TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a modular transport system.

In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a method for modular subdivision of a transport container or frame.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use for transporting goods using a transport container or frame and a subdivision element.

PRIOR ART

For the transport of general cargo, a transport container or frame is often used as a means of transport. In the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, provisions are often made that divide the interior space into two or more compartments or segments. While a transport container generally consists of floor, wall and ceiling elements, a transport frame often consists of rigidly connected horizontal and vertical frame members, which, for example, also comprise a bottom, such as a grid or a plate, and several or more grid or plate-shaped walls. Transport containers and frames have defined dimensions that make it possible to precisely match the transport facilities for the transport of such transport containers and frames to these dimensions. This means that regardless of the size, shape and other special features of the various general cargo, transport facilities, such as for example trucks, forklifts, transport lines and cranes, can be used in the long term, without having to adapt them to constantly changing dimensions of the transport containers or frames.

In order to use a transport container or frame with defined external dimensions for the transport of general cargo that may differ from each other in size and shape, among other things, the interior is divided into suitable compartments or segments with the aid of subdivision elements. Such subdivision elements can themselves be rigid and inflexible, such as, for example, boards, floors, walls. Other subdivision elements are made of flexible materials. A drawback of existing subdivision elements, both rigid and flexible elements, is that after installation of the subdivision element, the subdivision of a transport container or frame is more or less fixed. The rearrangement of a transport container or frame is very time-consuming and/or very expensive, as a result of which in many cases the subdivision remains unchanged for the entire lifetime of a transport container or frame or is changed only when absolutely necessary and therefore rarely. There is therefore a need for a transport system whose subdivision can be changed quickly, easily, flexibly, durably and inexpensively.

Such a device is known from EP 1 799 592, among others. EP '592 describes a folding subdivision element for installation in a transport container or frame, wherein the subdivision elements made of flexible material, when installed, extend in separate planes placed one above the other or placed next to each other in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame and divide it into separate compartments. The subdivision elements are detachably attached to the transport container or the transport frame by means of rigid elements. As a result, the subdivision elements can be easily and quickly replaced by other subdivision elements.

EP '592 further describes a transport system with a transport container or frame and at least one subdivision element. The subdivision element can additionally be fastened to rigid elements on the upper side of the transport container or the transport frame to provide additional support for the subdivision element.

This known device has the following drawback. Lying bars on the upper side of the transport container or frame are placed in holes in the transport container or frame. Making the holes in the transport container or transport frame is labour intensive and expensive and the holes are only made during manufacture of the transport container or transport frame. This means that the lying bars can only be arranged in a limited number of positions in the transport container or transport frame, which severely limits the possibilities for changing the subdivision of a transport container or frame. It is not possible to change the possible positions of the lying bars on the upper side of the transport container or frame afterwards, because in practice this means a new transport container or frame, eliminating the advantage of using a different subdivision element to change the layout. The rigid elements also include upright rods and lying bars to which the flexible material is attached. Similarly, the upright rods include holes through which the lying bars are arranged. These holes, too, are only made during the manufacturing of the subdivision element. This again means that the lying bars can only be arranged in a limited number of positions, which severely limits the possibilities for changing the subdivision of a transport container or frame if only the flexible material is replaced. Only if the upright rods of a subdivision element are replaced as well, is it possible to change the position of the lying bars. However, this is an expensive and time-consuming operation and not a sustainable solution.

Other examples of transport containers are given in US 6 601 928, WO 2007/082871, BE 1 021 348, US 2013/175912, WO 2007/039282 and US 2013/126383.

The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above problems or drawbacks.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a transport system according to claim 1.

The transport system according to the present invention comprises a transport container or frame and a subdivision element. The subdivision element comprises upright strips of flexible material and a group of cross-beams. The great advantage of this invention is that the upright strips are fixed to the group of cross-beams and that the cross-beams are detachably connected to an upper side of the transport container or the transport frame. This makes it possible to change the subdivision of a transport container or frame quickly, easily, flexibly, durably and inexpensively. The subdivision element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the cross-beams. By detaching the upright strips from the cross-beams, the upright strips can be replaced to obtain a new subdivision element, whereby the cross-beams can be reused, which saves costs and material and is a sustainable solution.

Preferred embodiments of the device are set out in claims 2 to 12.

