SABANCI DEMIR (TR)
| US20050098556A1 | 2005-05-12 | |||
| US20050098557A1 | 2005-05-12 | |||
| US6290081B1 | 2001-09-18 |
CLAIMS
1- Sliding lock mechanism forfoldable crates, in particular transporting and stocking crates, characterized in that it comprises
• long sides (2) with centering holes (22,23) above and below of a lock and with a lock protrusion (24),
• short sides (3) with a short side top profile (31), a locking bolt bearing (32), a locking handle claw (33), a locking handle housing (34), centering pins (35, 36) above and below the lock, locking bolt support bearings (38) and a reduced thickness part (39), • locking bolts (4) with a locking bolt edge (41) and a pin (42),
• at least one locking handle (5) composed of an angled channel (51), a bearing surface (52) and a handle holding part (53), and
• springs (6) on the locking handle (5).
2- Sliding lock mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking mechanism is composed of two locking handles (5) located at the centre part of the two short sides (3), and that four locking bars (4) are provided on both short sides (3) and that four lock protrusions (24) are provided at the inner surface of the long sides (2).
3- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bolts (4) are arranged at the bearings (32) on the short sides (3).
4- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the springs (6) are arranged in such a way that they press the locking handle (4) downwards in such a way that the lock is kept in a closed position.
5- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing surfaces (52) on the both sides of the locking handle (5) are configurated that the locking handle (5) is movable up and down inside the claw (33).
6- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pins (42) at the ends of the locking bolts (4) fit at the angled slots (51) at both sides of the locking handle (5). 7- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims characterized in that the pins (42) bearing to the angled slots (51) at both sides of the locking handle (5) move the locking bolts (4) to the centre of the short side (3), as the locking handle (5) is moved upwards through the holding part (53).
8- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bolts (4) are arranged in such a way that they are moved out of the centre with the downwards movement of the locking handle (5).
9- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the short sides (3) is closer to a base than the long sides (2), when the long and the short sides (2 and 3) are folded parallel to the base (1).
10- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the centering pins (35,36) at the corner of the short side (3) are fitted into the centering holes (21) at the part where the long side (2) clutches the corner and interconnects the long and short sides (2, 3) when the long and short sides (2, 3) are folded in parallel to the base (1).
11- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configurated so that the edge (41) of the locking mechanism bolt (4) is pushed towards the centre of the short side (3) by the angled surface (26) of the lock protrusion (24) when the long and short sides (2,3) are wished to be brought to a position perpendicular to the base (1).
12- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bolt is configurated such, that an inward movement of the locking bolt (4) pushes the locking handle (5) upwards opposite to the spring force and as the short side (3) is perpendicularly positioned, the spring (6) on the locking handle (5) presses the handle (5) downwards and pushing the locking bar (4) outwards provides the lock to be closed. 13- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the short side (3) reclines the locking bolt (4) to the locking surface (27) of the protrusion (24) as the short side (3) is pressed inwards while the lock is in closed position, and being in the locking bar bearings (32), the locking bolt (4) prevents the inwards movement of the short side (3). 14- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that locking bar support bearings (38) at both sides of the short side (3) support the locking bolt (4) closer to the locking bolt edge (41).
15- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking handles (5) are pulled upwards and provide the locking bars (4) to escape from the locking surface (27) of the locking protrusion (24) when the crate is intended to be folded through bringing the short (3) and the long sides (2) parallel to the base (1).
16- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (6) and the locking handle (5) are a single piece. 17- Sliding lock mechanism according to any of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the spring (6) and the locking handle (5) are separate pieces.
18- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking spring (6) is manufactured of plastic or rubber or polyurethane as elastomer material or metal. 19- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (6) may be single or that more than one spring is provided for each locking handle (5).
20- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking handle (5) and the locking bolts (4) are made of plastic, wood or metal. 21- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the pins (42) on the locking bolt (4) are parallel to the angled slot channel (51).
22- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the pins (42) on the locking bar (4) are cylindrical. 23- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (42) is fixed.
24- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (42) is rotatable and/or a roller.
25- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (42) and the locking bolt (4) are made of the same material or of different materials.
26- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the angled slot (51) is located on the locking handle (5). ,
27- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (42) is located on the locking handle (5) instead of the locking bolt (4) provided that the angled channel (51) is located at the edge of the bolt(4). 28- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bolt), locking handle (5) and the locking spring (6) are installed on the crate so as the lock is opened by pulling up or pressing down the locking handle (4).
29- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the edge of the locking bolt (4) is angled instead of the angled surface (26) of the lock protrusion (24).
30- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is located at the outside upper part of the short side (3).
31- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is located at the outside middle part of the short side (3).
32- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is located at the outside lower part of the short side (3).
33- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is located at the inner side of the short side (3). 34- Sliding lock mechanism according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism is be installed on the long side (2), if the crate is designed in such a way that as the long and short sides (2 and 3) are folded to be parallel to the base (1), the long sides (2) are at a closer position to the base than the short sides (3). |
DESCRIPTION
SLIDING LOCK MECHANISM FOR FOLDABLE TRANSPORTING AND
STOCKING CRATES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a locking mechanism providing the transporting and stocking crates to be locked in a safe way and unlocked easily on demand.
PRIOR ART ABOUT THE INVENTION
Different types of crates are used for transportation, storage and retention of foods like fruit and vegetables and/or any kind of materials. The prior art of the technique for some of this kind of existing crates are unfoldable. And some of them are foldable kind of crates. For some of these foldable crates, snap fit technique is applied to the sides to be locked up. The crates locked by snap fit technique are unlocked by applying a strong impact on the side. In case the side of the crate hits to the ground during shipment or deployment of the crate, or the crate is subject to a strong impact, the lock may be unlocked and the materials inside the crate falls out. In such locking systems, since the parts providing the snap fit action wear in time, the locking action cannot be performed in time. As a result the crate cannot be used safely for its purpose.
A locking system related with the foldable crates is described within the publication of the applicant numbered WO/2007/011317. This document explains a locking system having;
• the male part which is located on one of the sides of the crate and consisting of the base, side, cavity (recess ), connection point of the side and base, and pressing part for unlocking, • the female part which is located on the other side of the crate and consisting of side and protrusion,
• centering protrusions located above or below or both above and below of the male part,
• centering recesses located above or below or both above and below the female part.
The locking mechanism explained in this document is fastened through coupling of * female and male parts to each other and released in case of pressing the pressing part or applying excess load.
The sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates which is the subject of this invention is a locking mechanism which is not released even in case of applying excess load.
Sliding lock systems are known systems used for doors, boxes and containers. Sliding lock system is used for some of the foldable crates.
An existing locking system, patent numbered EP 0 786 412 Bl includes bars having integrated springs. At the end of the bars of the locking system there are rings for applying fingers, as the fingers applied through the rings, pull the bars opposite to the spring power towards centre of the crate's side wall and the lock is released. As the springs which are part of the bars pushes the bars outward from the side walls centre, the bars are engaged to the protrusions which are on the other walls and locking is maintained.
The sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention consists of a secure locking system composed by incorporating the sliding lock mechanism with a pin, an angled slot and spring system in order to provide the lock to be locked and unlocked. The bars of the siding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with existing invention does not necessarily include the springs. The bars are actuated through the up and down movement of a central handle. A spring which is a part of this central handle or may be placed as a separate part keeps the locking mechanism in locked position. Holding the handle by hand, the lock is unlocked through moving the handle upwards (or downwards), and the spring sets the lock back in locked position moving the handle downwards (or upwards).
Compared with existing systems, the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention has advantages as follows.
1. The bars do not necessarily include springs. Hence it is not necessary to be produced of a material with flexible character.
2. The lock is unlocked through moving the handle upwards or downwards, it is not necessary to apply the fingers through the rings.
3. The way in which the lock can be unlocked through moving the handle upwards or » downwards further simplifies the automation of this function.
4. As it is possible to install the spring to the handle separately, this enables selection of the materials of spring and parts other than spring in accordance with the way of its use and cost elements.
5. As it is possible to install the spring to the handle separately, in case of any breakdown, the spring can be substituted.
