure 12 shows only part of the small panel
4b.4b.
Le petit côté 8b de la partie de base 2 comporte un montant d'angle 5 muni, dans l'exemple illustré, d'une ouverture 40 s'étendant sur deux côtés adjacents du montant d'angle 5. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 10, un premier élément d'articulation 41 disposé à une extrémité de la traverse inférieure 12 du petit panneau 4b est engagé dans l'ouverture 40.The short side 8b of the base part 2 comprises an angle post 5 provided, in the example illustrated, with an opening 40 extending on two adjacent sides of the corner post 5. As can be seen in FIG. 10, a first articulation element 41 disposed at one end of the lower cross member 12 of the small panel 4b is engaged in the opening 40.
Cette dernière comporte une partie verticale 40a s'étendant sur le côté du montant d'angle 5 dirigé vers le petit panneau, et une partie horizontale 40b prolongeant l'extrémité supérieure de la partie verticale sur le côté avant du montant d'angle 5. Le premier élément d'articulation 41 peut, une fois amené en haut de la partie verticale 40a de l'ouverture 40, être déplacé à travers la partie horizontale 40b pour être désolidarisé du montant d'angle 5. On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention lorsque la partie horizontaleThe latter comprises a vertical part 40a extending on the side of the angle post 5 directed towards the small panel, and a horizontal part 40b extending the upper end of the vertical part on the front side of the corner post 5. The first articulation element 41 can, once brought to the top of the vertical part 40a of the opening 40, be moved through the horizontal part 40b to be detached from the angle upright 5. It does not leave the frame of the present invention when the horizontal part
40b est réalisée sur le côté arrière adjacent du montant d'angle 5.40b is made on the adjacent rear side of the corner post 5.
Sur l'autre montant d'angle 5 du petit côté 8b de la partie de base 2, une ouverture circulaire 43 est réalisée, étant agencée pour recevoir un deuxième élément d'articulation mâle 44 du petit panneau 4b, disposé à l'autre extrémité de la traverse inférieure 12 et représenté à la figure 12.On the other corner upright 5 of the short side 8b of the base part 2, a circular opening 43 is produced, being arranged to receive a second male articulation element 44 of the small panel 4b, arranged at the other end of the lower cross member 12 and shown in FIG. 12.
Le deuxième élément d'articulation 44 et l'ouverture circulaire 43 correspondante sont agencés de telle sorte que, lorsque l'élément d'articulation 41 est désolidarisé de l'ouverture 40, on puisse désolidariser le deuxième élément d'articulation 44 de l'ouverture circulaire 43, de manière à démonter complètement le petit panneau 4b. On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention si l'ouverture circulaire 43 est formée dans la fraverse inférieure 12 du petit côté 4b et si un deuxième élément d'articulation 44 est alors réalisé sur le montant d'angle 5 correspondant.The second articulation element 44 and the corresponding circular opening 43 are arranged in such a way that, when the articulation element 41 is detached from the opening 40, the second articulation element 44 can be separated from the circular opening 43, so as to completely disassemble the small panel 4b. It is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention if the circular opening 43 is formed in the lower overhang 12 of the short side 4b and if a second articulation element 44 is then produced on the corresponding corner post 5.
La caisse illustrée comporte des grands panneaux ayant une épaisseur maximale ea d'environ 30 mm, tandis que les petits panneaux 4b sont d'une épaisseur maximale βb d'environ 20 mm, ainsi qu'illustré sur la figure 13.The illustrated box has large panels with a maximum thickness e a of approximately 30 mm, while the small panels 4b have a maximum thickness β b of approximately 20 mm, as illustrated in FIG. 13.
Comme évoqué précédemment, les grands panneaux 4a sont coiffés sur leurs montants verticaux 10 d'un pion 20 de forme semi-pyramidale, comme illustré sur la figure 13. On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention si la forme du pion 20 est différente, par exemple tronconique ou autre. Chaque pion 20 est engagé et fixé, dans l'exemple considéré, dans le montant vertical 10 d'un grand panneau 4a, constitué par un profilé évidé. Les petits panneaux 4b, ainsi qu'illustré sur la figure 14, peuvent venir en appui contre des taquets 21 disposés sur les petits côtés 8a de la partie de base 2, ces taquets 21 étant au nombre de deux dans l'exemple considéré.As mentioned above, the large panels 4a are capped on their vertical uprights 10 with a pin 20 of semi-pyramidal shape, as illustrated in FIG. 13. It is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention if the shape of the pin 20 is different, for example frustoconical or other. Each pin 20 is engaged and fixed, in the example considered, in the vertical upright 10 of a large panel 4a, constituted by a hollow profile. The small panels 4b, as illustrated in FIG. 14, can come to bear against tabs 21 arranged on the short sides 8a of the base part 2, these tabs 21 being two in number in the example considered.