A particular preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a device according to claim 10. In this embodiment, the transport container or transport frame comprises a U-shaped or L-shaped profile at the top on at least two opposite sides, wherein the cross-beams near their ends comprise a notch, recess, or hook configured for hooking into the U-shaped or L-shaped profile. This is advantageous because the previous positions of the cross-beams need not be taken into account when implementing the new subdivision element, because they can be distributed freely over the U-shaped or L-shaped profiles. This is in contrast to a prior art transport container or frame where the possible positions of the beams are determined by holes at the top of the transport container or transport frame. This increases flexibility. The cross-beams can even be reused in new positions, which saves costs and materials and is a sustainable solution.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 13. One of the advantages of this method is that a transport container or frame can be laid out quickly, easily, flexibly, durably and inexpensively by using a subdivision element with upright strips of flexible material and a group of cross-beams. Because the upright strips are fixed to the cross-beams and because the cross-beams are detachably connected to an upper side of the transport container or the transport frame, it is possible to quickly and easily remove the subdivision and replace it with a new subdivision.

Preferred embodiments of the method are described in the dependent claims 14 to 16.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use according to claim 17. This use results in an economical transport of goods, wherein after the transport the subdivision of a transport container or frame can be adapted quickly, easily, flexibly, durably and inexpensively to requirements for a new transport.

A preferred form of the method is described in dependent claim 18.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an upright according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure IB shows a perspective view of an upright according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a transport system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2C shows a perspective view of a transport system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a detail representation of the upper side of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For a better understanding of the description of the invention, the following terms are explained explicitly.

In this document, 'a' and 'the' refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context presupposes otherwise. For example, 'a segment' means one or more segments.

The terms 'comprise', 'comprising', 'consist of', 'consisting of', 'provided with', 'include', 'including', 'contain', 'containing', are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows, and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, characteristics, elements, members, steps, as known from or disclosed in the prior art.

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a transport system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transport system comprises a transport container or frame and a subdivision element.

A transport container comprises a floor, walls and a ceiling. Said floor, said walls and said ceiling define a closed load volume. The closed load volume forms the interior of the transport container. A transport frame comprises horizontal and vertical frame members. A first group of horizontal frame members forms a rectangular open floor of the transport frame and a second group of frame members forms a rectangular open ceiling of the transport frame. Vertical frame members connect the horizontal frame members of the floor to the horizontal frame members of the ceiling. The vertical and horizontal frame members can be detachably connected, for instance by means of bolts and nuts, or fixedly, for instance by welding. Preferably, frame members are fixedly connected to each other. A plane formed by an edge of the floor, an edge of the ceiling and connecting vertical frame members between said edge of the floor and said edge of the ceiling is a wall of the transport frame. Said floor, ceiling and walls define an open load volume. The open load volume forms the interior of the transport frame. Optionally, the transport frame comprises a grid or plate as base on the horizontal frame members of the floor. Optionally, the transport frame comprises a grid or plate as a roof on the horizontal frame members of the ceiling. Optionally, the transport frame comprises on vertical frame members one or more grids or plates for forming one or more fully or partially closed wall parts. A base and/or roof and/or wall are advantageous for protecting goods in the interior of the transport frame.

The transport container or transport frame is optionally foldable.

A subdivision element comprises upright strips of flexible material and a group of cross-beams. The use of flexible material for the strips is advantageous for compactly folding a subdivision element, if necessary for storage, after removal from a transport container or frame. An upright strip is formed as one piece from flexible material. Alternatively, an upright strip is formed by multiple pieces of flexible material. The upright strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The upright strips preferably extend from the ceiling to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. An upright strip forms an angle between -60° and 60° with the ceiling, preferably an angle between -70° and 70°, more preferably an angle between -80° and 80°, even more preferably an angle between -85° and 85° and even more preferably 90°. The upright strips divide the interior into separate compartments. This is advantageous for the separate storage and transport of goods in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The goods rest here between the upright strips of flexible material. The upright strips are attached to the group of cross-beams. The cross-beams are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. The cross-beams are preferably connected to the transport container or the transport frame parallel to the ceiling. The weight of goods in the transport container or transport frame is transferred via the cross-beams to the top of the transport container or transport frame. Because the cross-beams are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a subdivision element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the cross-beams. By detaching the upright strips from the cross-beams, the upright strips can be replaced to obtain a new subdivision element, whereby the cross-beams can be reused, which saves time, costs and material.

According to a further embodiment, the subdivision element comprises lying strips of flexible material, so that the subdivision element can be folded compactly for storage after removal from a transport container or frame. The lying strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The goods rest between the upright strips and on the lying strips. A lying strip is formed as one piece from flexible material. Alternatively, a lying strip is formed by multiple pieces of flexible material. A lying strip forms an angle between -60° and 60° with an upright strip, preferably an angle between -70° and 70°, more preferably an angle between -80° and 80°, even more preferably an angle between -85° and 85° and even more preferably 90°. The lying strips are sewn, welded, glued to the upright strips or connected to the upright strips by any other suitable technique. The upright and lying strips form a subdivision grid, comprising tubes. Walls of the tubes are formed by the upright and the lying strips. A subdivision grid is advantageous for further subdividing the interior of a transport container or frame into compartments.

