US20240217701A1 - Top frame for pallet system - Google Patents
Top frame for pallet system Download PDFInfo
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- US20240217701A1 US20240217701A1 US18/397,687 US202318397687A US2024217701A1 US 20240217701 A1 US20240217701 A1 US 20240217701A1 US 202318397687 A US202318397687 A US 202318397687A US 2024217701 A1 US2024217701 A1 US 2024217701A1
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- Prior art keywords
- top frame
- frame member
- set forth
- mechanical connection
- pallet
- 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.)
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 15
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- B65D19/38—Details or accessories
- B65D19/44—Elements or devices for locating articles on platforms
-
- 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
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/0088—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D71/0092—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids
- B65D71/0096—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids the dimensions of the supports corresponding to the periphery of the load, e.g. pallets
-
- 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
- B65D2519/0081—Elements or devices for locating articles
- B65D2519/00815—Elements or devices for locating articles on the pallet
-
- 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
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D2571/00055—Clapping elements, also placed on the side
-
- 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
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D2571/00111—Arrangements of flexible binders
- B65D2571/00117—Arrangements of flexible binders with protecting or supporting elements arranged between binder and articles or materials, e.g. for preventing chafing of binder
Definitions
- a top frame member for use in forming a top frame configured for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet generally comprises a generally rectangular frame having an exterior including a flat surface, an interior including ribbing supporting the flat surface.
- Mechanical connections arranged around the frame are configured for snap together mating with mechanical connections of another top frame member of identical construction to form a top frame.
- FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the first top frame member from an interior side vantage
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective showing another connection feature of the top frame
- FIG. 18 is a section taken in the plane including line 18 - 18 of FIG. 17 , but showing the fully assembled top frame;
- FIG. 19 is a perspective of a set of three, stacked top frames
- FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the three, stacked top frames of FIG. 19 ;
- FIG. 21 is a partial section taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail taken as indicated in FIG. 21 ;
- FIG. 24 is a partial section taken along line 24 - 24 of FIG. 20 ;
- a top frame 10 for use in a pallet system comprises a frame 12 having a rectangular, picture frame configuration. It will be understood that other configurations fall within the scope of the present invention.
- the top frame is sized and shaped in correspondence with a pallet on which articles may be stacked (not shown).
- the top frame is constructed for placing on top of a stack of articles and more particularly on top of a divider panel (not shown) placed on top of the stack.
- the top frame includes four elements ( 10 A- 10 D) which are formed with notches 14 located along an outer peripheral edge of the top frame. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four notches on each element 10 A- 10 D.
- the notches 14 are sized and arranged to receive respective portions of straps (not shown) wrapped around the pallet, articles, divider panels and top frame.
- the notches 14 serve as a guide for positioning the straps and help to hold the straps in place.
- the arrangement and number of notches may be other than shown.
- the notches 14 could be eliminated.
- the straps would also extend around or be attached to the base pallet (not shown), creating compression between the top frame, the divider panels and the base pallet that operates to increase the lateral stability of the pallet system carrying stacked articles.
- each frame element 10 A- 10 D a pair of spaced apart ribs 26 extending lengthwise of each frame element 10 A- 10 D and intersect the diamonds. It will be understood that the ribbing may be arranged in other configurations.
- the ribbed construction of the interior surface allows the first top frame member 10 to be strong and yet light weight.
- the continuous, substantially flat exterior surface is desirable for interfacing with the articles, divider panel and/or straps.
- the first top frame member 18 includes a plurality of latching connection units 30 (broadly “mechanical connection units”) located on the interior side of the first top frame member.
- Each latching connection unit 30 includes a male connector element 30 A and a female connector element 30 B ( FIG. 4 ).
- the bottom element 10 B and the top element 10 D of the first top frame member 18 each have six latching connection units 30 .
- the latching connection units are located within one of the diamonds of the ribbing 26 .
- Respective ones of the male connector elements 30 A and the female connector elements 30 B located nearer to the outer peripheral wall 24 of the first top frame member 18 and to the inner peripheral wall 22 .
