EP0305082A1 - Pallets - Google Patents
Pallets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0305082A1 EP0305082A1 EP88307403A EP88307403A EP0305082A1 EP 0305082 A1 EP0305082 A1 EP 0305082A1 EP 88307403 A EP88307403 A EP 88307403A EP 88307403 A EP88307403 A EP 88307403A EP 0305082 A1 EP0305082 A1 EP 0305082A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pallet
- connectors
- deck
- another
- components
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
- B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
- B65D19/001—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/0012—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
- B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
- B65D19/001—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/0014—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
- B65D19/0018—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
- B65D19/0053—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
- B65D19/0055—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface
- B65D19/0057—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/0059—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00034—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
- B65D2519/00069—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00278—Overall construction of the pallet the load supporting surface and the base surface being identical
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00308—Overall construction of the load supporting surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
- B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00363—Overall construction of the base surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
- B65D2519/00562—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
- B65D2519/00567—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/00825—Finishing of the external surfaces
- B65D2519/0083—Anti-slip means
- B65D2519/0084—Separated elements, e.g. including in-moulded elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
- B65D2519/0094—Details with special means for nesting or stacking nestable
Definitions
- pallet The simplest form of pallet comprises upper and lower decks fabricated using wooden planks, there being wooden blocks between the upper and lower decks.
- the blocks not only connect the decks but also hold them apart so that the tines of forklift trucks can be inserted between them.
- Wooden pallets are normally constructed near where they are to be loaded with goods and make a one-way journey. This is because it is, generally speaking, not economical to return empty pallets to their source. Furthermore, mechanical handling of the pallets often results in them being damaged so that they are not fit for re-use.
- a pallet which comprises two components which are identical to one another and which are fabricated using wood waste in chip and/or shaving and/or sawdust form which is mixed with a binder. The resultant material is then pressed to the desired shape. Because composite wood of this nature is weak, such pallet components have to be of considerable thickness.
- the pallet components are for shipping purposes placed in a stack and nest with one another so that they occupy minimum space.
- one of the components is inverted and fastening elements such as nails or screws are driven through to secure the components together.
- Each component has a generally planar deck and has a plurality of raised areas. When said one pallet component is inverted its raised areas become depressed areas and engage with the top surfaces of the raised areas of the uninverted pallet component. Thus, a plurality of columns are formed which space the decks of the components apart.
- the main object of the present invention is to provide a pallet constructed of components which, when all the same way up, can be nested and two of which, when one is inverted, interlock to provide a pallet which is sufficiently strong to resist forces imposed thereon during mechanical handling thereof.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a pallet comprising two components which are of synthetic plastics material.
- a pallet comprising first and second components moulded in synthetic plastics material, each component comprising a horizontally extending deck and connectors standing proud of the deck, the connectors of the upper deck protruding downwardly and abutting the connectors of the lower component which protrude upwardly, thereby to form columns which space the decks apart vertically, the connectors having formations which mesh with one another and resist any forces tending to move the pallet components relatively to one another in the horizontal plane.
- said formations comprise spigots and sockets.
- each of said connectors of one of said pallet components comprises a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizongal end wall, said sockets being in the outer faces of said end walls, and each of the connectors of the other pallet component comprises a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with the deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a transverse end wall, each spigot being part of one of said end walls.
- said connectors of one pallet each comprise a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizontal end wall, said formations being on the outer faces of said end walls.
- each formation comprises two raised wedges which are at diametrically opposed positions on said outer face and the apices of which point towards one another.
- the pallet component 10 shown in Figure 1 is moulded in synthetic plastics material. It comprises a peripheral frame 12, two intersecting cross ribs 14 and 16, and four areas 18 which are thinner than the frame 12 and ribs 14 and 16.
- the frame, ribs and areas form a deck. On one face of the deck are nine connectors 20.
- Each connector 20 is hollow (see particularly Figure 4) and is of generally frusto-conical form. Its top surface, as viewed in Figure 3, comprises two diametrically opposed depressed areas 22 of wedge shape and two diametrically opposed raised areas 24 also of wedge shape.
- the component 10 can be used as a stillage for unitized loads. Its primary function, however, is as part of a pallet (see Figure 2) in which event two of the pallet components 10, the upper one inverted, are employed.
