Title:

Bottom of a pallet container

United States Patent Application 20030024935

Kind Code:

Abstract:

A bottom of a basket or sheet metal container for receiving a plastic container of a combination pallet container for storing and transporting goods forms an upper part of a pallet having at least one transverse bar for supporting the bottom. The bottom has a rectangular bottom surface and an upwardly curved portion forming a rim area. The bottom surface has a depression in front of a center of a first rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface. The bottom surface has a descending plane descending from a second rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface positioned opposite the first rectangle side toward the depression and having a lower end adjoining the depression. The bottom surface has two ascending planes adjoining the descending plane on opposed sides of the depression and ascending toward corners of the rectangular bottom surface located on opposite ends of the first rectangle side ends.

Inventors:

Kind, Franz (Biedenkopf, DE)

Application Number:

10/208881

Publication Date:

02/06/2003

Filing Date:

07/31/2002

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

Roth Werke GmbH

Primary Class:

220/571

Other Classes:

220/9.4

International Classes:

B65D77/04; B65D77/06; (IPC1-7): B65D25/00; B65D1/34

View Patent Images:

Download PDF 20030024935

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Primary Examiner:

MEREK, JOSEPH C

Attorney, Agent or Firm:

Friedrich Kueffner (New York, NY, US)

Claims:

What is claimed is:

1. A bottom of a basket or sheet metal container for receiving a plastic container of a combination pallet container for storing and transporting goods, wherein the bottom is configured to form an upper part of a pallet having at least one transverse bar for supporting the bottom; the bottom comprising: a rectangular bottom surface and an upwardly curved portion forming a rim area; the bottom surface having a depression in front of a center of a first rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface; the bottom surface comprising a descending plane descending from a second rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface positioned opposite the first rectangle side toward the depression and having a lower end adjoining the depression; and the bottom surface comprising two ascending planes adjoining the descending plane on opposed sides of the depression and ascending toward corners of the rectangular bottom surface located on opposite ends of the first rectangle side.

2. The bottom according to claim 1, wherein between the descending plane and the two ascending planes an edge is provided, respectively, wherein the edge is angled relative to the first rectangle side.

3. The bottom according to claim 2, wherein the edge is positioned at an angle of 20° to 40° relative to the first rectangle side.

4. The bottom according to claim 2, wherein the depression is comprised of two lateral portions of a small depth and a central, deeper portion of a greater depth relative to the small depth of the two lateral portions, wherein the central deeper portion begins at the descending plane and ends at an outer edge of the bottom so that the rim area is interrupted, wherein the central, deeper portion has a shape of a shovel, wherein the edge ends at the depression near a boundary between the lateral portions and the central, deeper portion, respectively.

5. The bottom according to claim 2, wherein the edge ends at a third rectangle side of the rectangular bottom surface, connecting the first and second rectangle sides, approximately at one third of a side length of the third rectangle side measured relative to the first rectangle side.

6. The bottom according to claim 1, wherein the descending plane has reinforcement grooves.

7. The bottom according to claim 6, wherein the reinforcement grooves extend in a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction of the bottom surface.

8. The bottom according to claim 6, wherein the reinforcement grooves extend from the descending plane into the ascending planes.

9. The bottom according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface has an embossment projecting upwardly and configured to receive the transverse bar projecting from below into the embossment.

10. The bottom according to claim 9, wherein the embossment has a gable shape and the transverse bar has a matching gable shape.

11. The bottom according to claim 9, wherein the embossment has rectangular cross-sections.

12. The bottom according to claim 11, wherein the embossment has ends provided with a slanted portion, respectively.

13. The bottom according to claim 1, comprised of plastic material and having a grate of crossing bars formed on an underside of the bottom surface.

14. The bottom according to claim 13, wherein the grate has a cutout extending at least over a portion of a height of the crossing bars and having a shape matching a shape of the transverse bar and configured to receive the transverse bar projecting from below into the embossment.

15. The bottom according to claim 14, wherein the bottom surface has an upwardly extending embossment above the cutout.

16. The bottom according to claim 15, wherein the embossment has a shape matching a shape of the transverse bar.

17. The bottom according to claim 16, wherein the embossment has a gable shape matching a gable shape of the transverse bar.