According to one embodiment, an axis along the longitudinal direction of a tube of the subdivision grid forms an angle of at least 1° and at most 40° with the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. This is advantageous for easier loading or for easier unloading of goods from the transport system, depending on whether goods are loaded or unloaded along the highest or lowest side of a tube.

The angle is preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 10° and more preferably at least 15°. The angle is preferably at most 30°, more preferably at most 25° and more preferably at most 20°.

According to one embodiment, the subdivision grid comprises at least one side wall and/or rear wall, these walls being connected to at least one of the strips. The said side walls and/or rear walls are preferably also made of flexible material, so that the subdivision element can be folded compactly for storage after removal from a transport container or frame. Said side wall and/or rear wall are sewn, welded, glued to the flexible material or connected to the strips by any other suitable technique. Side walls and/or rear walls are preferably connected transversely to lying strips with strips of flexible material. Side walls and rear walls are advantageous to prevent goods from falling out of the subdivision element and being damaged during transport.

According to one embodiment, the subdivision element comprises a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams. The lying strips are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights and beams. The lying strips are preferably arranged under tension between the first and the second group of uprights and beams. This is advantageous to prevent the lying strips from sagging under load from goods on the lying strips. Preferably, the first group of uprights and beams is arranged near a first wall and the second group of uprights and beams near a second opposite wall. This is advantageous because as a result virtually the entire interior of the transport container or the transport frame is divided into compartments by the lying and upright strips. The uprights are preferably arranged transversely to the plane of the floor and the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame. The uprights can be arranged along a transverse direction or a longitudinal direction of the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that in case the uprights are arranged along the transverse direction of the floor, the goods are preferably loaded and unloaded along the longitudinal direction and vice versa. It will also be apparent to a person skilled in the art that in the case of a subdivision grid which comprises at least one side wall and/or rear wall according to a previously described embodiment, in the first case a side wall is parallel to the transverse direction of the floor and in the second case with the longitudinal direction and that in the first case a rear wall is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the floor and in the second case with the transverse direction. Arranging the uprights according to the transverse direction of the floor is, for instance, advantageous if short goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame. Arranging the uprights along the longitudinal direction of the floor is advantageous, for example, if long goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame.

A lying strip is attached at a first end to a beam of the first group and at a second opposite end to a beam of the second group. The uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame.

According to a further embodiment, at least some of the beams of the first group are fixed to at least some of the uprights of the first group by means of clamps. At least some of the beams of the second group are fastened to at least some of the uprights of the second group by means of clamps. Preferably, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, are fixed to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively. A lying strip of flexible material attached at opposite ends to said beams of the first and second groups closest to the ceiling extends through the interior of the transport container or transport frame. Underlying lying strips hereby also extend at least partially through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. Because these beams are fixed to at least one upright of the first and the second group, the lying strip has a fixed position in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame along the longitudinal direction of said upright. The use of a clamp is advantageous because the position of the lying strip along the longitudinal direction of said upright can be freely determined over the length of said upright. The clamp makes it possible to divide a transport container or frame quickly and flexibly by means of lying strips, without having to provide holes in the above-mentioned upright. This saves operations and costs during manufacture of the subdivision element. Because the uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a subdivision element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the group of cross-beams and the uprights of the first and the second group. By detaching the lying strips from the beams and the upright strips from the cross-beams, the lying and upright strips can be replaced to obtain a new subdivision element, whereby the beams can be reused, which saves costs and material and is a sustainable solution. When manufacturing the new subdivision element, previous positions of the beams do not have to be taken into account because they are fastened to the uprights with clamps and new positions of the beams are not limited by, for example, holes in the uprights, as with a transport system according to the prior art. This avoids the need to replace uprights, which saves time, costs and material when changing the subdivision.

Because the upright and lying strips are interconnected, it is not necessary for each lying strip of flexible material to attach the beams of the first and the second group, to which a lying strip is attached, to an upright of the first and second group, respectively. The upright strips are fastened to the cross-beams, whereby the lying strips are suspended in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame and so that it is not always necessary to attach the beams of the first and second group to which the lying strips are attached to an upright of attach the first or the second group, respectively. As a result, fewer clamps can be used, so that operations and clamps during manufacture and placement of the subdivision element can be saved, and this can be done quickly and cost-efficiently.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that if a lying strip under load of goods is insufficiently stable and sags, and as a result, for example, does not extend sufficiently through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame, the beams of the first and the second group to which said lying strip is attached are also attached to at least one upright of the first or second group, respectively, to fix said strip in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame.

