Patent Application
20240132248
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to transport containers and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to foldable transport containers with improved technical advantages.
Additional background art includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,479,246B2 disclosing “in the overmoulding of an article channels are provided in the surface of the article to guide the flow of the overmoulding material, in addition holes may be provided across the article to enable flow of the overmoulding material to the side of the carrier remote from the point of injection. The techniques are particular useful in the overmoulding of articles having a lattice or honeycomb structure particularly when produced by injection moulding. When the overmoulding material is foamable the overmoulded articles may be used as acoustic baffles or structural reinforcement for automobiles”.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,012,451B2 discloses a method for producing a two-dimensional composite component having a porous basic component and an injection molded component rigidly joined to the basic component, said method comprising the following steps: introduction of the mat-like or panel-like basic component, comprising two mutually spaced-apart base sides and a circumferential narrow side joining the base sides, into a basic component cavity of a molding tool, which further comprises an injection molding cavity, closure of the molding tool, so that at least a portion of the basic component forms a portion of a wall of the injection molding cavity, and injection of injection molding material into the injection molding cavity, and formation thereby of the injection molding component and joining of the injection molding component to the basic component, wherein upon closure of the molding tool before the injection molding material is injected, the entire region, formed by the basic component, of the wall of the injection molding cavity is formed by the narrow side of the basic component.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190213990A1 discloses panels comprising first and second layers and a core disposed there between, wherein the core has a plurality of walls providing a series of connected cells, wherein some of the cell walls have openings providing fluid communication between a series of at least 3 cells, and wherein the opening in a cell wall has an area that is at least 50 percent of the area of a side of that cell wall.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190375176A1 discloses a load structure that may include a panel having a core, and a coating of polyurethane around the core. The load structure may also have a layer of carpet or felt on at least a portion of a first side of the panel. The load structure may further include an over mold coating on a second side of the panel.
International Patent Application No. WO2009098423A2 discloses a method for making a cellular structure, including a cellular panel and a complementary element, said cellular panel including a honeycomb core sandwiched in between two cover plates. The latter has cells oriented substantially perpendicularly to said cover plates. According to the method, a linking area is selected to connect said complementary element to said cellular panel and cells of said linking area are packed with a bulk of plastic material to anchor said complementary element inside said honeycomb core. According to the invention, said complementary element made of plastic material is pre-cast through one of said cover plates in said linking area so as to pack said cells with said bulk of plastic material and to form said complementary element.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,473A discloses a molding process in which a material with an open cell, porous structure is placed, aligned or supported inside a suitable enclosed holding device. Another molding material is subsequently injected into the said holding device while gas and/or pressure is sequentially applied to the said holding device, causing a synergistic interaction and joining between the said materials to take place. During the processing phase, gas is evenly dispersed throughout the porous core, effectively equalizing cavity pressure and permitting an even flow pattern to exist, encapsulating or sandwiching the said porous structure, thus forming a composite material with physical properties which are substantially greater than the individual components.
Following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.
An hybrid panel, comprising
The hybrid panel according to example 1, wherein said overmolded portion provides a structural function.
The hybrid panel according to example 1 or example 2, wherein said core is thinner at a location of connection between said overmolded portion and said panel in relation of the rest of said core where there is no connection with said overmolded portion.
The hybrid panel according to examples 1-3, wherein said core is made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin, reinforced resin, wood and concrete.
The hybrid panel according to examples 1-4, wherein said first and said second protecting layers are made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin, reinforced resin, wood and concrete.
The hybrid panel according to examples 1-5, wherein said overmolded portion is made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin and reinforced resin.
The hybrid panel according to examples 1-6, wherein said panel is a sandwich panel.
The hybrid panel according to examples 1-7, wherein said core is a honeycomb core.
A method of manufacturing a hybrid panel, comprising:
The method according to example 9, wherein said change a geometry comprises providing a structural function with said change.
The method according to example 9 or example 10, wherein said enough material comprises providing an overmolding portion of at least 2 mm thickness,
The method according to any one of examples 9-11, wherein said manufacturing a mold for a panel further comprises manufacturing a mold comprising mold for parts that provide functional elements to be added to said panel.
