H2006/000327

SPECIFICATION

TITLE Arrangement for transporting bottles, drinks containers and/or multipacks

TECHNICALFIELD

The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting drinks containers, in particular bottles and/or a plurality of handling units combined to form multipacks comprising a plurality of drinks containers, in particular bottles, for example a four-pack or a six- pack, the drinks containers or bottles or handling units being held tightly together by means of a retaining element, for example by means of a shrink film or similar film packaging, to form a single handling unit of for example square or rectangular basic shape, the arrangement comprising a tray of essentially rectangular basic shape, and the tray having a top side and an underside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DE 20 2004 007 452.4 discloses an arrangement of the generic type which is suitable, and intended, for storing and accommodating plastic bottles, in particular PET bottles for drinks. Such tray-like elements are produced as plastic mouldings. Each plastic moulding has standing regions for bottles on the top side, so that the bottle foot can be fitted into the corresponding standing regions. On the underside, the moulding has plug- in regions for the closure caps or the tapered ends of bottles. This set-up makes it possible to position individual bottles on such mouldings and to place a further moulding on the bottles which have been placed in position, this further moulding then engaging over, and positioning the bottle necks or the closure ends of the bottles by way of the corresponding recesses. It is thus possible for a plurality of corresponding arrangements provided with bottles to be stacked one upon the other to form a transporting unit. Such transporting units are preferably secured by strapping means or the like. The strapping means is removed at the destination, so that it is then also possible for the arrangements with the bottles located therein to be positioned, for example, in sales stands or the like.

H2006/000327

In addition to the prior art disclosing that individual bottles are placed on such arrangements at the filling plant, it is also known, and customary, for individual bottles to be combined to form so-called six-packs or four-packs, each pack comprising two parallel rows of bottles, and each row, depending on the application, comprising two bottles or three bottles. These combined four-packs or six-packs are held together by suitable means, for example a shrink film. Instead of the bottles equally cans, or generally drinks containers, are commonly combined in such multi-packs.

As a result of this design, it is not possible for the bottles, as is customary with individual bottles, to be placed on corresponding transporting arrangements at a certain spacing apart from one another; rather, in the case of the handling units combined to form a four-pack or six-pack, the bottles are pushed close together in each case, so that they butt against one another. The spacing between the foot surfaces and the tapered ends of the bottles combined to form a handling unit thus differs from that between individually inserted bottles, which are spaced apart from one another in each case. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Taking this prior art as the departure point, one object of the invention is to provide an arrangement of the generic type which is suitable, and intended, for accommodating multipacks in the form of, for example, four-packs or six-packs, positions such multipacks and allows trays and such bottle-containing handling units to be stacked one upon the other and also allows the insertion of individual drinks containers or individual bottles, preferably with equal spacings between the bottles in each case. Generally drinks containers shall be understood to include bottles (glass, PET etc) but also cans, tetrapacks and the like. If in the following reference is made to bottles, this shall in general include the above definition of drinks containers. In order to achieve this object, the invention proposes that the top side of the tray

• has first supporting contours which are adapted to the foot region of the multipacks and serve for accommodating the foot region of a plurality of multipacks arranged one beside the other,

• has second supporting contours which are adapted to the head region of

individual drinks containers or individual bottles and serve for accommodating the head region of a plurality of individual drinks containers or individual bottles inserted one beside the other, the underside of the tray • has third supporting contours which ^' are adapted to the normally film-covered head region of the multipacks and serve for supporting purposes on the head region of the multipacks,

• has fourth supporting contours which are adapted to the foot region of individual drinks containers or individual bottles and serve for accommodating the foot region of a plurality of individual drinks containers or individual bottles inserted one beside the other.

Therefore, for accommodating multipacks, a plurality of trays can be arranged one above the other and the multipacks are positioned between the trays, the foot region of the multipacks being placed on the top side of the trays and the underside of the following tray being stacked on the head region of the multipacks, or for accommodating individual drinks containers or individual bottles, the trays are placed in the position in which they are turned through 180°, with the underside oriented upwards and the top side oriented downwards, and individual drinks containers or individual bottles are positioned between the trays, the trays accommodating the foot region by way of the underside and being stacked on the head region of the individual drinks containers or individual bottles by way of the top side of the following tray, wherein a stack of trays and multipacks and/or of trays and individual drinks containers or individual bottles is formed in each case.

As a result of this design, each tray is suitable, on the one hand, for accommodating multipacks in the form of four-packs or six-packs held together, for example, by shrink wrap or else for accommodating individual bottles. For use with multipacks the tray is set down with the top side upwards and the multipacks are inserted into the corresponding supporting contours. A further, identical tray can then be placed, with the same orientation, on the head region of the multipacks. This allows a stacking sequence

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of trays and multipacks.

It should be noted that the term contours is to be interpreted in the sense that it is a three-dimensional surface structure which allows to interact with the three-dimensional outer form/shape of the drinks containers (bottles, cans, Tetra pack etc) in a way such that the bottom portion as well as the top portion of either a multipack or individual drinks containers (depending on the orientation of the tray) are at least slightly embedded or held in or on this surface structure such that the multipacks or the individual drinks containers are essentially fixed or retained in space at their location.

If the same tray is to be used for accommodating and for transporting individual drinks containers or individual bottles, the tray is turned, so that the top side then forms the underside and the underside forms the top side. The corresponding individual drinks containers or individual bottles can then be inserted into the now upwardly oriented underside by way of the foot region, so that they are retained securely at a spacing apart from one another. A following tray can be placed, with the same orientation, on the head region of the individual drinks containers or individual bottles. It is thus possible to form a corresponding stack with a succession of trays and individual drinks containers or individual bottles. The two functions of the tray can be used to particularly good effect if, for example, reusable bottles are to be sold in the form of shrink-wrapped six-packs or in multipack units and at a. later point in time, once they have been sold and the bottles have been emptied, the individual bottles can be returned using the same tray, which is merely turned through 180°. The corresponding design of the top sides and undersides of the tray here ensures that both the multipack units are securely positioned and retained between corresponding trays and the individual bottles, which are inserted once the trays are turned, are positioned and oriented to good effect. Such trays can also be used for transporting filled individual bottles, these trays being suitable, on account of their dimensions, for accommodating corresponding individual bottles, and allowing them to be filled, at automatic filling stations because the spacings between the individual bottles, on account of the corresponding design of the tray, are exactly the same, in contrast to the situation in which the tray is used for accommodating multipacks, in the case of which the bottles combined to form a

multipack butt closely against one another and are spaced apart differently from individual bottles. It should however be noted that the contours for accommodating individual drinks containers need not necessarily be such that the drinks containers are equally spaced in both horizontal directions, as some kind of groupings can be desirable for these applications as well.

