WO2026010500A1 - Support system for arranging flat objects and method for providing a stack of flat objects - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a support system for arranging a stack of flat objects that have a main face and an edge, said support system comprising a support comprising - a back surface and a coupled support surface together defining an enclosed angle, said back surface and said support surface for together supporting said stack of flat objects, with said support surface supporting the edges and the back surface for supporting a main face of a flat object of the stack of flat objects; - at least one lower end comprising a sole for placing a support on a floor and a coupled rear surface which together with said sole defines the outer angle of the support, said support comprising a front end opposite of the rear surface, said support - produced from a mouldable material with reinforcement ribs forming cells, said support having a support thickness; - providing said sole with a sole width and comprising a lower end; the support system further comprising a support pallet having lower-end-receiving space for allowing insertion of said lower end and holding/enveloping the lower end of the support for keeping said support standing upright under load of said stack of flat objects.

Description

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR ARRANGING FLAT OBJECTS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A STACK OF FLAT OBJECTS

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a support system for arranging flat objects, and a support for such a support system.

Background of the invention

US5085329 according to its abstract describes “A sheeting support includes two identical end support assemblies, each having two base members pivotally coupled at first ends and two legs which are pivotally coupled to each other at their upper ends and which each have a lower end pivotally coupled to a respective base member. A connecting arrangement is provided to releasably couple the end support assemblies to each other. Each base member of each end support assembly has on an upper surface thereof a retaining strip which resists sliding movement therealong of an edge of a sheet disposed thereon, and also has at an outer end a retaining arrangement which includes a portion movable between an operational position projecting upwardly past an upper surface of the base member and a retracted position disposed below the upper surface of the base member.”

US3698577 according to its introduction relates to ”a system for transporting material. More particularly, this invention relates to a two-component system comprising a transporter and a container. Optionally, a third component, an upender, is included. The system is particularly useful for transporting materials in sheet form.”

NL2003884 in its abstract states: “The present invention relates to a method for vertically arranging plasterboard panels for use at a workplace, comprising providing a plasterboard cart with at least one vertically arranged plasterboard panel, a bottom side of the plasterboard resting on a plasterboard support of the cart at a first level positioning at least one rack under the plasterboard panel provided on the cart, the rack having a plasterboard support at a second level, below the first level, mutually moving the plasterboard support of the cart and the plasterboard support of the rack such that the plasterboard support of the cart arrives at a lower level than the plasterboard support of the rack, so that the plasterboard panel is supported by the rack and removing the cart, leaving the plasterboard on the rack for use at a workplace. The invention further concerns a cart and a rack for use in the above method.”

NL1040662 according to its abstract describes: “Buck for building plates, comprising a first and a second support, each of which is provided with foot parts in front supporting the supports on a surface, of first supporting surfaces for bottom edges of the plates and of second bearing surfaces for a main surface of a plate, and a connection for the connecting the first and second supports together, with the first and second supports and the connection be made of sheet material, the connection and the first and second supports being releasable are connected to each other, preferably without added fastener.”

FR2809716 according to its abstract describes: “The wooden rack has two L- shaped uprights whose upper sections are trapezoidal and whose lower sections support a shelf. The back of this fits into slots in the uprights at the junction between the two sections. A cross-bar fits into slots at the top of the uprights.”

DE202015005791U1 according to its abstract describes: “Transport and / or storage rack for stationary transport and / or for the stationary storage of plate-shaped goods, in particular windows, doors, glass or stone slabs, comprising - at least two plateshaped support elements, - wherein at a first end of each of the support elements a stand bar is arranged on a bottom plate, in particular a pallet, releasably attachable, - at least one on at least one of the support elements attachable cross bar, characterized in that - at least at one of the first end remote second end of the support elements has a receiving opening is provided, in which the transverse bar feststeckbar wherein the receiving opening has at least one indentation in which the transverse strip is positioned in its functional position, - the receiving opening is shaped in such a way ss the transverse strip only by moving in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LS) of the support elements and at least one tilting movement about a longitudinal axis (LR) of the transverse bar parallel axis of rotation from the receiving opening is removable.”

