BE1028621B1 - IMPROVED MODULAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH LAYOUT ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR MODULAR LAYOUT OF TRANSPORT CONTAINER OR FRAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transport system comprising a transport container or frame and a divider element, the divider element comprising upright strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers, the upright strips extending into the interior of the transport container or transport frame, the upright strips upright strips subdivide the transport container or the transport frame into separate compartments, the upright strips being fixed to the group of sleepers, the sleepers being detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. The invention also relates to a method for dividing a transport container or frame.

Description

IMPROVED MODULAR TRANSPORT SYSTEM WITH LAYOUT ELEMENT EN METHOD FOR MODULAR LAYOUT OF TRANSPORT CONTAINER OR FRAME

TECHNICAL DOMAIN The invention relates to a modular transport system. In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for modularly dividing a transport container or frame. The invention relates in a third aspect to the use for transporting goods using a transport container or frame and a partition element.

BACKGROUND ART For the transport of general cargo, use is often made of a transport container or frame as a means of transport. In the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, provisions are often made that divide the interior space into two or more compartments or segments. While a transport container generally consists of floor, wall and ceiling elements, a transport frame often consists of rigidly connected horizontal and vertical frame parts, which, for example, also include a bottom, such as a grid or a plate, and single or more grid or plate-shaped walls. Transport containers and frames have defined dimensions that make it possible to precisely match the transport facilities for the transport of such transport containers and frames to these dimensions. This means that regardless of the size, shape and other special features of the various general cargo, transport facilities, such as for example trucks, forklifts, transport lines and cranes, can be used in the long term, without having to change the dimensions of the transport containers or frames. should be adjusted. In order to use a transport container or frame with defined external dimensions for the transport of general cargo that may differ from each other in size and shape, among other things, the interior is divided into suitable compartments or segments with the aid of dividing elements.

Such partition elements can themselves be rigid and inflexible, such as, for example, shelves, floors, walls. Other dividing elements are made of flexible materials.

A drawback of existing division elements, both rigid and flexible elements, is that after installation of the division element, the division of a transport container or frame is more or less fixed. The reclassification of a transport container or frame is very time consuming and/or very expensive, so that in many cases the layout remains unchanged during the entire lifespan of a transport container or frame or is only changed when urgently needed and is therefore rarely changed. There is therefore a need for a transport system whose layout can be changed quickly, simply, flexibly, sustainably and cheaply.

Such a device is known, inter alia, from EP 1 799 592. EP '592 describes a collapsible partition element for installation in a transport container or frame, wherein the partition elements of flexible material are located in separate, one above the other or next to each other, surfaces in the built-in condition. extend the interior of the transport container or transport frame horizontally and divide it into separate compartments. The dividing elements are detachably attached to the transport container or the transport frame by means of rigid elements. As a result, the layout elements can be easily and quickly replaced by other layout elements.

EP '592 further describes a transport system with a transport container or frame and at least one partition element. In the transport system, the partition element can also be attached to rigid elements on the top of the transport container or the transport frame in order to additionally support the partition element.

This known device has the following drawback. Lying bars on the top of the shipping container or frame are placed in holes in the shipping container or frame. Making the holes in the transport container or transport frame is labor intensive and expensive and the holes are only made during manufacture of the transport container or transport frame. This means that the horizontal bars can only be arranged in a limited number of positions in the transport container or the transport frame, which severely limits the possibilities for changing the layout of a transport container or frame. It is not possible to subsequently change the possible positions of the horizontal bars on the top of the transport container or transport frame because in practice this means a new transport container or frame, thus eliminating the advantage of using a different layout element to change the layout. change disappears. The rigid elements also comprise upright rods and horizontal rods to which the flexible material is attached. Similarly, the upright bars include holes through which the horizontal bars are fitted. These holes are also only made during manufacture of the partition element. This again means that the horizontal bars can only be fitted in a limited number of positions, which severely limits the possibilities for changing the layout of a transport container or frame if only the flexible material is replaced. Only if the upright bars of a division element are also replaced, it is possible to change the position of the horizontal bars. However, this is an expensive and time-consuming operation and not a sustainable solution.

The present invention aims to find at least a solution to some of the above-mentioned problems or drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a conveyor system according to claim 1.

The transport system according to the present invention comprises a transport container or frame and a partition element. The division element comprises upright strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers. The great advantage of this invention is that the standing strips are fixed to the group of sleepers and that the sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. This makes it possible to change the layout of a transport container or frame quickly, easily, flexibly, durable and inexpensively. The dividing element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by removing the cross beams. By detaching the standing strips from the sleepers, the standing strips can be replaced to obtain a new layout element, whereby the sleepers can be reused, which saves costs and material and is a sustainable solution.

Preferred forms of the device are set forth in claims 2 to 12.

