TRANSPORT HOLDER FOR AN OBJECT TO BE TRANSPORTED AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AN OBJECT TO BE TRANSPORTED USING SAID TYPE OF TRANSPORT HOLDER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of transportation and storage of an object to be transported. It relates to a transport holder for an object to be transported in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

It furthermore relates to a method for transporting an object be transported using said type of transport holder.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Particularly in the current era of online commerce via the Internet, the distribution of goods of all kinds requires efficient management of a supply chain, including the storage of goods in an intermediate store and the making available of stored goods at the right time.

Goods such as appliances, food, pharmaceuticals, clothes, operating materials, books, audio media, video media, data media etc. are already provided with consumer packaging by the manufacturer, said packaging generally containing additional documents such as a product description, operating instructions, directions for use etc. The packaged goods are provided as a unit for delivery to the end user. In the context of a supply chain, such packaging units are often initially collected together in larger units by the manufacturer of the goods, e.g. in cases, on pallets, in containers etc., which are then fed into the supply chain.

For this reason, goods are often delivered to a distributor in the supply chain in cases or on pallets which contain the individual packaging units intended for the end user. However, isolating the packaging units is very complex and storage and removal from storage by machine in an economical way is virtually impossible. Manual storage and removal from storage is used for certain types of goods or warehouses.

Automated high-bay racking systems are known for operating a warehouse of a distributor. Cases and pallets are stored using storage devices that can move in the lanes between the racks, and individual packaging units are removed from the racks when required. To obtain a sufficiently large storage volume, the lanes must be made suitably narrow. It is therefore only with difficulty that more than one storage device can be operated in parallel in the lanes, resulting in bottlenecks particularly when removing goods from the racks.

CN 201942318 U shows an automatic goods feed system which responds to a purchase order in real time. Goods dispatch is accomplished by means of spherical devices. Channels installed on a slope are connected to an underground transfer tube installed on a slope. Movement is accomplished by the force of gravity without drive energy. A raising/lowering device is used to transport the goods into the end user building. The spherical device is a hollow sphere which can be opened and closed and the sphere wall of which is filled with a foam structure, air-filled blister structure or air-filled structure or has a space matched to an object. RFID tags are provided for identification. A sorting system has a matrix, wherein compartments bounded by flaps can be moved.

CN 102774596 A describes a cylindrical packaging body, which is provided with an RFID tag and can be transported by a rolling action. A holding means for the object to be transported is not disclosed.

BE 1013220A7 describes a pneumatic network for transporting goods. The network comprises tubes in which transport bodies such as spheres, cylinders, nested double spheres or nested double cylinders circulate by rolling, being driven pneumatically. The transport bodies contain objects to be transported, such as packs, bulk materials, solids or liquids. A transport body bears an identifier (not specified in detail) containing information on the origin thereof and the destination thereof. Computer-assisted management is provided. A holding means for the objects to be transported is not described. Owing to tubes with a rectangular cross section, a disk-shaped design of rolling body is required.

JP 2006016044 shows a spherical packaging container in which additional spherical containers are mounted in such a way, by means of a complex mechanism, that an object to be transported arranged in one of the additional containers is held substantially horizontal as the spherical packaging container rolls.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,438 A discloses a spherical, thin-walled, split capsule for holding an article or a number of articles. The capsule can be divided without being destroyed, wherein the parts have interengaging closure elements which bring about stable connection of the parts, making the capsule suitable for use in vending machines.

GB 2 482 476 A describes a thin-walled container having a round cross section. Two shafts are mounted on the outer surface of the container and are aligned on a common axis, which is perpendicular to the round cross section. Reins are attached to the shafts. The container can be filled and emptied via openings. When the reins are pulled, the container rolls around the common axis. The container can be spherical or cylindrical. The container is restricted to transporting shapeless fluids.

EP 2 583 934 A1 shows a reusable beer keg having a hollow keg body and a disposable container arranged therein. The keg body is embodied as a barrel which can be rolled. As it is filled with beer, the disposable container expands until it touches the inner surface of the keg body. To dispense beer, pressurized CO₂is used. Once all the beer has been dispensed, the disposable container is replaced. Beer is a shapeless content of the packaging. Fundamentally, fluids have no shape.

DE 81 09 898 shows a coin holder for placement together with the coin in a pocket of a coin album. A square frame has resilient, inward-extending coin clamping arms arranged at the same level, wherein end-side stops are provided. The frame is not designed for rolling.

JPH01256906 shows a frame for a coin in the form of a doughnut having three springs and holding sections which fix the outer circumference of the coin both from the front and from the rear. The frame is suitable for different coins. The frame has a lug and is not suitable for rolling.

A transport holder for an object to be transported which allows efficient and simple management of a warehouse is desirable but not known from the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a transport holder for an object to be transported which has the desired characteristics, and to indicate a method for transporting an object to be transported using said type of transport holder.

The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

The transport holder according to the invention for an object to be transported comprises a rolling body having an annular rolling surface for rolling the rolling body on a support, and holding means for holding the object to be transported in the rolling body in such a way that the rolling body surrounds the object to be transported. Many goods or goods packed in cartons, such as books, CDs, DVDs etc., result in an object to be transported in the form of a flat cuboid. When the annular rolling surface of the transport holder according to the invention is made to coincide with the shape of the flat cuboid, the transport holder obtained has a construction which leaves much less empty space, particularly when compared with the spherical shape. As a result, the efficiency with which a warehouse is managed is greatly improved since, overall, there is much less unusable empty space.

There are various ways of designing a rolling body with an annular rolling surface. For example, an annular rolling surface can be formed on a cylindrical body, on a sleeve, on a disk-shaped body, on an internally and/or externally cambered ring, on a hose having, for example, a variable internal pressure, on a single- or double-walled body of revolution etc.

