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WO2000066442A1 - An adjustable framework for containing objects - Google Patents

An adjustable framework for containing objects Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000066442A1
WO2000066442A1 PCT/ZA2000/000089 ZA0000089W WO0066442A1 WO 2000066442 A1 WO2000066442 A1 WO 2000066442A1 ZA 0000089 W ZA0000089 W ZA 0000089W WO 0066442 A1 WO0066442 A1 WO 0066442A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
containing objects
adjustable framework
supporting members
supporting
framework
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ZA2000/000089
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Mark Clegg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU56433/00A priority Critical patent/AU5643300A/en
Publication of WO2000066442A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000066442A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
    • B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
    • B65D19/08—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D19/10—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of metal of skeleton construction, e.g. made of wire
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/086—Collapsible or telescopic containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00024—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00059—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
    • B65D2519/00164—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00298—Overall construction of the load supporting surface skeleton type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00512—Overall construction of the side walls skeleton type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
    • B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
    • B65D2519/00611—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls maintained connected to each other by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
    • B65D2519/00666—Structures not intended to be disassembled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00741—Dimensional aspects of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00761—Dimensional aspects of the pallet the surface being variable, e.g. extendable pallets

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an adjustable framework for use as a container in which objects or goods can be contained during transport, storage or handling.
  • 99 3054 is hereby included by reference so as to be included in and form part of the present application.
  • Cargo or transport containers for containing objects during transport, storage or handling are well known in the art. Since the prime objective of such containers is to fit as many objects as possible into each container while at the same time protecting said objects from damage during transport, storage or handling, it is desirable to pack said objects as tightly together as possible in order to minimize movement of the objects in the containers.
  • a set of objects to be contained in a single container typically comprises objects which are all of the same size.
  • these containers are typically in the form of rigid structures and are available in various sizes.
  • Containers which are made to fit objects of a certain size are available but are typically manufactured from wood so as to be disposable.
  • an adjustable framework for containing objects including:- a three dimensional supporting frame having opposing sides between which objects may be contained; supporting members extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame; and length adjustment means operatively associated with the supporting members to permit at least one of the supporting frame's three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members.
  • the supporting members may include an inner member and an outer member which are slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means. Furthermore, the supporting members may define the supporting frame.
  • the supporting members may be telescoping members.
  • the supporting members may have a cross-section of any suitable shape, for example, square, rectangular or round.
  • a locking means may be provided on the supporting members to permit the supporting members to be locked in a desired dimensional configuration and which inhibit the supporting members from extending or retracting once locked into the desired configuration.
  • the locking means may be in the form of a socket provided in the supporting member and an engaging formation sized and dimensioned to engage the socket.
  • the engaging formation may be in the form of a hook.
  • the socket may be in the form of a hole or a recess in the supporting member which may be engaged by a pin to restrain it against extension or retraction.
  • the engaging formation may be biased into a socket engaging position thereby reducing the risk that the thus locked supporting member will extend or retract without intervention.
  • the framework may have various shapes, for example, parallelipipedal, tetrahedral, pyramidal or any other suitable shape.
  • a user may adjust some dimension(s) of the framework while keeping the other dimension(s) fixed and/ or the framework may be configured so that only some dimension(s) may be variable while others may be fixed.
  • two dimensions may be variable and one dimension may be fixed, one dimension may be variable and two dimensions may be fixed or all three dimensions may be variable.
  • the supporting frame may include constituent parts having at least three supporting members which extend angularly in relation to each other from a corner piece.
  • the supporting members may extend orthogonally in relation to each other.
  • a length adjustment means may be located at the end of each of the three supporting members.
  • the supporting members and the corner pieces may be manufactured by extrusion of any suitable lightweight and durable material such as aluminium or any suitable synthetic plastics material, for example, polycarbonate resin.
  • a connecting piece used in the construction of an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above, wherein the connecting piece has at least two arms joined together and extending angularly in relation to each other, each arm being configured to slidingly receive a complementary member which is slidingly extendible and retractable relative to the arm.
