EP0958181A1

EP0958181A1 - Device for stacking of pallets with frames

Info

Publication number: EP0958181A1
Application number: EP97927504A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ragnar A. Johansen; Ola Reistad
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-06-11
Filing date: 1997-06-10
Publication date: 1999-11-24
Also published as: WO1997047526A1; AU3195397A

Abstract

Device for stacking pallets with a pallet frame, particularly wherein each pallet frame comprises boards connected at the corners and are provided with means to stack two or more pallet frames. The device to be made should be arranged between the upper edge of the pallet frame and a stacked pallet. It comprises an element at at least two opposite sides or corners of the pallet frame, with a horizontal part (31) with a width which is substantially larger than the thickness of the boards of the pallet frames (22, 23), which has a downward retention means (32) which can be brought into engagement with the pallet frame, and an upward retention means (33) arranged on the outside relative to the horizontal part, to extend outside (on) a stacked pallet. This device can also be turned and arranged on a pallet, under the pallet frame.

Description

Device for stacking of pallets with frames.

The invention relates to a device for stacking of pallets which are carrying pallet frames as stated in the introductory part of claim 1.

Background It is common practice to increase the load carrying capacity and to simplify the loading of pallets by providing pallets with non-permanent boxshaped frames, also called pallet frames. Such pallet frames may be stacked two or more high to increase the load capacity.

Such frames, however, are not suitable for adding a further pallet. The main reason is the narrow upper edge, which will not provide make sufficient stable foundation for a pallet. It is known to provide flanges and/or brackets at the upper edge of boxes to support a further stacked box. It has not been possible to provide pallet frames with such equipment, due to the mutual stacking relation ship. Thus there is a large number pallet frames in operation, which may be stacked one on another, but which can not be used for stacking of pallets in a secure manner.

Object The primary object of the invention is to provide a device which can enable stacking of pallets provided with pallet frames.

It is a particular object to provide a device which will also allow the covering of the pallet frames with a lid. Alternatively it is an object to provide a device which may be combined with a lid to cover the frames. Further it is an object to provide a device which is spacesaving on storage and return of empty pallets, e.g. by being stackable.

Finally it is an object to provide a device which can lock a pallet frame on a pallet.

The invention

The novel device is described in claim 1, while claims 2-18 states particular advantageous features.

This device can be realized in different ways. In the description below, a preferred embodiment with different alternatives is specified. Common to these devices is that in addition to the stacking of pallets, the devices can be mutually stacked, e.g. for return handling. It is also possible to arrange permanently or non-permanently a lid on the top of the frame of each pallet.

Example The invention is described in more detail with reference to an example, shown in the drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a plan view from above of an embodiment of the invetion, in the following called

"pallet frame bracket",

Fig. 2 is a section through an edge element of the pallet frame bracket of Fig.1 , Fig. 3 is a perspective view of two pallets stacked with the pallet frame bracket according to

Fig. 1 and 2,

Fig. 4 is a section through an embodiment of a modification of the invention,

Fig. 5 is the embodiment of fig. 4 in an alternative use,

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 is a section through the embodiment in Fig. 6,

Fig. 8 is a section corresponding to Fig. 6 of a modified embodiment,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the corner of a fourth embodiment of the invention, while

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment.

In Fig. 1 a pallet frame bracket 11 is provided for arrangement on the upper edge of a pallet frame 12 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The pallet frame bracket 11 is itself a rectangular frame, with two longer sides 11 A and 1 IB and two shorter sides 11C and 1 ID. The sides

1 1A are manufactured of a profile material as shown in Fig. 2, and which will be described more detailled below. At each corner, the sides 11 A-D are connected with a tubular element

13 of square section being welded to the adjoining sides. The sides and the corner elements may be of aluminum. Between the longer sides 11 A-B there is a cross tube 18 welded to the lower part of the sides as described below.

Fig. 2 shows a section of the sides 11 A-D. It has a main flange 14 in the main plane of the pallet frame bracket, with an upright outer flange 15 connected to the main flange 14 with an intermediate part 16 at a 45° angle to both. The intermediate part 16 is provided with slots 17 for entering a strap, as shown in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the upright flange 15 may have a recess allowing mechanical application of straps. At the inner edge of the main flange 14, an L-shaped inner flange is arranged, with a vertical lower leg 19 and a horizontal leg 20. The main purpose of this part is as an attachment for the corner elements 13 and the cross tube 18. The vertical leg 19 also serves as an interlocking part, to lock the pallet frame bracket 11 to the pallet frame 12, to serve as a base for stacking.