A specific preferred form of the invention relates to a device according to claim

10. In this embodiment, the transport container or transport frame comprises a U-shaped or L-shaped profile at the top on at least two opposite sides, wherein the sleepers comprise a notch, recess, or hook near their ends configured for hooking into the U-shaped or L-shaped profile. This is advantageous because the previous positions of the sleepers need not be taken into account when designing the new partitioning element, because they can be freely distributed over the U-shaped or L-shaped profiles. This is in contrast to a transport container or frame according to the prior art, where the possible positions of the girders are determined by holes in the top of the transport container or the transport frame. This gains flexibility. The sleepers can even be reused for new positions, which saves costs and materials and is a sustainable solution.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim

13. This method has the advantage, inter alia, that a transport container or frame can be divided quickly, simply, flexible, durable and inexpensively by using a dividing element with standing strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers. Because the standing strips are fixed to the sleepers and because the sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame, it is possible to quickly and easily remove the layout and replace it with a new layout. Preferred forms of the method are described in dependent claims 14 to 16.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use according to claim 17. This use results in an economical transport of goods, whereby at the end of the transport the arrangement of a transport container or frame is quick, simple, flexible, durable and cheap to meet requirements for a new transport can be adjusted.

A preferred form of the method is described in dependent claim 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an upright according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of an upright according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2C shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a detail representation of the top of a conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

“A”, “the” and “the” in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more than one segment.

The terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “consist of”, “consisting of”, “includes”, “contain”, “containing”, “contents”, “includes” are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of the following, and which do not exclude or preclude the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps known from or described in the art.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a conveyor system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system comprises a transport container or frame and a partition element. A shipping container includes a floor, walls and a ceiling. Said floor, said walls and said ceiling define a closed loading volume. The closed loading volume forms the interior of the transport container. A transport frame comprises horizontal and vertical frame parts. A first group of horizontal frame members forms a rectangular open floor of the transport frame and a second group of frame members forms a rectangular open ceiling of the transport frame. Vertical frame members connect the horizontal frame members of the floor to the horizontal frame members of the ceiling. The vertical and horizontal frame parts can be releasably connected, for instance by means of bolts and nuts, or fixedly, for instance by welding. Preferably, frame parts are fixedly connected to each other. A plane formed by an edge of the floor, an edge of the ceiling and connecting vertical frame members between said edge of the floor and said edge of the ceiling is a wall of the transport frame. The said floor, ceiling and walls define an open loading volume. The open load volume forms the interior of the transport frame. Optionally, the transport frame comprises a grid or plate as bottom on the horizontal frame parts of the floor. Optionally, the transport frame comprises a grid or plate as a roof on the horizontal frame parts of the ceiling. Optionally, the transport frame comprises one or more grids or plates on vertical frame parts for forming one or more fully or partially closed wall parts. A bottom and/or roof and/or wall are advantageous for protecting goods in the interior of the transport frame. Optionally, the transport container or the transport frame can be folded. A dividing element comprises standing strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers. The use of flexible material for the strips is advantageous for compactly folding a dividing element after removal from a transport container or frame, if necessary for storage.

A standing strip is formed as one piece of flexible material.

Alternatively, a standing strip is formed by multiple pieces of flexible material.

The upright strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

The upright strips preferably extend from the ceiling to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame.

A standing strip forms an angle between -60° and 60° with the ceiling, preferably an angle between -70° and +70°, more preferably an angle between -80° and +80°, even more preferably an angle between -85° and 85° and even more preferably 90°. The standing strips divide the interior into separate compartments.

This is advantageous for the separate storage and transport of goods in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

The goods rest here between the upright strips of flexible material.

The standing strips are attached to the group of sleepers.

The sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame.

The sleepers are preferably connected parallel to the ceiling with the transport container or the transport frame.

The weight of goods in the transport container or transport frame is transferred to the top of the transport container or transport frame via the cross beams.

Because the sleepers are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a dividing element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the sleepers.

By detaching the standing strips from the sleepers, the standing strips can be replaced to obtain a new layout element, whereby the sleepers can be reused, which saves time, costs and material.

According to a further embodiment, the dividing element comprises horizontal strips of flexible material, so that the dividing element can be folded compactly for storage after removal from a transport container or frame.

The horizontal strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

The goods rest between the upright strips and on the horizontal strips.

A horizontal strip is formed as one piece of flexible material.

Alternatively, a horizontal strip is formed by multiple pieces of flexible material.

A horizontal strip forms an angle between -60° and 60° with an upright strip, preferably an angle between -70° and +70°, more preferably an angle between -80° and +80°, even more preferably a angle between -85° and 85° and even more preferably 90°. The horizontal strips are sewn to the upright strips, welded,

glued or connected to the standing strips by means of another suitable technique. The standing and horizontal strips form a division grid, comprising tubes. Walls of the tubes are formed by the upright and the horizontal strips. A partition grid is advantageous for further subdividing the interior of a transport container or frame into compartments.

According to one embodiment, an axis along the longitudinal direction of a tube of the division grid forms an angle of at least 1° and at most 40° with the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. This is advantageous for easier loading or for easier unloading of goods from the transport system, depending on whether goods are loaded or unloaded along the highest or lowest side of a tube. The angle is preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 10° and more preferably at least 15°. The angle is preferably at most 30°, more preferably at most 25° and more preferably at most 20°.