  • the connecting piece may be a corner piece.
  • the connecting piece may have arms which extend orthogonally in relation to each other or which may extend in opposite directions.
  • a method of constructing an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above which includes the steps of:- connecting the corner pieces to each other by means of the inner member of the supporting member being slidingly received within outer member portions of the corner pieces; and locking the supporting member in a desired dimensional configuration by bringing the locking means into a locked position.
  • a user may upon purchase of the constituent parts of the framework decide which shape of framework he would like to use and then purchase the constituent parts particular to that shape of framework.
  • an adjustable framework for containing objects In order to construct an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above, a user may fit together a number of corner pieces and supporting members so as to form an adjustable framework for containing objects. The dimensions of the framework may then be varied according to the user's specific needs. In order to vary a dimension of the adjustable framework, the locking means situated on the supporting members to be extended or retracted are unlocked so as to allow a user to extend or retract the supporting members to the desired length. Thereafter the locking means are brought back into the locked position so as to prevent unwanted retraction or extension of the supporting members.
  • Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of a first embodiment of an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a front view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a top view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows a side view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of a second embodiment of an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention.
  • reference numeral 10 generally indicates an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention.
  • An adjustable framework for containing objects 10 includes a three dimensional supporting frame 12 having opposing sides between which objects may be contained, supporting members 14 extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame 12 and length adjustment means operatively associated with the supporting members 14 to permit at least one of the supporting frame's 12 three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members 14.
  • the supporting members 14 include an inner member 15 and an outer member 17 into which the inner member 15 is slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means.
  • the supporting members 14 typically define the supporting frame 12 as shown in Figure 1.
  • the supporting members typically have a square cross-section.
  • a locking means is provided on the supporting members 14 to permit the supporting members 14 to be locked in a desired dimensional configuration and which inhibits the supporting members 14 from extending or retracting once locked into the desired configuration.
  • the locking means is typically in the form of a socket in the form of a hole 16 provided in the outer member 17 of the supporting member 14 and an engaging formation in the form of a pin 18 sized and dimensioned to engage the hole 16 as shown in Figure 1 and to restrain the supporting member 14 against extension or retraction.
  • the locking means is in the form of a snaplock 22 as shown in
  • Figure 5 which is biased into a locked position thereby reducing the risk that the thus locked supporting member 14 will extend or retract without intervention.
  • stops 24 are provided at the sides of the adjustable framework 10 to inhibit objects contained within the framework
  • the supporting frame 12 includes constituent parts having at least three outer members 17 which extend angularly in relation to each other from a corner piece 20.
  • the outer members 17 extend orthogonally in relation to each other as shown in Figures 1 and 5.
  • the outer members 17 and the corner pieces 20 are manufactured from any suitable lightweight and durable material such as aluminium or any suitable synthetic plastics material, for example, polycarbonate resin.
  • a corner piece 20 has three arms 20.1 , 20.2 and 20.3 joined together and extending orthogonally in relation to each other. At least one arm is configured to slidingly receive an inner member 15.
  • a user may upon purchase of the constituent parts of the framework 12 decide which shape of framework he would like to construct and then purchase the constituent parts particular to that shape of framework 12.
  • the corner pieces 20 are connected to each other by means of inner member 15 being slidingly received within outer member portions 19 of the corner pieces 20, i.e. by means of link pieces, the overall length of the supporting members 14 being determined by the degree of extension of the inner member 15 from out of the corner pieces 20. This degree of extension determines the dimensions of the adjustable framework 10. Thus if a large adjustable framework 10 is required, then the inner members 15 are extended further out from the corner pieces 20 thereby spacing the corner pieces 20 from each other.
  • the pins 18 are removed from the holes 16 in the outer members 17 and inner members 15 so as to allow the user to extend or retract the supporting members 14 to the desired length by sliding the inner members 15 within the outer members 17.
  • the pins 18 are retained in the holes 16 so as to prevent unwanted retraction or extension of the supporting members 14.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides an adjustable framework for containing objects (10) including a three dimensional supporting frame (12) having opposing sides between which objects may be contained, supporting members (14) extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame (12) and length adjustment means operatively associated with the supporting members (14) to permit at least one of the supporting frame's (12) three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members (14). The supporting members (14) include an inner member (15) and an outer member (17) into which the inner member (15) is slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means. The supporting members (14) typically define the supporting frame (12) as shown in the Figure.