La traverse inférieure 12 des petits panneaux 4b comporte, dans l'exemple illustré, ainsi qu'on peut le voir aux figures 14 et 15, un axe 50, ce dernier étant par exemple cylindrique et plein. L'axe est engagé dans un premier profilé 51, ouvert vers le bas, surmonté lui-même d'un deuxième profilé 52 de renfort.The lower cross member 12 of the small panels 4b comprises, in the example illustrated, as can be seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, an axis 50, the latter being for example cylindrical and solid. The axis is engaged in a first section 51, open downward, itself surmounted by a second reinforcing section 52.
L'axe 50 peut s'étendre sur toute la longueur de la traverse inférieure 12 et former à ses deux extrémités les deux éléments d'articulation destinés à s'engager respectivement dans les ouvertures 40 et 43.The axis 50 can extend over the entire length of the lower cross member 12 and form at its two ends the two articulation elements intended to engage respectively in the openings 40 and 43.
Les taquets 21 sont agencés de telle sorte que le petit panneau 4b puisse venir en appui contre eux en position verticale.The tabs 21 are arranged so that the small panel 4b can come to bear against them in a vertical position.
Des ouvertures longitudinales 53 ont été réalisées sur l'aile extérieure du profilé inférieur 51. Ces ouvertures 53 sont au nombre de deux dans l'exemple considéré et leur emplacement correspond à celui des taquets 21.Longitudinal openings 53 have been made on the outer wing of the lower profile 51. These openings 53 are two in number in the example considered and their location corresponds to that of the cleats 21.
Ainsi, chaque petit panneau 4b peut venir en appui contre les taquets correspondants 21 par son axe 50.Thus, each small panel 4b can come to bear against the corresponding tabs 21 by its axis 50.
Par ailleurs, les ouvertures 53 permettent de ménager un espace 54 entre l'axe 50 et l'aile supérieure du profilé 51. Cet espace 54 permet d'accueillir les taquets 21 lorsque le petit panneau 4b est rabattu vers l'extérieur.Furthermore, the openings 53 make it possible to provide a space 54 between the axis 50 and the upper wing of the profile 51. This space 54 makes it possible to accommodate the tabs 21 when the small panel 4b is folded outwards.
On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention si le profilé de renfort 52 est omis, ainsi qu'illustré sur la figure 16.It is not going beyond the ambit of the present invention if the reinforcing profile 52 is omitted, as illustrated in FIG. 16.
Les ouvertures 53 s'étendent sur toute la hauteur du profilé dans l'exemple illustré, mais on ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention si elles ne s'étendent que sur une partie seulement de cette hauteur.The openings 53 extend over the entire height of the profile in the example illustrated, but it is not beyond the scope of the present invention if they only extend over a part of this height.
Un pied 3 a été représenté sur la figure 17 en vue de dessous. Il comporte deux côtés sensiblement perpendiculaires 60 et 61. Un socle 62, généralement triangulaire, relie les côtés 60 et 61.A foot 3 has been shown in Figure 17 from below. It has two substantially perpendicular sides 60 and 61. A base 62, generally triangular, connects the sides 60 and 61.
La hauteur du pied 3 est par exemple d'environ 95 mm. Le socle 62 comporte au moins une ouverture 63, deux dans l'exemple illustré, permettant à un liquide de s'écouler, notamment lors de l'étape de galvanisation de l'acier constituant la caisse. Le montant d'angle 5 comporte une ouverture 64 dans sa partie inférieure, cette ouverture 64 étant formée vers le bas et également latéralement vers l'intérieur, dans l'exemple illustré.The height of the leg 3 is for example around 95 mm. The base 62 has at least one opening 63, two in the example illustrated, allowing a liquid to flow, in particular during the step of galvanizing the steel constituting the body. The corner post 5 has an opening 64 in its lower part, this opening 64 being formed downwards and also laterally inwards, in the example illustrated.