In a manner which has been mentioned above, the stack formed from bottles and trays or from multipacks and trays is held together by a strapping means. Alternatively the multipacks are formed by shrink films, by boxes, e.g. carton boxes etc.

A preferred development is regarded as being one in which the first supporting contours are formed by an essentially all-round undulating supporting border on which the outer multipack contours formed by the bottles of the multipack are supported, and/or by supporting protrusions which project from the standing surface of the top side of the tray, this standing surface preferably being formed by crosspieces (or a grid or web), and engage in the narrowed regions between adjacent multipacks. It is thus the case, with the tray in a first position, which is intended for accommodating multipacks, that the inserted multipacks are retained all the way around the outside by the first supporting contours, which are formed by the undulating supporting border, while additional supporting protrusions are provided inside the tray, these additional supporting protrusions engaging between the adjacent multipacks and in the narrowed regions between adjacent multipacks, the narrowed regions being formed by the shape of the closely adjacent bottles.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second supporting contours are formed by annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours which are formed in the standing surface of the top side of the tray and into which the head of the individual bottles is respectively inserted, it being the case that, with individual bottles with a neck ring at the tapered head end, the neck ring is preferably supported on the contours. For accommodating sealed and/or unsealed (i.e. bottles without crown cork on top) crown sealed bottles, the annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours may comprise radially inwardly extending tongues (e.g. two or four such tongues) which are bent towards an axial direction such that they may either abut onto a crown cork of a sealed

bottle or engage in a self-centering manner with the opening of unsealed bottles, wherein level differences and differently covered bottles can be compensated.

When the tray is used for accommodating individual drinks containers or individual bottles, the top side of the tray forms the underside, which can be placed on the ends of the bottles, in particular the bottle closures. The corresponding annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours are formed for this purpose, that end of the individual bottle which is provided with the closure being inserted into these contours. In particular in the case of individual bottles provided with the so-called neck ring, the neck ring is supported on the contours, which thus constitute a means for limiting plug-in depth. In particular in the case of PET bottles with a neck ring, this achieves load transfer, which makes it possible for such trays and bottles, a plurality of which are placed one upon the other, to be stacked securely.

It is preferably also provided that the third supporting contours are formed by hollows in the underside of the tray surface, the head regions of the bottles of a respective multipack being positioned in these hollows.

When used for arranging multipacks, the underside of the tray has the corresponding supporting contours in the form of hollows, in which the, for example, film-covered head regions of the bottles are positioned in order to achieve a certain degree of secure storage. It is preferably also provided that the fourth supporting contours are formed by an undulating border which encloses the set-down surface of the tray and of which the undulating shape is adapted to the bottles introduced in the vicinity of the border, and/or by supporting parts which are arranged in the crossover region of an area in which four bottles are inserted in each case and have concave supporting surfaces adapted to the bottles.

These fourth supporting contours serve for accommodating the foot of individually inserted bottles, it being the case, once again, in this position that the underside of the tray forms the top side, that is to say the tray is turned. Here too, the inserted bottles are positioned and retained by the undulating border, additional supporting parts in the form

of sleeve-like or spindle-like protrusions being provided in the crossover region, so that each bottle has a number of supports distributed over its circumference.

It may preferably be provided here that the supporting parts which are arranged along the separating line between adjacent multipacks project from the base supporting surface to a higher level than, for example to double the height of, the supporting parts which are directed specifically between the individual elements of a multipack.

As a result, the supporting parts, on the one hand, can perform their supporting function for accommodating individual bottles but, on the other hand, do not have any disruptive effect when used for multipacks. It may preferably be provided, in addition, that the tray is enclosed all the way around the outside by a smooth border.

For certain transporting purposes in which such a tray is inserted into a corresponding recess and is transported by a rolling track onto a roller table or the like, it is provided that the smooth border is enclosed by a further, projecting border part which is at a lower level than the smooth border.

The further, projecting border serves as a support if the tray is inserted into a corresponding recess in which the tray, as such, engages, merely the additional border part engaging over the border of the hole or holes provided in the transporting element, the entire tray thus being positioned and secured. In order to indicate the possible direction of use to the user, it is provided that a marking for the use position is provided on the outside of the border part.

The above therefore provides an arrangement which has the object of providing corresponding types of arrangements which are suitable, and intended, for accommodating multipacks in the form of, for example, four-packs or six-packs, position such multipacks and allow trays and such handling units to be stacked one upon the other and also allow the insertion of individual containers, in particular individual bottles, preferably with approximately equal spacings between the bottles in each case.

The above provides a solution in respect of this object. A preferred development of the

invention is regarded as being one in which the first supporting contours are formed by an all-round supporting border on which the outer multipack contours formed by the containers or bottles of the multipack are supported, and by supporting surfaces or edges which form the standing surface of the top side of the tray, and by supporting edges or rings which are arranged beneath a multipack, in the narrowed regions between adjacent containers or bottles of the multipack, the second supporting contours are formed by annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours which are formed in the standing surface of the top side of the tray and into which the head of the individual containers or individual bottles is respectively inserted, it being the case that, with individual bottles with a neck ring at the tapered head end, the neck ring is supported on the supporting contours, the third supporting contours are formed by hollows in the underside of the tray surface, the head regions of the containers or bottles of a respective multipack being positioned in these hollows, the fourth supporting contours are formed by column-like protrusions of the tray which support the foot region of an inserted individual container or of an inserted individual bottle at least on two sides, and by means of which the individual containers arranged in groups of four or six individual containers or individual bottles are kept pushed together in groups, and by supporting rings on which the foot regions of the individual containers or bottles can be set down.

This design, furthermore, makes it possible for each tray to be suitable, on the one hand, for accommodating multipacks in the form of four-packs or six-packs held together, for example, by shrink wrap or else for accommodating individual containers, in particular individual bottles. For use with multipacks, the tray is set down with the top side upwards and the multipacks are set down on the first supporting contours. A further, identical tray can then be placed, with the same orientation, on the head region of the multipacks, the underside having corresponding supporting contours which are adapted to the head region of the multipacks. This allows a stacking sequence of trays and multipacks. If the same tray is to be used for accommodating and for transporting individual containers, in particular individual bottles, the tray is turned, so that, the top side then forms the underside and the underside forms the top side. The corresponding individual containers or individual bottles can then be inserted into the now upwardly oriented underside by way of the foot region, so that they are retained securely. A

