Connection assembly for a grid structure

Abstract

A connection assembly ( 5 ) for a grid structure suitable for use in a pallet container comprises first and second elongate elements ( 2, 3 ) connected to one another at an intersection ( 4 ). The first element ( 2 ) comprises a tube defining at least one receiving opening ( 6 ) through which the second element ( 3 ) is passed wherein the portion of the first element ( 2 ) defining the periphery of the receiving opening ( 6 ) protrudes inwards to define a collar ( 7 ) surrounding the second element ( 3 ). Typically, the inner dimension of the collar ( 7 ) is dimensioned with respect to an outer dimension of the second element ( 3 ) so as to provide a frictional fit of the two elements ( 2, 3 ). The provision of the collar ( 7 ) strengthens the intersections of the first and second element ( 2, 3 ) and enables a grid structure made from such connection assemblies ( 5 ) to withstand impacts and vibrations during use.

1 . A connection assembly ( 5 ) comprising first and second elongate elements ( 2 ,  3 ) connected to one another at an intersection ( 4 ), the first element ( 2 ) comprising a tube and defining at least one receiving opening ( 6 ) through which the second element ( 3 ) is passed, and characterised in that the portion of the first element ( 2 ) defining the periphery of the receiving opening ( 6 ) protrudes inwards into the tube to define a collar ( 7 ) surrounding the second element ( 3 ).  
   
   
       2 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 1 , characterised in that the first element ( 2 ) defines two aligned receiving openings ( 6 ) through which the second element ( 3 ) is passed, the portions of the first element ( 2 ) defining the peripheries of both of the receiving openings ( 6 ) protruding inwards into the tube to define two collars ( 7 ) surrounding the second element ( 3 ).  
   
   
       3 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2 , characterised in that an inner dimension of the or of each collar ( 7 ) is dimensioned with respect to an outer dimension of the second element ( 3 ) so as to provide a frictional fit of the two elements ( 2 ,  3 ).  
   
   
       4 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  3 , characterised in that the first element ( 2 ) has been drilled to define the receiving opening ( 6 ), the diameter (D 2 ) of the drilled aperture ( 11 ) being less than the diameter (d 2 ) of the second elongate element ( 3 ).  
   
   
       5 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 4 , characterised in that the drilled aperture ( 11 ) was punched to deform the periphery of the aperture ( 11 ) so that it is folded inwards into the tube to form the collar ( 7 ) and to increase the diameter (D 2 ) of the aperture ( 11 ) to that (D 3 ) of the receiving opening ( 6 ).  
   
   
       6 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  5 , characterised in that the inner surface of the first element ( 2 ) is provided with at least one ridge ( 9 ), the apex of which lies close to or contacts the outer surface of the second element ( 3 ) at a position (P 1 ).  
   
   
       7 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  6 , characterised in that the first and second elongate elements ( 2 ,  3 ) are connected to one another at one or more positions (P 1 ) in the region of their intersection ( 4 ).  
   
   
       8 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 7  when dependent on  claim 6 , characterised in that a connection position (P 1 ) is formed where the outer surface of the second element ( 3 ) lies opposed to the inner surface of the first element ( 2 ) at the apex of the ridge ( 9 ).  
   
   
       9 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 7  or  claim 8 , characterised in that the first and second elongate elements ( 2 ,  3 ) are made of metal and are connected to one another at said one or more positions (P 1 ) by welding.  
   
   
       10 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in  claim 7  or  claim 8 , characterised in that the first and second elongate elements ( 2 ,  3 ) are made of a plastics material and are connected at said one or more positions (P 1 ) by ultrasonic welding, induction welding or melt bonding.  
   
   
       11 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  10 , characterised in that the first elongate element ( 2 ) is tubular with a substantially circular, elliptical or ovoid cross-section.  
   
   
       12 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  11 , characterised in that the second elongate element ( 3 ) is tubular with a substantially circular or oval cross-section.  
   
   
       13 . An assembly ( 5 ) as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  12 , characterised in that the diameter (d 2 ) of the second element ( 3 ) is smaller by between 20% to 30% than the diameter (d 1 ) of the first element ( 2 ).  
   
   
       14 . A grid structure ( 1 ) comprising a plurality of first elongate, tubular elements ( 2 ) arranged in parallel and in a spaced relationship with respect to one another, a plurality of second elongate elements ( 3 ) arranged in parallel and in a spaced relationship with respect to one another, the first and second elements ( 2 ,  3 ) intersecting and being connected to one another by means of at least one connection assembly as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  11 .