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
  • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
  • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
  • B65D77/0446—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks
  • B65D77/0453—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks the inner container having a polygonal cross-section
  • B65D77/0466—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks the inner container having a polygonal cross-section the containers being mounted on a pallet
• • 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
  • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D19/38—Details or accessories
  • B65D19/40—Elements for spacing platforms from supporting surface
• • 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
  • B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
  • B65D23/12—Means for the attachment of smaller articles
  • B65D23/14—Means for the attachment of smaller articles of tags, labels, cards, coupons, decorations or the like
• • 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
  • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
  • B65D2519/00024—Metal
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
  • B65D2519/00059—Metal
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00084—Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
  • B65D2519/00094—Metal
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
  • B65D2519/00164—Metal
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
  • B65D2519/00174—Plastic
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
  • B65D2519/00184—Combination, e.g. different elements made of different materials, laminates
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00189—Materials for the lid or cover
  • B65D2519/00199—Metal
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00009—Materials
  • B65D2519/00189—Materials for the lid or cover
  • B65D2519/00208—Plastic
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
  • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
  • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
  • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
  • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00368—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
  • B65D2519/00373—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
  • B65D2519/00502—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
  • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
  • B65D2519/00512—Overall construction of the side walls skeleton type
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00547—Connections
  • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
  • B65D2519/00616—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled
  • B65D2519/00621—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled sidewalls directly connected to each other
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00547—Connections
  • B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
  • B65D2519/00666—Structures not intended to be disassembled
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00547—Connections
  • B65D2519/00706—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts
  • B65D2519/00716—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts non-removable lid or covers
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00736—Details
  • B65D2519/008—Drainage means
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00736—Details
  • B65D2519/00805—Means for facilitating the removal of the load
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00736—Details
  • B65D2519/0086—Protection against environmental hazards, e.g. humidity, bacteria, fire
• • 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
  • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
  • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
  • B65D2519/00736—Details
  • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
  • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
  • B65D2519/00965—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded
  • B65D2519/00975—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded through the side walls

Definitions

• IBCs Intermediate bulk containers, or IBCs, are often used for storing and transporting bulk materials, particularly fluids. Having a generally cubic structure, IBCs typically comprise a plastic container in which the fluid exists, the container being surrounded on its four vertical sides by a protective metal cage.
• IBCs transporting or storing hazardous materials is stipulated by legislation sanctioned in the United Nations tests and regulations for IBCs. This criterion requires that an IBC can be dropped, on its base and at different angles, without damaging the container sufficiently to cause a spillage of a contained fluid.
• the United Nations regulations require the drop test to be performed at a range of heights and at a specific temperature.
• IBCs In order to comply with the regulations and to pass the UN test, IBCs must be made from strong, durable materials, the production of which can often be expensive and environmentally damaging. These strong, durable materials, such as polyethylene plastic or metals, are able to withstand the Shockwaves generated as the IBC contacts the surface onto which it is dropped.
• a particularly damaging component of the shockwave is the initial shock or "G-load” shock, which tends to cause the majority of the structural damage to the IBC and its container.
• G-load the initial shock or "G-load” shock
• Shock-absorbing means are incorporated into an IBC, wherein the energy resulting from the G-load is absorbed by and dissipated throughout the shock absorbing means.
• the present invention provides an intermediate bulk container in accordance with independent claim 1. Further preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.
• the intermediate bulk container of the present disclosure comprises a pallet container, which itself comprises a base portion and a cage portion, wherein the cage portion is connected with the base portion and defines an inner region which is sized and shaped to accept a container.
• the base portion comprises a generally planar base member to which one or more feet are attachable on the underside thereof, the underside being the side opposite the cage portion.
• the pallet container also comprises shock absorbing means.
• the shock absorbing means themselves may comprise a deformable, energy absorbing portion which is adapted to bend, compress or crumple so as to eliminate the initial peak load, or G- Load, in the load vs. deformation characteristics of the pallet container, thus reducing the maximum load transferred to the cage member and container.