The horizontal main flange 14 has a width slightly larger than the thickness of the pallet frame 12 and together with the corner elements 13 it will support an upper pallet as shown in Fig. 3.

The slots 17 or the recess as shown above, are pressed in the sides 11 A-B prior to the bending of the profiles. When manufacturing the profiles by extrusion, the slots have to be provided by other known technology.

In Fig. 3 a lower pallet 21 is provided with two heights of pallet frames 22 and 23 with corner brackets 24. On the upper pallet frame 23, a pallet frame bracket 1 1 is arranged, carrying an upper pallet 25 with two levels of pallet frames 26 and 27. On the top, a further pallet frame bracket which may be coverd by a lid and is fixed by straps through the slots 17 (Fig. 1). The pallet 25 with the pallet frames 26 and 27 will then be a closed unit, which can be transported and stored without direct access. The risk for theft and other kinds of loss of goods is greatly reduced.

Several pallet frame brackets are stacked for storage and transportation, e.g. for return from a store to a factory.

Alternatives:

The illustrated pallet frame may be simplified by replacing the end sides 1 1C and 1 ID with lugs protruding inward from the ends of the opposite, longitudinal sides 11 A and 1 IB. This requires that the sides 11 A and 1 IB to provide sufficient support for the weight of the pallet. The lugs only have to provide the desired position lengthwise.

In an alternative, the end sides 11C and 1 ID may be replaced by two or more crossing girders in the middle of the pallet frame bracket.

The welded corner connections may also be replaced by links enabling the folding of the bracket into a compact struture for storing and transport.

In a further alternative, the flanges 15 may be replaced by other locking elements, e.g. lugs attached to the corner elements 13 to protrude under the pallet and inhibit movement by engagement with the pallet. This alternative requires a lid with corresponding openings. The device may also include separate sides being attached on the pallet frame, possibly only at the ends of each side in the form of a corner fitting. Screws can be used for attachment, but are generally not preferable. In this case , the sides may comprise U-shaped elements, e.g. a U-rail for attachment on the edge of the pallet frame. Fig. 4 and 5 shows an embodiment of the invention which enlarges the area of use. The stacking device 30 is in this case a frame and Figures 4 and 5 show a cross section of the frame profile. The frame 30 is manufactured by welding the corners with sidewards openings. The frame profile has a carrying section 31 with a width which is substantially larger than the thickness of the pallet frame, in the example it is approximately four times. This dimension makes the frame sidewardly rigid, removing the need for any cross girder as in the example of Fig. 1. This means only the thickness of the carrying section 31 is added to the stacking height in this embodiment.

Frame 30 has, at the outer edge of the carrying section, a first leg 32 extending substantaially perpendicularly (in Fig. 4 downward), and a second leg 33 extending substantially in the opposit direction, but slightly outward and with a base being outside the base of the first leg 32. The angle between the carrying section 31 and the second leg 33 in this embodiment is preferably 100°. The carrying section and the legs 32 and 33 may be manufactured in one integrated part as an extrusion of aluminium, plastic or of a composite material. The second leg 33 can be provided with longitudinal slots at the base 34 for inserting a strap, e.g. for securing a lid (not shown) or for strapping the pallet with pallet frames and possibly a lid. Alternatively the slots can be replaced by recesses from the edge of the leg 33.

Fig. 4 shows the main usage of the stacking device 30, i.e. for securing a further pallet as shown in Fig. 3. Additionally, the device 30 can be used as shown in Fig. 5, in an upside down arrangement, with the second legs 33 engaging the edges of a pallet 35, serving as a stabilizing foundation of pallet frames.

Fig. 6 and 7 show a stacking device 41 intended for arrangement on the upper edge of a pallet frame. The stacking device 41 is rectangular, with a mainboard part 42, e.g. of metal sheet, plastic or wooden fibre, or alternatively a combination thereof. Centrally at each of the four sides of main part 42 as flange 43-46 extends perpendicularly above and below. Each flange 43-46 provides a downward lug 47 and a upward lug 48 (Fig. 6). This embodiment is particularly suitable for manufacturing in a one pieceplastic construction.

In an alternative embodiment, the lugs can be prepared in an L-profile and attached to the sheet material by gluing, welding or riveting. The flanges may also extend continously along all edges, or comprise a series of lugs along the sides, including openings at the comers.

When used, this device is placed on a pallet frame with the lugs 47 engaging the outer side of the pallet frame. Then a further pallet, with or without a pallet frame, can be placed on the stacking device and retained by the upward lugs 48. This is restrains sideward movement and ensures safe stacking.