The method according to any one of examples 9-12, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a honeycomb core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said honeycomb core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said honeycomb core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-13, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a wooden core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said wooden core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said wooden core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-13, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a thermoplastic core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said thermoplastic core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said thermoplastic core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-13, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a resin core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said resin core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said resin core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-13, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a reinforced resin core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said reinforced resin core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said reinforced resin core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-13, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a concrete core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said concrete core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said concrete core.
The method according to any one of examples 9-18, wherein said material is thermoplastic material.
The method according to any one of examples 9-19, wherein said material is recycled thermoplastic material.
An hybrid panel, comprising
The hybrid panel according to example 21, wherein said panel defines an outside geometry thereof.
The hybrid panel according to example 21 or example 22, wherein said core is thinner at a location of connection between said overmolded portion and said panel in relation of the rest of said core where there is no connection with said overmolded portion.
The hybrid panel according to examples 21-23, wherein said core is made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin, reinforced resin, wood and concrete.
The hybrid panel according to examples 21-24, wherein said first and said second protecting layers are made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin, reinforced resin, wood and concrete.
The hybrid panel according to examples 21-25, wherein said overmolded portion is made of one or more of thermoplastic material, resin and reinforced resin.
The hybrid panel according to examples 21-26, wherein said panel is a sandwich panel.
The hybrid panel according to examples 21-27, wherein said core is a honeycomb core.
A method of manufacturing a hybrid panel, comprising:
The method according to example 29, wherein said overmolding one or more elements comprising structural functions on at least a part of said panel further comprises changing a geometry on said at least a part of said panel.
The method according to example 30, wherein said changing a geometry is performed by overmolding with enough material to change said geometry on said at least a part of said panel.
The method according to any one of examples 29-31, wherein said enough material comprises providing an overmolding portion of at least 2 mm thickness,
The method according to any one of examples 29-32, wherein said manufacturing a mold for a panel further comprises manufacturing a mold comprising mold for parts that provide functional elements to be added to said panel.
The method according to any one of examples 29-33, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a honeycomb core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said honeycomb core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said honeycomb core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-34, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a wooden core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said wooden core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said wooden core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-34, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a thermoplastic core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said thermoplastic core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said thermoplastic core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-34, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a resin core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said resin core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said resin core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-34, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a reinforced resin core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said reinforced resin core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said reinforced resin core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-34, wherein said providing a panel comprises providing a panel comprising a concrete core, a first protecting layer on a first side of said concrete core and a second protecting layer on a second side of said concrete core.
The method according to any one of examples 29-39, wherein said material is thermoplastic material.
The method according to any one of examples 29-40, wherein said material is recycled thermoplastic material.
A container comprising a plurality of panels, said panels comprising overmolded strengthening portions.
The container according to example 42, wherein said overmolded strengthening portions provide structural functions.
The container according to example 42 or example 43, wherein said overmolded portion comprises fastening means to attach the hybrid panel to at least one adjacent panel.
The container according to any one of examples 42-44, wherein said overmolded portion comprises hinge means to allow the hybrid panel to rotate between at least one adjacent panel.
The container according to any one of examples 42-45, wherein said overmolded panels are joined to a pallet-shaped base.
A pallet comprising:
The pallet according to example 47, wherein said overmolded strengthening portions provide structural functions.
The pallet according to example 47 or example 48, wherein at least one of said plurality of edges is located inside the surface of said panel.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to structural hybrid panels and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to structural hybrid panels with improved technical advantages.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to transport container configured to be folded and having improved technical features. In some embodiments, the transport container is lighter in comparison to known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is lighter from about 5% to about 10% than known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is stronger in comparison to known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is stronger from about 30% to about 60% than known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is configured to carry higher loads in comparison to known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is configured to carry from about 5% to about 10% more load than known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is configured to have more space for loads in comparison to known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the transport container is configured to have from about 5% to about 10% more space for loads than known similar transport containers. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the walls of the transport container are flat and without areas where dirt can potentially accumulate. In some embodiments, the internal surfaces of the transport container are flat and without either protrusions or indentations that can potentially damage the goods inside the transport container.