Le montant d'angle 5 est en retrait par rapport au socle 62, ce qui lui évite de reposer sur le sol et permet également un certain verrouillage d'une caisse sous-jacente lorsque deux caisses à l'état replié sont gerbées, l'extrémité supérieure d'un montant d'angle 5 de la caisse sous-jacente venant se positionner dans le retrait.The corner post 5 is set back relative to the base 62, which prevents it from resting on the ground and also allows a certain locking of an underlying box when two boxes in the folded state are stacked, the upper end of a corner upright 5 of the underlying box positioned in the recess.
Dans l'exemple considéré, les côtés 60 et 61 du pied 3 ont été découpés en biais sur leur bord adjacent au montant d'angle 5, de manière à faciliter le gerbage des caisses.In the example considered, the sides 60 and 61 of the leg 3 have been cut at an angle on their edge adjacent to the corner post 5, so as to facilitate stacking of the boxes.
Les pions 20 peuvent s'engager dans les ouvertures 64 des montants d'angle 5 lors du gerbage de deux caisses et verrouiller ainsi les panneaux d'une caisse sous-jacente à l'état monté.The pins 20 can engage in the openings 64 of the corner posts 5 during the stacking of two boxes and thus lock the panels of an underlying box in the assembled state.
Les différentes parties constitutives d'une caisse peuvent être soudées entre elles ou être reliées par d'autres moyens, tels que des rivets ou goupilles par exemple. Certaines soudures sont apparentes sur les figures ; certaines ouvertures circulaires, réalisées dans des profilés notamment, le sont également.The various constituent parts of a box can be welded together or be connected by other means, such as rivets or pins for example. Some welds are visible in the figures; certain circular openings, produced in particular in sections, are also.
Sur la figure 18, on a représenté une variante de réalisation de la caisse de la figure 1, comportant en outre un élément 70 reliant les pieds 3 sous chaque grand panneau 4a. L'élément 70 comporte une semelle 71 et des entretoises 72, au nombre de deux dans l'exemple considéré, reliant la semelle 71 à la traverse 6 de la partie de base 2.In Figure 18, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the box of Figure 1, further comprising an element 70 connecting the feet 3 under each large panel 4a. The element 70 comprises a sole 71 and spacers 72, two in number in the example considered, connecting the sole 71 to the crosspiece 6 of the base part 2.
Les figures 19 et 20 représentent deux caisses gerbées, respectivement à l'état déplié et replié.Figures 19 and 20 show two stacked boxes, respectively in the unfolded and folded state.
Dans un exemple de mise en œuvre de l'invention parmi d'autres, mais préféré, les dimensions de la caisse sont choisies de telle sorte que l'on puisse gerber neuf caisses à l'état replié ou deux caisses à l'état déplié dans un conteneur maritime, de dimensions standards, et que deux caisses puissent tenir de front dans ce conteneur.In one example of implementation of the invention among others, but preferred, the dimensions of the box are chosen so that one can stack nine boxes in the folded state or two boxes in the unfolded state in a shipping container, of standard dimensions, and that two cases can hold front in this container.
La largeur au niveau de l'espace disponible intérieur d'un conteneur maritime est de l'ordre de 2,33 m. La dimension verticale d'une caisse est avantageusement choisie de manière à ce que la hauteur de deux caisses superposées soit légèrement inférieure à celle de l'espace disponible au passage des portes d'un conteneur maritime, cette hauteur étant comprise entre 2,20 m et 2,30 m. On ne sort pas du cadre de la présente invention si l'une au moins des ouvertures 30 et 40 est réalisée non pas sur un montant d'angle 5 mais sur un montant latéral 10 d'un panneau, et si l'élément d'articulation mâle correspondant est réalisé sur le montant d'angle 5 correspondant. Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits, et l'on peut notamment modifier les dimensions relatives des panneaux et de la partie de base.The width of the interior available space of a maritime container is of the order of 2.33 m. The vertical dimension of a crate is advantageously chosen so that the height of two superimposed crates is slightly less than that of the space available for the passage of the doors of a maritime container, this height being between 2.20 m and 2.30 m. It is not going beyond the scope of the present invention if at least one of the openings 30 and 40 is produced not on a corner post 5 but on a side post 10 of a panel, and if the element of corresponding male joint is produced on the corresponding angle post 5. Of course, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have just been described, and it is in particular possible to modify the relative dimensions of the panels and of the base part.