According to one embodiment, the partition grid comprises at least one side wall and/or rear wall, these walls being connected to at least one of the strips. The said side walls and/or rear walls are preferably also made of flexible material, so that the dividing element can be folded compactly for storage after removal from a transport container or frame. Said side wall and/or rear wall are sewn, welded, glued or connected to the strips by means of another suitable technique to the strips of flexible material. Side walls and/or rear walls are preferably connected transversely to horizontal strips with strips of flexible material. Side walls and rear walls are advantageous to prevent goods from falling out of the partition element and being damaged during transport. According to one embodiment, the division element comprises a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams. The horizontal strips are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights and girders. The horizontal strips are preferably arranged under tension between the first and the second group of uprights and girders. This is advantageous to prevent the horizontal strips from bending under load from goods on the horizontal strips. Preferably, the first group of uprights and beams is arranged near a first wall and the second group of uprights and beams near a second opposite wall.

This is advantageous because as a result almost the entire interior of the transport container or the transport frame is divided into compartments by the horizontal and upright strips.

Preferably, the uprights are arranged transversely to the plane of the floor and the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame.

The uprights can be arranged along a width direction or a length direction of the floor of the transport container or the transport frame.

It is clear to a person skilled in the technical field that in case the uprights are arranged along the width direction of the floor, the goods are preferably loaded and unloaded along the length direction and vice versa.

It is also clear to a skilled person skilled in the technical field that in the first case a side wall is parallel to the width direction of the floor and in the second case a partition grid comprising at least one side wall and/or rear wall according to a previously described embodiment with the longitudinal direction and that in the first case a rear wall is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the floor and in the second case with the width direction.

Arranging the uprights along the width direction of the floor is, for instance, advantageous if short goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame.

Arranging the uprights along the longitudinal direction of the floor is advantageous, for example, if long goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame.

A horizontal strip is attached at a first end to a beam of the first group and at a second opposite end to a beam of the second group.

The uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame.

According to a further embodiment, at least some of the beams of the first group are fixed to at least some of the uprights of the first group by means of clamps.

At least part of the beams of the second group are fastened to at least part of the uprights of the second group by means of clamps.

Preferably, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, are fixed to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively.

A horizontal strip of flexible material attached at opposite ends to said beams of the first and second groups closest to the ceiling extends through the interior of the shipping container or frame. Underlying strips hereby also extend at least partially through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. Because these beams are fixed to at least one upright of the first and the second group, the horizontal strip has a fixed position in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame along the longitudinal direction of said upright. The use of a clamp is advantageous because the position of the horizontal strip according to the longitudinal direction of said upright can be freely determined over the length of said upright. The clamp makes it possible to divide a transport container or frame quickly and flexibly by means of horizontal strips, without holes having to be provided in the above-mentioned upright. This saves operations and costs during manufacture of the partition element. Because the uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a dividing element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the group of transverse girders and the uprights of the first and the second group. By detaching the horizontal strips from the beams and the upright strips from the sleepers, the horizontal and upright strips can be replaced to obtain a new layout element, whereby the beams can be reused, which saves costs and material and is a sustainable solution . When manufacturing the new division element, previous positions of the beams do not have to be taken into account because they are fastened to the uprights with clamps and new positions of the beams are not limited by, for example, holes in the uprights, as with a transport system according to the state of the art. This avoids the need to replace uprights, which saves time, costs and material when changing the layout.

Because the upright and horizontal strips are mutually connected, it is not necessary for each horizontal strip of flexible material to fix the beams of the first and the second group to which a horizontal strip is attached to an upright of the first and second group respectively. to make. The upright strips are fastened to the sleepers, whereby the horizontal strips are suspended in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame and so that it is not always necessary to connect the beams of the first and second group to which the horizontal strips are attached to an upright of the first or the second group respectively. As a result, fewer clamps can be used, so that operations and clamps during manufacture and placement of the partition element can be saved, and so that this can be done quickly and cost efficiently.

It is clear to a person skilled in the technical field that if a horizontal strip under load of goods is insufficiently stable and sags, and as a result, for example, does not extend sufficiently through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, the girders of the first and the second group to which said horizontal strip is attached are also attached to at least one upright of the first or second group, respectively, to fix said strip in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

According to one embodiment, a beam of the first group or the second group which is fastened by means of a clamp to an upright of the first group or the second group, respectively, is attached by means of a clamp to at least a second upright of the first group, the second group respectively. A beam is preferably attached to a first upright at a distance of at most one third of its length at a first end and to a second upright at a distance of at most one third of its length at an opposite second end. Preferably, said distance is at most one fourth of the length of the beam, more preferably at most one fifth of the length of the beam. This is advantageous because as a result, torsional forces on the beam due to a load on the horizontal strip of flexible material which is attached to the beam are better absorbed.

According to one embodiment, a beam of the first group or the second group which is fastened by means of a clamp to an upright of the first group or the second group, respectively, is attached to all the uprights of the first group or the second group by means of a clamp. second group attached. This is advantageous if a horizontal strip of the dividing element has to bear heavy goods, so that the forces on the beams to which the horizontal strip is attached are optimally transferred to uprights.