following tray can be placed, with the same orientation, on the head region of the individual containers or individual bottles. It is thus possible to form a corresponding stack with a succession of trays and individual containers or individual bottles. The two functions of the tray can be used to particularly good effect if, for example, reusable bottles are to be sold in the form of shrink-wrapped six-packs or in multipack units and at a later point in time, once they have been sold and the bottles have been emptied, the individual bottles can be returned using the same tray, which is merely turned through 180°. The corresponding design of the top sides and undersides of the tray here ensures that both the multipack units are securely positioned and retained between corresponding trays and the individual containers or individual bottles, which are inserted once the trays are turned, are positioned and oriented to good effect. Such trays can also be used for transporting filled individual containers or individual bottles, these trays being suitable, on account of their dimensions, for accommodating corresponding individual containers or individual bottles, and allowing them to be filled, at automatic filling stations. In the case of the trays being used for accommodating multipacks or the like, the first supporting contours are formed by an all-round supporting border of the tray on which the outer multipack contours formed by the containers or bottles of the multipack are supported, and by supporting surfaces or edges which form the standing surface of the top side of the tray, and by supporting edges or rings which are arranged beneath a multipack, in the narrowed regions between adjacent containers or bottles of the multipack. The second supporting contours are formed by annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours which are formed in the standing surface of the top side of the tray and into which the head of the individual containers or individual bottles can respectively be inserted, it being the case that the individual bottles, if they are provided with a neck ring at the tapered head end, can be supported on the supporting contours by way of the neck ring. The third supporting contours are formed by hollows in the underside of the tray surface, the head regions of the containers or bottles of a respective multipack being positioned in these hollows. The fourth supporting contours are formed by column-like protrusions of the tray which support the foot region of an inserted individual container or an inserted individual bottle at least on two sides, and by means of which individual containers arranged in groups of a plurality of, for example four or

six, individual containers or individual bottles are kept pushed together in groups, and by supporting rings on which the foot regions of the individual containers or bottles can be set down.

In order to achieve a non-slip arrangement of the multipack units and/or of the individual containers or individual bottles, it is further preferably provided that the top side of the supporting edges or rings and/or the supporting rings which form the fourth supporting contours and/or some side surfaces of the column-like protrusions which butt against the lateral surface of the inserted container and form the fourth supporting contours have an elastomeric or rubbery coating. The tray itself is usually preferably formed from plastic, it being possible for the elastomeric or rubbery coating to be applied by way of two-component injection moulding during production of the tray.

In particular, it is additionally provided that the column-like protrusions which form the fourth supporting contours have an elastomeric or rubbery coating in the form of an elastically deformable supporting lip.

It is thus possible to compensate for diameter tolerances of inserted containers or the like, it additionally being the case with inserted containers that the supporting lips subject the containers to an elastic force which compresses them and pushes them together such that they are largely free of rattling within the area enclosed by the column-like protrusions. Likewise in order for containers with corresponding diameter tolerances to be accommodated to better effect, it is provided that the column-like protrusions which form the fourth supporting contours taper conically from the set- down plane of the tray to their free end.

A particularly preferred embodiment is regarded as being one in which the elastomeric or rubbery coating which is provided at the lateral free end region of the column-like protrusions is connected integrally, via a material bridge, to the coating of the supporting rings made of elastomeric or rubbery material. These bridges are however only optional.

This facilitates production because, for moulding the elastomeric or rubbery coating,

injection need be carried out only in a single region since the material bridges form a connection between the supporting ring and the coatings provided on the column-like protrusions.

In order to achieve a non-slip arrangement of the tray, for example, on a standing surface or on a transporting pallet, it may additionally be provided that the all-round border of the tray is provided on the top side and/or underside with an elastic, friction- enhancing coating.

In order, when trays are stacked in the empty state, for the layers of trays stacked one upon the other to be secured, it is provided that the all-round border of the tray has a toothing formation on the top side and underside, teeth of the toothing formations engaging one inside the other when the trays are stacked directly one upon the other in the same direction.

In order to make it possible for the trays to be stacked not just in the same direction, but also in opposite directions or in an alternating manner, it is provided that the toothing formation along a respective peripheral edge is offset inwards or outwards over half the length of the peripheral edge, so that empty trays arranged in opposite directions can be stacked without any gaps between them, in which case the offset toothing rows of the lower and upper trays are located one beside the other in each case, or so that empty trays arranged in the same direction can be stacked without any gaps between them, in which case the teeth engage in tooth gaps in each case.

Using the above structure for enabling stacking the trays in both directions makes it possible to provide mixed stacks of drinks containers and multipacks, namely stacks which comprise multipack units in one layer as well as individual drinks containers in another layer interposing two trays between such different layers with reversed orientation. Furthermore it allows to combine different trays in one stack, so e.g. differently contoured trays for bottles or for cans or for bottles with different filling volumes, etc. So the proposed structure allows to combine in one stack layers of different types of multipacks and/or of different types individual drinks containers. This is exemplified in Figure 9 below.

It may also be desired for it to be possible for the trays of a certain user not to be stacked, when empty, with trays of another user, so that, when the trays are transported in the empty state, it is discernible as to whether the trays belong to the same system or not. For this purpose, it is provided that the teeth and/or teeth gaps of the trays of an identical system have the same shape and/or arrangement, trays of different systems having different shapes and/or arrangements, so that the trays of different systems have non-compatible toothing.

The teeth and/or tooth gaps may have different shapes, arrangements, sizes or orientations, this making it possible to provide something of a coded formation of teeth and tooth gaps on certain trays, so that only trays of this same-code system can be stacked with one another, but trays of a different system, with different toothing coding, cannot be properly stacked.

It may preferably be provided, in addition, that the tray comprises two parts each forming half a tray, the two parts having push-in connecting parts and/or plug-in connecting parts which can be connected to one another at the separating plane, so that the tray can be dismantled into two equally sized pieces or can be assembled into a unit from these pieces.

Such a dismantleable tray can be separated, for example, for transportation in the empty state, or assembled into a unit for transportation in the full state. For example, a first type of drink can be positioned on one half and a second type of drink can be positioned on the other half.

When half a layer is sold in a sales outlet, the vendor can release and remove the empty half-tray, so that the customer has quicker access to the as yet filled half-tray.

Further preferred embodiments of the above arrangement are defined in the dependent claims.

The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for transporting trays of essentially rectangular basic shape which are stacked one upon the other in the empty state and/or in the case of which individual containers or multipacks comprising a plurality of containers, in particular bottles, combined to form a unit are arranged between the trays,

the latter supporting, and possibly positioning, the foot region of the containers or multipacks in each case and also supporting, and possibly positioning, the head region of the containers or multipacks, it being the case that the apparatus, in the manner of a transporting pallet, has a planar bearing surface for a stack of filled and/or empty trays which is to be transported, the bearing surface having supporting elements, which can be supported on a standing plane, projecting from its underside.