18. Te bottom according to claim 17, wherein the embossment has ends provided with a slanted portion, respectively.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a bottom of a basket or sheet metal container for receiving a plastic container forming together a combination pallet container for storing and/or transporting goods. The bottom has a bowl-shape with an upwardly curved portion forming a rim area and a slanted area in the bottom surface inclined toward a depression in front of the center of one of the sides of the rectangular bottom. The bottom is in particular provided to form the upper part of a pallet having at least one transverse bar supporting the bottom.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] German patent 41 08 399 C1 discloses a pallet container with a bottom having a bowl-shape with upwardly curved portion at the rim and a slant in the bottom surface inclined along predetermined paths toward the center of one of the shorter sides of the rectangular bottom. The bottom is slanted toward the center where a drainage groove extends at a slant from one of the shorter rectangle sides to the other at a slant, wherein narrower grooves extend toward the drainage groove from both sides at a right angle relative to the drainage groove; the narrower grooves have the function of reinforcement grooves. The bottom of the plastic container is matched to this configuration.

[0005] The bottom of a pallet container disclosed in the German Gebrauchsmuster 94 07343 U1 is of a similar configuration. It comprises the drainage groove and also the reinforcement grooves extending toward the drainage groove as well as reinforcement grooves extending parallel to the drainage groove. All of the bottom portions of the reinforcement grooves are positioned in a common plane. The bottom is supported by a transverse bar. This bottom has thus the aforementioned combination of features. An exterior support rim adjoins the upwardly curved portion of the rim of the bottom and extends downwardly so that a circumferential hollow collar is formed about the bottom.

[0006] In contrast to this, published international patent application WO 96/19379 proposes a bottom which is slanted from the center to the periphery and has a circumferentially extending recessed groove. This groove is surrounded by an upwardly bulging rim. The groove enables flow in the container, whose bottom matches the pallet container, in the direction toward the valve. Moreover, the bottom as a whole is designed to slant in this direction. Several reinforcement ribs embossed in the bottom therefore have different depths in order to be positioned with their bottom portions within the same horizontal plane so that a forklift can engage the bottom from below.

[0007] The convex configuration of this bottom causes upon loading outwardly acting support forces and is said to prevent sagging at the center. The support forces are to be received by an annular peripheral rod on which the bottom is peripherally fastened.

[0008] German patent application DE 197 23 806 A1 describes a bottom having a bowl-shape and an upwardly curved portion along the rim and a configuration of the bottom surface enclosed by the upwardly curved portion of the bottom approximately in the shape of a flat saddle roof or pitched roof whose edge, immediately adjoining the upwardly curved portion of the bottom, descends slightly from the center of one of the shorter rectangle sides toward both ends and then along the two longer rectangular sides and then opens into a groove extending along the other short rectangle sides. This groove becomes deeper toward the center of this rectangle side.

[0009] The bottom configured in this way is supported with regard to tension loads with the aid of the load-receiving upwardly curved portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to configure the bottom surface of the aforementioned kind so as to have a reduced height while maintaining all of the other substantially standardized dimensions.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, this is achieved in that the bottom surface has a descending plane beginning at the rectangle side opposite the first mentioned rectangle side, wherein the lower end of the descending plane adjoins the aforementioned depression and on both sides adjoins two planes which ascend toward the neighboring corners, respectively.

[0012] The bottom according to the invention, which does not extend as a single continuous inclined plane ending at a transverse groove (corresponding to the configuration according to the priority application DE 100 38 463.3 which configuration has thus not been adopted), provides favorable flow conditions in the end phase of emptying of the plastic container so that the final emptying is accelerated. The main volume of the liquid that is being drained flows on the descending plane perpendicularly toward the first mentioned rectangle side and, if it does not flow directly into the depression, is deflected at an obtuse angle slantedly toward the depression on the transition into the two ascending planes. Only the smaller volume of the liquid flowing on the latter planes is deflected at a somewhat more pointed angle but is entrained by the aforementioned main volume.

[0013] Preferably, between the descending plane and the two ascending planes an optionally rounded edge is positioned, respectively, which extends at an angle of preferably 20° to 40° to the aforementioned rectangle sides. On the edge, i.e., on its inner side, more compact flow cross-sections result and, accordingly, faster flow speeds.

[0014] The depression generally has a central deeper portion between two lateral portions having a smaller depth than the central deeper portion. The central deeper portion extends from the descending plane shaped like a shovel to the outer edge of the bottom and interrupts with its end the aforementioned upwardly curved portion of the bottom forming the rim area. Near the boundaries between the lateral portions of smaller depth and the central deeper portion, the aforementioned edges open into the depression.

[0015] The outer ends of the edges are positioned expediently approximately at one third of the corresponding side length of the rectangle sides of the bottom surface connecting the first and second rectangle sides, wherein the third of the side length is measured relative to the first mentioned rectangle side.

[0016] In a further advantageous configuration, the bottom surface has an upward embossment, preferably having a gable shape, and the transverse bar, also preferably gable-shaped, projects into this embossment from below in the assembled pallet.

[0017] This shape, in particular, gable shape, enables the transverse bar to have a great flexural strength with a minimal amount of material.