DE202014103799U1 according to its abstract describes: “Transport and / or storage rack for stationary transport and / or stationary storage of plate-shaped goods, in particular windows or doors, comprising - at least two support elements, - at least one support elements interconnecting cross bar, - wherein at a first end of each of the support elements is arranged perpendicular to the cross bar aligned stand bar on a bottom plate, in particular a pallet, releasably attachable , characterized in that - the support elements as a one- or multi-piece plates with two of a on the stand bar arranged base side away at an acute angle to each other to running leaning edges are formed.”

JP2012162292 according to its abstract describes “PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove an article holding member from a mounting member more easily than the case in which the article holding member mounted on the conventional mounting member is removed by an operation on the rear of the conventional mounting member. SOLUTION: A device for fitting the article holding member 1 to the mounting member Al is constituted so that a locking block 1c, which is inserted into a through-hole a2 formed on the mounting member, is formed on the article holding member, a locking part lc2, which is positioned on the back surface of the mounting member when the article holding member mounted on the mounting member is moved horizontally, is formed in the locking block, and a locking member H' having an engaging block h7, which is engaged with the through-hole formed on the mounting member after the article holding member is moved horizontally, is arranged on the article holding member.”

DE202009012062 according to its AT-U equivalent describes: “The invention relates to a pallet (1) for plate-shaped transport and storage goods (3), preferably for stone, glass, mineral or composite plates, with a base part (5) standing on a mounting surface (4). The base part (5) has transverse and longitudinal supports (6 to 9) with recesses (10, 11) for fork arms of a forklift truck and/or a pallet truck. At least two transverse walls (12 to 15) which project beyond the base part (5) are distributed along the length (1) of the pallet (1). The transverse walls (12 to 15) have a profile with a central trapezoidal cutout (16) which diverges upwards and is limited downwards by the base part (5). The plate-shaped transport and storage goods (3) can be placed upright in the central cutout (16). The plate-shaped transport and storage goods (3) are supported laterally by the inclined legs (17, 18) of the trapezoidal cutout (16) and carried longitudinally by the base part (5).”

JP2003017295 according to its abstract describes “PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cushioning material which is capable of keeping the consistent strength, suitable for protecting plate-like articles formed of a plate- like glass such as a plasma display from the vibration during the transport, and adaptable to different size of the plate-like articles, and a packaging body using the cushioning material. SOLUTION: This cushioning material 10 is a foamed article consisting of thermoplastic resin foam beads. The cushioning material 10 includes a horizontal plate 11, a vertical plate 12 extending substantially in the vertical direction from one end side of the horizontal plate, and both reinforcing plates 13 to connect both end sides of the horizontal plate 11 and the vertical plate 12. A plurality of grooves 14, 14...15, 15... for supporting the plate-like articles are formed in each inner side surface of the horizontal plate 11 and the vertical plate 12. A plurality of grooves 24, 24... for supporting the plate-like articles are formed in a face side of a plate-like cushioning material 20.”

US2020017295 according to its abstract describes “The invention provides a stand system for arranging panels, comprising at least two stands and at least one coupling element for coupling the at least two stands, said stands and said coupling element produced from plastic, said stands comprising: substantially an L-shape having a sole for placing a stand on a floor and a rear surface, and a back surface and a support surface for together supporting said panels, said coupling element comprising: a coupling element length for coupling two stands substantially parallel and a length distance apart; a first end with a first coupling part; an opposite second end with a second coupling part, and said stands further comprise a coupling part receiving part for in cooperation with at least one selected from said first and second coupling part for holding coupled stands substantially parallel and preventing shearing of coupled stands.”