It is furthermore possible for a plurality of annular rolling surfaces to be provided, adjacent to one another for example, e.g. of different widths. In one embodiment, the annular rolling surface is of circular design, or it can deviate from the circular. The annular rolling surface can have a hard surface, ensuring low friction and hence low frictional losses when rolling on a hard support. The annular rolling surface can have a soft, e.g. rubber-type, surface, ensuring good adhesion on a support and preventing sideways slipping, for example.

In the case of a rolling body in the form of a hose, it is possible to select between a harder or softer rolling surface through the choice of internal pressure. The outside diameter and/or inside diameter can be adjusted through the choice of internal pressure, in order, for example, to obtain a rolling surface with a certain circumference and/or to match the transport holder to an object to be transported.

One embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the transport holder is designed for stable deposition on a support. This allows more flexible use of the transport holder since both rolling on a support and stable deposition on the support are possible. The management of a warehouse is thereby simplified.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the transport holder is designed in such a way that it is possible to choose between stable deposition and rolling on a support by tilting the transport holder through approximately 90°. Simply by tilting the transport holder through 90°, said transport holder can very easily be used for rolling or for deposition on a support.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the rolling body has the form of a rolling frame and/or is of disk-shaped design. In particular, the ratio of a diameter to a width of the rolling body is at least three. The shape of a rolling frame and/or the disk shape makes it possible to hold objects to be transported in the form of a flat cuboid in a particularly efficient manner since there is only a small empty space when compared with a spherical rolling body. The shape of a rolling frame and/or the disk shape likewise makes it a very simple matter to use the transport holder for rolling or for deposition on a support by tilting it through 90°.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized by a shell-shaped rolling body, a hoop-shaped rolling body, a rolling body having a straight rolling surface, a rolling body having an obtuse-angled rolling surface, a rolling body having a curve-shaped rolling surface, an annular rolling body, a rolling body formed by a clamping ring connecting halves, a rim-shaped rolling body and/or a tire-shaped rolling body. A transport holder which has one or more of these features allows simpler and more efficient management of a warehouse for certain goods since, for example, the rolling surface and/or the rolling body is matched and/or can be matched to already existing equipment in the warehouse.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that a diameter of the rolling body is adjustable. It is thereby possible to match the transport holder, in particular, to different sizes of goods and thereby to improve the efficiency of management of a warehouse.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the transport holder consists of a single part. This makes it possible to produce the transport holder at particularly low cost, e.g. as a disposable article which is supplied to the customer together with the object to be transported, thereby allowing the efficiency of management of the warehouse to be further improved.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the transport holder is composed of a plurality of parts. This makes it possible to produce a transport holder which has features of high accuracy, e.g. as regards the positioning of the object to be transported, such that higher speeds are possible when rolling the transport holder and, as a result, the efficiency of management of the warehouse is improved.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the rolling body comprises two or more parts, and the rolling body is designed for opening and closing. In the case of an opened rolling body, the object to be transported can be arranged more easily. In the closed rolling body, the object to be transported is reliably held.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that closing means are provided for closing the rolling body. The closing means ensure that the rolling body remains firmly closed during transportation, especially during rolling.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means fix the object to be transported in a radial and/or in an axial direction relative to the rolling body. Thus, the object to be transported is fixed to the transport holder, thereby improving the rolling characteristics, for example.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means are matched or can be matched to the shape of the object to be transported. It is thus possible to arrange different objects to be transported in the same transport holder.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means are of elastic design. The object to be transported is thereby protected from shocks.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means have one or more inward-directed elastic arms, which fix the object to be transported in a radial direction relative to the rolling body. In particular, at least two arms are arranged. It is a simple matter to arrange the object to be transported in the transport holder and to remove it therefrom, wherein the elastic arms simultaneously protect the object to be transported from shocks.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the one or more arms have doorknob-shaped, U-shaped and/or V-shaped fixing means, which fix the object to be transported in an axial direction relative to the rolling body. The object to be transported is fixed in an axial direction, while arrangement and removal can nevertheless be accomplished in a simple manner.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means are of rigid design. The object to be transported moves to an insignificant extent relative to the transport holder and, as a result, the rolling characteristics of the transport holder are improved.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the holding means comprise a single-part or multi-part holding body having an internal volume which is matched or can be matched to the object to be transported. The object to be transported is well protected by the holding body.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the rolling body is closed or can be closed on at least one side by means of at least one cover. In particular, the at least one cover has at least one component part of the holding means. The object to be transported is well protected by the cover.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that an additional rolling means is arranged on the rolling body. In particular, this serves to improve the rolling characteristics. The improvement of the rolling characteristics can pertain to the smoothness of running, speed of running, stability etc.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that a plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic, metal, steel sheet and/or cardboard is/are provided. It is thereby possible to match the transport holder to requirements such as costs, stability etc.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the transport holder is designed in such a way that the object to be transported can be seen from the outside. This is achieved, in particular, by means of an opening and/or by means of a window. Manual and/or automated steps during handling are thereby simplified since the object to be transported is directly visible and, for example, a product name, an ISBN, a barcode etc. can be recognized.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that an information medium which can be interrogated from the outside is provided.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that the information medium which can be interrogated from the outside is an optically readable barcode and/or an RFID tag which can be read out on the basis of radio communication.

In the case of an RFID tag, an antenna is optionally provided, said antenna extending over a circumference of the rolling body. Automated handling, in particular, is thereby simplified.

Other types of applied codes, such as a matrix code, color code, numerical code, thermal code or holograms can likewise be considered as information and/or identification means or safety features. All these means can be capable of being read optically, magnetically or by radio techniques, either as passive means which are interrogated from the outside or as active means, which themselves perform information transfer.