Description

Adjustable Framework for Containing Objects
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an adjustable framework for use as a container in which objects or goods can be contained during transport, storage or handling.
The matter disclosed in South African Provisional Patent Application No.
99 3054 is hereby included by reference so as to be included in and form part of the present application.
Background to the Invention
Cargo or transport containers for containing objects during transport, storage or handling are well known in the art. Since the prime objective of such containers is to fit as many objects as possible into each container while at the same time protecting said objects from damage during transport, storage or handling, it is desirable to pack said objects as tightly together as possible in order to minimize movement of the objects in the containers.
A set of objects to be contained in a single container typically comprises objects which are all of the same size. In order to afford protection to the objects as well as to cater for sets of objects wherein each set comprises objects of a certain size, these containers are typically in the form of rigid structures and are available in various sizes. Containers which are made to fit objects of a certain size are available but are typically manufactured from wood so as to be disposable.
The applicant believes that a need exists for a lightweight yet durable container for handling, transport and storage objects or goods which can be adjusted to fit the size of the set of objects to be contained in it so as to facilitate tight packing as well as protecting the objects or goods from damage during handling, transport and storage. Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, there is provided an adjustable framework for containing objects including:- a three dimensional supporting frame having opposing sides between which objects may be contained; supporting members extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame; and length adjustment means operatively associated with the supporting members to permit at least one of the supporting frame's three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members.
The supporting members may include an inner member and an outer member which are slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means. Furthermore, the supporting members may define the supporting frame.
In another embodiment the supporting members may be telescoping members.
The supporting members may have a cross-section of any suitable shape, for example, square, rectangular or round.
A locking means may be provided on the supporting members to permit the supporting members to be locked in a desired dimensional configuration and which inhibit the supporting members from extending or retracting once locked into the desired configuration.
The locking means may be in the form of a socket provided in the supporting member and an engaging formation sized and dimensioned to engage the socket. The engaging formation may be in the form of a hook. The socket may be in the form of a hole or a recess in the supporting member which may be engaged by a pin to restrain it against extension or retraction.
The engaging formation may be biased into a socket engaging position thereby reducing the risk that the thus locked supporting member will extend or retract without intervention.
In order to cater for various shapes of objects to be contained within the adjustable framework, the framework may have various shapes, for example, parallelipipedal, tetrahedral, pyramidal or any other suitable shape.
In use, a user may adjust some dimension(s) of the framework while keeping the other dimension(s) fixed and/ or the framework may be configured so that only some dimension(s) may be variable while others may be fixed. For example, two dimensions may be variable and one dimension may be fixed, one dimension may be variable and two dimensions may be fixed or all three dimensions may be variable.
The supporting frame may include constituent parts having at least three supporting members which extend angularly in relation to each other from a corner piece. The supporting members may extend orthogonally in relation to each other.
A length adjustment means may be located at the end of each of the three supporting members.
The supporting members and the corner pieces may be manufactured by extrusion of any suitable lightweight and durable material such as aluminium or any suitable synthetic plastics material, for example, polycarbonate resin. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a connecting piece used in the construction of an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above, wherein the connecting piece has at least two arms joined together and extending angularly in relation to each other, each arm being configured to slidingly receive a complementary member which is slidingly extendible and retractable relative to the arm.
The connecting piece may be a corner piece.
The connecting piece may have arms which extend orthogonally in relation to each other or which may extend in opposite directions.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above which includes the steps of:- connecting the corner pieces to each other by means of the inner member of the supporting member being slidingly received within outer member portions of the corner pieces; and locking the supporting member in a desired dimensional configuration by bringing the locking means into a locked position.