JPS5028541Y1 according to its Brief description of the drawing ’’The first figure is a perspective view showing the assembly state of the main plan device, The second figure is a front view illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the A-A line in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a new It is a side view showing another embodiment. Detailed description of the invention 20 This invention is a laminated plate that holds flat glass against it It is related to the glass stand. Conventional continuously manufactured flat glass is discharged from the slow cooling kiln. It is then cut to a predetermined dimension and formed into two plates. L-shaped glass placement 25 in which the body is integrally composed in an L-shape It can be stacked against a stand, and on a stand. When the number of glass plates is appropriate, the transfer riff It is transported by a tocar and kept in a glass storage area, piped. Compared to the conventional glass stand, this invention is Plate glass volume 30 that can be easily transported and stored It provides heavy equipment. That is, the present invention is a hook insertion of a transport futocar. A leg with an entrance and a rattle that extends almost perpendicular to it Independent L-shaped jig consisting of a slab prop-up part

DE10127120B4 according to its abstract describes “The plastic pallet for transport and storage of goods comprises hollow profiles (1) and transversely oriented foot elements (2) which are joined to one another by means of connector pieces (3). An Independent claim is also included for a pallet system comprising at least two plastic pallets which are axially joined to one another by at least one elongate, preferably metal connector profile introduced into one of the hollow profiles.”

Summary of the invention

A disadvantage of prior art is that racks are relatively expensive, heavy, bulky or cannot be used for heavy flat object, especially heavy flat objects with a high density selected from window panes, stone slabs, and the like.

Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative support system and supports, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of abovedescribed drawbacks.

There is provide a support system for arranging a stack of flat objects that have a main face and an edge, said support system comprising at least two similar supports each comprising:

- a back surface and a coupled support surface together defining an enclosed angle, said back surface and said support surface for together supporting said stack of flat objects, with said support surface supporting the edges and the back surface for supporting a main face of a flat object of the stack of flat objects, said supports have an L-shape with a stem and a leg;

- at least one lower end comprising a sole for placing a support on a floor and a coupled rear surface which together with said sole defines the outer angle of the support, said support comprising a front end opposite of the rear surface;

- produced from a mouldable material with reinforcement ribs forming cells, said support having a support thickness, and

- said sole having a sole width and comprising a lower end; the support system further comprising at least one support pallet comprising two lower-end-receiving spaces for allowing insertion of said lower ends of the supports and the lower ends of the support tightly fitting in a corresponding lower-end- receiving space of the support pallet for keeping said supports standing upright, parallel and at a mutual distance under a load of said stack of flat objects.

The current support system is applicable for arranging flat objects. In particular, it allows flat objects to be arranged almost vertically. Usually, the long sides rest on the support surfaces of the supports, and the surface of one (upmost or lowest) flat objects rests against the back surfaces of the supports (in Dutch “bokken”). In particular, the flat objects are held in such a way that separate, individual flat objects can easily be retrieved for application.

The invention further pertains to a pallet for holding at least two stacks of stacked supports of the support system, in used supporting two stacks of supports stacked on their side surfaces and with a lower support of each stack of supports resting with one side on a top pallet surface of said pallet, said pallet comprising engagement parts on said top pallet surface for engaging the lower supports, and positioned on said top pallet surface for engaging said two stacks 180 degrees rotated with respect to one another and preventing sliding of said lower supports off of said top surface.

The current support system is suited for supporting flat objects. Often, such flat objects are gypsum board or plasterboard flat objects, but also other flat objects of sheets can be supported, like underlayment flat objects, but even glass and plastic sheet can be supported. Usually, these sheet or flat objects can rest on the support system when supported. Usually, these flat objects have a length of roughly between 1 and 10 meters. For plasterboard, for instance, the length is between 1.5 and 4 meters. The flat objects or plates can have a width of roughly between 0.5 and 1.5 meters. Usually, a flat object is between 1 and 25 kg. The support system can hold up to 1000-1500 kg of flat objects per support. The support system provides a stable support system for supporting a stack of flat objects. After use, the support system can be disassembled and can be stored or returned in a compact state. Furthermore, the support system is relatively light weight. The current support system can in particular hold heavy flat objects, like double and even triple panes.