Moreover, the transport holder can be fitted with its own intelligent system, e.g. in the form of electronic means for data or signal processing, e.g. with a microprocessor and corresponding data memories. Associated transmitting and receiving devices can exchange signals wirelessly with the environment via antenna elements mounted on the outside. However, it is also conceivable to arrange externally accessible electrical contacts, via which internal circuits can be accessed, at certain points on the sleeve.

In connection with internal electronic devices in the transport holder, internal energy storage devices and/or energy converters can be provided which store mechanical energy (spring, gas pressure), thermal energy (heat storage device) or electromagnetic energy (capacitor, battery, accumulator, coil etc.) or produce energy (piezoelectric converter, inductive converter etc.).

It is furthermore conceivable to provide locating means within the transport holder, with the aid of which the location of the transport holder can be determined and tracked at any time. In extreme cases, location by means of the GPS system or comparable systems may be considered in this context. Permanent magnets, which are interrogated from the outside or can trigger switching operations when passing certain locations, can also be arranged within the transport holder.

Another embodiment of the transport holder is characterized in that at least one connecting means is designed to connect the transport holder to one or more corresponding transport holders, wherein the interconnected transport holders are designed for deposition and/or for rolling on a support.

In a method according to the invention for transporting an object to be transported, the object to be transported is arranged in a transport holder according to the invention at a starting point. The transport holder is transported from the starting point to a final destination and the object to be transported is removed from the transport holder at the final destination. By virtue of the rolling on a sloping support, transportation takes place without the supply of external energy since the potential energy of the transport holder is used.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that the object to be transported is arranged in the transport holder by means of a loading device and/or in that the object to be transported is removed from the transport holder by means of an unloading device. Fully automated management of the warehouse is thereby made possible.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that the transport holder is rolled on one or more supports between the starting point and the final destination at least over a partial distance. In particular, the transport holder is rolled on selectable rolling tracks. Transportation of an object to be transported without the supply of external energy is thereby made possible over the at least one partial distance.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that the transport holder is transported between the starting point and the final destination by being laid on a deposition surface on one or more transfer devices at least over a partial distance. In particular, the transport holder is laid on a conveyor belt for transportation. This makes it possible to incorporate the transport holder according to the invention in existing systems.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that the transport holder is temporarily stored in a storage device between the starting point and the final destination. Any desired number of storage devices of any desired storage volume can be arranged in a warehouse as required.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that the emptied transport holder is transported back from the final destination to the starting point, in particular being rolled back and/or transported back from the final destination to the starting point on one or more roller conveyors and/or one or more transfer devices.

The transport holder is reusable and can be taken for refilling immediately after being emptied.

Another embodiment of the method is characterized in that a plurality of transport holders are connected to one another at the starting point, wherein the plurality of transport holders is transported in a manner set down with one another and/or rolled along together from the starting point to the final destination, and wherein the plurality of transport holders is disconnected from one another at the final destination. By means of the simultaneous transportation of a plurality of transport devices, it is possible to make better use of transport capacities.

The outer surface of the transport holder is the surface by means of which the transport holder rolls on a support. It should therefore have a hardness sufficient to withstand the frictional and/or shock loads which occur during the rolling process over a sufficiently long period of use.

The outer surface of the transport holder can be of smooth design, but it can also have knobs or local depressions, as on a golf ball, in order to bring about particular running or rolling characteristics. If the ability to roll in any direction is not required, one or more encircling guide beads which give the rolling motion a particular preferential direction can furthermore be provided on the outside.

Suitable plastics which have different degrees of transparency but can also be completely opaque may be considered as materials, in particular. In individual cases, it is also conceivable to use a tough glass as a material for the sleeve, like that used for reusable bottles for beverages, for example. In special cases, however, the transport holder can also be composed of a suitable metal or a metal alloy if, for example, thermal or electromagnetic characteristics, in particular shielding characteristics for example, are important.

If the transport holder is opaque by nature, a local possibility of viewing the interior can be provided at certain points by introducing inspection windows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in greater detail below by means of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a transport holder having a shell-shaped rolling body, on the inside of which a total of six inward-directed elastic arms having a doorknob-shaped fixing means for fixing an object to be transported are secured;

FIG. 2 shows the transport holder from FIG. 1 in a cross section according to section A-A;

FIG. 3 shows the transport holder from FIG. 1 in a plan view, wherein an object to be transported is held in the transport holder;

FIG. 4 shows the transport holder from FIG. 3 in a cross section according to section B-B;

FIG. 5 shows a view from below of one end of an inward-directed elastic arm having a doorknob-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a transport holder having a shell-shaped rolling body, on the inside of which a total of eight inward-directed elastic arms having a doorknob-shaped fixing means for fixing an object to be transported are secured;

FIG. 7 shows the transport holder from FIG. 6 in a cross section according to section B-B;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a transport holder having a hoop-shaped rolling body, on the inside of which a total of four inward-directed elastic arms having a U-shaped fixing means for fixing an object to be transported are secured;

FIG. 9 shows the transport holder from FIG. 8 in a cross section according to section C-C;

FIG. 10 shows the transport holder from FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 in a side view;

FIG. 11 shows variants a)-f) with transport holders for an object to be transported, in each case in a cross section;

FIG. 12 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a shell-shaped rolling body, which is closed with a cover, wherein V-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported are provided;

FIG. 13 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a shell-shaped rolling body, wherein L-shaped fixing means and optionally a fixing body for fixing the object to be transported are provided;

FIG. 14 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a hoop-shaped rolling body, wherein U-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported are provided;

FIG. 15 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a hoop-shaped rolling body which has an obtuse-angled running surface, wherein U-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported and bilateral covers for closing the hoop-shaped rolling body are provided;