According to one embodiment, a beam of the first group or the second group which is fastened by means of a clamp to an upright of the first group or the second group, respectively, is attached by means of a clamp to at least a second upright of the first group, the second group respectively. A beam is preferably attached to a first upright at a distance of at most one third of its length at a first end and to a second upright at a distance of at most one third of its length at an opposite second end. Preferably, said distance is at most one fourth of the length of the beam, more preferably at most one fifth of the length of the beam. This is advantageous because as a result, torsional forces on the beam due to a load on the lying strip of flexible material which is attached to the beam are better absorbed.

According to one embodiment, a beam of the first group or the second group, which is fastened by means of a clamp to an upright of the first group or the second group, respectively, is attached to all uprights of the first group or the second group by means of a clamp. This is advantageous if a lying strip of the subdivision element has to carry heavy goods, so that the forces on the beams to which the lying strip is attached are optimally transferred to uprights.

According to one embodiment, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, and at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame, are attached to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively. Preferably, the subdivision grid is stretched between the beams closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame and the beams closest to the floor of the transport container or the transport frame. This embodiment is advantageous because as a result the subdivision grid is fixedly positioned in the transport container or the transport frame.

According to one embodiment, all beams of the first group and all beams of the second group are fastened to at least all uprights of the first and second group, respectively, by means of clamps. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when heavy goods are carried by the subdivision element, whereby the load by the heavy goods is transferred optimally from the lying strips to the uprights.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that, depending on an expected load from the goods to be transported, more or fewer beams are fastened to more or fewer uprights by means of clamps.

According to one embodiment, cross-beams, beams and uprights are extruded profiles. The profiles have a round, square or rectangular cross-section. Preferably, beams have a round cross-section. Preferably, cross-beams and uprights have a square or rectangular cross-section. The profiles are made of plastic or metal. The profiles are preferably formed from metal. The profiles are preferably hollow. This is advantageous for saving weight of the subdivision element. The beams and uprights are preferably formed from rigid profiles. This is advantageous to prevent the crossbeams, uprights and beams from sagging.

According to one embodiment, an upright comprises a hook element at a first end and a connecting element at a second opposite end. The hook element is configured for hooking into a recess in the transport container or transport frame. The recess is a slot or circular opening in a horizontal frame member of the floor or ceiling of a transport frame or a slot or circular opening in the floor or ceiling of a transport container. The hook element has a shape which substantially corresponds to the recess. The hook element comprises a free end which preferably faces the interior of the transport container or the transport frame or faces in the opposite direction. This is advantageous because in this way an upright can be hooked into the recess from inside the interior, if the hook element is directed towards the interior, or from outside the interior, if the hook element is directed in the opposite direction, and erected until the connecting element ends up against the floor or the ceiling, depending on the position of the recess for the hook element, of the transport container or the transport frame. The connecting element is configured for detachably connecting the upright to the transport container or transport frame. This embodiment is advantageous for quickly placing and detachably connecting an upright to the transport container or the transport frame. Due to the use of a hook element, no additional material or operation is required for detachably connecting the first end of the upright.

According to one embodiment, the connecting element comprises a pin and a spring and the transport container or the transport frame has holes. The holes are configured to receive the pin. The pin is pre-tensioned by the spring in an initial position, with a first end of the pin protruding from the upright along the longitudinal direction of an upright. The pin is preferably obliquely flattened or rounded at the first end so that the pin is moved to a second retracted position in the upright by contact with the transport container or the transport frame. When the pin is positioned at the height of a hole in the transport container or the transport frame, the pin moves to the first position due to the spring tension, after which the upright is detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame. The pin preferably comprises a lever adapted to move the pin against the spring force of the spring. This simplifies the release of the upright. This embodiment is advantageous for detachably connecting an upright to a transport container or frame without the use of tools.

According to an alternative embodiment, the connecting element comprises an eye or slot and the transport container comprises holes. The holes are arranged at regular or irregular distances in the transport container. Preferably, the holes are arranged at regular intervals. An upright can be detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame through the eye or the slot of the connecting element in a hole by means of a bolt. The bolt is secured by means of a nut. Alternatively, the hole is threaded, eliminating the need for a nut. This embodiment is advantageous due to the limited number of inexpensive parts. In addition, the connection between an upright and a transport container or frame cannot be accidentally disconnected during loading or unloading.