Correspondingly, this apparatus can be applied to the arrangements as defined above and in the corresponding appended claims, it may however also be applied to different arrangements, e.g. to an arrangement as defined in DE 20 2004 007 452 Ul as already mentioned above. So this apparatus is not necessarily linked to the above definition of the specific arrangement and constitutes an invention independent of the above arrangement/tray.

The prior art as well as the above disclosure discloses trays of essentially rectangular basic shape which serve for transporting drinks containers, in particular bottles, individually or in a form in which they are combined to form multipacks. In this case, a number of individual containers or a number of multipacks are set down on such a tray and, in turn, are covered by a further tray, on which, in turn, further individual containers or multipacks can be set down. Stacks of bottle-filled trays are formed in this way. It is also possible, and desirable, for such trays to be transported in the empty state, in order that the empty trays, once the bottles have been sold, can be transported back to the bottling plant in a space-saving manner. In order for stacking units which are formed from bottle-filled trays to be rendered stable, so that they do not slide apart from one another during transportation, it is customary for such stacking units to be wrapped in a shrink film or strapped using tensioning straps. However, an appropriate arrangement which can apply a shrink film or can execute strapping is required for this purpose. At the filling plant, which fills the bottles or containers, such an arrangement may well be present, but a strapping arrangement or shrink-wrapping arrangement of this type is not present at the corresponding sales outlet where such items are sold. This means that such stacks which are formed from trays are insufficiently secured for transportation. Taking this prior art as the departure point, the object of the apparatus according to the

present invention is to provide an apparatus which easily allows a stack which is formed from empty or filled trays to be firmly held together.

In order to achieve this object, it is proposed that the apparatus has at least one strap retractor with a tensioning strap, of which the free end is, or can be, fastened on the apparatus.

This design makes it possible for a stack which is formed from trays or a stack which is formed from container-filled trays or a mixed stack to be easily positioned on the bearing surface. The stack formed in this way is secured in position in that the tensioning strap is unwound from the strap retractor and placed around the stack, the free end of the corresponding tensioning strap being fastened on the stack-carrying element. A number of such strap retractors with tensioning straps may be provided, so that a stack is secured by a plurality of tensioning straps. In the simplest form, it would be possible to fasten such a strap retractor with tensioning strap in a suitable manner on the planar element and likewise to provide on this element an arrangement on which the free end of the tensioning strap can be fastened.

It is preferably provided that the strap retractor is integrated in the bearing surface. This provides an integral design for the bearing-surface element and the strap retractor, so that, together, they form an easy-to-handle unit.

It may preferably be provided that the strap retractor is fastened on the bearing surface beneath the latter.

This achieves the situation where the strap retractor does not disrupt the operation of trays or the like being set down on the bearing surface, and, in addition, where the strap retractor cannot be damaged by elements deposited on the bearing surface.

It may additionally be provided that the strap retractor is protected in a housing. The strap retractor is thus protected, so that it cannot be damaged by environmental or other influences.

In order to allow good access to the tensioning strap and, nevertheless, to ensure a protected arrangement, it is provided that the bearing surface has a border which has a through-passage opening for the tensioning strap, the through-passage opening being

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arranged in the immediate vicinity of the strap retractor.

The strap retractor may be fastened or arranged on the bearing surface, for example beneath the latter. The tensioning strap can be guided through the through-passage opening to the border of the bearing surface, so that the tensioning strap is easily accessible even when the bearing surface is occupied by trays or the like.

It may preferably be provided that the strap retractor and/or the through-passage opening have/has a clasp through which the tensioning strap engages and which can be displaced into a locking position, in which the tensioning strap is secured, and into a release position, in which the tensioning strap can be pulled through the clasp. Such a design, on the one hand, makes it possible to pull the tensioning strap out of the strap retractor in order to place it around the stack, while, on the other hand, it is ensured that, once the tensioning strap has been placed in position, it is secured and, if appropriate, tightened and held in place, so that the tensioning strap cannot loosen or move during transportation of the corresponding stack. It is preferably provided, in addition, that the strap retractor is installed in the vicinity of one of the longer side edges of the rectangular bearing surface.

It is preferably provided here that a bearing location for fixing the free end of the tensioning strap is provided on one of the side edges of the bearing surface on which there is no strap retractor installed. In order that the free end of the tensioning strap, on the one hand, can be arranged securely and, on the other hand, is rendered easily accessible for the user, it is provided that, when the strap retractor is not in use, the tensioning strap is arranged, and possibly guided, along the outside of the side edges up to the bearing location for fixing the free end of the tensioning strap. It may preferably be provided that a tensioning device, by means of which the tensioning strap can be tightened, is arranged in the region of the bearing location for fixing the free end of the tensioning strap.

A particularly preferred embodiment is regarded as being one in which a strap retractor is provided on two opposite sides of the bearing surface and a fastening arrangement for

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the respective free end of one of the two tensioning straps is provided on the other two opposite surfaces.

It is thus possible for a stack to be fixed extremely securely using two corresponding tensioning straps. An additionally preferred embodiment is regarded as being one in which the strap retractor is provided in each case approximately centrally on the side of the. bearing surface and the fastening arrangement for the free end of the tensioning strap is provided approximately in the centre of an adjacent side of the bearing surface.

It may also be provided that the supporting elements of the bearing surface are skid-like feet which enclose between them an introduction region for the forks of a stacking vehicle, for example of a stacker truck.

Such a design makes it possible for a stack which is arranged on the bearing surface to be transported in a customary manner, together with the bearing surface, by a stacking vehicle or a stacker truck. In order to allow the stack, together with the bearing surface, to be moved on its own and without any further auxiliary means, it is provided that the supporting elements are designed as rollers.

It may additionally be provided that the apparatus is of a size which corresponds to a quarter of or half the dimensions of a Europallet. A particularly preferred development, which is also considered to be inventive in its own right, and in principle independent of the above-mentioned apparatus, however possibly also in combination with features of the above mentioned apparatus, is regarded as being one in which the essentially rectangular bearing surface has on its underside, in the corner regions, supporting rollers which either are all designed as fixed rollers or of which two supporting rollers arranged at one end of the bearing surface are designed as guide rollers, and in that arranged between the supporting rollers arranged at the front end and the supporting rollers arranged at the rear end of the bearing surface, as seen in the direction of travel of the supporting rollers, is a respective supporting skid, of which the supporting surface is directed obliquely in relation to the

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standing plane, so that the rear end of the supporting skid terminates in the vicinity of the standing plane and the front end of the supporting skid is spaced apart from the standing plane by a relatively large distance.