- the arrangement of the male connector element 30 A and the female connector element 30 B alternates.
- the male connector element 30 A is located nearer the inner peripheral wall 22 and the female connector element 30 B is located nearer the outer peripheral wall 24 .
- the next latching connection unit 30 has a female connector element 30 B nearer to the inner peripheral wall 22 of the bottom element 10 B of the first top frame 18 , and a male connector element 30 A nearer the bottom peripheral wall 24 .
- each latching connection unit 30 of the bottom element 10 B is vertically aligned with a latching connection unit of the top element.
- Each vertically aligned latching connection unit 30 has the same arrangement with respect to the location of the male connector element 30 A and the female connector element 30 B.
- next latching connection unit 30 has a female connector element 30 B located nearer the outer peripheral wall 24 of the left element 10 C of the first top frame member 18 , and the male connector element 30 A is located nearer the inner peripheral wall 22 . Further, each latching connection unit 30 of the left element 10 C of the first top frame member 18 is horizontally aligned with a latching connection unit of the right element 10 A. Each horizontally aligned latching connection unit 30 has the inverse arrangement with respect to the location of the male connector element 30 A and the female connector element 30 B.
- the male connector element 30 A projects up from the first top frame member 18 and includes an enlarged head 32 defining a downward (as oriented in FIG. 5 ) facing shoulder 34 .
- the female connector element 30 B comprises an arch member 36 having an opening 38 , and a retainer member 40 .
- the arch member 36 includes a ramp surface 42 engageable with a corresponding ramp surface 44 on the male connector element 30 A to deflect the male connector element 30 A so that the enlarged head 32 may pass the upper end of the arch member 36 when the first top frame member 18 and second top frame member 20 are pushed together to form the top frame 10 .
- the retainer member 40 has a ramped surface 46 that engages a back side to engage a back side of the male connector member 30 A to drive it toward the arch member 36 . Once the rearward facing shoulder 38 reaches the opening 38 , the male connector member 30 A snaps into the opening so that the rearward facing shoulder is received in the opening and engages the retainer. The retainer member 40 resists dislodgement of the head 32 of the male connector member 30 A from the opening 38 of the arch member 36 . In this way a secure connection of the first top frame member 18 with the second top frame member 20 is achieved. All of the connection units 30 are constructed and operate in this manner in the illustrated embodiment.
- the corners of the interior face of the first top frame member 18 are formed with a pin 48 (see, FIG. 7 ), or a socket 50 (see, FIG. 9 ).
- the pins 48 are located in the corners of the first top frame member 18 on the right side of the drawings.
- the sockets 50 are located in the corners of the top frame member 18 on the left side of the drawing.
- the pins 48 are formed with crush ribs 52 .
- the diameter of each pin 48 measured through the crush ribs 52 is slightly greater than the diameter of the main portion 54 of the hole in the socket 50 ( FIG. 10 ).
- the pins 48 are received in the main portions 54 of their respective sockets 50 , the ribs 52 are crushed or deformed to produce an interference fit between the pin and the socket (see, FIG. 11 ).
- the pin 48 cannot be readily withdrawn from the socket 50 and thereby firmly holds the first top frame member 18 and the second top frame member 20 together.
- the pin 48 and socket 50 provide another mechanical connection of the first top frame member 18 to the second top frame member 20 .
- FIG. 15 shows a segment of the first top frame member 18 in which the ribbing 26 includes a curved section 26 A.
- the segment further includes a puck 62 adjacent to the curved section 26 A.
- the puck 62 is a feature of the molding process.
- This segment mates together with another segment from the second top frame element 20 , as shown in FIG. 16 .
- Another segment of the first top frame member 18 is shown in FIG. 17 that is received on a corresponding segment of the second top frame member as shown in FIG. 18 .
- the ring shown in FIG. 18 is a feature of the molding process used to keep the frame member engaged to an ejector pin of the mold (not shown) so that the part does not fall out of the mold when it is opened.