Toutefois, il est avantageux que la hauteur des panneaux soit choisie de manière à permettre de mettre en œuvre le procédé de remplissage suivant, qui va être décrit en se référant aux figures 21 à 24.However, it is advantageous that the height of the panels is chosen so as to allow the following filling process to be implemented, which will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 24.
On dispose dans la caisse les balles de caoutchouc B par couches successives, par exemple six couches.The rubber balls B are placed in the box in successive layers, for example six layers.
Les balles de caoutchouc B peuvent par exemple être positionnées en couches alternatives respectivement selon la figure 21 et selon la figure 22, Ainsi, la couche la plus basse comportera par exemple six balles positionnées selon la figure 21 ; la couche suivante comportera six balles disposées selon la figure 22, et la couche encore au-dessus aura des balles à nouveau positionnées selon la figure 21, et ainsi de suite jusqu'à, par exemple, la sixième couche, la plus haute.The rubber balls B can for example be positioned in alternative layers respectively according to FIG. 21 and according to FIG. 22, Thus, the lowest layer will comprise for example six balls positioned according to FIG. 21; the next layer will have six balls arranged according to figure 22, and the layer still above will have balls again positioned according to figure 21, and so on until, for example, the sixth layer, the highest.
Ce positionnement est possible du fait que la longueur d'une balle, comprise par exemple entre 680 mm et 710 mm, est sensiblement égale au double de sa largeur, comprise par exemple entre 340 mm et 355 mm.This positioning is possible because the length of a bale, for example between 680 mm and 710 mm, is substantially equal to twice its width, for example between 340 mm and 355 mm.
La hauteur des panneaux 4 est choisie de telle sorte que la sixième couche dépasse vers le haut du bord supérieur des panneaux 4, comme on peut le voir sur la figure 23. Toutefois, au cours du fluage du caoutchouc, les balles B se tassent et la hauteur de l'empilement diminue, au point que celui-ci arrive sensiblement au niveau des bords supérieurs des panneaux 4, comme illustré sur la figure 24.The height of the panels 4 is chosen such that the sixth layer protrudes upwards from the upper edge of the panels 4, as can be seen in FIG. 23. However, during the creep of the rubber, the balls B settle and the height of the stack decreases, to the point that it arrives substantially at the level of the upper edges of the panels 4, as illustrated in FIG. 24.
Un tel procédé permet d'accroître la quantité de balles contenues dans une caisse. A l'étape représentée à la figure 23, la couche supérieure dépasse du bord supérieur des panneaux d'une hauteur qui est par exemple comprise entre environ 1/4 et environ 8/9 de l'épaisseur initiale d'une balle de caoutchouc. Par exemple, lorsque la hauteur d'une balle est de 190 mm, la hauteur de dépassement par rapport au bord supérieur de la caisse peut êfre au chargement, de l'ordre de 160 mm environ, la hauteur utile de la caisse étant de 980 mm et les balles étant disposées en six couches superposées.Such a method makes it possible to increase the quantity of bales contained in a box. In the step shown in Figure 23, the upper layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels by a height which is for example between about 1/4 and about 8/9 of the initial thickness of a rubber ball. For example, when the height of a bale is 190 mm, the height of excess relative to the upper edge of the box can be loading, of the order of about 160 mm, the useful height of the box being 980 mm and the bales being arranged in six superimposed layers.
L'invention permet également de mettre en œuvre un procédé de transfert de marchandises, notamment des balles de caoutchouc B, d'une caisse métallique comportant quatre panneaux amovibles et une partie de base, par exemple une caisse 1 selon l'invention, comme illustré, vers une caisse en bois C.The invention also makes it possible to implement a method for transferring goods, in particular rubber balls B, of a metal box comprising four removable panels and a base part, for example a box 1 according to the invention, as illustrated , to a wooden case C.
Ce procédé de transfert comporte les étapes suivantes illustrées sur les figures 25 à 29. Les balles B sont disposées au départ à l'intérieur de la caisse métallique 1, comme illustré sur la figure 25.This transfer process comprises the following steps illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 29. The balls B are initially placed inside the metal box 1, as illustrated in FIG. 25.