According to one embodiment, the uprights of a group form a plane. The upright and lying strips of flexible material are substantially located on a first side of the plane. The beams of said group are located on an opposite second side of said plane. The lying strips of flexible material extend through said plane to the beams. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in combination with an embodiment in which at least some of the beams of a group are not connected to uprights of said group. When a lying strip is loaded by goods, the beams to which the lying strip is attached will move towards the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. This movement is stopped by the uprights, although the beams are not fixed to them, so that a lying strip can only sag to a limited extent due to load. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the embodiments described above in which a strip or subdivision grid is clamped.

According to one embodiment, a clamp comprises a U-shape and a tensioning means. The U shape includes a base and two legs. The two legs each comprise an opening, which are positioned opposite each other. The openings are configured to receive a beam. The cross-section of the profile of the beams is complementary to the shape and dimensions of the openings. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that that margins may apply. As in an embodiment described above, the upright is formed from a profile with a rectangular cross-section. The U-shape is positioned around an upright, wherein the base of the U-shape preferably abuts against a first side wall of the upright and wherein a leg preferably leans against a side wall transverse to the first side wall of the upright. The tensioning means is configured for clamping the legs about an upright. The legs are herein pulled against the side walls transversely to the first side wall. The beam is fitted in the openings. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows a beam to be flexibly fixed over the entire length of an upright, without holes having to be provided in the upright or having to make additional holes in the upright.

According to one embodiment, the openings in the legs of the clamp are holes, the shape and dimensions of which are substantially equal to the cross-section of the profile of the beams. The beam is arranged through the holes. According to one embodiment, the openings in the legs of the clamp are U-shaped or C-shaped recesses. The cross section of the profile of the beams is complementary to the U-shaped or C-shaped recess. The open side of the U-shaped or C-shaped recess lies on an edge of one leg of the clamp. The beam is placed in the recess. This is advantageous for fast and simple fastening of a beam to an upright. A C-shaped recess is also advantageous because a beam is snapped into the recess, so that the beam is fixed more firmly to the upright.

According to a further embodiment, a tensioning means comprises a bolt and a cage nut. A first leg of the U-shape comprises a hole configured to receive the bolt. The second leg of the U-shape comprises a recess configured for attaching the cage nut. The bolt can be screwed into the cage nut through the hole in the first leg and the recess in the second leg. This embodiment is advantageous in that only standard parts are used for the tensioning means and that the tensioning means can be tightened with a simple tool such as an Allen key, a wrench or a screwdriver, depending on the type of bolt.

According to one embodiment, the flexible material is formed from flexible plastic films between woven, braided or knitted fabrics of natural or synthetic fibres. Fabrics are beneficial for avoiding damage to goods stored or transported in the subdivision element. Particular preference is given to technical textiles. Optionally, at least one reinforcing element is arranged in the flexible material, such as for instance a profile or strip made of plastic or metal. The reinforcing element or reinforcing elements are arranged so as not to hinder the folding of the flexible material.

According to a further embodiment, the transport container or the transport frame comprises a U-shaped or L-shaped profile at the top on at least two opposite sides. The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is preferably arranged over the full length of said side. The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is fixedly attached to the transport container or the transport frame. The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is glued, welded, bolted, riveted, pressed or attached to the transport container or transport frame by any other suitable technique. The U-shaped or L-shaped profile is preferably arranged around the top side. The cross-beams include near their ends a notch, recess or hook configured for hooking into the U-shaped or L-shaped profile. This embodiment is advantageous for flexibly positioning cross-beams over the full length of the U- shaped or L-shaped profile. As a result, old positions of the cross-beams need not be taken into account when manufacturing a new subdivision element. Cross-beams can be reused with a new subdivision element, which leads to less material and costs and so that a new subdivision element can be provided more quickly.

Cross-beams, comprising a notch or recess at their ends, preferably have a rectangular or square cross-section, as in a previously described embodiment. A rectangular or square cross-section simplifies the application of the notch or recess.

According to one embodiment, the group of cross-beams comprises a first subgroup of cross-beams which are attached to these cross-beams transversely to cross-beams of a second subgroup of cross-beams. A grid of cross-beams is hereby formed. This embodiment is advantageous to prevent the cross-beams from sliding due to a heavy load.