• the shock absorbing means may comprise a longitudinal deformation zone which is adapted to bend, compress or crumple so as to eliminate the G-Load.
• the shock absorbing means may comprise one or more metallic plates or pieces positioned in a region of the pallet container such that the weight of the pallet container above the one or more metallic plates or pieces acts generally along the plane of the one or more metallic plates or pieces, and the metallic plates or pieces comprise a deformation zone running perpendicular to the direction in which the weight of the pallet container acts, when the pallet container is positioned in its normal resting orientation.
• Additional alternative shock absorbing means comprise a corrugation running generally perpendicular to the direction that the weight of the pallet container acts, when the pallet container is positioned in its normal resting orientation, wherein the corrugation is adapted to deform so as to eliminate the G-Load.
• the corrugation may have a profile chosen from one or more of the following: one or more generally sinusoidal ridges extending out of the plane of the surrounding material; two or more generally sinusoidal ridges one extending out of the plane of the surrounding material the other extending inward through the plane of the surrounding material; one or more generally triangular ridges extending out of the plane of the surrounding material; two or more generally triangular ridges one extending out of the plane of the surrounding material the other extending inward through the plane of the surrounding material.
• the shock absorbing means of the present disclosure may be provided in one or more feet of the pallet container.
• the feet can be made from folded or bent metal sheets or tubes, which may be generally hollow.
• the force or load required to deform, bend or crumple the shock absorbing means is chosen to be higher than the possible maximum force or load generated by a full pallet container under gravity, when the pallet container is resting on the ground.
• the cage portion comprises one or more vertical struts extending from the upper surface of the base member to an upper rim which is approximately the same size as the periphery of the base member and runs around the top of the cage portion.
• the vertical struts may have a cross- section which resembles a four-pointed star, or a square in which the corners are extended outward along the direction of the diagonal.
• the upper rim has a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section and the vertical struts are located within the inner portion between the parallel sides of the U-shape, and the corner portions of the vertical struts are attached to the inner portion of the U-shaped upper rim.
• the vertical struts are preferably attached to the inner portion of the U-shaped upper rim by resistance welding.
• the cage portion also comprises one or more horizontal ribs which encircle and are attached to the vertical struts.
• the one or more horizontal ribs may have a profile comprising a triangular ridge with flat sections either side thereof, wherein the flat sections are used for attachment to the vertical struts with the triangular ridge extending away from the vertical struts.
• one or more plastic bands or straps can be positioned around the vertical struts in order to help maintain the shape of the cage portion when under stress.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pallet container.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base portion of a pallet container.
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the upper rim engaging with a vertical strut.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical strut engaging with the upper rim.
• FIG. 5 is a spectrum showing the shock response of a pallet container without shock absorption means.
• FIG. 6 is a spectrum showing the shock response of a pallet container with shock absorption means.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pallet container foot with shock absorption means, according to the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a plan view of a corner foot of a pallet container. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
• FIG. 1 shows a pallet container 1 including certain aspects of the present disclosure.
• the pallet container comprises a base portion 10 and a cage portion 20 which, when connected together, define an inner region 21 which is sized and shaped to accept a container 30.
• a discussion of each of these components is provided hereinbelow, along with a description of how they interact with each other.
• Base portion 10 comprises a generally planar base member 11, as shown by FIG. 2.
• Base member 11 itself comprises a generally rectangular- or square-shaped frame, with one or more recesses 5 along the anterior of one or more of its peripheral sides 15, to provide access to one or more outflows 6 of mounted container 30.
• the rectangular shape of the periphery 15 is sized to accommodate container 30. Different shapes of container ⁇ i.e. pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) would require a base member 11 and periphery 15 of equivalent geometry, a condition which can be considered herein without departing from the scope of the current invention.