- the configuration of connectors 20 is such that as the upper pallet component 10 is placed on the lower pallet component 10, the raised areas 24 enter the depressed areas 22. Engagement between the depressed and raised areas 22, 24 prevents sideways movements of the pallet components 10 with respect to one another. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, fastening elements can be driven through the components 10 to secure them together.
- pallet components 10 can be stacked on one another, the pallet components all being the same way up as shown in Figure 4. Thus, each connector 20 of a lower pallet component 10 enters a connector 20 of the superposed pallet component 10.
- each pallet component can have recesses 26 (see Figures 5 and 6) in the edges of the face thereof opposed to the connectors 20.
- the recesses 26 are generally rectangular in form and receive edge pieces 28.
- Each edge piece 28 includes two downwardly protruding pins 30 which are inserted into holes 32 of the pallet component 10.
- Each edge piece is of right-angled configuration when viewed in section.
- the horizontals of the edge pieces 28 are received in the recesses 26, the top surfaces of the horizontals being flush with the top surface of the pallet component.
- the outer face of ther vertical part of each edge piece 28 is flush with the edge of the pallet component 10. The edge pieces inhibit sideways movement of boxes on the pallet top decks.
- the areas 19 are omitted so that the pallet component has holes in it.
- Each of these holes can, if desired, be closed off by a removable insert which has a pattern of ventilation holes in it.
- a pallet of this form is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 where an insert is shown at 34 and its ventilation holes at 36.
- the edges of the deck which surround the holes in the pallet component can be configured as shown in figure 7, so that the inserts 'snap' into the deck with the ribs 38 of the insert in grooves 40 of the deck.
- the tines of a forklift truck are inserted between the pallet components 10 when it is desired to move the pallet.
- an additive can be introduced into the plastics material from which the pallet is manufactured to cause its surface coefficient of friction to increase.
- the surface of each pallet component can be moulded with roughened surfaces or can have a pattern of ridges and valleys or other protrusions.
- the pallet component is moulded with sockets for receiving components having a high coefficient of friction.
- sockets 42 which are slightly more than semi-cylindrical in extent can be provided for receiving tubular friction elements 44. In the form of Figure 9, the friction elements are shown at 46 and 'snap' into sockets 48 provided therefor.
- FIGS 10, 11 and 12 show a connector 50 which forms part of a pallet component designated 52.
- the pallet component 52 can have nine connectors 50 arranged in the same way that the connectors 20 are arranged in Figure 1.
- Each connector 50 has an upwardly tapering frusto-conical wall designated 54 and a generally cylindrical portion 56 which is closed by a circular top wall 58.
- the portion 56 has a smaller diameter than the smaller diameter end of the wall 54, and an annular surface 60 encircles the portion 56.
- FIG. 13 to 15 there is illustrated a connector 62 which forms part of a pallet component 64.
- the connector 62 includes a frusto-conical wall 66, the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a circular end wall 68.
- a circular recess 70 In the top surface of the end wall 68 there is a circular recess 70.
- An annular surface 72 encircles the recess 70.
- the components 64 does not have to be attached in a very secure manner to the underside of the component 52.
- the only time that the component 64 can drop away from the component 52 is when the tines of a forklift truck are inserted between the pallet components (into the space designated S) and the pallet lifted.
- the screws 74 must be sufficient to prevent the pallet component 64 dropping away from the component 52.
- the components 52 stack (as shown in Figure 17) with the lower faces of the portions 56 engaging the peripheries of the top walls 58.
- the components 64 stack (as shown in Figure 18) with the surfaces 72 in engagement with the underfaces of the end walls 68.
- a pallet of the form shown in Figure 16 requires two different types of pallet component and hence two different moulds.
- a pallet of the form shown in Figure 2 can be constructed from two identical pallet components. If the pallet component 10 is fabricated with the areas 18 omitted, and inserts such as are shown in Figure 6 inserted into the generally rectangular openings provided, then only a single pallet mould is needed together with a smaller mould or moulds for the inserts.
- the inserts can have ventilation holes 36 in them or they can be unapertured.
- the screws 74 can be replaced by other mechanical fastening elements or by adhesive, or mechanical fastening elements can be supplemented by adhesive.
- a hole can be drilled in one pallet component and hot melt adhesive injected into the gap between the components.