A current support and coupling end is made from moldable of printable material. In view of weight and strength, a plastic is selected. Currently, thermoplastic polymer material is selected, like for instance polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide like nylon, Acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS). Alternatively, bio-based or bio- degradable polymers can be used. These materials can either be re-used or recycled, or they can be for instance de composted.

The support system in fact provides an easel for a stack of flat objects. The support system can also be seen as a system of supports that holds the stack of flat objects almost or substantially vertical, usually on a longitudinal side.

In an embodiment, the support system further comprises substantially parallel side planes for allowing stacking of said supports. In an embodiment one side plane has stacking parts cooperating with complementary stacking parts on the other side plane for preventing sliding of supports when stacked. In an embodiment, a support on one side comprises extensions extending from said side plane, and on its opposite side said support comprises corresponding indents for receiving extensions from a further, similar support. These extensions and indents may be typed as a male-female connection. Alternatively, one side may comprise one or more extensions and one or more indents, and the opposite side comprises corresponding indents and extensions, respectively.

In an embodiment, the support system further comprises a honeycomb structure having cells running between said side planes. This increases strength en reduces weight. It facilitated easy handling of the supports. Due to the honeycomb structure the side planes will be placed a width apart or at some distance. The width typically relates to the size of the substantially L-shaped support. The substantial L-shape has a stem or an upright portion and a leg or a lying portion. Also, the portions of the substantial L-shape relate to each other. The relation between the upright portion and the lying portion may be in the range of 10:1 - 1 :10, preferably 7:1 - 1 : 1, more preferably 5: 1 - 2:1. The relation between the upright portion and the width may be in the range of 1 :70 - 1 :2, preferably 1 :50 - 1 :5, more preferably 1 :30 - 1 :10. The width is typically in the range of 5 - 300 mm, preferably 20 - 200 mm, more preferably 30 - 100 mm.

In an embodiment, the L-shaped supports have a stem and a leg, said supports dimensioned to allow compact stacking, for instance on a transport pallet. In an embodiment two stacks of supports with ends of said stems contacting or nearly contacting ends of said legs define a center space that can receive a stack of further supports with their stems oriented in a height direction of said space.

Further embodiments are described in the depending claims. In an embodiment, the front end and a corresponding end of the lower-endreceiving space comprise cooperating tilt locking ends for locking the support against tilting with respect to the pallet around the rear surface end of the support.

In an embodiment, the locking ends comprise a nose and nose-receiving space, in particular the support comprising the nose and the lower end receiving space of the pallet provided with the nose-receiving space.

In an embodiment, the support system comprising at least two similar of said supports, and wherein the pallet comprising functionally parallel lower-en-receiving spaces for enveloping the lower ends of the at least two supports.

In an embodiment, the enclosed angle and the outside angle rotated with respect to one another with the back surface inclined to the rear surface for holding a said stack of flat objects inclined, in particular wherein said sole and said rear surface angled between 85 and 95 degrees, in particular wherein said back surface and said support surface angled at between 85 - 95 degrees.

In an embodiment, the L-shaped supports have a stem and a leg, said supports dimensioned to allow compact stacking on the pallet, in particular wherein two stacks of supports with ends of said stems contacting or nearly contacting ends of said legs define a center space that can receive a stack of further supports with their stems oriented in a height direction of said space.

In an embodiment, the support system comprises at least two support pallets and at least one support pallet coupling element for mutually coupling the at least two support pallets, side by side. In an embodiment, the support pallets are produced from a mouldable material, for instance from plastic. In an embodiment said support pallet coupling element comprising cooperating pallet coupling elements along opposite sides of a support pallet and parallel to lower-end-receiving spaces for coupling two support pallets with supports substantially parallel.