FIG. 16 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a hoop-shaped rolling body which has a curved running surface, wherein U-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported are provided;

FIG. 17 shows, in cross section, a schematically illustrated transport holder having a hoop-shaped rolling body which has a curved running surface, wherein there is a cavity adjoining the running surface, and wherein U-shaped fixing means for fixing the object to be transported are provided;

FIG. 18 shows, in cross section, a schematic illustration of three transport holders stacked one on top of the other, in each of which an object to be transported is held;

FIG. 19 shows a horizontally arranged transfer device with a transport holder laid thereon in a cross section;

FIG. 20 shows a sloping transfer device, on which a transfer holder has been laid in a cross section;

FIG. 21 shows a plurality of sloping supports, a sloping transfer device and a storage device in a cross section;

FIG. 22 shows a plan view of a transport holder with an object to be transported arranged therein, wherein the transport holder consists of a hoop-shaped rolling body having two parts, which are connected by a hinge and can be swung open, wherein a total of two inward-directed elastic arms having a U-shaped fixing means for fixing an object to be transported are secured on the insides;

FIG. 23 shows the transport holder from FIG. 22 in a cross section according to section D-D; and

FIG. 24 shows the transport holder from FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 in a plan view, wherein the two parts have been swung open and the object to be transported has been removed therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a transport holder 1 for an object 7 to be transported. The transport holder 1 has a rolling body 2 with an annular rolling surface, which is designed to roll on a support. Holding means 31, . . . , 38, 41, . . . , 48 are provided to hold the object 7 to be transported. The object 7 to be transported is surrounded by the rolling body 2. The object 7 to be transported is accommodated in the interior of the rolling body 2 and is positioned therein by the holding means 31, . . . , 38, 41, . . . , 48.

Since the object 7 to be transported is surrounded by the rolling body 2, the transport holder 1 with the object 7 to be transported held therein can be rolled on a support without the object 7 to be transported coming into contact with the support and rolling being disrupted or interrupted by contact between the object 7 to be transported and the support.

On a sloping support, the rolling of the transport holder 1 from a starting point to a lower-lying final destination can take place on the basis of the force of gravity without energy being supplied. Since the rolling resistance of a rolling body 2, especially that of a rigid or hard rolling body 2, on a rigid or hard support is low, even relatively large distances can be covered by the transport holder 1 rolling on the support without energy being supplied.

If the transport holder is opaque by nature, a local possibility of viewing the interior can be provided at certain points by introducing inspection windows.

FIG. 1 shows one variant embodiment of a transport holder 1 schematically in a plan view. FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross section of the transport holder from FIG. 1 according to section A-A.

The rolling body 2 of the transport holder 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is embodied in a shell shape. The shell-shaped rolling body 2 has a shell base, which is arranged on the left-hand side in FIG. 2, and a shell rim, which has the annular rolling surface for rolling the shell-shaped rolling body 2 on a support.

The shell base is suitable as a surface for laying the rolling body 2 and hence the transport holder 1 in a stable manner on a support. The support can refer to any surface, e.g. a storage surface, the surface of a conveyor belt etc. The support can be formed by a transport holder 1 having matching design features, thereby enabling a plurality of transport holders 1 to be stacked.

An angle of approximately 90° is formed between the shell base, which is suitable for deposition of the transport holder 1, and the shell rim, which has an annular rolling surface. The rolling of the transport unit 1 is made possible by tilting a transport unit 1 laid on the shell base through 90°.

The advantageous characteristic that an angle of approximately 90° is formed between a surface for deposition of the transport holder 1 and the rolling surface of the transport holder and therefore that rolling of a deposited transport unit 1 is made possible by tilting through 90°, and that laying down of the transport unit 1 supported on the rolling surface is made possible by tilting through 90°, is also obtained for other embodiments, described here, of transport units 1.

A total of six elastic arms 31, . . . , 36, on the ends of which fixing means 41, . . . , 46 in the form of a doorknob are arranged, is arranged as holding means 31, . . . , 36, 41, . . . , 46 in a manner distributed over the inner circumference on the inside of the shell rims.

In order to arrange an object 7 to be transported in the transport holder 1, the elastic arms 31, . . . , 36 are spread in the direction of the shell rim. Once the object 7 to be transported has been arranged between them, the spreading of the elastic arms 31, . . . , 36 is canceled, as a result of which the elastic arms come to rest against the object 7 to be transported and said object is held in a radial direction with respect to the shell-shaped rolling body 2.

The object 7 to be transported is fixed in the axial direction by the knob of the doorknob-like fixing means 41, . . . , 46 and the shell base of the shell-shaped rolling body 2.

The elastic arms 31, . . . , 36 can be secured on the shell rim of the shell-shaped rolling body by means of rivets, screws or any other fastening means, for example.

An information medium which can be interrogated from the outside, e.g. an optically readable barcode or an RFID tag 82 which can be read out on the basis of radio communication, is optionally attached to the outer circumference of the shell rim of the shell-shaped rolling body 2. In a variant, an antenna 83 of the RFID tag 82 is provided on the circumference of the rolling body 2. By virtue of the relatively large dimensions of the antenna 83, the RFID tag 82 can also be read from relatively large distances.

The abovementioned information media which can be interrogated from the outside can also be used for other variant embodiments, described here, of rolling bodies 2 and transport holders 1.

Other types of applied codes, such as a matrix code, color code, numerical code, thermal code or holograms are likewise conceivable as information and/or identification means or safety features. All these means can be capable of being read optically, magnetically or by radio techniques, either as passive means which are interrogated from the outside or as active means, which themselves perform information transfer.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more optional rolling means 6 is mounted on the outer circumference of the shell rim, said means serving to improve the rolling characteristics.