According to one embodiment, a strip of flexible material is fastened to a beam or cross-beam by means of a loop formed by said strip. The loop is formed by folding the strip around the beam or cross-beam. The folded strip is sewn, stapled, glued or welded to the rest of the strip or wall. Preferably, the loop fits around the beam or cross-beam. As in a previously described embodiment, the beam is preferably formed for this purpose from a round profile. The loop is optionally stapled, glued, nailed, riveted to the beam or cross-beam or secured to the beam or cross-beam by any other suitable technique.

In combination with an embodiment described above, wherein the uprights of a group form a plane, wherein the strips are located on a first side and wherein the beams are located on a second opposite side, it is advantageous that the loops are interrupted at the height of the uprights.

In combination with an embodiment described above, in which the cross-beams form a grid, it is advantageous that the loops are interrupted at the intersections of the cross-beams.

According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a beam or cross-beam by means of a hook. The strip comprises a hook at one end, suitable for hooking to a beam or cross-beam. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that in the case of a lying strip, each end comprises a hook. According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a beam or cross-beam by means of a hook and loop fastener. The strip comprises a piece of hook and loop fastener at one end. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that in the case of a lying strip, each end comprises a piece of hook and loop fastener. A beam or cross-beam comprises a complementary piece of hook and loop fastener, suitable for attaching the piece of hook and loop fastener to one end of a strip. Preferably, a strip of flexible material comprises at one end a first piece of hook and loop fastener and a second complementary piece of hook and loop fastener, suitable for forming a loop by adhering the first piece of hook and loop fastener to the second piece of hook and loop fastener. More preferably, a strip of flexible material comprises at one end a ribbon having on a first side a first piece of hook and loop fastener and on a second opposite side a second complementary piece of hook and loop fastener, adapted to form a loop by adhering the first to the second piece of hook and loop fastener.

According to an alternative embodiment, a strip of flexible material is attached to a beam or cross-beam by means of a border. The beam or cross-beam includes a recess, configured to receive the border. The border is preferably an extruded profile.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that there are still other suitable means for attaching a strip of flexible material to a beam or cross-beam. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for dividing a transport container or frame.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing a subdivision element, comprising upright strips of flexible material and a group of cross-beams; placing the subdivision element in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame; and connecting the cross-beam to the transport container or the shipping frame.

The upright strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The upright strips divide the interior into separate compartments. This is advantageous for the separate storage and transport of goods in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The goods rest here between the upright strips of flexible material. The upright strips are attached to the cross-beams. The cross-beams are detachably connected to a top side of the transport container or the transport frame. The cross-beams are preferably connected parallel to the ceiling to the transport container or the transport frame. Because the upright strips are fixed to the cross-beams and because the cross-beams are detachably connected to an upper side of the transport container or the transport frame, it is possible to quickly and easily remove the subdivision and replace it with a new subdivision.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of providing lying strips. The lying strips extend into the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. The upright and lying strips divide the transport container or transport frame into separate compartments. The upright and lying strips form a subdivision grid. The advantages of a subdivision grid are as in a previously described embodiment of the system.

According to a further embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of providing a first group of uprights and beams and a second group of uprights and beams. The lying strips are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights and beams. The lying strips are preferably arranged under tension between the first and the second group of uprights and beams. This is advantageous to prevent the lying strips from sagging under load from goods on the lying strips. Preferably, the first group of uprights and beams are arranged near a first wall and the second group of uprights and beams near a second opposite wall of the transport container or the transport frame. This is advantageous because as a result virtually the entire interior of the transport container or the transport frame is divided into compartments by the lying strips. The uprights are preferably arranged transversely to the plane of the floor and the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame. The uprights can be arranged according to a transverse direction or a longitudinal direction of the floor of the transport container or the transport frame, depending on whether short or long goods are stored and transported in the transport container or the transport frame.

A lying strip is attached at a first end to a beam of the first group and at a second opposite end to a beam of the second group. The uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame. At least some of the beams of the first group are fastened to at least some of the uprights of the first group by means of clamps. At least some of the beams of the second group are fastened to at least some of the uprights of the second group by means of clamps. Preferably, at least the beam of the first group and the beam of the second group, which are closest to the ceiling of the transport container or the transport frame, are fixed to at least one upright of the first group and the second group, respectively. A lying strip of flexible material attached at opposite ends to said beams of the first and second groups closest to the ceiling extends through the interior of the transport container or transport frame. Underlying lying strips hereby also extend at least partially through the interior of the transport container or the transport frame. Because these beams are fixed to at least one upright of the first and the second group, the lying strip has a fixed position in the interior of the transport container or the transport frame along the longitudinal direction of said upright. The use of a clamp is advantageous because the position of the lying strip along the longitudinal direction of said upright can be freely determined over the length of said upright. The clamp makes it possible to divide a transport container or frame quickly and flexibly, without having to provide holes in the above-mentioned upright. The beams and uprights of the first and second group can be manufactured independently of the subdivision to be obtained. Only the dimensions of the transport container or the transport frame need to be taken into account. This saves time, operations and costs during the subdivision of a transport container or frame.