- the second top frame member 20 is of identical construction. Looking again at FIG. 3 , the second top frame member 20 can be readily positioned for attachment to the first top frame member 18 . More specifically, a second top frame member 20 in the same initial orientation shown for the first top frame member in FIG. 3 can be rotated 180° about a vertical axis so that the flat exterior surface of the second top frame member faces out of the page. The second top frame member 20 can then be moved into alignment over the first top frame member 18 . The inverted and aligned second top frame member 20 will present the latching connection units 30 that are aligned with corresponding latching connection units 30 of the first top frame member 18 .
- connection features including the pins 48 and sockets 50 of FIGS. 7 - 9 , and bosses 56 and sockets 60 are also arranged to mate when the second top frame member 20 is positioned for attachment to the first top frame member 18 as described above.
- top frames 10 can be stacked together in a way in which the top frames are interconnected by stacking structure so that the stacked top frames 10 act mechanically as a single piece.
- each corner of an exterior surface of the top frame 10 has stacking structure including a raised a peg 68 and an adjacent recess 70 .
- the top frames 10 can be stacked so that the pegs 68 of one top frame can be received in the recesses 70 of the adjacent top frame so that the stacked frames have lateral connectivity.
- Straps (not shown) are applied over the top of the stack of top frames as used on top of items arranged on a pallet to stabilize the items. The straps also hold the stack of top frames together in a vertical direction.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A top frame used to stabilize articles supported on a pallet allows the stabilized articles to have greater lateral stability. The top frame is formed by two frame members that can be snapped together to form the top frame. The top frame members can have the identical construction for ease of manufacturing.
Description
- This application is the nonprovisional of provisional application Ser. No. 63/477,848, filed Dec. 30, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
- This invention relates generally to pallets and more specifically to a top frame used in a pallet system.
- Pallet systems are used to support products for storage and easy conveyance to an end location, such as a point of sale location for consumer products. Pallet systems include a base pallet that is usually constructed for use with a forklift or pallet jack to be lifted off the floor for conveyance to another location. It is common for products to be arranged in a stack formed from multiple rows of product separated by dividing panels. Stacked products can be unstable laterally and so pallet systems are constructed to provide stability. In that regard, the base pallet is of sturdy construction to avoid deformation when carrying the load. The dividing panels preferably have enough rigidity so that each row of product is on a flat surface of stable configuration. In addition, it is known to provide straps over the top of the stack to essentially tie the stack to the base pallet. However, the divider panels are typically too thin to provide resistance to laterally inward deformation when tightly wrapped with straps.
- Accordingly, it is known to provide as part of the pallet system a top frame that has more lateral rigidity than the divider panels. The top frame is usually thicker and capable of resisting lateral deformation when loaded by the straps applied around the pallet system at the products stacked on the pallet system. The top frame and straps give a substantial degree of structural stability to the pallet system so that the products can be moved around with minimal chance that the stacked products will topple over.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a top frame for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet generally comprises a first top frame member including first mechanical connection units. A second top frame member including second mechanical connection units, the second top frame member is configured to be secured to the first top frame member with the first mechanical connection units connected to the second mechanical connection units.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a top frame member for use in forming a top frame configured for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet generally comprises a generally rectangular frame having an exterior including a flat surface, an interior including ribbing supporting the flat surface. Mechanical connections arranged around the frame are configured for snap together mating with mechanical connections of another top frame member of identical construction to form a top frame.
