US1597820A - Pallet for tiles - Google Patents

Description

4 Sheets-Sheet l R. V. PROCTOR ET AL PALLET FOR TILES Filed', March 3l, 1925 V. A .V

Aug'. 31 1926*.

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Aug. 31 1926.

R. v. PRocToR E-r AL PALLET Foa TILES Filed March 31'l 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 31 1926. f

. R. V. PROCTOF( ET AL PALLET FOR TILES Filed March 3l, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Aug. 31, 1926. 1,597,820

R. v. PRocToR rrr AL PALLET- FOR TILES Filed March 31 1925 L1'.Sheelzs-Sheei'. 4

Panarea Aug. 31, 192e.

RoEERTv. rRocToR AND HARRY 1u.

TEE COMMERCIAL sHEARmG a g CORPORATION or omo.

SCHAAB, F YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, AS'SIGNOBS T0 STAM'IING lCOMPANY, OF YOUN'GSTOWN, OHIO, A

PALLET RoR TILES.

Application led March `r31, 1985, Serial No. 19,608.v

The present invention relates broadly to pallets and the manufacturing of tiles,

' porcelain ware, abrasive wheelsand the like, and more particularly to pallets of the char- 6 acter adapted for use in the manufacture of the so-called terra cotta tiles or blocks, althoufgh the utility ofthe invention is not limite to use with terra cotta bodies'.

At the present timethe manufacture 'of 10 terra cotta tiles, the word tiles being used in its eneric sense as definitive of architectural s like, involves many diiiiculties. frequently the individual 5 much as 500 pounds, so that the mere physical handling thereof presents a considerable roblem. In addition to this, a single order requently requires anumber of widely different shapes or designs, thereby necessitat- 0 ing the use of special molds' for each tile. Ordinaril the tiles are formed in plaster'of 'Paris molds, by hand, it being customary to make them hollow in bac-k and provide them with openings serving not only to facilitate handling but also to permit air circulation during the driving of the tiles.

The tiles as now formed b hand are subsequently inverted onto-woo en allets, and then touched up to cure any de eets which may have occurred due to faulty molding or the like. The pallets, either with or without the tiles thereon are commonly moved from point to point by dragging them over the loor.- These heavy tiles on the wooden pallets are then sometimes put into humidity driers where they are permitted to remain in the neighborhood of 24 hours. During at least a part of this time they are subjected to a temperature in the neighborhood of 180 F. and t'o a humidity of from to 7() percent. After a predeterminedl interval, the steam is shut oii', and During the period of treatment with the dry Not inthe moisture. As this moisture is driven out, the tilestend toshrink, the shrinkage being frequently as high as three-quarters of an inch to the foot.

be apparent that the shrinkage becomes a factor of 'considerable importance. I,

Due to this high shrinkage, and to the slze apes, face blocks, lintels, sills and theY land the length of life of the pallets of handling the same is increased.

dry air is directed into the driers.

air, the heat in the tiles tends to vdrive out As the tiles are n ot infrequently several feet in length, "1t will claims.

of someof the tiles, it will be readily apparent that uniform shrinkage is essential 1n order to 'prevent cracks and/or warping of thetiles. To insure a uniform shrinklage, ease of movement between the tiles and the pallets is essential, as well as uniformity of drying or moisture expulsion.

With the wooden sentials of ease of r ative movement between -the tiles and the pallets and uniform drying, are not possible. The bottom portions of the tiles resting on'the wooden pallets, and the inside of the core o enings do not get proper air circulation an thereforethere 1s a -slower rate of moisture lossA in these portions than in the remainder of the terra cotta body. Also, after a very short time the supporting surfaces of the wooden pallets become rough or warped,

thereby preventing easy sliding of the blocks shrinking operation. It.

thereon during the frequently happens under these conditions that at least some of the tiles are of poor quality.

allets, the two les? The present invention has for certain of its objects the obviating of the difficulties and objections heretofore encountered in the manufacture of -terra cotta vtiles,

l whereby a better quality of product is madev Fundamentally, the present invention involves the use of steel pallets of such conpossible, and ease necessary strength, but

nearly uniform 'condition o f drying, andv inv creased heat transfer to thosepo'rtions from which the moisture. expulsion has heretofore beenA comparatively slow. j