According to one embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of rearranging the transport container or transport frame. The cross-beams and, depending on the embodiment, the uprights of the first and the second group are detached from the transport container or the transport frame. Because the crossbeams and, depending on the embodiment, the uprights of the first and the second group are detachably connected to the transport container or the transport frame, a subdivision element can be removed from the transport container or the transport frame by detaching the cross-beams and any uprights of the first and the second group. Another subdivision element is provided. The other subdivision element can be an existing subdivision element that is in storage. The other subdivision element can be a new subdivision element. If the subdivision element removed from the transport container or transport frame does not need to be retained for future use, for example because the strips of flexible material are worn out, the strips can be replaced to obtain a new subdivision element by detaching the said strips from the cross-beams and any beams, wherein the cross-beams and any beams can be reused, saving time, cost and material. When manufacturing the new subdivision element, the previous positions of the cross-beams and any beams need not be taken into account. Because the beams are fastened to the uprights with clamps, no new holes have to be made in the uprights for new positions of the beams, as is the case with a transport system according to the prior art. This avoids the need to replace uprights, which saves time, costs and material when changing the subdivision. When a subdivision element is replaced by a stored subdivision element, any uprights can be reused. After all, by using the clamps, the uprights can be easily and quickly detached from the beams, after which the uprights are no longer connected to the subdivision element. As described previously, the use of clamps means that it is not necessary to take into account whether positions of the beams are the same in the removed and the stored subdivision element. Again, time, costs and material can be saved and there is a lot of flexibility in changing the subdivision.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the method is preferably configured to obtain a transport system according to the first aspect and, consequently, that a transport system according to the first aspect can be obtained with a method according to the second aspect. Each feature described herein, above as well as below, may therefore relate to the three aspects of the present invention.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a transport system according to the first aspect or a use of a method according to the second aspect for transporting goods using a transport container or frame and a subdivision element.

This use results in an economical transport of goods, wherein after the transport the subdivision of a transport container or frame can be adapted quickly, easily, durably, flexibly and inexpensively to requirements for a new transport.

According to a further embodiment, the transport container or the transport frame and the subdivision element are included in a leasing system. The transport container or the transport frame and the subdivision element are included in a transport system. The leasing system comprises a computer or server configured to run a program for managing transport systems. The program has access to a database. The database includes data about the transport container or transport frame, the subdivision element arranged therein and a period over which a transport system is leased. The database preferably includes data on future lease periods of transport systems and the desired subdivision of a transport system. Preferably, at the end of a lease period, the program selects a new lease period from the future lease periods for which the transport container or transport frame, with or without adjustment of the subdivision, is suitable. This embodiment is advantageous because after a lease period ends of a transport system, comprising a transport container or frame and a subdivision element, the subdivision of the transport system can be adapted quickly, simply, flexibly and cheaply to the needs of the same or a new customer for a new lease period, and wherein a majority of parts of the transport system, such as for instance the transport container or the transport frame and the beams and uprights, can be reused.

In what follows, the invention is described by way of non-limiting figures illustrating the invention, and which are not intended to and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an upright according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The upright (1) is formed from a metal profile with a rectangular cross-section. The upright (1) comprises a hook element (4) at a first end and a connecting element (2) at a second opposite end. The hook element (4) is configured for hooking into a circular opening in a horizontal frame member of the floor or ceiling of the transport container or transport frame. The connecting element (2) comprises a slot (3). The upright (1) can be detachably connected to a transport container or frame through the slot (3) by means of a bolt.

Several clamps (5) are clamped around the upright (1). A clamp (5) comprises a U- shape and a tensioning means. The U-shape comprises a base and a first leg (6) and a second leg (7). The base abuts against a first side wall of the upright (1). This first side wall is not visible in Figure 1. The first leg (6) and the second leg (7) rest against side walls transverse to the first side wall of the upright (1). The first leg (6) comprises a hole (8) and the second leg (7) a hole (9). The holes (8) and (9) are configured to receive a beam. The shape and dimensions of the holes (8) and (9) are substantially equal to the cross section of the profile of the beams. The holes (8) and

(9) are positioned opposite each other. The tensioning means comprises a bolt (10) and a cage nut (11). The first leg (6) includes a hole configured to receive the bolt

(10). The second leg (7) includes a recess configured for attaching the cage nut (11). The bolt (10) is screwed through the hole in the first leg (6) and the recess in the second leg (7) in the cage nut (11). As a result, the legs (6) and (7) are pulled against the side walls transversely to the first side wall of the upright (1).