AIMS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE INVENTION With the improvement of this invention related to the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates it is proposed;
• to provide easy locking,
• to avoid unlocking when loaded or during transport after it is locked,
• to provide easy unlocking manually or using a mechanic system when necessary. • to prevent unlocking of the crate locking system with strong impacts and the goods transported/stored within the crate to be damaged.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The description of the figures prepared for a better explanation of the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved in this invention are specified below:
Figure 1- Crate components (3 dimension) perspective view
Figure 2- Crate (viewed as unlocked) perspective view
Figure 3- Crate (viewed as locked) perspective view Figure 4- Crate corner detailed drawing (viewed as locked) perspective view
Figure 5- Crate corner detailed drawing (viewed as unlocked), 3 dimension, zoom- in perspective view
Figure 6- Base perspective view
Figure 7- Long side perspective view Figure 8- Long side corner detail view
Figure 9- Short side perspective view
Figure 10- Locking bar perspective view
Figure 11- Locking handle and spring perspective view
' DEFINITION OF THE COMPONENTS (PARTS-FEATURES) ON THE FIGURES
The components-parts-features shown in the figures prepared for a better explanation of the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention are numbered separately and explanation of each number is given below.
I- Base
II- Hinge component (on the long side of the base) 12- Hinge component (on the short side of the base) 2- Long sides
21- Long side corner turning part
22- Long side centering hole, on the lock
23- Long side centering hole, under the lock
24- Lock protrusion 25- Long side hinge pin
26- Lock protrusion angled surface
27- Lock protrusion locking surface
3- Short sides
31- Short side top profile 32- Locking bar bearing (Locking bolt bearing)
33- Locking handle claw
34- Locking handle housing
35- Short side centering pin, above the lock
36- Short side centering pin, below the lock 37- Short side hinge pin
38- Locking bar support bearings 39 - Short side reduced thickness part
4- Locking bar (locking bolt)
41- Locking bar end/edge (Locking bolt edge) 42- Locking bar pin
5- Locking handle
51- Angled slot/channel
52- Locking handle bearing surface
53- Locking handle holding part 6- Spring
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN DETAIL
The main parts of the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention are;
• Long sides (2) with centering holes on the above and below the lock (22 and 23) and locking protrusion (24),
• Short sides (3) with short side top profile (31), locking bar housing (32), locking handle claw (33), locking handle housing (34), centering pins above and below the lock (35 and 36), locking bar support bearings (38) and reduced thickness part (39),
• Locking bars (4) with locking bar end/edge (41) and pin (42), • Locking handle (5) composed of angled slots/channels (51), bearing surface (52) and handle holding part (53), and
• springs (6)
The foldable crate on which the sliding (positive) locking mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention will be applied is composed of a base (1) manufactured of plastic or another material, reciprocally located two long sides (2), reciprocally located two short sides (3) and a locking mechanism to provide them be closed safely (4, 5, 6, 24), hinge components (11 and 12) and hinge pins (25 and 37) to connect long and short sides (2 and 3) with base (1), centering pins (35 and 36) on the short sides and centering holes (22 and 23) on the long sides to connect the long and short sides at the corner part.
At two ends of the long sides (2), there are extensions (21) clutching the corner of the crate (21), and at two sides of the short side (3) there are the parts (39) with thickness reduced in conformity with these extensions (21).
Locking mechanism is composed of two locking handles (5) located at the centre part of the two short sides (3), springs (6) on the locking handle (5) and four locking bars/bolts (4) located on both short sides (3) and four lock protrusion (24) at the inner surface of the long side (2).
For assembling the locking mechanism on the short side (3), first the locking bars/bolts (4) are inserted into the bearings (32) on the short side (3) and are slided to the sides; next the spring (6) on the locking handle (5) is pushed down for a small amount and fitted at the housing at the centre of the short side (3). As the locking handle (5) is pushed towards its housing, the locking handle claws (33) flex and let the locking
handle (5) to fit in its place. The bearing surfaces (52) on the both sides of the locking ■ handle (5) provides locking handle (5) move up and down inside the claws (33) on the short side (3).
The pins (42) at the ends of the locking bars (4) fit in the angled slots (51) at both sides of the locking handle (5). Locking bars are bearing to the channels (32) at the short sides (3). As the locking handle (5) is moved upwards through the holding part (53), the pins (42) bearing to the angled slots (51) at both sides of the locking handle (5) moves the locking bars (4) to the centre of the short side (3). And the downwards movement of the locking handle (5) moves the locking bars (4) outwards from the centre. The spring on the locking handle (6) keeps the locking handle (5) in downwards position. Hence it keeps the locking bars in outwards position.