In an embodiment, the support system comprises at least two pallets and at least one pallet coupling element for coupling the at least two pallets, said pallets produced from a mouldable material, for instance from plastic, said pallet coupling element comprising:

- a coupling element length for coupling two supports substantially parallel and a length distance apart;

- a first end with a first coupling part having a first groove; - an opposite second end with a second coupling part having a second groove, and said supports further comprise a coupling part receiving part for in cooperation with at least one selected from said first and second groove for holding coupled supports substantially parallel and preventing shearing of coupled supports.

There is further provided a method for providing a stack of flat objects, comprising:

- providing a support system of any one of the preceding claims;

- erecting said supports parallel and with their lower ends arrested in the lower- end-receiving space of the pallet;

- placing said stack of flat objects on said assembled support system.

There is provided a support system for arranging a stack of flat objects that have a main face and an edge, said support system comprising a support comprising

- a back surface and a coupled support surface together defining an enclosed angle, said back surface and said support surface for together supporting said stack of flat objects, with said support surface supporting the edges and the back surface for supporting a main face of a flat object of the stack of flat objects;

- at least one lower end comprising a sole for placing a support on a floor and a coupled rear surface which together with said sole defines the outer angle of the support, said support comprising a front end opposite of the rear surface, said support

- produced from a mouldable material with reinforcement ribs forming cells, said support having a support thickness;

- providing said sole with a sole width and comprising a lower end; the support system further comprising a support pallet having lower-end-receiving space for allowing insertion of said lower end and holding/enveloping the lower end of the support for keeping said support standing upright under load of said stack of flat objects

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’. The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” as well as “functionally” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in “functionally parallel”, a skilled person will understand that the adjective “functionally” includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective “functionally” was not present. The term “functionally” is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word “functionally” as for instance used in “functionally parallel” is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word “substantially” explained above. For instance, “functionally parallel” relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "to comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

The invention further applies to an apparatus or device comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterising features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the support system with four supports carrying flat objects like double/triple insulation glass window panes, the supports seated in pallets, and seem in 3D from the front side;

Figure 2 shows a support being placed in a pallet;

Figure 3A-3D shows stages of the insertion and coupling of a support of figure 1 in/to a pallet of figure 1;

The drawings are not necessarily on scale.

Description of preferred embodiments

Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of the support system 1 in this embodiment with four supports 3, 3’, 3”, 3”’ mounted on pallets 30 and carrying a stack of flat objects 2, like relatively heavy double or even triple insulation pane, seem from the front side. When describing a support, for brevity sake reference will be made to 3 only, intending to refer also to 3’, 3”, 3”’. In the depicted embodiment, four supports 3, 3’, 3”, 3”’ are fixed in their erect position using two pallets 30. The supports 3, 3’, 3” and pallets that make up the support system 1 can have many design aspects that may be the subject of further protection, for instance though one or more design patents.

The support is made from a mouldable material, for instance through injection moulding or additive manufacturing (“3D-printing”, for instance). Using the illustrated reinforcement walls 13 and circumferential double wall with connecting walls, the construction of the support 3 can be light but strong. In an embodiment the mouldable material is or largely comprises a polymer, like thermoplastic polymer, for instance polypropylene, ABS, PET, nylon, or similar well known engineering polymers. For additional strength, the mouldable material may comprise filler like glass fiber or other known reinforcement material.