In the accompanying drawings, there are shown for purposes of illustration only cer-l tain preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, it beingV understood that the vdrawings do not define the limits of our inf vention, as changes in the construction and operation disclosed therein may be made without departing either from the spirit of theinvention or thel scopcof our broader Figure-1 is top plan viewof a ,portion of a pallet embodying the present invention, the drawing illustrating substantially half of a complete pallet;

Fi re 2 is .a transverse sectional view on .the 11ne II-II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on the line III-III of Figure 1;

Fi ne 4 is a detail sectional view on theline V--IV of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 illustrating a slightly modified embodiment of tle invention; l

Figure 6 is a tranverse sectional view on the llne VI-VI of Figure 5;

'Fi ure 7 is a detail sectional view on the line I-VII of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a perspective View illustrating one end of still another embodiment of the present invent-ion; g

Figure 9 is a v1ew similar to Flgure 8 1llustratin another form of pallet constructed in accor ance with our invention;

Fi re 10 is a view similarto Figure 9 showing still a further form of pallet;

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing still another embodiment of the invention;

and

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view along the'line XI-XI of Figure 11.l

In carrying out the present invention it is necessary to bear in mind the essentials of strength, in order to carry the heavy loads imposed on the pallets; durability, in order .f

to permit rough handling of the pallets without danger of breaking or bending; shape, to facilitate handling and sliding over a floor or the like while permitting stacking of the allets; and design, whereby the desired alr circulation and heat transfer are both obtained.

In Figure 1 of the drawings there is illustrated. an embodiment of our invention 4which has beenfound highly desirable in the manufacture of certain types of terra cotta tiles. This embodiment comprises a main body portion 2 having its upper surface shaped to provide a sup orting surface for a tile during certain of t e steps of the manufacture thereof.' In order to provide the necessary strength for the main body, and prevent sagging or twisting thereof, the body may be formed with a plurality of stiifening ribs 3 extending lengthwise thereof and preferably pressed downwardly out of the plane of the supporting surface. In order to permit circulation of air freely to the interior of the tile and throughoutthe hollow portions thereof, the main body of the pallet may have a plurality of openings 4 formed therein. It will be understood thmJ the location of these openings will depend to some extent upon the character of the tile to be produced thereon, it being necessary in certain cases to provide certain portions of the pallet without perfora-l sagging, but also providing recesses for the reception of legs on adjacent pallets when the pallets are stacked, to thereby revent relative movement as will hereina er be more fully pointed out. i L

. The side edges of the pallets are preferably turned downwardly to provide ianges 6 and v serving not only to stifl'en the pal ets against then upwardly to form smooth roundedlower edges 7 permitting an operator to grasp the allet without danger of injury to his han s and also stiffening the fianves and further strengthening the pallet body. The ends -may be constructed similarlv to the sides, but are preferably reinforced by a rolled flange 8 providing a better grip ing edge and further'fac'ilitating handling o the pa lets, it bein customary during certain operations for t e operators to lift the same from the ends.

In some cases it is required that the pallets shall be supported such a-distance above the floor as to permit the assage of a lifting truck therebelow. porting legs of a hei ht sufficient for this purpose, and so space as to permit the free passage of the truck therebetween. In the construction shown in Figure 1, the legs are illustrated as comprising U-shaped straps of metal having their upper ends 9 welded or otherwise secured to the side flanges 6 and having a continuously extending reinforcing T is requires sup' rib or corrugation 10. Preferably the sides 11 of the legs converge in a downward direction .whereby the width of the base is less than the width of the allet thereby permittingthe same to free y engage the recess 5 1n an adjacent pallet during the stacking of the pallets in superimposed relationship. Due to the desirability of such an operation, it will be apparent that it is essential -to secure the upper ends of the legs to the body of the pallet immediately below and substantially in the vertical plane of the recesses 5, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 3,

In Figure 5 of the drawings there is illustrated another form of our invention in which the main body of the pallet is composed of a series of strips 12, each of the strips having reinforcing side flanges 13. The flanges 13 for the outer edges of the two outer strips are conveniently formed by bending )the metal downwardly and u pwardly as. before described to provide rounded lower edges 7. The ends of the strips are likewise preferably reinforced by rounded iianges 3 forming convenient grippiner portions.