- Two pallet components as shown in Figure 1, can be secured together using any of the methods described.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A pallet is disclosed which comprises upper and lower stackable components. Each component (10) comprises a deck and connectors (20) which stand proud of the deck. The connectors of the upper deck protrude downwardly and the connectors of the lower deck protrude upwardly. The two sets of connectors co-operate with one another to form columns which space the decks vertically from one another. The connectors include interlocking formations (22, 24) which mesh and prevent the components moving relatively to one another in the horizontal direction. The meshing formations can be spigots and sockets. Alternatively, each formation can be a pair of wedges which are diametrically opposed to one another and on the exposed face of its connector. The raised wedges are arranged with their apices directed towards one another and each has a radially outer face which is 90° degrees in extent. When the pallet components are presented to one another with one of them inverted, the sockets receive the spigots (in the first constructional form) and the wedges mesh (in the second constructional form).
Description
- With the advent of containerization, the use of shipping pallets has become a necessity insofar as the shipping of most commodities is concerned, and vast numbers of pallets are in use.
- The simplest form of pallet comprises upper and lower decks fabricated using wooden planks, there being wooden blocks between the upper and lower decks. The blocks not only connect the decks but also hold them apart so that the tines of forklift trucks can be inserted between them.
- Wooden pallets are normally constructed near where they are to be loaded with goods and make a one-way journey. This is because it is, generally speaking, not economical to return empty pallets to their source. Furthermore, mechanical handling of the pallets often results in them being damaged so that they are not fit for re-use.
- Applicant is aware of a pallet which comprises two components which are identical to one another and which are fabricated using wood waste in chip and/or shaving and/or sawdust form which is mixed with a binder. The resultant material is then pressed to the desired shape. Because composite wood of this nature is weak, such pallet components have to be of considerable thickness. The pallet components are for shipping purposes placed in a stack and nest with one another so that they occupy minimum space. When a pallet is to be erected, one of the components is inverted and fastening elements such as nails or screws are driven through to secure the components together. Each component has a generally planar deck and has a plurality of raised areas. When said one pallet component is inverted its raised areas become depressed areas and engage with the top surfaces of the raised areas of the uninverted pallet component. Thus, a plurality of columns are formed which space the decks of the components apart.
- Experience with pallets of this form has shown that because of the thickness of material which must be used, the components do not nest very satisfactorily and the space which is saved by nesting the components is not as substantial as users would like. Furthermore, it is difficult to secure the components to one another sufficiently strongly to resist damage should one pallet component be urged laterally with respect to the other. The screws, nails, or other fastening devices which are inserted simply tend to rip out.
- The main object of the present invention is to provide a pallet constructed of components which, when all the same way up, can be nested and two of which, when one is inverted, interlock to provide a pallet which is sufficiently strong to resist forces imposed thereon during mechanical handling thereof.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a pallet comprising two components which are of synthetic plastics material.
- According to the present invention there is provided a pallet comprising first and second components moulded in synthetic plastics material, each component comprising a horizontally extending deck and connectors standing proud of the deck, the connectors of the upper deck protruding downwardly and abutting the connectors of the lower component which protrude upwardly, thereby to form columns which space the decks apart vertically, the connectors having formations which mesh with one another and resist any forces tending to move the pallet components relatively to one another in the horizontal plane.
- In one constructional form said formations comprise spigots and sockets. In this constructional form each of said connectors of one of said pallet components comprises a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizongal end wall, said sockets being in the outer faces of said end walls, and each of the connectors of the other pallet component comprises a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with the deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a transverse end wall, each spigot being part of one of said end walls.
- In another constructional form said connectors of one pallet each comprise a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizontal end wall, said formations being on the outer faces of said end walls. In this constructional form each formation comprises two raised wedges which are at diametrically opposed positions on said outer face and the apices of which point towards one another.