According to one embodiment, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, and at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, are, closest to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame, attached to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively. Preferably, the division grid is stretched between the beams closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame and the beams closest to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. This embodiment is advantageous because as a result the division grid is fixedly positioned in the transport container or the transport frame.

According to one embodiment, all beams of the first group and all beams of the second group are fastened to at least all uprights of the first and second group, respectively, by means of clamps. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when heavy goods are carried by the dividing element, whereby the load by the heavy goods is transferred optimally from the horizontal strips to the uprights. It is clear to a person skilled in the technical field that, depending on an expected load from the goods to be transported, more or fewer girders are fastened to more or fewer uprights by means of clamps. According to one embodiment, sleepers, girders and uprights are extruded profiles. The profiles have a round, square or rectangular cross-section. Preferably beams have a round cross-section. Preferably, sleepers and uprights have a square or rectangular cross-section. The profiles are made of plastic or metal. The profiles are preferably formed from metal. The profiles are preferably hollow. This is advantageous for saving weight of the partition element. The beams and uprights are preferably formed from rigid profiles. This is advantageous to prevent the sleepers, uprights and girders from bending. According to one embodiment, an upright comprises a hook element at a first end and a connecting element at a second opposite end. The hook member is configured for hooking into a recess in the shipping container or transportation frame. The recess is a slot or circular opening in a horizontal frame portion of the floor or ceiling of a transport frame or a slot or circular opening in the floor or ceiling of a transport container.

The hook element has a shape which substantially corresponds to the recess.

The hook element comprises a free end which preferably faces the interior of the transport container or the transport frame or faces in the opposite direction.

This is advantageous because in this way a post can be hooked into the recess from inside the interior, if the hook element is directed towards the interior, or from outside the interior, if the hook element is directed in the opposite direction, and erected to the connecting element. against the floor or the ceiling, depending on the position of the recess for the hook element, of the transport container or the transport frame.

The connecting element is configured for releasably connecting the upright to the transport container or transport frame.

This embodiment is advantageous for quickly placing and releasably connecting an upright to the transport container or the transport frame.

Due to the use of a hook element, no additional material or operation is required for releasably connecting the first end of the upright.

According to one embodiment, the connecting element comprises a pin and a spring and the transport container or the transport frame has holes.

The holes are configured to receive the pin.

The pin is biased into a first position by the spring, wherein a first end of the pin projects from the upright along the longitudinal direction of an upright.

The pin is preferably flattened or rounded at the first end so that the pin is moved to a second retracted position in the upright by contact with the transport container or the transport frame.

When the pin is positioned at the height of a hole in the transport container or the transport frame, the pin moves to the first position due to the spring tension, after which the upright is detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame.

The pin preferably comprises a lever adapted to move the pin against the spring force of the spring.

This simplifies the release of the upright.

This embodiment is advantageous for detachably connecting an upright to a transport container or frame without the use of tools.

According to an alternative embodiment, the connecting element comprises an eye or slot and the transport container comprises holes.

The holes are arranged at regular or irregular distances in the transport container.

Preferably, the holes are arranged at regular intervals.

An upright can be detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame through the eye or the slot of the connecting element in a hole by means of a bolt.

The bolt is secured by means of a nut.

Alternatively, the hole is threaded, eliminating the need for a nut.

This embodiment is advantageous due to the limited number of inexpensive parts.

Moreover, during loading or unloading, the connection between an upright and a transport container or frame cannot be accidentally disconnected.

According to one embodiment, the uprights of a group form a plane.

The upright and horizontal strips of flexible material are substantially located on a first side of the plane.

The beams of said group are located on an opposite second side of said plane.

The horizontal strips of flexible material extend through said plane to the girders.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with an embodiment in which at least some of the beams of a group are not connected to uprights of the said group.

When a horizontal strip is loaded by goods, the girders to which the horizontal strip is attached will move towards the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

This movement is stopped by the uprights, although the girders are not fixed to them, so that a horizontal strip can only sag to a limited extent due to load.

This is particularly advantageous in combination with the embodiments described above in which a strip or division grid is stretched.

According to one embodiment, a clamp comprises a U-shape and a tensioning means.

The U-shape includes a base and two legs.

The two legs each comprise an opening, which are positioned opposite each other.

The openings are configured to receive a beam.

The cross-section of the beam profile is complementary to the shape and dimensions of the openings.

It is clear to a person skilled in the technical field that margins may apply.

As in an embodiment described above, the upright is formed from a profile with a rectangular cross section.

The U-shape is positioned around an upright, wherein the base of the U-shape preferably abuts against a first side wall of the upright and wherein a leg preferably leans against a side wall transverse to the first side wall of the upright.

The tensioning means is configured for clamping the legs about an upright.

The legs are herein pulled against the side walls transversely to the first side wall.

The beam is fitted in the openings.