The hinge pins (25) beneath of the long sides (2) and the long side hinge components (11) at both sides of the base connect the long sides (2) to the base (1).
The hinge pins (37) beneath of the short sides (3) and the short side hinge components (12) at both sides of the base connect the short sides (3) to the base (1).
The hinge components which unite the crate and the base are composed of base hinge components (11 and 12) and the short and long side hinge pins (25 and 37). The hinge components which unite the sides of the crate (2 and 3) with the base (1) are located in such a way that as the long and the short sides (2 and 3) are folded parallel to the base (1), the position of the short sides (3) is closer to the base than the long sides (2).
If the long and short sides (2 and 3) are wished to be brought to a position perpendicular to the base (1), first the long sides (2) and next the short sides (3) are brought to perpendicular position. In the meantime, the centering pins (35 and 36) at the corner of the short side (3) are fitted into the centering holes (21) at the part where the long side (2) clutches the corner and interconnects the long and short sides (2 and 3). At the same time, the end/edge (41) of the locking mechanism bar (4) is pushed towards the centre of the short side (3) by the angled surface (26) of the lock protrusion (24) which is at the inner surface of the long side (2). This inward movement of the locking bar (4) pushes the locking handle (5) upwards opposite to the spring force. As the short side (3) reaches the vertical position, the spring (6) on the locking handle (5) presses the handle (5) downwards and pushing the locking bar (4) outwards provides the lock to be closed.
As the short side (3) is pressed inwards while the lock is in closed position, it ■ reclines the locking bar (4) to the locking surface (27) of lock protrusion (24). Since the locking bar (4) is supported by the locking bar bearings (32), this prevents the inwards movement of the short side (3). Additionally, locking bar support bearings (38) are added so as to reduce the moment arm coming to the bar (4) through supporting the locking bar (4) at both sides of the short side (3) and closer to the locking bar end/edge (41).
In order to fold the crate through bringing the long (2) and the short sides (3) parallel to the base (1), locking handles (5) are pulled upwards and the locking bars (4) are freed from the locking surface (27) of the locking protrusion (24); and first the short sides (3) and next the long sides (2) are brought parallel to the base (1). Thus the crate is folded.
Locking spring (6) and the locking handle (5) are either single piece or separate pieces. Locking spring (6) may be manufactured of plastic or rubber, polyurethane etc. elastomer materials or metal. Single or more than one spring may be used for each locking handle (5).
Locking handle (5) and locking bars/bolts (4) may be manufactured of plastic and also metal, wood etc. materials.
The surfaces of the pin (42) on the locking bar (4) may be either parallel to the angled slot (51) as displayed at the Figure 1 and 6 and may also be cylindrical or with another shape. Pin (42) may either be fixed and also rotating (roller), it may be manufactured of the same material with the locking bar (4) or of another material.
Angled slot (51) may be located either on the locking handle (5) or at the end of the bar (4), accordingly the pin (42) may be on the locking handle (5) instead of being on the locking bar (4). The locking bar (4), locking handle (5) and the locking spring (6) may be assembled to the crate to open the lock either by pulling the locking handle (4) up or by pressing down.
The lock can be closed by giving angle to the edge of the locking bar (4), instead of the angled surface (26) of the lock protrusion (24). The angle of the angled surface of the locking protrusion (24) is designed in accordance with the friction coefficient between the lock protrusion (24) and locking bar (4) materials so as to enable the locking bar (4) slide on the locking protrusion (24).
The angle between the angled slot (51) and the axis of the handle (5) shall be ■ designed in accordance with the friction coefficient between the materials of the angled slot (51) and the locking bar pin (42) in such a way that the pressing force of the spring (6) can move the handle (5) downwards, and accordingly the repelling force applied to the locking bar end/edge (41) by the locking protrusion (24) can move the locking handle (5) upwards.
The sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention may be installed at centre or lower part of outside of the short side (3). The mechanism subject to this invention may also be installed at the inner side of the short side.
If the crate on which the sliding (positive) lock mechanism for foldable transporting and stocking crates improved with this invention will be applied is designed in such a way that as the long and short sides (2 and 3) are folded to be parallel to the base (1), the long sides (2) are at a closer position to the base than the short sides (3), this mechanism may be installed on the long side (2) as well.
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