• the one or more recesses 5 designed to accommodate one or more outflows 6 of a mounted container is merely a design choice.
• Base members 11 and peripheries 15 constructed without this non-essential feature, suitable for a container without an outflow 6, are anticipated in the present disclosure.
• Base portion 10 may also include an optional crossbar strength member 16, lying within the plane of base portion 10 and contacting two or more sides of periphery 15.
• Crossbar strength member 16 acts to provide increased rigidity and stability to base portion 10.
• An external compression force acting towards the centre of base portion 10, through a peripheral side 15 of base member 11 to which crossbar strength member 16 is attached, would be resisted against due to crossbar strength member 16.
• an expansive force acting from within container 30 or a pulling force acting on the anterior of a peripheral side 15, to which crossbar strength member 16 is attached would be resisted since the crossbar strength member 16 is designed to contact at least two peripheries 15.
• Crossbar strength member 16 of base portion 10 would advantageously add additional resistance against forces to the base of pallet container 1.
• feet 12 Attached to the underside 13 of base member 11 are one or more feet 12. A more complete discussion of feet 12 is provided in section II below.
• Cage portion 20 is attached to the upper surface 14 of base member 11.
• cage portion 20 and upper surface 14 are welded together, although any suitable attaching means can be conceived, e.g. employing heavy-duty bolts.
• Cage portion 20 itself comprises a plurality of vertical struts 22 and at least one horizontal rib 25 which, in combination with the upper surface 14 of base member 11 define an inner region 21.
• the dimensions of inner region 21 are sized and shaped to accommodate container 30.
• Vertical struts 22 extend vertically from the upper surface 14 of base member 11 to an upper rim 23.
• at least one vertical strut 22 extends vertically from the region around each corner of pallet container 1. Since, in the case of a fully-loaded square container 30, the forces are greatest at the corners of container 30, the placement of vertical struts 22 around the corners serves to add strength and support to mechanically weak areas. Similarly, it is advantageous to position at least one vertical strut 22 halfway along a base member periphery 15, again in order to provide resistive support to generally weaker areas.
• the pallet container 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 demonstrates a suitable arrangement of vertical struts which could provide adequate resistive support against a fully-loaded container 30.
• Upper rim 23 has approximately the same size and form as the periphery 15 of base member 11. Upper rim 23 extends around the top of the entire cage portion 20, i.e. upper rim 23 contacts and is attached to the terminating end of each of the vertical struts 22. A cross-sectional view of upper rim 23 is provided by FIG. 3, where its form is depicted as an inverted "U"-sha ⁇ e. The "U"-sha ⁇ e of upper rim 23 is sized to accommodate the terminating ends of vertical struts 22.
• the shape of upper rim 23 is not limited to that of a "U"-sha ⁇ e; this shape has been chosen for illustrative purposes only since other suitable shapes, e.g. circular or triangular rims are anticipated within this disclosure. The choice of shape depends largely on the shape of the terminating ends of vertical struts 22, as discussed hereinafter.
• Vertical struts 22 themselves can take any circumferential form, although preferred cross sections are cylindrical, triangular or square. Of crucial importance is the shape of the terminating end of each vertical strut 22. The preferred shape is that of either a four-pointed star or a square in which the corners are extended outward along the direction of the diagonal, as shown in FIG. 4. Indeed, the entire vertical strut 22 itself could take the shape of the terminating end, i.e. that of a four-pointed star or a square with extended corners. A vertical strut 22 of this form is advantageous since the star-like shaped cross section of the strut would contain troughs and ridges, providing increased resilience against unwanted twisted and bending of the strut.
• the points of the star or the extended corners of the square contact at least the parallel sides of the inner portion of the "U"-sha ⁇ ed upper rim 23.
• the vertical struts can then be attached to upper rim 23 by, but not limited to, various welding techniques, e.g. resistance welding. Resistance welding is a preferred attachment method between upper rim 23 as shown in FIG. 3, and vertical strut 22 with a cross section as shown in FIG. 4 since only a minimal amount of welding is required, which is facilitated by the shape of vertical strut 22.