[0018] The bottom of the plastic container simply projects at the sides of the embossment and assumes in this connection a surface configuration which, despite the interruption which is caused by the embossment in the forwardly slanted plane, allows the liquid to flow, partially initially to the sides, but in the end to the front. Taking into account the desired drainage, the length of the embossments should extend only across the central portion of the width of the bottom surface.

[0019] In the case of manufacturing the bottom of plastic material, it is proposed to form on the underside of the bottom surface a grate of crossing bars as a unitary part.

[0020] The attached grate provides a sufficient stiffening action for the flattened bottom surface according to the invention.

[0021] The bottom according to the invention is particularly suitable in combination with the transverse bar: According to a further embodiment of the invention, the grate has a cutout, extending over at least a portion of the transverse bar height and matched to the transverse bar, wherein the transverse bar projects from below into the cutout. In this connection, the bottom surface can have above the cutout an upwardly extending additional embossment. in particular, an embossment matching the gable-shaped transverse bar, as has been suggested already supra for a configuration made of sheet metal.

[0022] With the cutout and the optional embossment, a receiving space for an upper portion of the transverse bar is provided which, on the one hand, enables to maintain the dimensional conditions of the sheet metal bottom, in particular, with regard to the height of the pallet, and, on the other hand, does not negatively affect the load capacity of the bottom because the bottom itself must not carry much in the area of the transverse bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0023] In the drawing:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a pallet container in an isometric illustration;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the bottom of the basket of the pallet container in a plan view;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows the bottom in an isometric illustration;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an isometric illustration of a basket of a pallet container as well as three different bottom frame constructions with which the basket can be combined;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows another bottom with cut-off rim in an isometric illustration;

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a third bottom in an isometric illustration from below; and

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a section of the bottom according to FIG. 6 on a greater scale and with more detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The combination pallet container 1 is comprised of a basket 2, whose bottom 3 is configured as a shallow bowl or receptacle that is complemented by a bottom frame 4 to form a pallet 5, and a plastic container 6 received in the basket 2. The plastic container 6 is produced by blow-molding as a parallelepiped with rounded edges and rounded corners. In adaptation to the bottom of the plastic container 6, the bottom 3 has an upwardly curved rim area 7. The grate jacket 8 of the basket 2 is matched to the circumference of the plastic container 6 over its height.

[0032] The bottom frame 4, shown in detail to the right of FIG. 4, has a rectangular frame 9 of round bars with four corner legs 10 and three legs 11 arranged on the center portions of one of the shorter rectangle sides and of the two longer rectangular sides, respectively. The two legs 11 on the longer rectangle sides are bridged by a transverse bar 12 extending in the transverse direction of the rectangle and provided for supporting the bottom. The bottom 3, the legs 10 and 11, and the transverse bar 12 are pressed shaped parts of sheet metal.

[0033] The grate is comprised of vertical bars 13, horizontal bars 14, and a profiled member 16 which engages the upper ends of the vertical bars 13.

[0034] The bottom 3 comprises a bent portion adjoining the upwardly curved rim area 7 which extends downwardly and is angled to project outwardly in the horizontal direction and forms a connecting rim 17.

[0035] The bottom 3 rests with the connecting rim 17 on the legs 10 and 11 of the bottom frame 4. The grate jacket 8 is positioned with the lowermost horizontal rod 15 on the connecting rim 17 wherein the vertical rods 13 are accommodated in matching depressions 18 of the aforementioned downwardly bent portion. A threaded bolt is positioned on each one of the legs 10 and 11 and extends through a bore 19 in the connecting rim 17 of the bottom 3 and through a bore of the lowermost bar 15; in the case of the legs 11 being bridged by the transverse part 12, a bore is also provided in the transverse bar 12.

[0036] The bottom 3 is provided with a depression 20 in front of the center of one of the shorter rectangle sides and a shovel-shaped, downwardly extending trough 21 is provided within the depression 20. The shovel-shaped trough 21 replaces a leg 11 of the pallet 5. A recess 22 is provided in the plastic container 6 above the depression 20. In the space provided in this way a closeable drainage or outlet socket (not illustrated) is arranged.

[0037] The bottom 3 has in detail the following configuration.

[0038] The bottom surface 23 surrounded by the upwardly curved portion forming the rim area 7 is comprised primarily of a plane 24 which is slanted toward the depression 20. The central area of the plane 24 is limited at its lower end by the edge of the depression 20 and within two wider lateral areas by two slanted and rounded edges 25 extending at an angle of 30° relative to the shorter rectangle sides. Adjoining the edges 25 are planes 27 which ascend toward the corners 26. The gradients are represented by the illustrated contour points; the height in mm relative to a reference point 0 is given at the contour points.