This embodiment is advantageous because it allows a beam to be flexibly fastened over the entire length of an upright, without holes having to be provided in the upright or having to make additional holes in the upright.

According to one embodiment, the openings in the legs of the clamp are holes, the shape and dimensions of which are substantially equal to the cross-section of the profile of the girders. The beam is fitted through the holes. According to one embodiment, the openings in the legs of the clamp are U-shaped or C-shaped recesses. The cross section of the beam profile is complementary to the U-shaped or C-shaped recess. The open side of the U-shaped or C-shaped recess lies on an edge of one leg of the clamp. The beam is placed in the recess. This is advantageous for fast and simple fastening of a beam to an upright. A C-shaped recess is also advantageous because a beam is snapped into the recess, so that the beam is fixed more firmly to the upright. According to a further embodiment, a tensioning means comprises a bolt and a cage nut. A first leg of the U-shape includes a hole configured to receive the bolt. The second leg of the U-shape includes a recess configured for mounting the cage nut. The bolt can be screwed into the cage nut through the hole in the first leg and the recess in the second leg. This embodiment is advantageous in that only standard parts for the tensioning means are used and that the tensioning means can be tightened with a simple tool such as an Allen key, a wrench or a screwdriver, depending on the type of bolt. According to one embodiment, the flexible material is formed from flexible plastic films between woven, braided or knitted fabrics of natural or synthetic fibers. Fabrics are beneficial for avoiding damage to goods stored or transported in the partition element. Particular preference is given to technical textiles. Optionally, at least one reinforcing element is arranged in the flexible material, such as for instance a profile or strip made of plastic or metal. The reinforcing element or elements are arranged so as not to hinder the folding of the flexible material.

According to a further embodiment, the transport container or the transport frame comprises a U-shaped or L-shaped profile at the top on at least two opposite sides.

The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is preferably arranged over the full length of said side.

The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is fixedly attached to the transport container or the transport frame.

The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is glued, welded, bolted, riveted, pressed or secured to the transport container or transport frame by any other suitable technique.

The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is preferably arranged around the top.

The sleepers include near their ends a notch, recess or hook configured for hooking into the U-shaped or L-shaped profile.

This embodiment is advantageous for flexibly positioning sleepers over the full length of the U-shaped or L-shaped profile.

As a result, old positions of the sleepers do not have to be taken into account when manufacturing a new subdivision element.

Sleepers can be reused with a new layout element, which leads to less material and costs and so that a new layout element can be provided more quickly.

Sleepers, including a notch or recess at their ends, preferably have a rectangular or square cross-section, as in a previously described embodiment.

A rectangular or square cross-section simplifies the application of the notch or recess.

According to one embodiment, the group of sleepers comprises a first subgroup of sleepers which are attached to these sleepers transversely to sleepers of a second subgroup of sleepers.

A grid of sleepers is hereby formed.

This embodiment is advantageous to prevent the sleepers from sliding due to a heavy load.

According to one embodiment, a strip of flexible material is fastened to a girder or sleeper by means of a loop formed by said strip.

The loop is formed by folding the strip around the girder or sleeper.

The folded strip is sewn, stapled, glued or welded to the rest of the strip or wall.

Preferably, the loop fits around the girder or sleeper.

For this purpose, the beam is preferably formed from a round profile, as in a previously described embodiment.

The loop is optionally stapled to the beam or sleeper, glued, nailed, riveted or secured to the beam or sleeper by any other suitable technique.

In combination with an embodiment described above, wherein the uprights of a group form a plane, wherein the strips are located on a first side and wherein the beams are located on a second opposite side, it is advantageous that the loops are interrupted at the height of the uprights. to be. In combination with an embodiment described above, in which the sleepers form a grid, it is advantageous that the loops are interrupted at the intersections of the sleepers.

According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a girder or sleeper by means of a hook. The strip comprises a hook at one end, suitable for hooking to a girder or cross-beam. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that in the case of a horizontal strip, each end comprises a hook. According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a girder or sleeper by means of Velcro. The strip includes a piece of Velcro at one end. It is obvious to a person skilled in the technical field that in the case of a horizontal strip, each end comprises a piece of Velcro. A girder or sleeper comprises a complementary piece of Velcro, suitable for attaching the piece of Velcro to one end of a strip. Preferably, a strip of flexible material comprises at one end a first piece of Velcro and a second complementary piece of Velcro, adapted to form a loop by adhering the first piece of Velcro to the second piece of Velcro. More preferably, a strip of flexible material comprises at one end a ribbon having on a first side a first piece of Velcro and on a second opposite side a second complementary piece of Velcro, adapted to form a loop by adhering the first to the second piece of Velcro. According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a girder or sleeper by means of a piping. The beam or cross beam includes a recess configured to receive the piping. The piping is preferably an extruded profile.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are still suitable means for attaching a strip of flexible material to a girder or sleeper. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for dividing a transport container or frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a partition element, comprising standing strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers; placing the partition element in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame; and connecting the sleeper to the shipping container or the shipping frame.