Les panneaux 4 de cette caisse sont tout d'abord démontés à l'étape illustrée sur la figure 26. Il ne reste que la partie de base 2 de la caisse 1, qui supporte les balles B.The panels 4 of this box are firstly removed in the step illustrated in FIG. 26. Only the base part 2 of the box 1 remains, which supports the balls B.
On coiffe les balles B d'une caisse en bois C disposée à l'envers, à l'étape suivante, représentée à la figure 27.The balls B are capped with a wooden case C arranged upside down, in the next step, shown in FIG. 27.
On retourne alors l'ensemble en effectuant une rotation de 180°, ainsi qu'illustré sur la figure 28, de manière à ce que la caisse en bois C se trouve sur le sol et que la partie de base recouvre les balles B.The assembly is then returned by rotating it 180 °, as illustrated in FIG. 28, so that the wooden box C is on the ground and the base part covers the balls B.
Dans une dernière étape illustrée à la figure 29, la partie de base 2 est retirée de manière à ce que les balles B se trouvent chargées dans la caisse C en bois.In a last step illustrated in FIG. 29, the base part 2 is removed so that the balls B are loaded in the wooden box C.
Dans toute la description, y compris les revendications, l'expression « comportant un » doit être comprise comme étant synonyme de l'expression « comportant au moins un », sauf si le contraire est spécifié. Throughout the description, including the claims, the expression “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with the expression “comprising at least one”, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Caisse (1) métallique repliable, comportant : une partie de base (2) de forme générale rectangulaire, comportant quafre montants d'angle (5) verticaux, quatre panneaux (4) articulés sur la partie de base, dont deux petits panneaux (4b) et deux grands panneaux (4a), chaque panneau comportant deux montants latéraux verticaux (10), au moins l'un des panneaux (4) étant amovible, au moins l'un d'un montant latéral (10) et d'un montant d'angle (5) comportant un premier élément d'articulation (31 ; 41) engagé dans une ouverture (30 ; 40) correspondante de l'autre du montant d'angle (5) et du montant latéral (10), caisse dans laquelle l'ouverture (30 ; 40) présente une forme permettant de désolidariser le panneau (4) de la partie de base (2) par un déplacement relatif au moins sensiblement vertical entre le montant latéral (10) du panneau et le montant d'angle (5) de la partie de base.1. Collapsible metallic box (1), comprising: a base part (2) of generally rectangular shape, comprising four vertical uprights (5), four panels (4) articulated on the base part, including two small panels (4b) and two large panels (4a), each panel comprising two vertical lateral uprights (10), at least one of the panels (4) being removable, at least one of a lateral upright (10) and d '' a corner post (5) comprising a first articulation element (31; 41) engaged in an opening (30; 40) corresponding to the other of the corner post (5) and the lateral post (10) , body in which the opening (30; 40) has a shape making it possible to separate the panel (4) from the base part (2) by a relative displacement at least substantially vertical between the lateral upright (10) of the panel and the corner upright (5) of the base part.
2. Caisse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'ouverture (30) est constituée par une fente verticale débouchant à l'extrémité supérieure du montant d'angle (5).2. Box according to claim 1, wherein the opening (30) is constituted by a vertical slot opening at the upper end of the corner post (5).
3. Caisse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'ouverture (40) débouche sur un côté du montant d'angle (5) adjacent au côté qui fait face au premier élément d'articulation (41).3. Box according to claim 1, wherein the opening (40) opens on one side of the corner post (5) adjacent to the side which faces the first articulation element (41).
4. Caisse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le premier élément d'articulation étant sur le panneau (4), ce dernier comporte un deuxième élément d'articulation 44 à l'opposé du premier élément d'articulation et engagé dans une ouverture circulaire (43) du montant d'angle correspondant.4. Box according to claim 1, wherein the first articulation element being on the panel (4), the latter comprises a second articulation element 44 opposite the first articulation element and engaged in a circular opening (43) of the corresponding corner post.