- Other objects and features of the present disclosure will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective of a top frame; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective of a first top frame member of the top frame seen from an interior side vantage; -
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the first top frame member from an interior side vantage; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the first top frame member showing a connection system; -
FIG. 5 is a section taken in the plane including line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a section similar toFIG. 5 , but taken through the assembled top frame including the first top frame member and a second top frame member; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the first top frame member showing a connecting pin; -
FIG. 8 a section taken in the plane including line 8-8 ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of the first top frame member showing a connecting socket; -
FIG. 10 is a section taken in the plane including line 10-10 ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a section similar toFIG. 10 , but taken through the fully assembled top frame; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective showing another connection feature of the top frame; -
FIG. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective showing another connection feature of the top frame; -
FIG. 14 is a section taken in the plane including line 14-14 ofFIG. 12 , but showing the fully assembled top frame; -
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective showing a feature associated with the molding process; -
FIG. 16 is a section taken in the plane including line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 , but showing the fully assembled top frame; -
FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective showing another feature associated with the molding process; -
FIG. 18 is a section taken in the plane including line 18-18 ofFIG. 17 , but showing the fully assembled top frame; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective of a set of three, stacked top frames; -
FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the three, stacked top frames ofFIG. 19 ; -
FIG. 21 is a partial section taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 20 ; -
FIG. 22 is an enlarged detail taken as indicated inFIG. 21 ; -
FIG. 23 is a bottom edge elevation of the three, stacked top frames; -
FIG. 24 is a partial section taken along line 24-24 ofFIG. 20 ; and -
FIG. 25 is an enlarged detail taken as indicated inFIG. 24 . - Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
- Referring now to the drawings and in particular to
FIG. 1 atop frame 10 for use in a pallet system is shown to comprises aframe 12 having a rectangular, picture frame configuration. It will be understood that other configurations fall within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the top frame is sized and shaped in correspondence with a pallet on which articles may be stacked (not shown). The top frame is constructed for placing on top of a stack of articles and more particularly on top of a divider panel (not shown) placed on top of the stack. The top frame includes four elements (10A-10D) which are formed withnotches 14 located along an outer peripheral edge of the top frame. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four notches on eachelement 10A-10D. Thenotches 14 are sized and arranged to receive respective portions of straps (not shown) wrapped around the pallet, articles, divider panels and top frame. Thenotches 14 serve as a guide for positioning the straps and help to hold the straps in place. The arrangement and number of notches may be other than shown. Moreover, thenotches 14 could be eliminated. The straps would also extend around or be attached to the base pallet (not shown), creating compression between the top frame, the divider panels and the base pallet that operates to increase the lateral stability of the pallet system carrying stacked articles. - The
top frame 10 comprises a firsttop frame member 18 and a secondtop frame member 20 which are joined together to form the top frame. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the firsttop frame member 18 and the secondtop frame member 20 is formed as one piece of material. In some versions, the first and secondtop frame members top frame member 18 and the secondtop frame member 20 are identical in construction (as illustrated herein). As shown, the firsttop frame member 18 and the second top frame member 20 (as well as the assembled top frame 10) have a rectangular, picture frame shape. It will be understood that other configurations of the first and secondtop frame members top frame 10 may be used. Thus, there is no need to search for a mating pair oftop frame members top frame 10. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the firsttop frame member 18 is shown. It will be understood that because the first and secondtop frame members top frame member 18 includes a continuous, substantially flat, exterior surface (as shown for the secondtop frame member 20 inFIG. 1 ), and an interior surface. The interior surface is formed by an innerperipheral wall 22 and an outerperipheral wall 24 connected together by ribbing 26 (see,FIG. 4 ). The ribbing takes the form of a series of rhombi (or “diamonds”) extending between the innerperipheral wall 22 and the innerperipheral wall 24. Adjacent diamonds are connected to each other. In addition, a pair of spaced apartribs 26 extending lengthwise of eachframe element 10A-10D and intersect the diamonds. It will be understood that the ribbing may be arranged in other configurations. The ribbed construction of the interior surface allows the firsttop frame member 10 to be strong and yet light weight. The continuous, substantially flat exterior surface is desirable for interfacing with the articles, divider panel and/or straps. - The first