Such a design easily makes it possible for the bearing surface with a stack located thereon to be moved, for example, onto a pallet or else to be moved over peripheral edges, kerbstone edges or the like. For this purpose, when use is made of the bearing surface together with assembled goods stacked thereon and secured by tensioning straps, the element is moved with rolling action, in which case, in order to be set down, for example, on a conventional Europallet, the stack is pivoted about the supporting roller arranged at one end, so that the front supporting rollers are set down on the pallet or the like. The stacked assembly can then be further shifted in its entirety onto the pallet, the supporting skid preventing excessive inclination of the bearing surface together with the stack, because the supporting skid is supported on the peripheral edge of the pallet or the like as the unit is pushed onto the pallet. In the same way, the supporting skid is useful when the stack is unloaded from the bearing surface, because the supporting skid prevents pronounced inclination of the stack as it slides down off a pallet or the like. In addition, the supporting skid brakes the movement of the stack as it is pushed off a pallet, thus providing the user with an additional aid. In order to improve the movement capability of the element as a whole here, the arrangement is such that supporting rollers are provided at one end of the bearing surface and guide rollers are provided at the other end, thus achieving good movement capability for the element.

It is preferably provided here that the front end of the supporting skid terminates approximately level with the axis of the front supporting roller.

A particularly preferred development, which is likewise considered to be inventive, is regarded as being one in which the apparatus is combined with a transporting pallet in the manner of a Europallet, in which case the transporting pallet, in its top side, has at least two parallel guide channels which open out at a border of the transporting pallet and of which the length is dimensioned such that all the supporting rollers of an apparatus which has been rolled onto the transporting pallet are located in the guide channels, and that the rear peripheral edge of the apparatus, as seen in the run-on

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direction, is aligned with the peripheral edge of the transporting pallet.

The apparatus is combined here with a transporting pallet in the manner of a Europallet. Such a Europallet has dimensions which allow apparatuses of the type specified to be deposited, on the Europallet in fours or in twos, depending on the size of the apparatus. In order for the apparatus, provided with supporting rollers, to be placed securely on the pallet and also to ensure precise positioning, it is provided that the apparatus is combined with a transporting pallet in the manner of a Europallet, in which case the transporting pallet, in its top side, has at least two parallel guide channels which open out at a border of the transporting pallet and of which the length is dimensioned such that all the supporting rollers of an apparatus which has been rolled onto the transporting pallet are located in the guide channels, and that the rear peripheral edge of the apparatus, as seen in the run-on direction, is aligned with the peripheral edge of the transporting pallet.

When the apparatus rolls onto the Europallet, the supporting rollers are guided in the guide channels, so that precise positioning is possible.

In the state in which it has been rolled onto the pallet, the apparatus is secured in position to some extent because the supporting rollers are positioned in the guide channels.

It may preferably be provided that the transporting pallet, for accommodating four apparatuses, has four pairs of guide channels, of which in each case two are arranged in alignment with one another and two are arranged one beside the other.

This allows corresponding apparatuses to be arranged in fours on a Europallet, the dimensions being such that four apparatuses arranged one beside the other in two rows correspond to the dimensions of the Europallet. In order for it to be possible, when a number of apparatuses are arranged on such a Europallet, for any desired apparatus to be unloaded from the pallet or loaded onto the pallet, it is provided that the guide channels of a first pair open out at a first peripheral edge of the transporting pallet and the guide channels of a second pair open out at a second peripheral edge, which is parallel to the first peripheral edge of the transporting

pallet.

It is thus possible for each apparatus arranged on the transporting pallet to be loaded or unloaded independently of another.

In order to simplify loading, it is additionally provided that each guide channel is widened in the opening region to form an introduction slope.

In order to achieve precise positioning, it is additionally provided that, at the end which is directed away from the opening, each guide channel, or at least one guide channel of a pair of guide channels, has a stop which limits the rolling path of the supporting roller.

In order to improve securing in the transporting position, it is additionally provided that in the vicinity of the stop, in the rolling path upstream of this stop, each guide channel, or at least one guide channel of a pair of guide channels, has a ramp with an oblique run-on surface, as seen in the rolling-in direction, and a more steeply inclined run-off surface, it being the case that, in the transporting position, a supporting roller is supported between the stop and the run-off surface. Further variations and developments of the above apparatus are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail hereinbelow and illustrated in the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a tray according to a first embodiment as seen obliquely from above;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows the tray according to the first embodiment as seen obliquely from beneath; Figure 4 shows a plan view of Figure 3 ;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the tray according to the first embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a tray according a second embodiment, as seen obliquely from

above, with the top side directed upwards;

Figure 7 shows the same tray according to the second embodiment with the underside directed upwards;

Figure 8 shows an oblique view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows such an apparatus with a stack of goods stacked thereon; Figure 10 shows a variant as seen in the view according to Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a side view, partly in section, of the variant in combination with a transporting pallet; Figure 12 shows a further view analogous to Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows, in detail form, a plan view of a pallet according to Figure 11 or 12; and

Figure 14 shows, in a) - c) several different types of transport pallets with corresponding toothing formations and d) a cover plate for a standard pallet with a channel system according to Figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The drawings 1-5 illustrate a first exemplary embodiment, namely an arrangement for transporting individual bottles and/or a plurality of handling units combined to form multipacks comprising a plurality of bottles, for example a six-pack, the bottles or handling units being held tightly together by means of a retaining element, for example by means of a shrink film, in a handling unit of rectangular basic shape.

The bottles are conventional bottles which taper in the direction of the dispensing opening and are provided with a closure and possibly, as is customary in the case of reusable PET bottles, with a so-called neck ring. The arrangement comprises a tray 1 of essentially rectangular basic shape. The tray 1 has a top side, which can be seen for example in Figure 1, and an underside, which can be seen for example in Figure 3. The top side of the tray has first supporting contours 2,