A user may upon purchase of the constituent parts of the framework decide which shape of framework he would like to use and then purchase the constituent parts particular to that shape of framework.
In order to construct an adjustable framework for containing objects as described above, a user may fit together a number of corner pieces and supporting members so as to form an adjustable framework for containing objects. The dimensions of the framework may then be varied according to the user's specific needs. In order to vary a dimension of the adjustable framework, the locking means situated on the supporting members to be extended or retracted are unlocked so as to allow a user to extend or retract the supporting members to the desired length. Thereafter the locking means are brought back into the locked position so as to prevent unwanted retraction or extension of the supporting members.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now described by way of the following non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view of a first embodiment of an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention;
Figure 2 shows a front view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a top view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows a side view of the adjustable framework of Figure 1 ; and
Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of a second embodiment of an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention.
In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention.
An adjustable framework for containing objects 10 includes a three dimensional supporting frame 12 having opposing sides between which objects may be contained, supporting members 14 extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame 12 and length adjustment means operatively associated with the supporting members 14 to permit at least one of the supporting frame's 12 three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members 14. The supporting members 14 include an inner member 15 and an outer member 17 into which the inner member 15 is slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means. The supporting members 14 typically define the supporting frame 12 as shown in Figure 1.
The supporting members typically have a square cross-section.
A locking means is provided on the supporting members 14 to permit the supporting members 14 to be locked in a desired dimensional configuration and which inhibits the supporting members 14 from extending or retracting once locked into the desired configuration.
The locking means is typically in the form of a socket in the form of a hole 16 provided in the outer member 17 of the supporting member 14 and an engaging formation in the form of a pin 18 sized and dimensioned to engage the hole 16 as shown in Figure 1 and to restrain the supporting member 14 against extension or retraction.
Alternatively, the locking means is in the form of a snaplock 22 as shown in
Figure 5 which is biased into a locked position thereby reducing the risk that the thus locked supporting member 14 will extend or retract without intervention.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 stops 24 are provided at the sides of the adjustable framework 10 to inhibit objects contained within the framework
10 from falling out while the framework 10 is being handled.
The supporting frame 12 includes constituent parts having at least three outer members 17 which extend angularly in relation to each other from a corner piece 20. Typically, the outer members 17 extend orthogonally in relation to each other as shown in Figures 1 and 5. The outer members 17 and the corner pieces 20 are manufactured from any suitable lightweight and durable material such as aluminium or any suitable synthetic plastics material, for example, polycarbonate resin.
In Figure 5, a corner piece 20 has three arms 20.1 , 20.2 and 20.3 joined together and extending orthogonally in relation to each other. At least one arm is configured to slidingly receive an inner member 15.
A user may upon purchase of the constituent parts of the framework 12 decide which shape of framework he would like to construct and then purchase the constituent parts particular to that shape of framework 12.
In order to construct an adjustable framework for containing objects 10 as shown in Figure 1 , the corner pieces 20 are connected to each other by means of inner member 15 being slidingly received within outer member portions 19 of the corner pieces 20, i.e. by means of link pieces, the overall length of the supporting members 14 being determined by the degree of extension of the inner member 15 from out of the corner pieces 20. This degree of extension determines the dimensions of the adjustable framework 10. Thus if a large adjustable framework 10 is required, then the inner members 15 are extended further out from the corner pieces 20 thereby spacing the corner pieces 20 from each other.
In order to vary a dimension of the adjustable framework 10 shown in Figure 1 , the pins 18 are removed from the holes 16 in the outer members 17 and inner members 15 so as to allow the user to extend or retract the supporting members 14 to the desired length by sliding the inner members 15 within the outer members 17. The pins 18 are retained in the holes 16 so as to prevent unwanted retraction or extension of the supporting members 14.
It is to be appreciated, that the invention is not limited to any specific configuration or embodiment as hereinbefore generally described or illustrated.