The upright strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The standing strips divide the interior into separate compartments. This is advantageous for the separate storage and transport of goods in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The goods rest here between the upright strips of flexible material. The standing strips are attached to the sleepers. The sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. The sleepers are preferably connected parallel to the ceiling with the transport container or the transport frame. Because the standing strips are fixed to the sleepers and because the sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame, it is possible to quickly and easily remove the layout and replace it with a new layout.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of providing horizontal strips. The horizontal strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The upright and horizontal strips divide the transport container or transport frame into separate compartments. The upright and horizontal strips form a division grid. The advantages of a layout grid are like a previously described embodiment of the system.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of providing a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams.

The horizontal strips are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights and beams.

The horizontal strips are preferably arranged under tension between the first and the second group of uprights and girders.

This is advantageous to prevent the horizontal strips from bending under load from goods on the horizontal strips.

Preferably, the first group of uprights and girders are arranged near a first wall and the second group of uprights and girders near a second opposite wall of the transport container or the transport frame.

This is advantageous because as a result virtually the entire interior of the transport container or the transport frame is divided into compartments by the horizontal strips.

Preferably, the uprights are arranged transversely to the plane of the floor and the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame.

The uprights can be arranged according to a width direction or a length direction of the floor of the transport container or the transport frame, depending on whether short or long goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame.

A horizontal strip is attached at a first end to a beam of the first group and at a second opposite end to a beam of the second group.

The uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame.

At least part of the beams of the first group are fastened to at least part of the uprights of the first group by means of clamps.

At least part of the beams of the second group are fastened to at least part of the uprights of the second group by means of clamps.

Preferably, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, are fixed to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively.

A horizontal strip of flexible material, which is attached at opposite ends to said beams of the first and second groups closest to the ceiling, extends through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

Underlying strips hereby also extend at least partially through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

Because these beams are fixed to at least one upright of the first and the second group, the horizontal strip has a fixed position in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame along the longitudinal direction of said upright.

The use of a clamp is advantageous because the position of the horizontal strip according to the longitudinal direction of said upright can be freely determined over the length of said upright.

The clamp makes it possible to arrange a transport container or frame quickly and flexibly, without having to provide holes in the above-mentioned upright.

The beams and uprights of the first and second group can be manufactured independently of the division to be obtained.

Only the dimensions of the transport container or the transport frame have to be taken into account.

This saves time, actions and costs during the layout of a transport container or frame.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of rearranging the transport container or transport frame.

The cross girders and, depending on the embodiment, the uprights of the first and the second group are detached from the transport container or the transport frame.

Because the sleepers and, depending on the embodiment, the uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a dividing element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the cross beams and any uprights of the first and the second group. remove the transport frame.

Another layout element is provided.

The other layout element can be an existing layout element that is in preservation.

The other layout element can be a new layout element.

If the dividing element removed from the transport container or the transport frame does not need to be stored for future use, for example because the strips of flexible material are worn, then the strips can be removed from the sleepers and any beams by detaching the said strips to obtain of a new subdivision element, whereby the sleepers and any beams can be reused, which saves time, costs and material.

When manufacturing the new subdivision element, the previous positions of the sleepers and any beams need not be taken into account.

Because the girders are fastened to the uprights with clamps, no new holes have to be made in the uprights for new positions of the girders, as is the case with a transport system according to the prior art.

This avoids the need to replace uprights, which saves time, costs and material when changing the layout.

When a layout element is replaced by a saved layout element, any uprights can be reused.

After all, by using the clamps, the uprights can be easily and quickly detached from the girders, after which the uprights are no longer connected to the dividing element.

As described previously, the use of clamps means that it is not necessary to take into account whether positions of the beams are the same in the deleted and the saved layout element.

Again, time, costs and material can be saved and there is a lot of flexibility in changing the layout.

A person skilled in the technical field will appreciate that the method is preferably configured to obtain a transport system according to the first aspect and, consequently, that a transport system according to the first aspect can be obtained with a method according to the second aspect.

Accordingly, each feature described in this document, above as well as below, may relate to the three aspects of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a transport system according to the first aspect or a use of a method according to the second aspect for transporting goods using a transport container or frame and a partition element.

This use results in an economical transport of goods, whereby after the transport the layout of a transport container or frame can be adapted quickly, simply, durable, flexible and cheap to requirements for a new transport.

According to a further embodiment, the transport container or the transport frame and the dividing element are included in a leasing system.

The transport container or the transport frame and the partition element are included in a transport system.

The leasing system includes a computer or server configured to run a transportation system management program.

The program has access to a database.

The database includes data about the transport container or transport frame, the layout element arranged therein and a period over which a transport system is leased.

The database preferably includes data on future lease periods of transportation systems and the desired layout of a transportation system.

Preferably, at the end of a lease period, the program selects a new lease period from the future lease periods for which the transport container or the transport frame, with or without adjustment of the layout, is suitable.