An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to structural hybrid panels comprising a combination of a resistant lightweight panel with a functional frame to potentially obtain products with improved technical advantages. In some embodiments, the functional frame is made of plastic, optionally recycled plastic. In some embodiments, the lightweight panels comprise a honeycomb internal structure and/or an alveolar internal structure. In some embodiments, the functional frame is incorporated into the resistant lightweight panel by one or more processes, for example overmolding process, joint panels by one or more processes, for example, gluing, welding, snapping, riveting and screwing. In some embodiments, the frame comprises functional structures that are added to the panel by one or more processes, for example injection molding processes, gluing, welding, snapping, riveting and screwing.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
To ease the explanations the following terminology will be constantly used over the description of the invention. The term “hybrid panel” refers hereinafter to the final product achieved by the combination of a panel with a frame. The term “panel” refers hereinafter to the panel that is used where the addition of the frame will be performed by one or more processes, for example injection molding, gluing, welding, snapping, riveting and screwing. The term “frame” refers hereinafter to the parts of the hybrid panel that are added to the mold and optionally comprises one or more functional elements. It should be understood, also in view of the following explanations, that the additional parts are not limited to a frame, as will be seen for example in
Referring now to
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the sandwich structure comprises a metal composite material (MCM) formed from two thin skins of metal bonded to a plastic core in a continuous process under controlled pressure, heat, and tension. In some embodiments, the sandwich structure comprises a recycled paper over a closed-cell recycled kraft honeycomb core, therefore providing a lightweight, strong, and fully repulpable composite board.
In some embodiments, the core type and the way the core supports the skins, sandwich structures are divided into the following groups: homogeneously supported, locally supported, regionally supported, unidirectionally supported, bidirectionally supported.
In some embodiments, the panel comprises a geometry, for example, a square, a rectangle, a circle, or any other geometrical form. In some embodiments, the geometry is changed by the addition of the frame and/or the additional elements during the injection molding process. In some embodiments, the panel is prepared for the injection process by cutting parts of it, according to the technical needs of the final product.
In some embodiments, the mechanical strength of a hybrid panel is from about 40% to about 50% higher than a panel alone. Optionally from about 30% to about 60% higher than a panel alone. Optionally from about 20% to about 70% higher than a panel alone. In some embodiments, the difference in strength is provided by the overmolded portions. In some embodiments, the difference in strength is provided by the internal structure of the panels used in the hybrid panels.
In some embodiments, the panel can be completely or partially transparent, by using for example panels of transparent polycarbonate, thereby providing a hybrid panel where a user con look inside the final product.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the frame comprising the functional elements is manufactured around the panel. In some embodiments, the frame comprising the functional elements is manufactured inside the area of the panel, as shown for example in
In some embodiments, the frame comprising the functional elements change the geometry of the panel. For example, in some embodiments, the panel is a flat panel having certain dimensions that define a geometry of the panel. In some embodiments, the addition of the frame changes that geometry by adding elements that change those dimensions and/or add one or more dimensions to the dimensions already found in the panel (for example from planar to tridimensional as seen for example in
In some embodiments, the overmolding portions added to the frame comprise a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, optionally from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, optionally form about 0.5 mm to about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the overmolding portions provide strengthening characteristics to the panel, for example: an increase in mechanical strength of from about 40% to about 50%. Optionally from about 30% to about 60%. Optionally from about 20% to about 70%.
In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the hybrid panel comprises a panel 102, which optionally comprises an alveolar core (or honeycomb core) 202 covered on both sides by a protective layer 204a-b, and a frame 104, which are connected to each other by processes other than overmoulding, for example gluing processes, welding processes, snapping processes, riveting processes and screwing processes.
In order to facilitate the explanations, an example will be used to hopefully ease the understanding of the invention to a person having skills in the art. It should be understood that the example is just that, an example, and it should not limit the scope of the invention in any way. Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the planning process commences by evaluating the locations and roles of the hybrid panels in a final product 502. For example, the foldable walls of the pallet with foldable walls 400 are located on top of the base 402 and their role is dual, when open, they provide protection to what is stored on the pallet, and when closed, they allow easy transport of the pallet without taking too much space.
In some embodiments, each hybrid panel is assessed for the required functional elements 504. For example, the foldable walls of the pallet with foldable walls 400 are interconnected to the base, for example, by built-in hinges located half on the frame and half on the base (they interconnect by clicking them together). Another example, for foldable wall 404b, on the internal side of the side of the frame, there are indentations for the insertion of protrusions from the adjacent foldable walls for the correct interconnection and holding of said adjacent foldable walls.
In some embodiments, the next step is to connect a panel with a frame by one or more of the following processes: overmoulding process, gluing processes, welding processes, snapping processes, riveting processes and screwing processes, optionally the frame comprising all functional elements, thereby manufacturing a hybrid panel 506.