Claims

Claims
1. An adjustable framework for containing objects including:- a three dimensional supporting frame having opposing sides between which objects may be contained; supporting members extending between opposing sides of the supporting frame; and length adjustment means provided on the supporting members to permit at least one of the supporting frame's three dimensions to be varied by adjusting the length of at least some of the supporting members.
2. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a locking means is provided on the supporting members to permit the supporting members to be locked in a desired dimensional configuration.
3. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the supporting members include an inner member and an outer member which are slidably extendible and retractable to a desired length within predetermined minimum and maximum parameters, thereby serving as the length adjustment means.
4. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means is in the form of a socket provided in the supporting member and an engaging formation sized and dimensioned to engage the socket.
5. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 4, wherein the socket is in the form of a hole or a recess in the supporting member which is engaged by a pin to restrain it against extension or retraction.
6. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 4, wherein the engaging formation is in the form of a hook.
7. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claims 4 to 6, wherein the engaging formation is biased into a socket engaging position thereby reducing the risk that the thus locked supporting member will extend or retract without intervention.
8. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting members define the supporting frame.
9. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame is parallelipipedal.
10. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame is tetrahedral.
11. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame is pyramidal.
12. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein two dimensions are variable and one dimension is fixed.
13. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein one dimension is variable and two dimensions are fixed.
14. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein three dimensions are variable.
15. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the supporting frame includes constituent parts having at least three supporting members which extend angularly in relation to each other from a corner piece.
16. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 15 wherein the supporting members have a square, rectangular or round cross- section.
17. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed claim 15, wherein a length adjustment means is located at the end of each of the three supporting members.
18. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting members and the receiving sockets are manufactured by extrusion of any suitable lightweight and durable material such as aluminium.
19. An adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in claim 18, wherein the supporting members and the receiving sockets are manufactured from polycarbonate resin.
20. A connecting piece used in the construction of an adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting piece has at least two arms joined together and extending angularly in relation to each other, each arm being configured to receive a complementary member which is slidingly extendible and retractable relative to the arm in order to permit variation of the dimensions of the adjustable framework.
21. A connecting piece as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connecting piece is a corner piece.
22. A connecting piece as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the arms extend orthogonally in relation to each other.
23. A connecting piece as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the arms extend in opposite directions.
24. A connecting piece as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the connecting piece has three arms.
25. A method of constructing an adjustable framework for containing objects as claimed in any one of the preceding claims includes the steps of:- connecting the corner pieces to each other by means of the inner member of the supporting member being slidingly received within outer member portions of the corner pieces; and locking the supporting member in a desired dimensional configuration by bringing the locking means into a locked position.
26. An adjustable framework for containing objects according to the invention, as hereinbefore generally described.
27. An adjustable framework for containing objects as specifically described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
28. An adjustable framework for containing objects including any new and inventive integer or combination of integers, substantially as herein described.
PCT/ZA2000/000089 1999-05-03 2000-05-03 An adjustable framework for containing objects Ceased WO2000066442A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU56433/00A AU5643300A (en) 1999-05-03 2000-05-03 An adjustable framework for containing objects

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA993054 1999-05-03
ZA99/03054 1999-05-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000066442A1 true WO2000066442A1 (en) 2000-11-09

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Cited By (20)

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ES2183691A1 (en) * 2000-09-22 2003-03-16 Cabello Dionisio Torres Adjustable palette
EP1367920A4 (en) * 2001-02-16 2004-03-31 John A Lacombe Storage shelving module
WO2005000184A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2005-01-06 Michael Kelly A coffin
FR2876669A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-21 Cuny Const Soc Par Actions Sim Wooden frame wall handling, storing and transporting pallet for building site, has hollow reinforcing bars connected by hollow bars, and sliding device with secondary bars, where device slides by means of deployment bars having housings
ITRM20090535A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2010-01-15 Crozzoli Gualtiero PALL KIT CAGE DRAWER BOX STACCIONATA COMPLEMENTS FURNISHING STRUCTURE WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL MECHANICAL KNOT
GB2468674A (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Christopher Stephen Bevan Adjustable table particularly for storing items in a loft or attic
GB2478730A (en) * 2010-03-15 2011-09-21 Ashdown Design & Marketing Ltd Adjustable amplifier or loud-speaker stand
CN102502045A (en) * 2011-11-09 2012-06-20 沈阳远大铝业工程有限公司 Assembled packaging shelf for transporting unit plates of curtain wall
WO2014029387A1 (en) * 2012-08-22 2014-02-27 Licht Ralph Dieter Pallet for goods to be transported
CN103754458A (en) * 2014-01-21 2014-04-30 贺智明 Telescopic packing box
CN107082169A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-08-22 超威电源有限公司 A kind of pallet that heap is beaten suitable for battery
CN109178553A (en) * 2018-08-22 2019-01-11 陈明亮 A kind of adjustable box-type plastic pallet of logistics
CN109626198A (en) * 2018-11-30 2019-04-16 林旭清 The elevator loading mechanism of the adjustable space size of architectural engineering
CN109775092A (en) * 2019-03-26 2019-05-21 湘潭大学 A telescopic folding frame for outer packaging of goods
CN110424773A (en) * 2019-07-03 2019-11-08 徐州雅来基桑拿设备有限公司 A kind of scalable sauna house being applicable in household
CN111661445A (en) * 2020-06-28 2020-09-15 宁波科镭汽车零部件有限公司 A retractable storage box
CN112004753A (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-11-27 法国圣戈班玻璃厂 Easy access storage rack
IT201900009936A1 (en) * 2019-06-24 2020-12-24 Luca Nardi TELESCOPIC SHELVING STRUCTURE
CN115285486A (en) * 2022-07-19 2022-11-04 福建协心智能科技有限公司 Novel expansion bracket is transported to turnover case
CN117048720A (en) * 2023-10-12 2023-11-14 江西江铃专用车辆厂有限公司 Carriage counter frame with adjustable position