The strips composing the body are assembled in s aced relation, and held in this position by egs 14 which may conveniently comprise pressed metal sheets having o enings 15 and having a continuous rein orcing bead 16 extending longitudinally of the leg and transversely thereof between the openings. At its lower end the leg ma have a laterally extending foot 17 provi ing a larger supporting) surface. The upper end of the leg may` e welded in position between the side flanges of the two outer stri s and may be cut away intermediate its ends to receive the downturned flanges 13, all of which may be welded if desired.

The form of our invention illustrated in Figure Sis similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 4, both inclusive with the exce tion of the construction of the supporting eg. In

accordance with this illustration, ,the supporting leg ma be formed by channels 18 suitably secure at .their upper ends to the side flanges below the recess 5 and projecting downwardly therefrom. Each of these channels is provided with a series of Opeliings 19 adapted to receive a -transversely extending pin 20. The foot of each legmay be formed by a U-shaped strap 21 having upstanding ends 22 of a width adapted to pass freely between the side flanges of the channels 18 and having aligned openings to receive the opposite ends of the pin 20.

1 Due to this construction the overall height of the legs may be adjusted as required for diieren't trucks, tiles of different dimensions, or different types of operations.

In `all of the forms of the linvention heretofore described, the lower or supporting surfaces of the legs are of such construction as to permit a pallet to be bodily slid along a floor or other surface without injury thereto while providing the necessaryclearance for the passage of a lifting truck therebetween. The edges of the pallets 'are of such construction that they may be readily gripped by an operator, shaped to facilitate handling and stacking. In the form illustrated more particularly in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings, the individual strips may or may not be perforated as desired, it being obvious that the spaces provided between their adjacent edges insure ample room for the free' circulation of air.

ln Figure 9 of the drawings there is shown a form of our invention more especially adapted to transportation by sliding along the surface of a floor or the like and having shorter legs. Pallets of this type may be constructed to replace ordinary Wooden pallets where lifting trucks have not customarily been utilized. Such pallets may comprise a body 24 which may be either perfothe ends" being `turned flanges 32 havin rated throughout or at the desired points, as V,

required, and which has a continuous flange 25, the continuity being effected by welding the adjacent edges kof the downturne ilanges at the sidesand ends as indicated at 26. This continuous flange tends to prevent twisting of the pallet about' its diagonale. f The blank from which the pallets are form.- y

ed may be provided with projecting portions -adapted to form' le l27 at suitable po1nts, the lower ends o the legs being turned inwardly to provide feet 28. At

certain points along its sides or ends, or both,

the downturned ilanges 25 maybe provided with@ series of notches or recesses ted to facilitate the engagement with 29 ada the pa et of a hook or slidlnlg it along, slip ing toward either end of the pallet.

Tlie form'i of lthe invention illustrated in other object used in AFigure 10 ldiffers from that in Figure 9 on y in the provision of rounded corners 30 whereby a continuous integral downturned flange 31 is made possible. It will be understood that the forms of our invention illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 may be reinforced by ribs or corrugations located at points, as heretofore pointed v any desired out.

In Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings there is illustrated a form of pallet similar different relationship to produce pallets ofdiflerent widths.` In Figures 5 and 6 the ythree strips are shown as being of similar construction, while in Figures 11 and 12 the center strip 3() is illustrated as being narrower than the two side strips 31. By providing standard strips widths, it ,will be readily apparent that they can be assembled in any desired relationship, thereby facilitating the formation of pallets of different dimensions as required.

The edges and ends of the pallets may be similarly reinforced by providing down- 33 curved 1nwardly an upwardly to provide a rounded lower edge, expediting gripping and handling of the pallets. The legs 34 may be constructed of sheet material having cut-away `portions of the side flanges 36 and having notches 37 for the reception of the edlge flan es 32. The notches 37 are preferably so imensioned that the rounded lower edges of the flanges 32 .will rest in the notches and be further reinforced thereby. This is highly desirable, as frequently the pallets are bodily rolled over with a tile supported thereon, and during such operations the notches form and prevent such hook from.

of different A' llO 35 for the receptionlll() their bottom edges f a substantial reinforcement. The legs may be welded onotherwise secured to the strips as desired.