• the four protrusions emanating from the longitudinal centre of vertical strut 22 are the only points which contact upper rim 23.
• At least one horizontal rib 25 extends horizontally around cage portion 20, encircling vertical struts 22.
• the circumferential form of horizontal rib 25 can take many cross sections, such as cylindrical or square, although in the preferred embodiment horizontal rib 25 has a profile comprising a triangular ridge 26 with flat sections either side of ridge 26. The flat sections are used for attachment to vertical struts 22 where the horizontal rib 25 and vertical struts 22 intersect.
• Triangular ridge 26 extends away from vertical struts 22, i.e. ridge 26 extends away from inner region 21. Being triangular in shape, ridge 26 provides strength to horizontal rib 25 as triangular ridge 26 is resilient against bending or twisting.
• triangular ridge 26 is an advantageous shape since only the flat sections either side of triangular ridge 26 require fixing to vertical struts 22.
• resistance welding provides a suitable attachment technique due to its simplicity, cleanliness and the speed with which it can weld small surface areas together.
• one or more plastic bands or straps 27 can be secured around vertical struts 22, in an analogous fashion to horizontal rib 25. Straps 27 would absorb some of the stress forces experienced by cage portion 20.
• the employment of straps 27 reduces the number of horizontal ribs 25 required for a secure pallet container 1. Choosing plastic straps 27 over horizontal ribs 25 reduces the overall weight of pallet container, whilst also reducing manufacturing costs.
• shock absorbing means 40 act to absorb and dissipate the initial energy of such a shock, thus reducing the Shockwaves transferred to cage member 20 and container 30 of pallet container 1.
• shock absorbing means 40 comprise a deformable, energy absorbing portion 41.
• This deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 is adapted to bend, compress and/or crumple when an initial load of a certain magnitude is experienced.
• FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation of a shock response spectrum (SRS), which shows kinetic energy E K ⁇ n (or load) along the ordinate versus deflection H ⁇ along the abscissa, when a load is applied to pallet container 1 without shock absorbing means 40.
• SRS shock response spectrum
• E K ⁇ n or load
• H ⁇ deflection H ⁇ along the abscissa
• the energy in the G-load propagates into cage member 20 and container 30 of pallet container 1 , by way of compression/rarefaction waves and sinusoidal waves, prior to the failing and deformation of some part of pallet container 1.
• its constituent components i.e. cage member 20 and container 30 must be made of highly durable shock-resistant material capable of surviving a test G-load shock. These shock-resistant materials can incur large costs to the manufacturer.
• shock-absorbing means preferably located in one or more feet
• a shock- absorbing means which successfully absorbs the G- load during a shock has a characteristic SRS as shown in FIG. 6. Achieving such a plot is possible using a deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 of the present invention, as described hereinbelow.
• the deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 can take many forms, only some of which are described herein.
• FIG. 7 shows one of the one or more feet 12 which form part of base portion 10.
• Foot 12 as shown in FIG. 7 is cylindrical, although alternative geometries such as cubic or prism-shaped feet are anticipated.
• Feet 12 positioned at the corners of base member 11 can be shaped so as to curve in coincidence with the peripheral sides 15 of base member 11 (see FIG. 8).
• a larger footprint at the corners adds stability to pallet container 1 , whilst also providing more material which can accommodate shock absorbing means 40. Consequently, a G-load shock can be dissipated through a larger deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 , affording larger G-load shocks to be removed from pallet container 1.
• deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 in particular is a longitudinal deformation zone 42.
• Longitudinal deformation zone 42 is an integral part of foot 12 which has been pre-failed, i.e. a zone which has been specifically weakened and designed to collapse upon experiencing a shock from the initial G-load (hereinafter referred to as a "G-shock").