- For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which
- FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a pallet component moulded in synthetic plastics material;
- FIGURE 2 is an elevation showing two components of the form illustrated in Figure 1, stacked with the top component inverted;
- FIGURE 3 is a pictorial view of a connector;
- FIGURE 4 is an elevation illustrating two nested connectors;
- FIGURE 5 is a pictorial view of a pallet with box retaining edge pieces;
- FIGURE 6 is an 'exploded' pictorial view of a further form of pallet;
- FIGURE 7 shows how an insert is connected to the pallet deck;
- FIGURE 8 and 9 show high friction inserts;
- FIGURE 10 is a pictorial view of a further connector;
- FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of the connector of Figure 10;
- FIGURE 12 is a section on the line XII-XII of Figure 11;
- FIGURE 13 to 15 are a pictorial view, a top plan view and a section on line XV-XV of Figure 14, and show a connector which is compatible with the connector of Figures 10 to 12;
- FIGURE 16 is a section showing the connectors of Figures 10 to 12 and 13 to 15 meshed;
- FIGURE 17 shows connectors of the form illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 stacked; and
- FIGURE 18 shows connectors of the form illustrated in Figures 13 to 15 stacked.
- The
pallet component 10 shown in Figure 1 is moulded in synthetic plastics material. It comprises aperipheral frame 12, two intersectingcross ribs areas 18 which are thinner than theframe 12 andribs connectors 20. - Each
connector 20 is hollow (see particularly Figure 4) and is of generally frusto-conical form. Its top surface, as viewed in Figure 3, comprises two diametrically opposeddepressed areas 22 of wedge shape and two diametrically opposed raisedareas 24 also of wedge shape. - The
component 10 can be used as a stillage for unitized loads. Its primary function, however, is as part of a pallet (see Figure 2) in which event two of thepallet components 10, the upper one inverted, are employed. The configuration ofconnectors 20 is such that as theupper pallet component 10 is placed on thelower pallet component 10, the raisedareas 24 enter thedepressed areas 22. Engagement between the depressed and raisedareas pallet components 10 with respect to one another. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, fastening elements can be driven through thecomponents 10 to secure them together. - For shipping purposes,
pallet components 10 can be stacked on one another, the pallet components all being the same way up as shown in Figure 4. Thus, eachconnector 20 of alower pallet component 10 enters aconnector 20 of thesuperposed pallet component 10. - If desired, each pallet component can have recesses 26 (see Figures 5 and 6) in the edges of the face thereof opposed to the
connectors 20. Therecesses 26 are generally rectangular in form and receiveedge pieces 28. Eachedge piece 28 includes two downwardly protrudingpins 30 which are inserted intoholes 32 of thepallet component 10. - Each edge piece is of right-angled configuration when viewed in section. The horizontals of the
edge pieces 28 are received in therecesses 26, the top surfaces of the horizontals being flush with the top surface of the pallet component. Similarly, the outer face of ther vertical part of eachedge piece 28 is flush with the edge of thepallet component 10. The edge pieces inhibit sideways movement of boxes on the pallet top decks. - In a modified constructional form the areas 19 are omitted so that the pallet component has holes in it. Each of these holes can, if desired, be closed off by a removable insert which has a pattern of ventilation holes in it. A pallet of this form is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 where an insert is shown at 34 and its ventilation holes at 36. The edges of the deck which surround the holes in the pallet component can be configured as shown in figure 7, so that the inserts 'snap' into the deck with the
ribs 38 of the insert ingrooves 40 of the deck. - It will be understood that the tines of a forklift truck are inserted between the
pallet components 10 when it is desired to move the pallet. To prevent the pallet slipping off the tines, an additive can be introduced into the plastics material from which the pallet is manufactured to cause its surface coefficient of friction to increase. Alternatively, the surface of each pallet component can be moulded with roughened surfaces or can have a pattern of ridges and valleys or other protrusions. In other forms, the pallet component is moulded with sockets for receiving components having a high coefficient of friction. For example, sockets 42 (Figure 8) which are slightly more than semi-cylindrical in extent can be provided for receivingtubular friction elements 44. In the form of Figure 9, the friction elements are shown at 46 and 'snap' intosockets 48 provided therefor. - Turning now to Figures 10, 11 and 12, these Figures show a