3, 4, 5 which are adapted to the foot region of the unit combined to form a multipack and serve for accommodating the foot region of a plurality of multipacks arranged one beside the other. These supporting contours are formed, for example, by a grid or crosspieces 2, which form a standing plane for the foot region of the multipacks. The supporting contours 3 are also formed by an all-round undulating supporting border on which the outer multipack contours formed by the bottles of the multipack can be supported. Finally, supporting protrusions 4 and 5 are provided, these projecting from the standing plane, which is formed essentially by the grid or crosspieces 2, and engaging in the narrowed regions between adjacent multipacks. These narrowed regions form the positions in which is produced the respective interstice between adjacent bottles of two adjacent multipacks. In the case of the six-pack tray provided in the exemplary embodiment, four such six-element units are provided on the tray, the supporting protrusions 5 being arranged, between the insertion locations for the six- element units, in the longitudinal direction of the box and the two supporting protrusions 4 being arranged in the transverse direction of the box. With the tray oriented as is illustrated in Figure 1, it is thus possible for a multipack which forms a six-pack comprising two rows of in each case three bottles to be inserted into the corresponding recess between the protrusions 4 and 5 and the undulating border 3. Four such six-packs can be inserted into the tray 1. In addition to these contours, which are intended, and suitable, for positioning and accommodating a six-pack, further, second supporting contours 6 are provided on the top side of the tray, these being adapted to the head region of individual bottles and serving for accommodating the head region of a plurality of individual bottles inserted one beside the other with a spacing between them. These supporting contours 6 are formed by annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours which are formed in the standing surface of the top side of the tray 1 and into which the head of the individual bottles is respectively inserted, it being the case that, with individual bottles with a neck ring at the tapered head end, the neck ring can be supported on the mouth of the annular contour or the like 6. The corresponding second supporting contours 6 are provided, at uniform spacings apart from one another, in rows of six such supporting contours one beside the other and four such supporting contours, so that it is possible for 24 individual bottles to be inserted.

The underside of the tray 1, which is shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, has third supporting contours 7 which are formed, for example, hy hollows in the underside 8 of the tray, the head regions of the bottles of a respective multipack being positioned in these hollows. As can be seen, in particular from the illustration according to Figure 4, the spacings between the head regions of the multipack-forming bottles differ from those between the head regions of the individually inserted bottles, formed by the supporting contours 6. Also provided in the underside of the tray 1 are fourth supporting contours 9, 10, 11, which are adapted in shape to the foot region of individual bottles and serve for accommodating the foot region of a plurality of individual bottles inserted one beside the other with a spacing between them. These fourth supporting contours are formed by an undulating border 9 which encloses the set-down surface 8 of the tray 1, is closely adapted to the shape and the circumference of the individual bottle inserted, and encompasses the inserted bottle over a semicircle or, in the corner region, more or less over three quarters of a circle. Also provided are supporting parts 10 and 11 which are arranged in the crossover region of an area in which four bottles are inserted in each case and have concave supporting surfaces adapted to the shape of the bottles. If, therefore, individual bottles are inserted into the tray, by way of their foot region, in the positioning according to Figure 3, then they are positioned and retained to very good effect between the supporting parts 9, 10, 11. For the purpose of accommodating multipacks, a plurality of trays 1 can be arranged one above the other in the positioning according to Figure I ₅ the multipacks being positioned in the corresponding mount in each case between the trays 1. The multipacks are thus inserted into the tray 1, by way of the foot region, in the positioning according to Figure 1 and a further tray 1 is stacked, with the same positioning, onto the head region of the multipacks. For arranging individual bottles, the tray 1 is turned upside down, as is shown in Figure 3. Individual bottles can then be inserted into the tray 1, in the position according to Figure 3, the bottles being precisely positioned. A further such tray 1 is placed in the same orientation, the supporting elements 6 engaging over the head region, in particular the closure of the individual bottles, so that a stacking position is achieved. A plurality of trays and multipacks or a plurality of trays and individual bottles can be positioned one above the other in this sequence. For transportation purposes, the corresponding

stacks, which are formed from bottles and trays 1 or from multipacks and trays 1, are held together by a strapping means.

As can be seen, in particular, from Figure 3, the supporting parts 11 ₅ which extend along the separating line between adjacent multipacks, project from the base supporting 5 surface 8 to a higher level than, for example to double the height of, the supporting parts 10 and are positioned specifically between the individual elements of the multipack.

As a result, when the tray 1 is used for multipacks, the supporting protrusions 10 do not have a disruptive effect since they are arranged in the region of the multipack-enclosing shrink film or the like in which there are no bottle-closure ends.

10 The tray 1 is preferably enclosed by a smooth border 12, which is enclosed by a further, projecting border part 13 which is at a lower level than the smooth border 12. A marking 14, 15 for the use position is provided on the outside of the border 13. 14 indicates the orientation of the tray 1 for accommodating multipacks, whereas the marking 15 specifies the orientation of the tray 1 for accommodating individual bottles.

1.5 A second exemplary embodiment is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. These drawings illustrate an arrangement for transporting drinks containers, in particular bottles, and/or a plurality of handling units combined to form multipacks comprising a plurality of drinks containers or bottles, for example a six-pack, the drinks containers or handling units being held tightly together by means of a retaining element, for example by means 0 of a shrink film, to form a handling unit of square or rectangular basic shape. The arrangement comprises a tray 21 of essentially rectangular basic shape, the tray 21 having the top side which can be seen in Figure 6 and the underside which can be seen in Figure 7. The top side of the tray 21 has first supporting contours 22, 23, 24, 25 which are intended to allow the foot region of the multipacks to be properly set down 5 and accommodated. It is possible here, in the second exemplary embodiment, for four multipacks in the form of six-packs to be arranged one beside the other in pairs in two rows in each case. Also provided are second supporting contours 26 which are adapted to the head region of individual containers or individual bottles and serve for accommodating the head region of a plurality of individual containers or individual 0 bottles inserted one beside the other. The underside of the tray 21, which can be seen in

Figure 7, has third supporting contours 27 which are adapted to the, for example, film- covered head region of the multipacks and serve for supporting the head region of the multipacks. Furthermore, the underside has fourth supporting contours 29, 30 which are adapted to the foot region of individual containers or individual bottles and serve for accommodating the foot region of a plurality of individual containers or individual bottles inserted one beside the other, in the second exemplary embodiment respective units of six individual containers or individual bottles in corresponding compartments which are adapted, in terms of size, for six such containers. For accommodating multipacks, a plurality of trays 21 can be arranged one above the other with the orientation according to Figure 6, the multipacks being positioned between the trays 21. In this case, the foot region of the multipacks is placed on the top side of the tray 21 according to Figure 6, while the underside of the following tray 21, which is oriented in the same way as the tray illustrated in Figure 6, is stacked on the head region of the multipacks. In order to accommodate individual containers or individual bottles, the trays 21 are turned through 180° with the underside directed upwards and the top side directed downwards, as is shown in Figure 7. Individual containers or individual bottles can be positioned between the trays 21 oriented in this way, the trays 21 accommodating the foot region by way of the underside, and the top side of the following tray 21 being stacked on the head region of the individual containers or individual bottles.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first supporting contours 22, 23 are formed by an all- round supporting border of the tray 21, the supporting border projecting beyond the standing surface formed by the supporting surfaces 24 or edges. The outer multipack contours formed by the containers or bottles of the multipack can be supported on the supporting border 22, 23. Further supporting contours are formed by the supporting surfaces 24 or edges which form the standing surface of the top side of the tray 21 according to Figure 6. Also provided are supporting edges 25 or rings which are arranged beneath a multipack, in the narrowed regions between adjacent containers or bottles of the multipack. The second supporting contours 26 are formed by annular contours or hollow-cylindrical contours which are formed in the standing surface of the