This embodiment is advantageous because at the end of a lease period of a transportation system comprising a transportation container or frame and a layout element, the layout of the transportation system can be done quickly, simply, flexibly and inexpensively to the needs of the same or a new customer for a new lease period. be adapted and whereby a majority of parts of the transport system, such as for instance the transport container or the transport frame and the girders and uprights, can be reused. In what follows, the invention is described by reference to: non-limiting figures illustrating the invention, and which are not intended or should be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

FIGURE DESCRIPTION Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an upright according to an embodiment of the present invention. The upright (1) is formed from a metal profile with a rectangular cross-section. The upright (1) comprises a hook element (4) at a first end and a connecting element (2) at a second opposite end. The hook member (4) is configured for hooking into a circular opening in a horizontal frame portion of the floor or ceiling of the shipping container or transportation frame. The connecting element (2) comprises a slot (3). The upright (1) can be detachably connected to a transport container or frame through the slot (3) by means of a bolt.

Several clamps (5) are clamped around the upright (1). A clamp (5) comprises a U-shape and a tensioning means. The U-shape includes a base and a first leg (6) and a second leg (7). The base abuts against a first side wall of the upright (1). This first side wall is not visible in Figure 1. The first leg (6) and the second leg (7) rest against side walls transverse to the first side wall of the upright (1). The first leg (6) comprises a hole (8) and the second leg (7) a hole (9). The holes (8) and (9) are configured to receive a beam. The shape and dimensions of the holes (8) and (9) are substantially equal to the cross section of the beam profile. The holes (8) and (9) are positioned opposite each other. The tensioning means comprises a bolt (10) and a cage nut (11). The first leg (6) includes a hole configured to receive the bolt (10). The second leg (7) includes a recess configured for mounting the cage nut (11). The bolt (10) is screwed through the hole in the first leg (6) and the recess in the second leg (7) in the cage nut (11). As a result, the legs (6) and (7) are pulled against the side walls transversely to the first side wall of the upright (1).

Figure 1B shows a perspective view of an upright according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This upright is very similar to the embodiment of Figure 1A. The hook element (4) in this alternative embodiment is configured for hooking into a slot in a horizontal frame portion of the floor or ceiling of the shipping container or transportation frame. The first leg (6) comprises a C-shaped recess (8) and the second leg (7) a C-shaped recess (9). The C-shaped recesses (8) and (9) are configured for snapping a beam into place.

Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transport system comprises a transport frame (16). The transport frame (16) comprises horizontal frame members (18) and (19) and vertical frame members (17). The horizontal frame parts (18) form the ceiling of the transport frame (16). The horizontal frame parts (19) form the floor of the transport frame (16). The vertical frame parts (17) connect the horizontal frame parts (19) of the floor with the horizontal frame parts (18) of the ceiling. Two vertical frame members (17) and a horizontal frame member (18) and (19) form a first wall of the transport frame (16). Two vertical frame members (17) and a horizontal frame member (18) and (19) form a second opposite wall of the transport frame (16). The second wall is largely hidden in Figure 2 by a division element of the transport system. A first group of uprights (1) and beams (12) is arranged near the first wall and a second group of uprights (1) and beams (12) near the second wall. The uprights (1) are arranged along the width direction of the floor of the transport frame (16), as a result of which the embodiment shown is suitable for storing and transporting short goods in the transport frame (16). In the embodiment shown, all beams (12) of the first and second group are fastened to two of the four uprights (1) of the first and second group, respectively, by means of a clamp (5). The beams (12) are spaced at most one fifth of their length at a first end to a first upright (1) of said two of the four uprights (1) and at a distance of at most one fifth of their length at an opposite second end attached to a second upright (1) of said two of the four uprights (1).

The transport system comprises a partition element in the interior of the transport frame (16). The dividing element comprises horizontal strips (13) of flexible material and the uprights (1) and the beams (12) of the first and the second group. The horizontal strips (13) are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights (1) and girders (12). The horizontal strips (13) are attached to a beam (12) by means of a loop formed by the horizontal strips (13). The loops are interrupted at the height of the uprights (1). The uprights (1) of a group form a plane. The horizontal strips (13) and the upright strips (15) are located substantially on a first side of the plane. The beams (12) of the same group are located substantially on a second opposite side of the plane. The horizontal strips (13) extend through said plane to the girders (12). The horizontal strips (13) are connected to each other by side walls (14) and upright strips (15). The horizontal strips (13), the side walls (14) and the upright strips (15) form a division grid.