5. Caisse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le premier élément d'articulation étant sur le panneau, ce dernier comporte, à l'opposé du premier élément d'articulation, une ouverture circulaire, et dans laquelle le montant d'angle correspondant comporte un deuxième élément d'articulation engagé dans l'ouverture circulaire. 5. Box according to claim 1, wherein the first articulation element being on the panel, the latter comprises, opposite the first articulation element, a circular opening, and in which the corresponding angle upright comprises a second articulation element engaged in the circular opening.
6. Caisse selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le premier élément d'articulation étant sur le montant d'angle (5), le panneau amovible comporte un deuxième élément d'articulation (50) engagé dans une ouverture circulaire d'un montant d'angle adjacent.6. Box according to claim 1, wherein the first articulation element being on the corner upright (5), the removable panel comprises a second articulation element (50) engaged in a circular opening with an adjacent corner post.
7. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle elle est réalisée en acier. 7. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which it is made of steel.
8. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans laquelle la partie de base (2) comporte, sur un côté (8) entre deux montants d'angle (5), au moins un taquet (21) de retenue d'un panneau (4) correspondant.8. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the base part (2) comprises, on one side (8) between two corner uprights (5), at least one retaining cleat (21) a corresponding panel (4).
9. Caisse selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle le panneau comporte une traverse inférieure (12) comprenant un premier profilé (51) ouvert vers le bas et au moins une ouverture (53) sur l'aile extérieure du profilé pour recevoir le taquet (21) lorsque le panneau est rabattu vers l'extérieur.9. Box according to claim 8, in which the panel comprises a lower cross member (12) comprising a first section (51) open at the bottom and at least one opening (53) on the outer wing of the section for receiving the cleat ( 21) when the panel is folded outwards.
10. Caisse selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle la traverse inférieure (12) comporte un axe (50), notamment un axe plein, s'étendant au moins partiellement entre les ailes du premier profilé (51). 10. Box according to claim 9, wherein the lower cross member (12) has an axis (50), in particular a solid axis, extending at least partially between the wings of the first profile (51).
11. Caisse selon l'une des revendications 9 et 10, dans laquelle la traverse inférieure (12) comporte un deuxième profilé de renfort (52), superposé au premier profilé (51).11. Box according to one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the lower cross member (12) comprises a second reinforcing profile (52), superimposed on the first profile (51).
12. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11, dans laquelle l'axe (50) ménage, avec le dessus du premier profilé (51), un espace (54) suffisant pour permettre au taquet (21) de s'y engager.12. Box according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the axis (50) household, with the top of the first profile (51), a space (54) sufficient to allow the cleat (21) to commit to it.
13. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 12, dans laquelle le premier élément d'articulation est constitué par une extrémité de l'axe (50).13. Box according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first articulation element is constituted by one end of the axis (50).
14. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, dans laquelle l'épaisseur maximale des petits panneaux (4b) est de 20 mm environ. 14. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the maximum thickness of the small panels (4b) is about 20 mm.
15. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, dans laquelle l'épaisseur maximale des grands panneaux (4a) est de 30 mm environ.15. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the maximum thickness of the large panels (4a) is approximately 30 mm.
16. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, dans laquelle la partie de base (2) repose sur au moins quatre pieds (3) comportant chacun un socle (62) inférieur, l'extrémité inférieure du montant d'angle (5) de la partie de base se situant au- dessus du socle (62) du pied (3).16. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the base part (2) rests on at least four feet (3) each comprising a lower base (62), the lower end of the corner upright (5) of the base part located above the base (62) of the foot (3).
17. Caisse selon la revendication 16, dans laquelle un montant d'angle (5) comporte en partie inférieure au moins une ouverture (64), et dans laquelle les grands panneaux comportent en partie supérieure des pions (20) correspondants, l'ouverture (64) étant destinée à recevoir le pied (3) d'une caisse sous-jacente lorsque deux caisses sont gerbées.17. Box according to claim 16, in which a corner post (5) has at least one opening (64) in the lower part, and in which the large panels have corresponding pins (20) in the upper part, the opening (64) being intended to receive the base (3) of an underlying box when two boxes are stacked.
18. Caisse selon la revendication 17, dans laquelle l'ouverture (64) en partie inférieure du montant d'angle (5) est formée vers le bas et en partie au moins latéralement vers l'intérieur.18. Box according to claim 17, wherein the opening (64) in the lower part of the corner upright (5) is formed downwards and in part at least laterally inwards.