A support 3 is substantially L-shaped. It has a sole 5 for resting on a floor. The support 3 has a lower end 10. The lower end 10 can have a variety of suitable shapes that will functionally fulfil the function of holding the lower end 10 in a lower-endreceiving space in the pallet 30. In order to maintain the erected position, the lower end 10 of the support 3 fits tightly in a corresponding lower-end-receiving space 32 of pallet 30. The lower end 10 can for instance comprise one single rectangular horizontal cross section. Alternatively, other horizontal cross sections maybe possible. The shape of the lower-end-receiving space 32 should tightly fittingly match the lower end of the support 3. In the current embodiment, the lower end of support 3 comprises 3 rectangular parts. In that way, various engagement surfaces are provided to match engagement surfaces provided by the lower-en-receiving space 32. The matching engagement surfaces keep the support 3 in erected position with respect to the pallet 30. Thus, there are engagement surfaces vertical in the plane 35 of the support 3, engagement surfaces vertical and perpendicular 34 to the support 3, and horizontal engagement surfaces. As illustrated in the drawings showing an embodiment of the support system 1, the lower end receiving space (in face 3 subspaces) of the pallet 30 tightly envelope the lower end 10 of the support 3 (in fact 3 extensions). A bottom of the lower-end-receiving space 32 may be provided with a bottom wall, actually closing the lower-end-receiving space 32. The bottom wall may provide additional rigidity to the space. Alternatively, the bottom is open. Then once places, the sole 5 of the support rests in a floor on which the pallet 30 rests. As illustrated in figures 3 A-3D, in the current embodiment the support 3 and pallet 30 comprise cooperating tilt locking ends (9, 33) for locking the support against tilting or rotating with respect to the pallet around a line where the rear surface 6 and sole 5 cross.

The support 3 has a front end 4. As illustrated, the lower end 10 of support 3 is inserted in the lower-end-receiving space 32 with an end of the front end 4 first. Once accommodated in the lower-space receiving space 32, the support 3 is rotated about line R into the lower-end-receiving space 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 3 is provided with a nose 9 that fits in nose-receiving space 33. In an alternative embodiment, the lower-end-receiving space 32 is provided with a cam or nose extending into the lower-end-receiving space and engaging in a space or cavity in the front end 4.

The support 3 has a rear surface 6. The rear surface 6 and the sole 5 usually have or are at a mutual angle of about 80-100 degrees, in particular 85-95 degrees.

The support 3 further has a support surface 12. It here comprises a surface that has a surface roughness in order to prevent sliding of flat objects. Support 3 further has a back surface 11 for backing flat objects that rest in the support 3. In order to keep flat objects stable and prevent them from tumbling off the support, often the support surface 12 and the back surface 11 are at an angle of between about 85 and 95 degrees. Furthermore, often the support surface 12 is at a slight angle with respect to the sole 5. Usually, the support surface is at an angle of between 0 and 20 degrees. The angle opens towards the front of the support 3. The slightly backward rotated hook that is formed by the support surface 12 and the back surface 11 holds a stack of flat objects inclined backwards. It thus provides a kind of easel. In fact, the mutual angles of the support 3 is such that a working line of the force of gravity of the stack of flat objects functionally and/or substantially crosses a connection line of the support surface 12 and the back surface 11.

As mentioned, in order to save weight and to increase strength, the support 3 comprises a structure of reinforcement walls 13, that may form a honeycomb or honeycomb-like structure. Here, the cells are rectangular. The cells run from one side to the opposite side, transverse. The sides define side planes that usually are parallel or functionally parallel. The thickness of the support 3 defined by these side planes is largely between 5 and 50 cm. In most embodiments, the thickness of a support is 10-35 cm. In order to better hold the stack of flat objects, the support 3 is provided with a holding ledge 14. The holding ledge 14 is designed and dimensioned to fit in a provision in the stem of the another support 3. In this way, two supports 3 when places on their sides form a stable rectangle.

The L-shaped supports 3 have a stem and a leg, said supports 3 dimensioned to allow compact stacking, for instance on the pallet30.