The transport frame (16) comprises at the top a U-shaped profile (25) which is welded around the top to the horizontal frame parts (18). Cross girders (23) of a first subgroup and cross girders (24) of a second subgroup are detachably connected to the top side of the transport frame (16). The sleepers (24) are fastened transversely to the sleepers (23). The sleepers (23) and the sleepers (24) form a grid. The side walls (14) and the upright strips (15) are attached to the sleepers (23) with a loop. The loops are interrupted at the level of the sleepers (24). Lying strips (13) are attached to the sleepers (24) with loops at the height of the ceiling of the transport frame (16). The loops are interrupted at the level of the sleepers (23). The transport frame (16) comprises wheels (20), suitable for moving the transport frame (16) in a simple manner. The wheels (20) preferably comprise a braking mechanism. At least two wheels (20) near the same wall of the transport frame (16) are pivotable about a vertical axis, so that maneuvering is simplified. The transport frame (16) comprises a projection (21) at a lower end of the vertical frame parts (17) and an opening (22) at an upper end of the vertical frame parts (17). The opening (22) is configured to receive the projections (21), through which conveyor systems according to the present invention can be stacked on top of each other. Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This alternative embodiment has no sleepers (23). Figure 2C shows a perspective view of a conveyor system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. This alternative embodiment has no sleepers (24). Figure 3 shows a detail representation of the top of a conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Holes (27) are arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal frame part (18). An upright (1) can be detachably connected to the transport frame (16) by means of a bolt through a slot (3) in a hole (27). The sleeper (24) includes a notch (26). By hooking the notch (26) in the U-shaped profile (25), the cross beam (24) is detachably connected to the top of the transport frame (16). Such notches are also provided in the beams (23). These notches are not visible in Figure 3.

Claims (18)

CONCLUSIONS A transport system comprising a transport container or frame and a partition element, the partition element comprising upright strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers, the upright strips extending into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, the upright strips comprising the transport container or subdividing the transport frame into separate compartments, wherein the standing strips are fixed to the group of sleepers, characterized in that the sleepers are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. Conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dividing element comprises horizontal strips of flexible material, the horizontal strips extending into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, the upright and horizontal strips into the transport container or the transport frame. subdivide separate compartments and where the upright and horizontal strips form a division grid. Transport system according to claim 2, characterized in that the partition grid comprises at least one side wall and/or rear wall. Transport system as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 2-3, characterized in that the dividing element comprises a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams, wherein the horizontal strips are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights and beams. wherein a horizontal strip is attached at a first end to a beam of the first group and at an opposite second end to a beam of the second group and wherein the uprights of the first and second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame to be. Conveyor system according to claim 4, characterized in that at least some of the beams of the first group are attached to at least some of the uprights of the first group and at least some of the beams of the second group are attached to at least some of the beams of the second group by means of clamps. part of the uprights of the second group are attached. Conveyor system according to claim 5, characterized in that a clamp comprises a U-shape comprising a base and two legs, and a tensioning means, the tensioning means being configured for clamping the legs about an upright and wherein the two legs each comprising an opening positioned opposite each other and configured to receive a beam. Conveying system according to claim 6, characterized in that the tensioning means comprises a bolt and a cage nut, wherein a first leg of the U-shape comprises a hole configured to receive the bolt and wherein a second leg comprises a recess, configured for securing the cage nut, the bolt being threaded through the hole in the first leg and the recess in the second leg into the cage nut. Conveyor system according to any one of the preceding claims 4-7, characterized in that an upright comprises at a first end a hook element configured for hooking into a recess in the transport container or the transport frame and at a second opposite end a connecting element configured to for releasably connecting the upright to the transport container or the transport frame. Transport system according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting element comprises an eye or slot and the transport container or the transport frame comprises holes, wherein an upright by means of a bolt passes through the eye or the slot of the connecting element into a hole of the connecting element. transport container or the transport frame is detachably connectable to the transport container or the transport frame. 10. A transport system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the transport container or the transport frame has a U-shaped or L-shaped profile at the top on at least two opposite sides, wherein the U-shaped or L-shaped profile is fixedly attached to the transport container or the transport frame, and wherein the sleepers comprise near their ends a notch, recess or hook configured for hooking into the U-shaped or L-shaped profile. A transport system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the uprights of a group of uprights and girders form a plane, wherein the strips of flexible material are substantially located on a first side of the plane and the girders of the said group being on an opposite second side of the plane and with lying strips extending through said plane to the girders. 12. A transport system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that a strip is attached to a girder or sleeper by means of a loop formed by said strip. Method for dividing a transport container or frame, comprising: - providing a dividing element, comprising standing strips of flexible material and a group of sleepers; - placing the dividing element in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, wherein the upright strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, wherein the upright strips divide the transport container or the transport frame into separate compartments, and wherein the upright strips strips are attached to the sleepers; - connecting the sleepers to the transport container or the transport frame; characterized in that the cross girders are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the method comprises the additional step of providing horizontal strips, wherein the horizontal strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, wherein the upright and horizontal strips form the transport container or subdivide the transport frame into separate compartments and wherein the upright and horizontal strips form a division grid. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the method comprises the additional step of providing a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams, the horizontal strips between the first and the second group of uprights and beams are arranged, wherein a horizontal strip is secured at a first end to a beam of the first group and at an opposite second end to a beam of the second group and wherein the uprights of the first and second group are releasable with the transport container or the transport frame connected. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 13-15, characterized in that the method comprises the additional step of rearranging the transport container or the transport frame, wherein another dividing element is provided, placed and detachably attached to the transport container or the transport frame. connected. Use of a transport system according to any one of claims 1-12 or a method according to any one of claims 13-16 for transporting goods using a transport container or frame and a partition element. Use according to claim 17, characterized in that the transport container or the transport frame and the dividing element are included in a leasing system.