The rolling characteristics are improved by the rolling means 6 by virtue of the fact, for example, that the rolling surface and hence rolling resistance are reduced. It is furthermore possible to create sufficient space for fastening means mounted on the outside of the shell rim for fastening the elastic arms 31, . . . , 36 and/or for an RFID tag 82 attached to the outside of the shell rim.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the rolling means 6 comprise two O-rings, for example, which are arranged in corresponding grooves in the shell rim.

The additional rolling means 6 mentioned can also be used on other variant embodiments, described here, of the rolling bodies 2.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a variant embodiment of a transport holder 1 according to FIG. 1, wherein an object 7 to be transported is held therein. FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross section of the transport holder from FIG. 3 according to section B-B. The object 7 to be transported has a rectangular shape, e.g. the shape of a book, the shape of a pack for an electronic data medium etc.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the object 7 to be transported is fixed in a radial direction by the elastic arms 31, . . . 36.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the object 7 to be transported is fixed in an axial direction by the shell base of the shell-shaped rolling body 2 and by the fixing means 41, . . . , 46, which are of doorknob-shaped design.

FIG. 5 shows an elastic arm 3x and a fixing means 4x in a detail view, as obtained in a view from the shell base in the direction of the elastic arm 3x and of the fixing means 4x. The end of the arm 3x, which has the shape of a strip, is designed as a loop, in which a pin of the fixing means 4x of doorknob-shaped design is clamped.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view of a further variant embodiment of a transport holder 1. FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross section through the transport holder from FIG. 6 according to section A-A.

As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the further variant embodiment of the transport holder 1 has a total of eight elastic arms 31, . . . , 38 and eight fixing means 41, . . . , 48 of doorknob-shaped design. The object 7 to be transported has a square shape, e.g. the shape of a pack for a CD etc.

In the further variant embodiment of a transport holder 1 according to FIGS. 6 to 7, the object 7 to be transported is fixed at more points in a radial and in an axial direction than in the variant embodiment of a transport holder 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 4. For the same effect, smaller forces exerted on the object 7 to be transported by the holding means 31, . . . , 38, 41, . . . , 48 and thus gentler holding are thereby obtained.

The rolling body 2 of the transport unit 1 shown here can comprise, for example, a plastic, a metal or any other material suitable for enabling rolling on a support and enclosure of the object 7 to be transported.

The elastic arms 31, . . . , 36 of the transport holders 1 shown here can comprise, for example, a spring steel, a plastic or any other material suitable for enabling spreading of the arms 31, . . . , 36 and fixing in a radial direction of the object 7 to be transported.

In a variant, one or more of the transport holders 1 shown here consists of a single part and is/are produced from a plastic in an injection molding process, for example. This allows, in particular, the production of low-cost transport holders 1.

In a variant, one or more of the transport holders 1 shown here is composed of a plurality of pieces, e.g. of a rolling body 2 comprising a plastic and of holding means 31, . . . , 36, 41, . . . 48 comprising a metal. This allows, in particular, the production of transport holders 1 having rolling characteristics of the rolling body 2 which are matched to a particular application and/or holding characteristics of the holding means 31, . . . , 36, 41, . . . , 46 matched to a particular application.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic plan view of a further variant embodiment of a transport holder 1. FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross section through the transport holder 1 from FIG. 8 according to section C-C. The object 7 to be transported has a square shape. In contrast to the preceding Figures, the rolling body 2 is not of shell-shaped design but of hoop-shaped design, i.e. the rolling body 2 has two openings, which are arranged on the left and right in FIG. 9. The annular rolling surface is situated on the outside of the hoop-shaped rolling body. In contrast to the preceding Figures, the object 7 to be transported is not fixed in one of the two axial directions by a shell base of the shell-shaped rolling body 2 but is fixed in both axial directions by the fixing means 41, . . . , 44 of U-shaped design.

The rolling bodies shown here have the shape of a rolling frame or of a disk, wherein rolling involves rotation about an axis of rotation. The radial direction denotes the direction approximately perpendicularly away from the axis of rotation or toward the axis of rotation, while the axial direction denotes the direction along the axis of rotation.

As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the further variant embodiment of the transport holder 1 has a total of four elastic arms 31, . . . , 34 and four fixing means 41, . . . , 44 of U-shaped design. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the U-shaped fixing means can be of semicircular design at the ends, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the object 7 to be transported during fixing. The ends of the U-shaped fixing means can have other shapes, e.g. square, rectangular, triangular etc.

The transport holder 1 according to FIGS. 8 and 9 is designed in such a way that the outer surface of the rolling body 2 which forms the rolling surface is free from projecting rivets, screws etc. for fastening the elastic arms 31, . . . , 34. Accordingly, no additional rolling means are provided in the further variant embodiment of a transport holder 1 according to FIGS. 8 and 9. Of course, rolling means can nevertheless be attached to improve the rolling characteristics, if desired.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, the rolling body 2 has an information medium which can be interrogated from the outside in the form of an RFID tag 82. The RFID tag 82 is attached to the inside of the rolling body 2 or integrated into the rolling body 2, for example. The rolling body 2 furthermore has an antenna 83, which is connected to the RFID tag 82. The antenna 83 can have relatively large dimensions, corresponding to the rolling body 2, thus making it possible to increase the distance from which information and data can be read from or written to the RFID tag 82 by means of an RFID read/write device.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic side view of the transport holder 1 from FIG. 8. Information media which can be interrogated from the outside, in the form of optically readable barcodes 811, 812, are attached to the outer surface. By means of a plurality of barcodes, the interrogation of information and data is made easier as compared with a single barcode since, in the case of a single barcode, said barcode may be currently substantially in contact with the support on which the rolling body 2 is rolling as it is being read, making it more difficult or impossible to read information and data from the barcode. 1-dimensional and/or 2-dimensional barcodes, in particular, can be attached.