connector 50 which forms part of a pallet component designated 52. Thepallet component 52 can have nineconnectors 50 arranged in the same way that theconnectors 20 are arranged in Figure 1. - Each
connector 50 has an upwardly tapering frusto-conical wall designated 54 and a generallycylindrical portion 56 which is closed by a circulartop wall 58. Theportion 56 has a smaller diameter than the smaller diameter end of thewall 54, and anannular surface 60 encircles theportion 56. - In Figures 13 to 15 there is illustrated a
connector 62 which forms part of apallet component 64. Theconnector 62 includes a frusto-conical wall 66, the smaller diameter end of which is closed by acircular end wall 68. In the top surface of theend wall 68 there is acircular recess 70. Anannular surface 72 encircles therecess 70. - When a
pallet component 52 and apallet component 64 are brought into co-operating relationship with one of the components inverted (as shown in Figure 16), theportion 56 enters therecess 70 and thesurfaces screw 74 is shown passing through both pallet components, thereby to secure them to one another. - It will be understood that when the pallet is loaded, the
component 52 bears down on thecomponent 64. Should any force be exerted which tends to shift thecomponents portion 56 and therecess 70 are in engagement with one another. - The
components 64 does not have to be attached in a very secure manner to the underside of thecomponent 52. The only time that thecomponent 64 can drop away from thecomponent 52 is when the tines of a forklift truck are inserted between the pallet components (into the space designated S) and the pallet lifted. Thescrews 74 must be sufficient to prevent thepallet component 64 dropping away from thecomponent 52. - The
components 52 stack (as shown in Figure 17) with the lower faces of theportions 56 engaging the peripheries of thetop walls 58. Thecomponents 64 stack (as shown in Figure 18) with thesurfaces 72 in engagement with the underfaces of theend walls 68. - It will be understood that a pallet of the form shown in Figure 16 requires two different types of pallet component and hence two different moulds. A pallet of the form shown in Figure 2 can be constructed from two identical pallet components. If the
pallet component 10 is fabricated with theareas 18 omitted, and inserts such as are shown in Figure 6 inserted into the generally rectangular openings provided, then only a single pallet mould is needed together with a smaller mould or moulds for the inserts. The inserts can haveventilation holes 36 in them or they can be unapertured. - The
screws 74 can be replaced by other mechanical fastening elements or by adhesive, or mechanical fastening elements can be supplemented by adhesive. For example, a hole can be drilled in one pallet component and hot melt adhesive injected into the gap between the components. - Two pallet components, as shown in Figure 1, can be secured together using any of the methods described.
Claims (6)
1. A pallet comprising first and second components (10), each of which comprises a horizontally extending deck and connectors (20, 50, 62) standing proud of the deck, the connectors of the upper deck protruding downwardly and abutting the connectors of the lower component which protrude upwardly thereby to form columns which space the decks apart vertically, characterized in that the connectors (20) have formations (22, 24 : 56, 70) which mesh with one another and resist any forces tending to move the pallet components (10) relatively to one another in the horizontal plane.
2. A pallet according to Claim 2, characterized in that said formations comprise spigots (56) and sockets (70).
3. A pallet according to Claim 2, characterized in that each of said connectors (62) of one of said pallet components comprises a frusto-conical wall (66), the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizontal end wall (68), said sockets (70) being in the outer faces of said end walls, and each of the connectors (50) of the other pallet component comprises a frusto-conical wall (54), the larger diameter end of which merges with the deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a transverse end wall (58), each spigot (56) being part of one of said end walls.
4. A pallet according to Claim 1, characterized in that said connectors (20) of one pallet each comprise a frusto-conical wall, the larger diameter end of which merges with said deck and the smaller diameter end of which is closed by a horizontal end wall, said formations (24) being on the outer faces of said end walls.
5. A pallet according to Claim 4, characterized in that each formation comprises two raised wedges (24) which are in diametrically opposed positions on said outer face and the apices of which point towards one another.