In an embodiment, the support system further comprises substantially parallel side planes for allowing stacking of said supports. In an embodiment one side plane has stacking parts cooperating with complementary stacking parts on the other side plane for preventing sliding of supports when stacked. In an embodiment, a support on one side comprises extensions extending from said side plane, and on its opposite side said support comprises corresponding indents for receiving extensions from a further, similar support. Alternatively, one side may comprise one or more extensions and one or more indents, and the opposite side comprises corresponding indents and extensions, respectively.

In an embodiment, the support system and/or the coupling element further comprise a honeycomb structure having cells running between said side planes. This increases strength en reduces weight. It facilitated easy handling of the supports and/or the coupling element. A wall can surround the support.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many more embodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments are within the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and are obvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of this patent. Reference numbers

1 support system

2 flat object stack

3, 3’, 3”, 3”’ support

4 front end

5 sole

6 rear surface

7 flat object edge

8 flat object main face

9 nose

10 lower end

11 back surface

12 support surface

13 filling of reinforcement ribs

14 holding ledge

15 stacking engagement

21 leg of L or lying portion substantial L-shape

22 stem of L or upright portion substantial L-shape

27 renforcement provision

30 palet

31 palet surface plane

32 lower-end-receiving space

33 nose-receiving space in the lower-end-receiving space of the pallet

34 engagement wall

35 side engagement wall

R rotation axes of supports in pallet

Claims

Claims

1. A support system for arranging a stack of flat objects that have a main face and an edge, said support system comprising at least two similar supports each comprising:

- a back surface and a coupled support surface together defining an enclosed angle, said back surface and said support surface for together supporting said stack of flat objects, with said support surface supporting the edges and the back surface for supporting a main face of a flat object of the stack of flat objects, said supports have an L-shape with a stem and a leg;

- at least one lower end comprising a sole for placing a support on a floor and a coupled rear surface which together with said sole defines the outer angle of the support, said support comprising a front end opposite of the rear surface;

- produced from a mouldable material with reinforcement ribs forming cells, said support having a support thickness, and

- said sole having a sole width and comprising a lower end; the support system further comprising at least one support pallet comprising two lower-end-receiving spaces for allowing insertion of said lower ends of the supports and the lower ends of the support tightly fitting in a corresponding lower- end-receiving space of the support pallet for keeping said supports standing upright, parallel and at a mutual distance under a load of said stack of flat objects.

2. The support system of claim 1, wherein said front end and a corresponding end of the lower-end-receiving space comprise cooperating tilt locking ends for locking the support against tilting with respect to the pallet around the rear surface end of the support.

3. The support system of claim 2, wherein said locking ends comprise a nose and nose-receiving space, in particular the support comprising the nose and the lower end receiving space of the pallet provided with the nose-receiving space.

4. The support system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two similar of said supports, and wherein the pallet comprising functionally parallel lower-end-receiving spaces for enveloping the lower ends of the at least two supports.

5. The support system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosed angle and the outside angle rotated with respect to one another with the back surface inclined to the rear surface for holding a said stack of flat objects inclined, in particular wherein said sole and said rear surface angled between 85 and 95 degrees, in particular wherein said back surface and said support surface angled at between 85 - 95 degrees.

6. The support system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said L-shaped supports have a stem and a leg, said supports dimensioned to allow compact stacking on the pallet, in particular wherein two stacks of supports with ends of said stems contacting or nearly contacting ends of said legs define a centre space that can receive a stack of further supports with their stems oriented in a height direction of said space.

7. The support system of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two support pallets and at least one support pallet coupling element for mutually coupling the at least two support pallets, side by side, in particular said support pallets are produced from a mouldable material, for instance from plastic, in particular said pallet coupling element comprising cooperating pallet coupling elements along opposite sides of a support pallet and parallel to lower-end-receiving spaces for coupling two support pallets with supports substantially parallel.

8. A method for providing a stack of flat objects, comprising:

- providing a support system of any one of the preceding claims;

- erecting said supports parallel and with their lower ends arrested in the lower-endreceiving space of the support pallet;

- placing said stack of flat objects on said assembled support system.

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