FIG. 11 shows further variants a)-e) of transport holders 1.

FIG. 11
a) shows a transport holder 1 having an annular rolling body 2 in a cross section. The annular rolling surface is situated on the outside of the annular rolling body. A plurality of elastic arms 31 is attached to the annular rolling body 2 on the inside, as shown in the preceding Figures, said arms having fixing means 41 with a shape of doorknob-type design on both sides. The annular rolling body 2 enables the transport unit 1 to tilt slightly transversely to the rolling direction, while the contact area on a support remains approximately the same at all times and the rolling resistance thus remains substantially constant. The transport unit 1 according to FIG. 11a) furthermore has components with a small volume and thus a low weight. The elastic arms enable the object 7 to be transported to be arranged in and removed from the transport holder 1 easily.

FIG. 11
b) shows a cross section through a transport holder 1 which has two half shells 91, which are connected to one another by means of a rolling body 2 embodied as a clamping ring. Arranged in the half shells 91 are rigid inserts 92, which hold the object 7 to be transported. Together with the inserts 92, the half shells 91 form a multi-part holding body to hold the object to be transported in the rolling body 2 embodied as a clamping ring. The outer surface of the rolling body 2 embodied as a clamping ring forms the annular rolling surface. The inserts 92 are produced from a foam, a plastic etc., for example. The half shells 91 are produced from a metal, plastic etc., for example. The rolling body 2 embodied as a clamping ring has a relatively small rolling surface and thus a relatively low rolling resistance. The object 7 to be transported is protected very well by the half shells 91 and inserts 92 during transportation. A seal can be provided between the half shells 91 to additionally improve protection of the object 7 to be transported, especially in respect of liquids or gases. In one embodiment, the clamping ring can be embodied as a collar, e.g. as an expandable collar, as a collar produced from rubber etc.

FIG. 11
c) shows a cross section through a transport holder 1, which has a rolling body 2 with a rim-shaped contour. The rolling body 2 is formed by two mirror-symmetrical holding parts, for example, which can be connected by connecting means (not shown specifically in FIG. 11c)). As can be seen from FIG. 11c), the rolling body 2 has a shape similar to that of a rim, and has a kind of ring 2.1 arranged on the left and right, on both sides of a central part 2.2, as can be seen from FIG. 11c). Depending on the support, the central part 2.2 or the two rings can form the annular rolling surface for rolling the rolling body 2 on the support. On a flat support, the rolling body 2 can roll on the rings 2.1, for example. On a rail-shaped support, the rolling body 2 can roll on the central part 2.2, for example. The object 7 to be transported is arranged within the rim-shaped rolling body 2 and held by the holding means 3-4, which can be secured on the mirror-symmetrical halves, for example. The rim-shaped rolling body 2 can be embodied in such a way as to be completely closed and can thereby protect the object 7 to be transported effectively. It is possible, in turn, for a sealing means to be provided in order to offer additional protection, in particular against liquids and/or gases. For lateral stabilization, the rim-shaped rolling body 2 can be guided at the top on a guiding body, which is arranged between the rings 2.1, 2.2 and is suitable for enabling a further rim-shaped rolling body 2 to roll thereon.

FIGS. 11
d
1) and d2) show a cross section through a transport holder 1, which has an annular rolling body 2, on which a holding means 3-4 in the form of a net, of a film etc. is arranged. On the left, in FIG. 11d1), the transport holder 1 is shown in the opened state. On the right, in FIG. 11d2), the transport holder 1 is shown in the closed state. As shown on the left, the annular rolling body 2 can be divided into two half rings, on each of which a net, a film etc. is arranged, which can be spread across the circular opening of the respective half ring. The object 7 to be transported is arranged between the two half rings and is held by the holding means 3-4 as soon as the two half rings are joined together to form the annular rolling body 2, as shown on the right in FIG. 11d2). The annular rolling surface can be seen on the outside of the assembled rolling body 2. The half rings and/or the holding means 3-4 can be joined together by any connecting means, e.g. by a collar, by a bayonet catch, by means of adhesive etc.

FIG. 11
e) shows a cross section through a transport holder 1 which has a tire-shaped rolling body 2. As is customary in describing tires, the tire-shaped rolling body 2 has a tread 2e and shoulders 2s. The tread 2e forms the annular rolling surface. Holding means 3-4, which are designed to hold the object 7 to be transported, can be attached to the shoulders 2s. In particular, the shoulders 2s are designed to protect the holding means 3-4. In a variant, the shoulders 2s are designed in such a way that, during a first rotation of the rolling body 2 relative to the object 7 to be transported, the latter can be introduced into and removed from the rolling body, while, during a second rotation of the rolling body 2 relative to the object 7 to be transported, the object 7 to be transported introduced into the rolling body 2 is held in the rolling body 2 by the holding means 3-4. As a result, the object 7 to be transported can easily be arranged in and removed from the transport holder 1, wherein the holding means 3-4 are protected by the shoulders 2s.

In the case of the transport holders 1 shown here, the shape of a disk is discernible, this being defined, for example, by the rolling body 2 or by the rolling body 2 together with the object 7 to be transported arranged therein. A diameter and a width of the disk or, in other words, a thickness of the disk are thereby defined, wherein the ratio of the diameter to the width is, in particular, at least three.

FIG. 12 shows a cross section through a shell-shaped transport holder 1, which can be closed by means of a cover 5. For closing, a closing means 51 in the form of a thread, a press fit etc. is provided, for example.