6. A pallet according to Claims 1 to 5, and including elements (28) mounted along the edges of the upper component and standing proud of the upper deck to inhibit lateral movement of goods placed on the pallet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ZA876360 | 1987-08-26 | ||
ZA876360 | 1987-08-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0305082A1 true EP0305082A1 (en) | 1989-03-01 |
Family
ID=25578967
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP88307403A Withdrawn EP0305082A1 (en) | 1987-08-26 | 1988-08-10 | Pallets |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0305082A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2144888A (en) |
IL (1) | IL87401A0 (en) |
PT (1) | PT88337A (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0597572A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-18 | Cadillac Products Inc. | Plastic pallet |
EP1440893A2 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-07-28 | D W Plastics N.V. | Pallet provided with friction elements |
GB2411638A (en) * | 2004-03-06 | 2005-09-07 | Boydell & Jacks Ltd | A stackable pallet |
GB2412106A (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2005-09-21 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Rotationally moulded double pallet |
GB2412108A (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2005-09-21 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Rotationally moulded pallet |
WO2007123421A1 (en) * | 2006-04-24 | 2007-11-01 | Algen Holdings Limited | Plastic pallet platform and base with mating sets of posts |
WO2008054219A1 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-08 | Euro Composite Plastic As | Pallet for reuse, made of plastic |
US20120260462A1 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2012-10-18 | Sparsors Plast KB | Pallet foot, a pallet and a box provided with feet and also a method for attaching a pallet foot to a platform |
WO2015004601A1 (en) * | 2013-07-10 | 2015-01-15 | Karl-Heinz Schmitt | Pallets |
US9138945B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2015-09-22 | Paxxal Inc. | Load carrying apparatus and method of manufacture |
GB2530810A (en) * | 2014-10-03 | 2016-04-06 | Stewart Ronald Green | Profile pallets |
CN110775165A (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2020-02-11 | 格雷戴西克控股有限公司 | Structural element |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AUPM604194A0 (en) * | 1994-06-01 | 1994-06-23 | Warneford, Peter John | A pallet |
WO1996003322A1 (en) * | 1994-07-22 | 1996-02-08 | Pallenz Limited | Two-piece moulded plastic pallet |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3680496A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1972-08-01 | Edward B Westlake Jr | Plastic pallet |
US4604014A (en) * | 1984-07-12 | 1986-08-05 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Pallet fastener |
-
1988
- 1988-08-10 IL IL87401A patent/IL87401A0/en unknown
- 1988-08-10 EP EP88307403A patent/EP0305082A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-08-24 AU AU21448/88A patent/AU2144888A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1988-08-25 PT PT88337A patent/PT88337A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3680496A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1972-08-01 | Edward B Westlake Jr | Plastic pallet |
US4604014A (en) * | 1984-07-12 | 1986-08-05 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Pallet fastener |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5996508A (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1999-12-07 | Cadillac Products, Inc. | Plastic pallet |
EP0597572A1 (en) * | 1992-11-13 | 1994-05-18 | Cadillac Products Inc. | Plastic pallet |
EP1440893A2 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-07-28 | D W Plastics N.V. | Pallet provided with friction elements |
EP1440893A3 (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-11-03 | D W Plastics N.V. | Pallet provided with friction elements |
GB2411638A (en) * | 2004-03-06 | 2005-09-07 | Boydell & Jacks Ltd | A stackable pallet |
GB2412106A (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2005-09-21 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Rotationally moulded double pallet |
GB2412108A (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2005-09-21 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Rotationally moulded pallet |
GB2412106B (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2008-11-26 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Load-carrying apparatus |
GB2412108B (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2008-12-24 | Pvaxx Res & Dev Ltd | Load-carrying apparatus and methods of manufacture |
EP2347965A1 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2011-07-27 | Pvaxx Research and Development Limited | Load-carrying apparatus and methods of manufacture |
US9138945B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2015-09-22 | Paxxal Inc. | Load carrying apparatus and method of manufacture |
WO2007123421A1 (en) * | 2006-04-24 | 2007-11-01 | Algen Holdings Limited | Plastic pallet platform and base with mating sets of posts |
WO2008054219A1 (en) * | 2006-10-30 | 2008-05-08 | Euro Composite Plastic As | Pallet for reuse, made of plastic |
US20120260462A1 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2012-10-18 | Sparsors Plast KB | Pallet foot, a pallet and a box provided with feet and also a method for attaching a pallet foot to a platform |
WO2015004601A1 (en) * | 2013-07-10 | 2015-01-15 | Karl-Heinz Schmitt | Pallets |
CN110775165A (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2020-02-11 | 格雷戴西克控股有限公司 | Structural element |
CN110775165B (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2022-05-13 | 格雷戴西克控股有限公司 | Structural element |
GB2530810A (en) * | 2014-10-03 | 2016-04-06 | Stewart Ronald Green | Profile pallets |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
IL87401A0 (en) | 1989-01-31 |
AU2144888A (en) | 1989-03-02 |
PT88337A (en) | 1989-06-30 |
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