Fig. 8 shows a modified embodiment relatively to Fig. 6 and 7. In this case, the downward lugs 49 are arranged at a distance from the edge on the underside of board 42, to engage with the inner side of the pallet frame. This will not hold against outward pressure acting on the pallet frames, but may be suitable for some purposes.

It is also possible to design the pallet frame bracket as a combination of both embodiments, i.e. with a U-shaped groove along the edge of the main part 42. This will give maximum strength and sealing.

Fig. 9 shows a further alternative embodiment manufactured of metal sheet, wherein at each comer there are two upward lugs 50 and 51 in the sheet material, and at each side there are two lugs 52, 53 and 54, 56. The number of lugs can be one or more.

Alternatively to the closed sheet 42', a perforated or mesh board or a combination, can be used.

Fig. 10 shows a section of a further embodiment, based on a fabric web 56, e.g. a canvas web, which has comer brackets 57 welded on each comer. Each comer bracket 57 has a downward L-shaped lug 58 and an upward lug 59.

In an alternative, not shown embodiment, each pallet frame bracket has two or more sections hinged or linked releasably together.

On all embodiments of the invention, it is advantageous to provide recesses or openings in the uprighet support elements for arrangement of straps or other means of roping.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment with two crossing strips (60, 61) which are connected in an X with a rivet 65, to be pivoted between a crossing position of use as shown and a position of covenience for storage and transport. Each end of the strips 60, 61 has a flange 62 with a downward lug 63 and an upward lug 64. This pallet frame bracket may be manufactured of plastic or light metal.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for stacking pallets with a pallet frame, particularly wherein each pallet frame comprises boards connected at the comers and provided with means to stack two or more pallet frames, the device comprising means to be arranged between the upper edge of the pallet frame and a stacked pallet, characterized in that it comprises an element at at least two opposite sides or comers of the pallet frame, with a horizontal part (14; 31; 42; 56) with a width which is substantially larger than the thickness of the boards of the pallet frames (22, 23), which has a downward retension means (19; 32; 47; 58) which can be brought into engagement with the pallet frame, and an upward retension means (15; 33; 48); 59) arranged on the outside relatively to the horizontal part, to extend outside a stacked pallet.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the downward retension means is arranged on the inner side of the pallet frame to be engaged

3. The device according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises four sides (11 A-D) in a substantially rectangular shape, with a horizontal carrying section (14) and upwardly protruding side flanges (15).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the side flanges (15) are connected to the adjoining horizontal carrying section (14) by an intermediate part (16).

5. The device according to either claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the sides (11 A-D) are connected with comer elements (13) in the plane of the horizontal carrying sections (14), being preferably welded.

6. The device according to anyone of the claims 3-5, characterized in that the horizontal carrying sections (14) on the inner side are provided with downwardly protruding L-shaped profiles, of which one leg (19) is vertical with a horizontal flange (20) at the lower edge.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in

- that it comprises a sheet- and/or mesh- element (42) covering at least a part of the upper opening of the pallet frame, - that at at least two of the sides of the sheet- and/or mesh- element (42) there is a set of lugs (47) intended to engage on the inner and/or outer side of the upper edge of the pallet frame, and

- that at at least two of the sides of the sheet- or mesh- element is an upwardly protruding support element (48) for a stacked pallet.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet- and/or mesh- element (42) is covering the upper opening of the pallet frame.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the upward protmding elements (48) are lugs extending over at least a part of the length of the sides of the sheet- or mesh- element 42.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the upward protmding elements (50, 51) are extrending from the comers of the device.

11. The device according to either claim 7 or 10, characterized in that the sheet- and/or mesh- element is provided with upwardly protmding support elements (50, 51) at the comers, and interchanginged up- and downward lugs (52- 55) at the sides, centrally located or distributed.

12. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet- or mesh- element is constituted of twohinged parts being or engagable when in use, and being stackable when not in use.

13.The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet- and/or mesh- element (56) is a fabric web material provided with comer elements (57) with a downward lug (58) and an upward lug (59). 8

14. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet- and/or mesh- element comprises two strips (60, 61) making a pivotable X-arrangement with a double gripping element (62) at each end.

15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal carrying section (31) has a width which is substantially larger than the thickness of the pallet frame, and that downward retension means (32) is engaging on the outer side of the carrying pallet frame, while the upward retension means (33) has its base point (34) outside the downward retension means and makes an obtuse angle with the main plane of the device.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that the upward retension means (33) makes an angel of 100° with the main plane of the device. 5

17. The device according to either claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the upward retension means (33) is arranged to engage on the edge of a standard pallet.

0 18. The device according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that the upward retension means (15; 33; 48; 59) is provided with one or more slots or recesses for straps.