• G-shock a zone which has been specifically weakened and designed to collapse upon experiencing a shock from the initial G-load
• Deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 will deform at a low impact energy, continuing to deform in an approximately even manner (up to a maximum deformation), thereby spreading and dissipating the experienced G-shock.
• the shock absorbing means 40 i.e. deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 and/or longitudinal deformation zone 42 could comprise one or more metallic plates or pieces 43.
• the exact location of metallic plates or pieces 43 is preferably, but not limited to, one or more feet 12.
• the governing factor which determines the exact location of metallic plates or pieces 43 is the weight of pallet container 1 , such that the weight of pallet container 1 above the one or more metallic plates or pieces 43 acts generally along the plane of the one or more metallic plates or pieces 43.
• Metallic plates or pieces 43 themselves comprise a deformation zone 44 which runs perpendicular to the direction in which the weight of pallet container 1 acts, when pallet container 1 is positioned in its normal resting orientation, i.e. an orientation as shown in FIG. 1.
• shock absorbing means 40 could comprise a corrugation 45 running generally perpendicular to the direction that the weight of pallet container 1 acts, when positioned in its normal resting orientation (see FIG. 1).
• Corrugation 45 is adapted to deform, thereby eliminating the G-load from propagating through cage member 20 and container 30.
• corrugation 45 could be constructed in such a way that it comprises at least one of the following profiles
• corrugation 45 offers a G-shock absorbing portion.
• the exact profile or combination of profiles that corrugation 45 may take can be selected by the skilled person, depending on the magnitude of the G-load to be absorbed.
• shock absorbing means 40 may exist in any suitable location on pallet container 1 , although preferentially the shock absorbing means are situated in one or more feet 12 of pallet container 1. Feet 12 themselves can be made from folded and/or bent metal sheets and/or tubes, although other suitable constructions and materials are readily anticipated. Indeed, pallet container 1 could comprise shock absorbing means 40 in one or more feet 12, which are generally hollow and constructed of folded and/or bent metal sheets and/or tubes. Shock absorbing means 40 located within feet 12 could comprise a corrugation 45 which runs parallel with planar base member 11, corrugation 45 forming a pre-crush or pre-fail region, adapted to absorb the initial G-shock and to eliminate propagation of the experienced shockwave.
• shock- absorbing means 40 and their location in pallet container 1, along with different types of feet 12 work in harmony, absorbing the initial G-shock and preventing the transmittance of the shockwave throughout pallet container 1. Resultantly, pallet container 1 and its constituent components, cage member 20 and container 30, can be made of less expensive materials which are not designed to withstand the large forces of the G-load, as this will not be transferred into the pallet container 1 components.
• the absorption of forces in shock- absorbing means 40 ultimately reduces the cost of pallet container 1 construction whilst also removing the necessity to construct entire pallet containers 1 out of shock-absorbing materials.
• An inexpensive pallet container 1 can be manufactured, offering transportation safety measures which afford pallet container 1 to experience and withstand large initial peak loads.
• shock absorbing means 40 could exist in base member 11 rather than in feet 12, or shock absorbing means 40 could exist partly in both base member 11 and feet 12.
• a deformable, energy absorbing portion 41 could encircle base member 11 in an analogous fashion to how feet 12 are encircled.
• the G-shock can be absorbed and dissipated by shock absorbing means 40, negating the necessity to construct pallet container 1 from expensive, shock-resistant materials, thereby reducing the overall production costs of pallet container 1 whilst providing a container which successfully passes drop tests established by the United
• pallet container 1 is dropped generally onto its feet or part of its base, thereby dictating the approximate suitable location for shock absorbing means 40.

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• 2008
  • 2008-09-26 EP EP08804817A patent/EP2342143A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2008-09-26 US US13/120,912 patent/US20110210027A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2008-09-26 WO PCT/EP2008/062942 patent/WO2010034352A1/en not_active Ceased

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