Figure IB shows a perspective view of an upright according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

This upright is very similar to the embodiment of Figure 1A. In this alternative embodiment, the hook element (4) is configured to hook into a slot in a horizontal frame member of the floor or ceiling of the transport container or transport frame. The first leg (6) comprises a C-shaped recess (8) and the second leg (7) a C-shaped recess (9). The C-shaped recesses (8) and (9) are configured for snapping a beam into place.

Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The transport system comprises a transport frame (16). The transport frame (16) comprises horizontal frame members (18) and (19) and vertical frame members (17). The horizontal frame members (18) form the ceiling of the transport frame (16). The horizontal frame members (19) form the floor of the transport frame (16). The vertical frame members (17) connect the horizontal frame members (19) of the floor to the horizontal frame members (18) of the ceiling. Two vertical frame members (17) and a horizontal frame member (18) and (19) form a first wall of the transport frame (16). Two vertical frame members (17) and a horizontal frame member (18) and (19) form a second opposite wall of the transport frame (16). The second wall is largely hidden in Figure 2 by a subdivision element of the transport system. A first group of uprights (1) and beams (12) is arranged near the first wall and a second group of uprights (1) and beams (12) near the second wall. The uprights (1) are arranged along the transverse direction of the floor of the transport frame (16), as a result of which the embodiment shown is suitable for storing and transporting short goods in the transport frame (16). In the embodiment shown, all beams (12) of the first and second group are fixed to two of the four uprights (1) of the first and second group, respectively, by means of a clamp (5). The beams (12) are attached at a distance of at most one fifth of their length at a first end to a first upright (1) of the said two of the four uprights (1) and at a distance of at most one fifth of their length at an opposite second end to a second upright (1) of said two of the four uprights (1). The transport system comprises a subdivision element in the interior of the transport frame (16). The subdivision element comprises lying strips (13) of flexible material and the uprights (1) and the beams (12) of the first and the second group. The lying strips (13) are arranged between the first and the second group of uprights (1) and beams (12). The lying strips (13) are attached to a beam (12) by means of a loop formed by the lying strips (13). The loops are interrupted at the height of the uprights (1). The uprights (1) of a group form a plane. The lying strips (13) and the upright strips (15) are located substantially on a first side of the plane. The beams (12) of the same group are located substantially on a second opposite side of the plane. The lying strips (13) extend through said plane to the beams (12). The lying strips (13) are connected to each other by side walls (14) and upright strips (15). The lying strips (13), the side walls (14) and the upright strips (15) form a subdivision grid.

The transport frame (16) comprises at the top a U-shaped profile (25) which is welded around the top to the horizontal frame members (18). Cross-beams (23) of a first subgroup and cross-beams (24) of a second subgroup are detachably connected to the top side of the transport frame (16). The cross-beams (24) are fastened transversely to the cross-beams (23). The cross-beams (23) and the cross-beams (24) form a grid. The side walls (14) and the upright strips (15) are attached to the cross-beams (23) with a loop. The loops are interrupted at the level of the crossbeams (24). Lying strips (13) are attached to the cross-beams (24) with loops at the height of the ceiling of the transport frame (16). The loops are interrupted at the level of the cross-beams (23).

The transport frame (16) comprises wheels (20), suitable for moving the transport frame (16) in a simple manner. The wheels (20) preferably comprise a braking mechanism. At least two wheels (20) near the same wall of the transport frame (16) are pivotable about a vertical axis, so that manoeuvring is simplified. The transport frame (16) comprises a projection (21) at a lower end of the vertical frame members (17) and an opening (22) at an upper end of the vertical frame members (17). The opening (22) is configured to receive the projections (21), through which transport systems according to the present invention can be stacked on top of each other.

Figure 2B shows a perspective view of a transport system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This alternative embodiment has no crossbeams (23). Figure 2C shows a perspective view of a transport system according to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. This alternative embodiment has no cross-beams (24).

Figure 3 shows a detail representation of the upper side of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Holes (27) are arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal frame member (18). An upright (1) can be detachably connected to the transport frame (16) by means of a bolt through a slot (3) in a hole (27). The cross-beam (24) comprises a notch (26). By hooking the notch (26) in the U-shaped profile (25), the cross-beam (24) is detachably connected to the top side of the transport frame (16). Such notches are also provided in the beams (23). These notches are not visible in Figure 3.