In some embodiments, once all the parts are manufactured, they just need to be assembled together to provide the final product 508.
In some embodiments, the short process comprises procuring a panel and adding a frame on at least parts of the panels. In some embodiments, the adding a frame provides functional structures to the panel. For example, strengthening frames, interconnection means (like hinges or protrusions or indentations), legs, walls, etc.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Exemplary Pallet with Foldable Walls (Box)
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the box comprises a base 702 comprising technical features of a pallet, for example, legs 704 and openings 706 for allowing a forklift to lift the box. In some embodiments, one or more legs are optionally interconnected 708 to each other for stability. In some embodiments, the base 702 is fully made of plastic. In some embodiments, the base 702 is made like pallet 600, made of a hybrid panel. In some embodiments, the base comprises built-in hinges 710 for the connection of the foldable walls 712a-d. In some embodiments, the box 700 comprises one or more hybrid panels used as the foldable walls 712a-d of the box 700. In some embodiments, the hybrid panels are manufactured as disclosed above. In some embodiments, functional features are added to the hybrid panels to function as foldable walls, for example, at the bottom of the hybrid panel built in hinges to match the built-in hinges 710 of the base. In some embodiments, optional features are added to the hybrid panels that function as foldable walls, for example, a locking mechanism between foldable walls 714, as shown in
In some embodiments, the box comprises an optional cover (not shown), for covering the box 700, once it is loaded.
In some embodiments, when the foldable box 700 is fully folded, it can potentially become as thin as a regular pallet. In some embodiments, a potential advantage of this is that when needed to be returned, the boxes are folded and they take less space.
In some embodiments, the foldable container is characterized by a mechanical strength of from about 40% to about 50% higher than similar regular containers. In some embodiments, the mechanical strength is increased by the hybrid panels used in the foldable container.
In some embodiments, the foldable container is characterized by walls having a thickness from about 5% to about 20% thinner than similar regular containers. In some embodiments, the hybrid panels used for the foldable container allow the use of thinner walls without compromising the overall strength of the foldable container.
In some embodiments, the foldable container is characterized by having an internal storage space of from about 5% to about 10% higher than similar regular containers. In some embodiments, the fact that the hybrid panels are thinner than regular panels used for similar products, it allows to increase the internal storage space without increasing the overall dimensions of the foldable container. In some embodiments, the internal space storage comprises a base of from about 700×1000 mm to about 800×1300 mm, for example 770×1170 mm.
In some embodiments, the ratio between the height of a folded foldable container and the height of an unfolded foldable container is from about 1:3 to about 1:4.
Exemplary Method of Manufacturing a Pallet with Foldable Walls (Box)
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the planning process commences by evaluating the locations and roles of the plurality of hybrid panels in the box 730. For example, for the exemplary box 700 there are needed ten different hybrid panels: two full foldable walls, two foldable walls with windows, two windows, a cover (not shown) and three dividers (2+2+2+1+3=10). In this example, the base is made of a one piece of molded plastic.
In some embodiments, each hybrid panel is assessed for the required functional elements 732. For example, the foldable walls are interconnected to the base, for example, by built-in hinges located half on the frame and half on the base (they interconnect by clicking them together). Another example, on the internal side of the side of the frame, there are indentations for the insertion of protrusions from the adjacent foldable walls for the correct interconnection and holding of said adjacent foldable walls. Another examples, as disclosed above, the locking mechanisms, the dividers, etc.
In some embodiments, the next step is to connect a panel, comprising the necessary size, with a frame, the frame optionally comprises all functional elements, thereby manufacturing a hybrid panel 734.
In some embodiments, once all the parts are manufactured, they just need to be assembled together to provide the final product 736.
Referring now to
Referring now to
As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term “about” means “within ±20% of”.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “has”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as “from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as “from 1 to 3”, “from 1 to 4”, “from 1 to 5”, “from 2 to 4”, “from 2 to 6”, “from 3 to 6”, etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example “10-15”, “10 to 15”, or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “range/ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “range/ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to”, “up to”, “until” or “through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.
Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/150,100 filed on 17 Feb. 2021 and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/214,354 filed on 24 Jun. 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2022/051370 | 2/16/2022 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63214354 | Jun 2021 | US | |
| 63150100 | Feb 2021 | US |