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BE815599A (en) * 1974-05-28 1974-09-16 DEVICE EXTENSIBLE IN LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSAL DIRECTION FOR HANDLING AND STORAGE OF RADIATOR ELEMENTS AND OTHER OBJECTS OF VARIABLE DIMENSIONS.
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Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2183691A1 (en) * 2000-09-22 2003-03-16 Cabello Dionisio Torres Adjustable palette
EP1367920A4 (en) * 2001-02-16 2004-03-31 John A Lacombe Storage shelving module
WO2005000184A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2005-01-06 Michael Kelly A coffin
FR2876669A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-21 Cuny Const Soc Par Actions Sim Wooden frame wall handling, storing and transporting pallet for building site, has hollow reinforcing bars connected by hollow bars, and sliding device with secondary bars, where device slides by means of deployment bars having housings
GB2468674A (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-09-22 Christopher Stephen Bevan Adjustable table particularly for storing items in a loft or attic
GB2468674B (en) * 2009-03-17 2015-03-25 Easy Rock Loft Insulations Ltd Item support and method of fitting the same
ITRM20090535A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2010-01-15 Crozzoli Gualtiero PALL KIT CAGE DRAWER BOX STACCIONATA COMPLEMENTS FURNISHING STRUCTURE WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL MECHANICAL KNOT
GB2478730A (en) * 2010-03-15 2011-09-21 Ashdown Design & Marketing Ltd Adjustable amplifier or loud-speaker stand
CN102502045A (en) * 2011-11-09 2012-06-20 沈阳远大铝业工程有限公司 Assembled packaging shelf for transporting unit plates of curtain wall
WO2014029387A1 (en) * 2012-08-22 2014-02-27 Licht Ralph Dieter Pallet for goods to be transported
CN103754458A (en) * 2014-01-21 2014-04-30 贺智明 Telescopic packing box
CN103754458B (en) * 2014-01-21 2017-05-31 中山市华美力纸品厂 Telescopic package is cased
CN107082169A (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-08-22 超威电源有限公司 A kind of pallet that heap is beaten suitable for battery
CN109178553A (en) * 2018-08-22 2019-01-11 陈明亮 A kind of adjustable box-type plastic pallet of logistics
CN109626198A (en) * 2018-11-30 2019-04-16 林旭清 The elevator loading mechanism of the adjustable space size of architectural engineering
CN109775092A (en) * 2019-03-26 2019-05-21 湘潭大学 A telescopic folding frame for outer packaging of goods
CN112004753A (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-11-27 法国圣戈班玻璃厂 Easy access storage rack
CN112004753B (en) * 2019-03-27 2023-03-07 法国圣戈班玻璃厂 Easy Access Storage Racks
IT201900009936A1 (en) * 2019-06-24 2020-12-24 Luca Nardi TELESCOPIC SHELVING STRUCTURE
CN110424773A (en) * 2019-07-03 2019-11-08 徐州雅来基桑拿设备有限公司 A kind of scalable sauna house being applicable in household
CN111661445A (en) * 2020-06-28 2020-09-15 宁波科镭汽车零部件有限公司 A retractable storage box
CN115285486A (en) * 2022-07-19 2022-11-04 福建协心智能科技有限公司 Novel expansion bracket is transported to turnover case
CN117048720A (en) * 2023-10-12 2023-11-14 江西江铃专用车辆厂有限公司 Carriage counter frame with adjustable position
CN117048720B (en) * 2023-10-12 2024-01-30 江西江铃专用车辆厂有限公司 Carriage counter frame with adjustable position

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