top side of the tray 21 and into which the head of the individual containers or individual bottles can be respectively inserted in the case of the use position according to Figure 7. It is possible here, in the case of individual bottles with neck rings, for these bottles to be supported on the supporting contours 26 by way of their neck rings. Third supporting contours 27 are formed by hollows in the underside of the tray surface, as can be seen in Figure 7. In the case of the stacking arrangement according to Figure 6, the head regions of the containers or bottles of a respective multipack are positioned in these hollows. Also provided are fourth supporting contours 29, 30 which are formed by column-like protrusions of the tray 21. Sueh column-like protrusions are spaced apart from one another in the corner regions and along the all-round border of the tray 21, so that the insertion location for a bottle or a container in each case is enclosed on two sides. In addition, for delimiting a six-pack compartment by means of the tray 21, yet further column-like protrusions 29 are arranged in a crosswise manner. In the case of the arrangement according to Figure 7, these supporting contours 29, 30 support an inserted individual container or an inserted individual bottle laterally in the vicinity of the foot region at least on two sides, the individual containers arranged in groups of six individual containers or individual bottles being kept pushed against one another in groups. These individual containers or individual bottles here stand on supporting rings 30. In order to reduce noise and safeguard against slipping to a certain extent, the top side of the supporting edges 25 or rings and/or the supporting rings which form the fourth supporting contours 30 and/or some side surfaces of the column-like protrusions 29 which butt against the lateral surface of an inserted container and form the fourth supporting contours 29 have an . elastomeric or rubbery coating. The column-like protrusions which form the fourth supporting contours 29 have an elastomeric or rubbery coating in the form of an elastically deformable supporting lip in the vicinity of their top end. Furthermore, the column-like protrusions which form the fourth supporting contours 29 taper from the set-down plane of the tray 21 to their free ends. It is thus possible for containers with diameter tolerances corresponding to the usual production tolerances to be securely inserted and retained, the elastic supporting lips and also the conical shape of the column-like protrusions ensuring that the containers

are more securely accommodated and seated in the tray 21.

As can be seen, in particular, from Figure 7, the elastomeric or rubbery coating which is provided at the lateral free end region of the column-like protrusions is connected integrally, via a material bridge, to the coating of the supporting rings (at 30) made of elastomeric or rubbery material, so that the production outlay is rationalized.

It is also possible for the all-round border of the tray 21 to be provided on the top side and/or underside with an elastic ^■ friction-enhancing coating. This coating may also be provided in the form of toothing formations or similar protrusions.

The all-round border of the tray 21 has a toothing formation 31 to 34 on the top side and underside, the teeth of the toothing formations 31 to 34 engaging one inside the other when the trays 21 are stacked directly one upon the other in the same direction. The toothing formation 31, 33 or 32, 34 along a respective peripheral edge is offset inwards or outwards over half the length of the peripheral edge, so that empty trays 21 arranged in opposite directions can be stacked without any gaps between them, in which case the offset toothing rows 31, 33 or 32, 34 of the lower and upper trays 21 are located one beside the other in each case. With empty trays 21 arranged in the same direction, gap- free stacking of the trays 21 one upon the other is made possible, in which case the teeth of the toothing rows 31, 33 or 32, 34 engage in the tooth gaps of the other tray 21 in each case. If it is desired, the teeth and/or tooth gaps of the fray 21 of an identical system may have the same shape and/or arrangement, so that gap-free staking of empty trays is made possible. Trays of different systems have different shapes and/or arrangements of teeth and/or tooth gaps, so that these frays can be stacked with one another, but not with the frays of a different system.

The invention provides an outstanding arrangement for transporting bottles, drinks containers or bottle multipacks or the like. It is easily possible here to accommodate containers with small diameter tolerances, and, in particular in the case of individual containers or individual bottles being introduced, a block formation is made possible by the elastic lips or the like. The arrangement of the elastic lips can compensate for differences in diameter of, for example, up to 3 mm. By virtue of the toothing formation in the border region, it is possible for the corresponding frays 21 to be stacked as desired

in the empty state and combined to form an assembly. In the case of multipacks, for example in the form of box packs, it is easily possible to remove the multipacks from the corresponding tray 21, it being ensured that the multipacks and trays are held securely one above the other in the stacked assembly because securing takes place essentially in the head region. As soon as the upper tray is removed, however, the multipack unit located on the lower tray can easily be removed by the consumer or the like.

One of the basic ideas of the invention is that, by means of a tray with two useable sides, multipacks in the form of shrink-wrap packs or the like can be securely retained and displayed using one side of the tray and individual bottles or containers or strip packs can be securely retained and displayed using the opposite side in each case. The user thus has a large amount of freedom in using such trays for different forms of pack. The number of trays in circulation is therefore minimized overall. The two functions of the tray 21 can be utilized to particularly optimum effect if, for example, reusable bottles are to be sold in the form of shrink-wrapped six-packs or in multipack boxes and the individual bottles can be returned using the same tray, which has merely been turned round. One result of the invention is that, by virtue of this tray design, the level of investment required for procuring the trays is reduced, the supply and storage costs being additionally minimized by reciprocal usage. There is also a reduction in trade handling and sorting costs, a higher turnover being achieved in addition.

The Figures 8-13 show apparatuses for transporting trays 101 of essentially rectangular basic shape e.g., but not necessarily, of the type described above. These trays can, as is illustrated in Figure 9, be stacked one upon the other in the empty state, or it is possible for individual containers 102 or else container units combined to form multipacks to be deposited and transported between the trays 101. The corresponding trays preferably have tooth-like protrusions 103 on the underside and top side of the peripheral edges. The apparatus itself is designed in the manner of a transporting pallet and has a planar bearing surface 104. The stack formed from the elements 101 and/or 102 can be stacked on this bearing surface 104. The bearing surface 104 has supporting elements 105, which are supported on a standing plane, projecting from its underside.