Arranged in the transport holder 1 is an object 7 to be transported, which is held by the holding means 3, 4. The holding means 3, 4 have fixing means 4 of V-shaped configuration. The V-shaped fixing means 4 make it possible to fix objects 7 to be transported of different thicknesses in the transport holder 7. In particular, the object 7 to be transported is fixed so as to be always centered in the axial direction.

FIG. 13 shows a shell-shaped transport holder 1 in cross section. Arranged in the transport holder 1 is an object 7 to be transported, which is held by the holding means 3, 4. In order to support the object 7 to be transported relative to the shell-shaped transport holder 1, an insert 92 is provided. The holding means 3, 4 have a fixing means 4 of L-shaped configuration. The L-shaped fixing means 4 makes it possible to fix the object 7 to be transported in the axial direction, especially in interaction with the insert 92 and/or with the shell-shaped transport holder 1. The axial alignment of the object to be transported results from the dimensions, e.g. the thickness of the insert 92 and the dimensions of the L-shaped fixing means.

FIG. 14 shows a cross section through a hoop-shaped transport holder 1, having holding means 3, 4, which have U-shaped fixing means 4 for holding the object to be transported.

In the case of a transport device 1 having a hoop-shaped rolling body 2 it is possible to see two sides of the object 7 to be transported from the outside, that is to say, in the case of a book as an object 7 to be transported, for example, the front and rear covers of the book. In the case of a transport device 1 having a shell-shaped rolling body 2, it is possible to see one side of the object 7 to be transported from the outside, that is to say, in the case of a book for example, the front or the rear cover of the book. In the case of a transport device having a shell-shaped rolling body 2 closed by means of a cover 5, it is not possible to see the object to be transported, although the latter is then well protected. In the case of a shell-shaped rolling body 2 and/or a cover 5 which is/are of transparent configuration or provided with a window, the object 7 to be transported can also be seen through the shell-shaped rolling body 2 and/or through the cover 5. If it is possible to see the object 7 to be transported in the transport holder 1, it may be possible to dispense with the attachment of an information medium that can be read from the outside, such as an RFID tag or a barcode.

FIG. 15 shows a cross section through a transport holder 1 having a hoop-shaped rolling body 2, which can be closed on both sides by a cover 5. The holding means 3, 4 are set up to hold the object 7 to be transported, in particular to fix it relative to the rolling body 2.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a cross section through a transport holder 1 having a hoop-shaped rolling body 2, which is open on both sides. The holding means 3, 4 are set up to hold the object 7 to be transported, in particular to fix it relative to the rolling body 2. The holding means 3, 4 comprise a U-shaped fixing means 4.

The running elements 21, 22, 23 of the rolling bodies 2 shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are of different designs, as will be described below.

The cross section of the running element 21 of the rolling body 2 shown in FIG. 15 is obtuse-angled with an angle vertex 211 and legs 212, wherein the angle measured at the inside of the rolling body 2 is more than approximately 45°, for example. Accordingly, the rolling body 2 has an obtuse-angled annular rolling surface. Depending on the support, the rolling body can be rolled on the angle vortex 211 and/or on one or both legs 212. If required, running element 21 can also be of acute-angled design, wherein the angle measured at the inside of the rolling body between the legs is less than approximately 45°, for example. In the case of an obtuse-angled embodiment, a somewhat broad transport holder 1 is obtained, while, in the case of an acute-angled embodiment, a somewhat narrow transport holder 1 is obtained.

The cross section of the running element 22 of the rolling body 2 shown in FIG. 16 has an arcuate shape. For example, the arcuate shape is embodied in the manner of a circular segment, a segment of a parabola etc. The arcuate shape of running element 22 can be embodied in such a way that, irrespective of a slope of the rolling body 2 relative to a support, approximately the same contact area with a support and hence approximately the same rolling resistance is always obtained. Accordingly, the rolling body 2 has an arcuate annular rolling surface. In a variant, the arcuate shape of the rolling body 22 is embodied in such a way that the contact area with a support increases with increasing inclination. This can be advantageous if the rolling body 2 rolls in the form of a curve in order to absorb lateral centrifugal forces through the enlarged contact area between the rolling body and the support and the resulting higher friction.

The cross section of the running element 23 of the rolling body 2 shown in FIG. 17 has a closed cavity 231. The running element has an arcuate shape, to which the cavity 231 is matched, with the result that running element 23 has a substantially constant wall thickness from the cavity 231 toward the outside. The rolling body 2 has an arcuate annular rolling surface. As shown schematically in FIG. 17, the cavity 231 is provided in order to accommodate a mass 232 able to move more or less freely relative to the rolling body 2, e.g. in the form of a liquid, of balls of high mass etc. By virtue of the freely movable mass 232, the transport holder 1 has a low center of gravity relative to the support and therefore has less tendency to tilt while rolling.

The covers 5 arranged on both sides mean that the rolling body 2 of the transport holder 1 shown in FIG. 15 is likewise capable of accommodating a freely movable mass in the form of a liquid, of balls of high mass etc., as a result of which the stability during rolling is likewise improved.

FIG. 18 shows a cross section through three transport holders 1, 1′, 1″, which are stacked one on top of the other. As indicated by dots in FIG. 18, any number of transport holders 1, 1′, 1″ can be stacked one on top of the other.

In order to allow stable stacking, the rolling bodies 2 of the transport holders have complementary grooves and projections. In one variant, the transport holders 1, 1′, 1″ are designed to enable them to be stacked with or without objects 7 to be transported being fitted, e.g. in a storage facility. In one variant, the transport holders 1, 1′, 1″ are designed to enable them to be stacked in as compact a way as possible without objects 7 to be transported being fitted, e.g. by means of complementary conical internal and external shapes of the rolling bodies 2. It is thereby possible to store and transport empty transport holders 1, 1′, 1″ in a compact way.

