Receptacles – Sectional – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-23
2002-12-03
Moy, Joseph M. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Knockdown
C220S009100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06488167
ABSTRACT:
The invention relates to a frame, particularly a sidewall frame for pallets, composed of preferably plural frame bars that define a surface of the frame and to which a frame insert is secured in a manner that enables it to be loaded transversely within a plane of the frame.
A frame with the aforesaid features is generally known. The frame insert is secured in the frame such that after insertion it must be retained externally and is then riveted or welded. The joining techniques are performed in at least two work steps. Such frames are used in particular as side walls for pallets. These are articles that are manufactured on a relatively large scale. Under these circumstances, it is especially disadvantageous if high production costs have to be expended because of an onerous manufacturing process.
The object of the invention, by contrast, is to improve a frame with a frame insert having the aforesaid features in such a way that less time and expense are required for its production and production is simplified.
This object is accomplished in that the frame insert is form-fittingly interlocked with at least one frame bar transversely to the plane of the frame.
It is of importance for the invention that the structure is rendered stable merely by interlocking the frame insert together with the frame, which is composed of frame bars. No further welding or riveting of the frame insert to the frame is required, although this can be done as needed after interlocking to further improve the structural stability without any changes in the shapes involved Assembly is simplified by the fact that the frame insert can be mounted in the frame in one operation. Owing to this simplified assembly, the construction and the materials of the frame bars and the frame insert can be varied over a wide range at low cost The frame inserts can easily be pried out for cleaning or replacement without replacing the frame as well. The frame inserts are not damaged by mounting and removal and can be reused. This interlocking technique makes it possible to combine different materials without problems, particularly materials that can be welded only at widely different temperatures or not at all. The frame inserts can also be inserted and held in place with play, so that materials whose elasticity or expansion properties are different from those of the frame structure can be used as frame insert materials.
The frame can be implemented so that it is rectangular and its frame insert is interlocked with mutually parallel frame bars. The rectangular shape of the frame makes for especially easy mounting of the frame insert and enables various frames to be connected to one another, and, in the case of a palletizable container, to a rectangular pallet. Essentially, the frame insert need only be interlocked with opposite, parallel frame bars to hold it in place. The frame insert can easily be clicked into place and sits securely in either a one-part or a multi-part frame that can be made from a plurality of either straight- or miter-cut frame bars joined by weld seams or corner connectors.
It is advantageous to realize a frame in such manner that a frame bar is provided with a longitudinally extending locking recess in which the frame insert engages by an inserting edge. A longitudinally extending locking recess can be produced with little expenditure in a frame bar made, for example, of a hollow-profile section. If the locking recess extends over the entire frame bar, the arrangement of the insert in the frame can be varied if the insert is shorter than the frame bar. A frame insert that can be slid after being inserted in the frame can also be used. The inserting edge of the frame insert is easy to produce in this arrangement.
It is advantageous if the frame insert is a thin panel with insetting edges formed by tangent-bent portions. These can easily be made by bending or in a rolling process, for example in sheet stock. No complex shapes need be added.
In an advantageous embodiment of the frame, the locking recess is disposed on a frame-bar wall that faces a parallel frame bar. In this way, the frame insert can be mounted between the two frame bars. This makes it easier to obtain a good form-fitted seat. The structure has the same functionality, but its depth is smaller. This is especially desirable for palletizable containers because of the increased loading capacity gained from the smaller thickness of the frame sidewalls.
It is advantageous if the locking recess has the shape in cross section of a mating inserting edge which, if necessary, conforms to the adjacent surface of the frame bar comprising the locking recess. This ensures a good form-fit for the frame insert with the wall of the frame bar. The locking recess and the inserting edge meet to form a level surface. In this way, if goods to be carried should happen to shift inside a palletized container composed of these frame parts, they will not catch on any projections. There are no projections on any of the parts, and thus no water or dirt can collect. The creation of “puddling” areas is prevented. Simple cleaning is possible. In addition, a good visual impression is created.
The frame can be realized so that a wall belonging to one of the frame bars and comprising the locking recess makes an acute angle with a direction of insertion of the frame insert. Owing to the presence of an acute angle or an edge that slopes upwardly in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion of the frame insert, the frame insert is prevented from being pushed on through as it is inserted into the frame and a form-fit is created in the pushing direction. This is true in particular if the walls of two mutually parallel frame bars each make an acute angle with a direction of insertion of the frame insert, in a practically mirror-inverted arrangement. The distances between the frame bars at the two terminal edges of the confronting parallel walls are therefore different. The direction of insertion is preferably the direction in which the planes become narrower.
The frame is advantageously realized so that the inserting edges of the frame insert engage the locking recess under prestress. This provides additional retention, in addition to the form-fit of the locking recess, by increasing the static friction as a result of a pressure stress excited transversely to the loading direction. This stress can be adapted to the loading requirements concerned, for example in the shipping of goods. The use of a prestressed frame insert is especially advantageous in the case of metals or other relatively elastic materials.
It is advantageous that the inserting edges of the frame insert make an acute angle with the direction of insertion that is quantitatively greater than the acute angle of the frame-bar wall comprising the locking recess which they are to engage. This provides a simple way of generating. tension with the frame insert in the inserted state. This is advantageous for improving the retention of the frame insert, especially in the case of metal sheet.
An advantageous embodiment of the frame consists in that the frame insert is inserted by a planar or offset inserting edge into a locking recess realized as a push-in slot. This type of joint, particularly as a complement to the oblique walls on the insertion sides of the other frame bars of the frame, provides a way of securely positioning a frame insert, during the production of the frame, before the other edges of the frame insert are inserted. An offset inserting edge provides, in particular, a smooth edge at the transition from the frame insert to the frame bar.
It is advantageous if the frame insert only partially fills the surface of the frame. This makes it possible for the goods being carried to be ventilated or to be observed and monitored. In particular, a savings in material is possible and the gross weight is reduced. Furthermore, the assembly of the frame insert is facilitated by the lower press-in forces that need be applied.
The frame can be realized so that the frame insert is multi-part and its parts are dist
Anton Hurtz GmbH & Co. KG
Moy Joseph M.
Pandiscio & Pandiscio
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