The apparatus is provided with a strap retractor 106 which has a tensioning strap 107, of which the free end 108 is, or can be, fastened on the apparatus 104. In the exemplary embodiment as given in Figures 8-13, the strap retractor 106 is arranged beneath the bearing surface 104 and is fastened thereon, the strap retractor 106 being protected in a housing 106'. The bearing surface 104 has a border 109 which has a through-passage opening 110 for the tensioning strap 107, the through-passage opening 110 being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the strap retractor 106. If appropriate, the strap retractor 106 and/or the through-passage opening 110 may be provided with a clasp 111, in which the tensioning strap is secured, it being possible, by actuating the tensioning strap, for the securing action to be released and for the tensioning strap to be pulled out from the strap retractor 106. The strap retractor is, as is known per se, provided with a restoring spring, so that, when the strap is loosened, the tensioning strap 107 is wound up onto the strap retractor 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the strap retractor 106 is installed in the vicinity of one of the longer side edges of the rectangular bearing surface 104. The strap retractor 106 and the through-passage opening 110 for the tensioning strap 107 here are arranged on a longer side edge of the bearing surface 104, the bearing location for fixing the free end 108 of the tensioning strap being provided on the shorter peripheral edge 109 of the bearing surface 104.

As can be seen, in particular, from Figure 8, when the strap retractor 106 is not in use, the tensioning strap 107 is arranged, and guided, along the outside of the side edge 109 up to the bearing location (at 108) for fixing the free end of the tensioning strap 107, so that it does not prove disruptive during normal handling of the element 104.

A tensioning device, by means of which the tensioning strap 107 can be tightened in its tensioning position, may be arranged in the region of the bearing location (at 108) for fixing the free end of the tensioning strap 107. It is preferable for a respective strap refractor 106 to be provided on two opposite sides of the bearing surface 104 and for a fastening arrangement (at 108) for the respective free end of one of the two tensioning straps 107 to be provided on each of the other two opposite surfaces. Figure 9 illustrates how the tensioning straps 107 are mounted when a stack formed from the elements 101 and/or 102 is arranged on the element 104. The stack is thus retained in a secure

manner, the tensioning strap 107 being additionally retained by the tooth-like protrusions 103, so that it cannot slip off the stack.

In the case of the embodiment according to Figures 8 and 9, the supporting elements 105 of the bearing surface 104 are designed as skid-like feet which enclose between them introduction regions for the forks of a stacking vehicle, for example of a stacker truck.

In the case of the configuration according to Figures 10 to 13, the supporting elements 105 are designed as rollers. The apparatus 104 is of a size which corresponds, in the exemplary embodiment, to a quarter of the dimensions of a Europallet. In this case, the essentially rectangular bearing surface 104 has on its underside, in the corner regions, the supporting rollers 105, the supporting rollers which are located on the left-hand side in Figures 10 and 11 being designed as fixed rollers, while the supporting rollers which are located on the right-hand side in Figures 10 and 11 are designed as guide rollers. Arranged on the underside of the bearing surface 104, between the front and rear supporting rollers 105, is a respective supporting skid 112, of which the supporting surface is directed obliquely in relation to the standing plane, so that the rear end of the supporting skid 112 terminates in the vicinity of the standing plane and the front end of the supporting skid is spaced apart from the standing plane by a relatively large distance. This supporting skid 112 functions such that, when the element 104 runs onto a pallet 113, which is shown for example in Figure 11 , first of all the front, guide rollers are pushed onto the pallet 113, and then the obliquely inclined supporting skid 112 is supported on the peripheral edge 114 of the Europallet 113, so that a slide-on aid is formed, before, finally, the rear, supporting rollers slide onto the plane of the pallet 113. The supporting skid 112 also assists during unloading from the pallet 113 since first of all the rear supporting rollers slide off the pallet 113, and then the supporting skid 112 is supported on the peripheral edge 114 of the pallet and thus provides a braking effect before, finally, the front supporting rollers reach the peripheral edge 114 of the pallet and can be dismounted therefrom. The supporting skid prevents excessive inclination of the element 104 together with any stack located thereon, a braking action additionally being achieved during unloading from the pallet 113.

As can be seen, in particular, from Figure 13, the transporting pallet, in its top side, has at least two parallel guide channels 115 which open out at a left-hand border of the transporting pallet 113, as seen in Figure 13, and of which the length is dimensioned such that all the supporting rollers of an apparatus which has been rolled onto the transporting pallet 113 are located in the guide channels 115, as is illustrated in Figure 11. The rear peripheral edge of the apparatus 104, as seen in the run-on direction, is aligned, in this position, with the peripheral edge 114 of the transporting pallet 113. Such a transporting pallet is preferably equipped for accommodating four apparatuses 104, so that it has four pairs of guide channels 115, of which in each case two are arranged in alignment with one another and two are arranged one beside the other. The guide channels of the opposite pairs of guide channels 115 open out in each case at the alternative peripheral edge of the transporting pallet 113 , as is illustrated in Figure 11.Tt is also the case that the guide channels 115 are widened in the opening region to form an introduction slope 116, as can be seen, in particular, from Figure 13. In addition, at its end which is directed away from the opening, each guide channel 115 has a stop 117 which limits the rolling path of the supporting rollers. In addition, in the rolling path of the guide channel 115 upstream of this stop 117, a ramp 118 with an oblique run-on surface and a more steeply inclined run-off surface is provided, it being the case that, in the transporting position, as is shown in Figure 12, a supporting roller is retained in a secure position between the stop 117 and the run-off surface of the ramp 118.

Figure 14 shows additional embodiments of the present invention. Particularly, Figure 14a) shows a transporting pallet which, on its bearing surface 104 is provided with toothing formations 120, which are intended to interact with the above-mentioned toothing formations 31-34 on the trays. These toothing formations 120 increase the corporation between the pallet and the first tray on the stack, and in addition to that it can be avoided that trays of a different system are put onto such a pallet. The Figure 14b) shows a corresponding system, wherein however in addition to the peripheral toothing 120 there is also a toothing 121 in the central region of the surface 104.

As a matter of fact, it is sometimes advantageous if the trays on at least some of the central protruding portions (e.g. 29) are provided with a toothing in addition, to the

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toothing 31-34. These additional toothings or contours may then interact with the toothings 121 as visible in figure 14b) or with corresponding central toothings of further trays stacked onto. A further embodiment corresponding to the one displayed in Figure 14a) but with rollers is given in Figure 14c). Figure 14d) additionally shows the possibility of providing a cover a surface for a standard pallet, for example a standard Euro-pallet. Such a cover a surface 122 can be provided with the contours as displayed in Figure 13 and provides the possibility to use standard pallets with the advantages as outlined in the context of Figure 13. It should be noted that corresponding cover surfaces with toothings 120/121 instead of the contours according to Figure 13 are possible to be used on standard Euro-pallets in order to achieve the same function as illustrated in figure 14a)-c).

Rather than being restricted to the exemplary embodiments, the invention can be varied in a number of different ways within the framework of the disclosure.

The above exemplary embodiments are intending to illustrate the invention and shall not be construed to limit the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

All novel individual features and combinations of features disclosed in the description and/or drawing are considered to be essential to the invention.