In one variant, the transport holders 1, 1′, 1″ are connected to one another using a connecting means in such a way that they can be rolled on a support jointly as an assembly. The connecting means can comprise, for example, a mechanical lock, a screwed joint, an adhesive joint, a touch and close fastener etc.

FIG. 19 shows a cross section through a transfer device 100, on which a transport holder 1 has been laid. By way of example, the transfer device 100 has a conveyor belt, which is driven by a motor at one or both deflection rollers. The transport holder 1 can be transported from a starting point 200 to a final destination 300 by the transfer device 100. A plurality of transfer devices 100 can be provided in series in order to transport the transport holder 1 over larger distances. The transfer device 100 shown in FIG. 19 is arranged horizontally.

FIG. 20 shows a cross section through a sloping or obliquely arranged transfer device 101, on which a transport holder 1 has been laid. In FIG. 20, the slope is indicated by the angle K. The transport holder 1 is transported by the sloping transfer device 101 from a starting point 201 to a final destination 301, wherein the level of the final destination 301 is higher or lower than the starting point 201. In FIG. 20, the arrow G indicates the direction of gravity. During transportation, potential energy is thus supply to or removed from the transport holder 1. The potential energy supplied can be used subsequently to roll the transport holder from a higher level to a lower level without the supply of energy by rolling on the rolling surface of the rolling body 2 on a suitable support. Since, in a preferred embodiment, the transport holder 1 can be moved from a set down position into a rolling position (and vice versa) merely by tilting through 90°, simple handling is ensured. A plurality of sloping transfer devices 101 can be provided in order to transport the transport holder 101 over larger distances and/or larger level differences. To prevent slipping of the transport holder 1 set down on the sloping transfer device 101, the transfer device 101 optionally has suitable means, such as a rough surface with a high coefficient of friction, stop elements etc.

FIG. 21 shows a cross section through a plurality of sloping supports 102, 103, 104, a sloping transfer device 101 and a storage device 110. In FIG. 21, the arrow G indicates the direction of gravity. An object 7 to be transported is arranged in a transport holder 1 at a starting point 202. Owing to gravity, the transport holder 1 rolls together with the object 7 to be transported on a rolling surface on the sloping support with the reference sign 102 to the sloping transfer device 101. The transport holder 1 is set down on a deposition surface on the transfer device 101 on a deposition surface and is transported from a low level to a high level by the transfer device 101. The transport holder 1 rolls on the sloping support 103 to the storage device 110 and is stored there. If required, a transport holder 1, 1′, 1″ is passed out of the storage device 110 to the sloping support with the reference sign 104 and is rolled in the direction of the final destination 302 on said support. At the final destination 302, the object 7 to be transported is removed from the transport holder 1. If desired, the transport holder 1 is passed back from the final destination 302 to the starting point 202.

FIG. 22 shows a plan view of a transport holder 1 with an object 7 to be transported arranged therein. The transport holder 7 comprises a hoop-shaped rolling body 2, which is divided into two parts 27, 28 in the direction of revolution. The two parts 27, 38 are connected by a hinge 29 and can be opened to arrange an object 7 to be transported therein and then closed to hold the object 7 to be transported in the transport holder 1.

To hold the object 7 to be transported in the transport holder 1, two elastic arms 31, 32 are provided, which are of S-shaped design. The elastic arms 31, 32 are mounted at one end on one part 27, 28 respectively, of the hoop-shaped rolling body 2. At the other end, the elastic arms 31, 32 have U-shaped fixing means in order to fix the object 7 to be transported in the axial direction in the transport holder. By means of the elastic arms, the object 7 to be transported is held in the radial direction. This results, in particular, from the S-shaped design, which ensures that the object 7 to be transported is held in the radial direction by a spring force.

After the two parts 27, 28 have been closed, closing means 61 can ensure that the rolling body does not accidentally open, especially during rolling. In one embodiment, the closing means 61 comprise flexible rings mounted on the outer circumference, which preferably act as an additional rolling means in order to improve the rolling characteristics of the transport holder 1. To close the two parts 27, 28, any other closing means 61 can be provided, e.g. a snap lock, a screw closure etc.

FIG. 23 shows a cross section through the transport holder 1 from FIG. 22 according to section D-D. The transport holder 1 has a rolling body 2 with the two parts 27, 28, which are connected to one another by the hinge 29. The two parts 27, 28 are thus capable of moving relative to one another, and the rolling body 2 is thus set up for opening and closing. Two flexible rings can be seen on the outer circumference, and these hold the two parts 27, 28 together after the closure of the rolling body 2.

FIG. 24 shows the transport holder 1 from FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 in a plan view, wherein the flexible rings have been removed and the two parts 27, 28 of the rolling body 2 have been opened. The object to be transported has been removed from the transport holder 1 and the transport holder 1 is ready for the arrangement of an object to be transported.

Instead of being constructed from two parts 27, 28 with a hinge 29, the rolling body 2 of the transport holder 1 can be constructed in any other way from a plurality of parts, wherein means can be provided in order to open and close the rolling body 2 in a simple and reliable manner. A rolling body 2 constructed from a plurality of parts can additionally simplify the handling of the transport holder 1: in particular, the arrangement and/or removal of the object 7 to be transported can be simplified by virtue of further degrees of freedom with the opened rolling body 2.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
01040/13	May 2013	CH	national
01041/13	May 2013	CH	national
01042/13	May 2013	CH	national
00446/14	Mar 2014	CH	national
00709/14	May 2014	CH	national

TRANSPORT HOLDER FOR AN OBJECT TO BE TRANSPORTED AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AN OBJECT TO BE TRANSPORTED USING SAID TYPE OF TRANSPORT HOLDER

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