[0039] Parallel to the shorter rectangle sides reinforcement grooves 28 extend in the descending plane 24; partially, they have a transition into the upwardly curved rim area 7 or the ascending planes 27. The reinforcement grooves 28 are relatively narrow and become deeper toward the center line of the bottom 3. They can also extend, starting from the location of the bottom supported by the transverse bar 12, parallel to the longer rectangle sides.

[0040] Moreover, the bottom surface 23 has four times four small embossments 29 of a round cross-section extending in the downward direction. Their undersides, together with the undersides of the connecting rim 17, are positioned in a common horizontal plane so that the pallet container can be engaged by a forklift without tipping.

[0041] The depression 20 is comprised of a wall 30, descending from the planes 24 and 27 along an edge having a generally curved shape with a central area that is straight, two flat lateral portions 31, and a deeper central portion in the form of the aforementioned downwardly projecting shovel-shaped trough 21. Two reinforcement grooves 32, 33 are embossed therein.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a variant according to which a gable-shaped embossment 35 projects upwardly from the plane 24 on the transverse center line of the bottom 34. The embossment 35 has a length covering the greater portion of the width of the bottom surface and has a width with which it can receive the upper part of the transverse bar 12 of the bottom frame 4 having also a gable-shaped configuration. The ends of the embossment 35 have slanted portions 36. Their cross-sections, which increase toward the center because of the gable shape, are substantially rectangular.

[0043] As a result of the space conditions provided by the gable-shaped embossment 35 (which can be of a slightly different shape for the bottom 3 than that in FIG. 4), the transverse bar 12 for the bottom 34 can be embodied of the simplest possible configuration, e.g., as mentioned before, as a pressed shaped part of sheet metal.

[0044] Two flat gable-shaped sidewalls 38 are bent from the base 37 upwardly at an angle. Corresponding to a tapering of the base 37 toward the center, they are slightly bent. At the upper edge of the sidewalls 38, an angled portion 39 extends outwardly, respectively.

[0045] The bottom of the plastic container will substantially conform under pressure of the liquid contained therein to the bottom surface 23, partially bridging the described unevenness and partially compensating it. Above the depression 20 the plastic container has a matching shape which has been produced during its manufacture. A sump is formed by means of the two flat lateral sections 31 and within the rear portion of the deeper shovel-shaped trough in the downward direction. Adjacent to the sump, the container wall then ascends in the trough 21 in order to enable the attachment of a drainage socket. Above it, the aforementioned recess 22 is provided.

[0046] The container can be completely drained.

[0047] As an alternative to the bottom frame 4, FIG. 4 shows another frame part 40. It is comprised of three supports 41 made of plastic material on which legs corresponding to the legs 10 and 11 of the first embodiment are formed. A transverse part 42, also having a gable shape, connects the three supports. By attachment on the bottom 3 or 34, this bottom frame is imparted with a satisfactory stability.

[0048] The transverse part 42 can be of an even lighter configuration than the transverse bar 12 because it is supported by a central leg 43 provided on the central support 41.

[0049] Finally, the third alternative of FIG. 4 shows a wooden pallet 44 of conventional construction on which the basket 2 with the bottom 3 or 34 can be mounted also. The central beam 45 of the wooden pallet can also be provided with a gable-shaped attachment which supports the bottom 34 in the gable-shaped embossment 35. The bottom according to the invention allows this type of application also.

[0050] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a plastic bottom 46 which is configured on its top side so as to match the bottom 34 comprised of sheet metal.

[0051] The bottom 46 is mounted substantially in the same way as the bottom 3 and the bottom 34 by means of a connecting rim 47 formed on a peripheral frame 55 of the bottom.

[0052] On the transverse centerline of the bottom 46 a gable-shaped embossment 48 projects upwardly past the plane of the bottom surface.

[0053] At the underside of the bottom 46 a grate 49 comprised of longitudinally extending bars 50 and transversely extending bars 51 crossing one another is formed. The spacing between the crossing bars in both directions is 50 mm to 70 mm; preferably approximately 60 mm. The width of the bars 50, 51 as well as the thickness of the bottom between the bars is 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm, preferably approximately above 5 mm. The height of the bars 50, 51 depends on the position. It can be 30 to 40 mm, preferably approximately 35 mm. The greatest height of the bars results, since the bottom side of the grate 49 forms a plane, near the two shorter rectangle sides of the bottom 46.

[0054] Underneath the gable-shaped embossment 48 a cutout 52 is formed in the grate 49. Within the embossment 48, the bars 50, 51 have only a minimal height or they are completely eliminated.

[0055] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

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