19. Caisse selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 18, comportant au moins un système (17) de verrouillage d'au moins un panneau (4) avec un panneau adjacent. 19. Box according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising at least one system (17) for locking at least one panel (4) with an adjacent panel.
20. Procédé de transport de balles de caoutchouc synthétique, dans laquelle on utilise une caisse (1) telle que définie dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 19.20. Method of transporting synthetic rubber bales, in which a crate (1) is used as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19.
21. Procédé de remplissage d'une caisse métallique comportant des panneaux avec des balles d'un matériau sensible au fluage, notamment des balles de caoutchouc synthétique, ce procédé comportant l'étape consistant à remplir la caisse en constituant un empilement de balles dont la dernière couche dépasse du bord supérieur des panneaux tout en étant suffisamment engagée dans la caisse pour qu'au cours du fluage, cette dernière couche se loge d'elle-même dans le volume intérieur de la caisse.21. Method for filling a metallic box comprising panels with balls of a material sensitive to creep, in particular balls of synthetic rubber, this method comprising the step consisting in filling the box by constituting a stack of balls, the last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the body so that during creep, this last layer fits in the interior volume of the body.
22. Caisse destinée à recevoir des balles d'un matériau sensible au fluage, notamment des balles de caoutchouc synthétique, ces balles étant empilées par couches successives dans la caisse jusqu'à une demière couche, la caisse comportant des panneaux dont la hauteur est choisie de telle sorte que la dernière couche dépasse du bord supérieur des panneaux tout en étant suffisamment engagée dans la caisse pour qu'au cours du fluage, cette dernière couche se loge d'elle-même dans le volume intérieur de la caisse.22. Box intended to receive bales of a material sensitive to creep, in particular bales of synthetic rubber, these bales being stacked by successive layers in the box up to a last layer, the box comprising panels whose height is chosen so that the last layer protrudes from the upper edge of the panels while being sufficiently engaged in the body so that during creep, this last layer fits itself into the interior volume of the body.
23. Caisse selon la revendication 22, agencée pour recevoir trente-six balles de caoutchouc synthétique de dimensions standards, disposées sur six couches.23. Box according to claim 22, arranged to receive thirty-six synthetic rubber balls of standard dimensions, arranged on six layers.
24. Procédé de transfert de marchandises contenues dans une caisse métallique vers une caisse en bois, dans lequel la caisse utilisée comporte quatre panneaux amovibles et une partie de base, ce procédé comportant les étapes suivantes : la caisse métallique étant remplie, enlever les quatre panneaux, - recouvrir la marchandise reposant sur la partie de base de la caisse métallique par une caisse en bois (C) disposée à l'envers, retourner à 180° la partie de base métallique coiffée par la caisse en bois (C), enlever la partie de base métallique. 24. Method for transferring goods contained in a metal case to a wooden case, in which the case used has four removable panels and a base part, this process comprising the following steps: the metal case being filled, remove the four panels , - cover the goods resting on the base part of the metal box with a wooden box (C) arranged upside down, turn the metal base part covered by the wooden case (C) 180 °, remove the metal base part.
PCT/FR2003/003456 2003-06-02 2003-11-21 Collapsible metal box WO2004108542A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003294054A AU2003294054A1 (en) 2003-06-02 2003-11-21 Collapsible metal box
DE60320686T DE60320686D1 (en) 2003-06-02 2003-11-21 COLLAPSIBLE METALLIC CONTAINER
EP03789471A EP1633641B1 (en) 2003-06-02 2003-11-21 Collapsible metal box

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0306639 2003-06-02
FR0306639A FR2855500B1 (en) 2003-06-02 2003-06-02 REPLIABLE METAL BOX

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WO2004108542A1 true WO2004108542A1 (en) 2004-12-16

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CN (1) CN1816479A (en)
AT (1) ATE393735T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003294054A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60320686D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2855500B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004108542A1 (en)

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ATE393735T1 (en) 2008-05-15
DE60320686D1 (en) 2008-06-12
FR2855500A1 (en) 2004-12-03
FR2855500B1 (en) 2005-08-05
AU2003294054A1 (en) 2005-01-04
EP1633641B1 (en) 2008-04-30
EP1633641A1 (en) 2006-03-15
CN1816479A (en) 2006-08-09

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