In order to facilitate sliding of the pallets over a fioor orother surface, `the lower ends of the ,legs are turned upwardly, and the ends 38 are in turn bent u out of the plane 'of the main portion of t e bottom of the ing at least one opening theret legs, whereby the legs may act as runners without fear of engagement with upstanding projections or irregularities in the floor surface.

In our divisional ap lication, Serial No. 88 829 filed February 1%', 1926, there is specitcaiiy disclosed and claimed the pana construction of Figures 1, 2, 3 and 8 of the present application. v The advantages of the resent invention arise from the provision o sheet metal allets of a size and `strength adapting em for use in tlie manufacture of terra cotta tiles, and facilitating transportation ofl the pallets and movement of the tile relatively to the pallets duringl the drying thereof;

Further advantages of the present invention arise from the method of curing or drying tiles and similar articles on metallic pallets as distinguished from wooden pallets,

whereby it is possible to provide relativel smooth supporting surfaces and obtain hig heat transfer with eflicient air circulation.

We claim:

1. As an article of manufacture, a pallet V,ing said body throughout the central and edge portions` thereof .to prevent bending,

and -widely spaced supporting legs projecting downwardly from said body, said legs being of a height as to permit the insertion of a lift truck below the body, substantially as described.

3. As an article of manufacture, a pallet comprising a metallic supporting body having "at least one opening therethrou h for the circulation of air, means for rein orcing` said body to pievent bending thereof, and

supporting legs projecting downwardly fromv said body, said `cody having at least portions of its periphery shaped to reinforce the pallet and providing broadened surfaces to facilitate gripping thereof' by an operator,.

substantially as described.

4. As an article of manufacture, a pallet comprising a metallic supportin body haying atleast one opening theret rough for -commonto all of said bodies,

the circulation of air, means for reinforcing1 said body to prevent bending thereof, an supporting legs projecti downwardly from said body, said legs eac havin reinforcing means eiective vertically t ereof, substantially asdescribed'.

5. As an article of manufacture, a pallet provided with a supportin surface 'formed of a plurality of spaced odies and legs said legs having cutaway portions coo rating with said bodies, substantially as escribed.

.6. As an article of manufacture, a pallet provided with a supporting surface formed of a plurality of spaced strips, each strip `having reinforcing means therefor, and le cooperating both with the bodies of said strips andthe reinforcing means therefor, substatinally as described.

7. As an article of manufacture, a pallet provided with a supporting surface formed of a plurality of spaced strips, each havin reinforcing side flan es formed thereon an protecting downwardly therefrom, and legs shaped to extend upwardly between said flanges, substantially as described.

' 8. As an articlel of manufacture, a pallet rovided with a metallic su porting surace, stiffening flanges for sai surface, and

legs shaped to extend between said flanges and projecting downwardly below said flanges,substantially as described.

9. As an article of manufacture, a pallet provided with a metallic su porting surface, stilfening flanges for sai surface, and legs projecting downwardly below saidy flanges, -said legs coo erating at their up-y per-ends with said an es and the under side of said surface, su stantially as described.

10. As an article of manufacture, a`

pallet comprising a metallic supporting ody, means lfor reinforcing said body throughout the central and edge portions thereof to prevent bending, and supportin legs pro'ecting downwardl from sai body, sai legs being of a height and being so spaced as to permit the insertion of a lift truck below the body, substantially as described.

11. As an article of manufacture,a allet comprising a metallic supporting ody, means for reinforcin said body lto prevent bending thereof, an -supporting legs projecting downwardly from said body, said egs each having reinforcing means effective vertically thereof, substantially as described.

12. As an article of manufacture, a pallet comprising a supporting surface formed of a plurality of strips, each strip having reinforcing means therefor, and legs cooperating both with said strips and the reinforcing means therefor, substantially as described.

13. As an article of manufacture, a pallet provided with a supporting surface formed with a luralty. o longitudinally extending rein orcing means, at least some of said 5 reinforcing means comprising downturned longitudinally extending reinforcing means, at least some of said remforcing means lcomprising` downturned flanges, and supporting legs for said surface shaped to extend upwardlly1 withinl said flanges, said supporting legs aving verticall effective reinforcing. means, substantial y as described. ,y

In'testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands.

I vROBERT .V. PROCTOR.

HARRY n M. SCHAAR.

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