top frame member 18 includes a plurality of latching connection units 30 (broadly “mechanical connection units”) located on the interior side of the first top frame member. Eachlatching connection unit 30 includes amale connector element 30A and afemale connector element 30B (FIG. 4 ). Referring toFIG. 3 , thebottom element 10B and thetop element 10D of the firsttop frame member 18 each have sixlatching connection units 30. The latching connection units are located within one of the diamonds of theribbing 26. Respective ones of themale connector elements 30A and thefemale connector elements 30B located nearer to the outerperipheral wall 24 of the firsttop frame member 18 and to the innerperipheral wall 22. The arrangement of themale connector element 30A and thefemale connector element 30B alternates. In other words, in the firstlatching connection unit 30 on the left end of thebottom element 10B of the firsttop frame member 18 as shown inFIG. 3 , themale connector element 30A is located nearer the innerperipheral wall 22 and thefemale connector element 30B is located nearer the outerperipheral wall 24. Moving to the right, the nextlatching connection unit 30 has afemale connector element 30B nearer to the innerperipheral wall 22 of thebottom element 10B of the firsttop frame 18, and amale connector element 30A nearer the bottomperipheral wall 24. Further, each latchingconnection unit 30 of thebottom element 10B is vertically aligned with a latching connection unit of the top element. Each vertically aligned latchingconnection unit 30 has the same arrangement with respect to the location of themale connector element 30A and thefemale connector element 30B. - Similarly, the
right side element 10A and theleft side element 10C of the firsttop frame member 18 each have fourlatching connection units 30 spaced along their respective lengths. Some of thelatching connection units 30 are located within respective ones of the diamonds formed by theribbing 26. The position of themale connector element 30A andfemale connector element 30B alternates from oneconnection unit 30 to the adjacent connection unit on the right and leftside elements latching connection unit 30 nearest the bottom on theleft element 10C of the firsttop frame member 18, themale connector element 30A is located nearer to the outerperipheral wall 24 and thefemale connector element 30B is located nearer the innerperipheral wall 22. Moving upward, the nextlatching connection unit 30 has afemale connector element 30B located nearer the outerperipheral wall 24 of theleft element 10C of the firsttop frame member 18, and themale connector element 30A is located nearer the innerperipheral wall 22. Further, each latchingconnection unit 30 of theleft element 10C of the firsttop frame member 18 is horizontally aligned with a latching connection unit of theright element 10A. Each horizontally aligned latchingconnection unit 30 has the inverse arrangement with respect to the location of themale connector element 30A and thefemale connector element 30B. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4-6 , themale connector element 30A projects up from the firsttop frame member 18 and includes anenlarged head 32 defining a downward (as oriented inFIG. 5 ) facingshoulder 34. Thefemale connector element 30B comprises anarch member 36 having anopening 38, and aretainer member 40. Thearch member 36 includes aramp surface 42 engageable with acorresponding ramp surface 44 on themale connector element 30A to deflect themale connector element 30A so that theenlarged head 32 may pass the upper end of thearch member 36 when the firsttop frame member 18 and secondtop frame member 20 are pushed together to form thetop frame 10. Theretainer member 40 has a rampedsurface 46 that engages a back side to engage a back side of themale connector member 30A to drive it toward thearch member 36. Once the rearward facingshoulder 38 reaches theopening 38, themale connector member 30A snaps into the opening so that the rearward facing shoulder is received in the opening and engages the retainer. Theretainer member 40 resists dislodgement of thehead 32 of themale connector member 30A from theopening 38 of thearch member 36. In this way a secure connection of the firsttop frame member 18 with the secondtop frame member 20 is achieved. All of theconnection units 30 are constructed and operate in this manner in the illustrated embodiment. - The corners of the interior face of the first
top frame member 18 are formed with a pin 48 (see,FIG. 7 ), or a socket 50 (see,FIG. 9 ). Referring toFIG. 3 , thepins 48 are located in the corners of the firsttop frame member 18 on the right side of the drawings. Thesockets 50 are located in the corners of thetop frame member 18 on the left side of the drawing. Thepins 48 are formed withcrush ribs 52. The diameter of eachpin 48 measured through thecrush ribs 52 is slightly greater than the diameter of themain portion 54 of the hole in the socket 50 (FIG. 10 ). As a result, when thepins 48 are received in themain portions 54 of theirrespective sockets 50, theribs 52 are crushed or deformed to produce an interference fit between the pin and the socket (see,FIG. 11 ). Thus, thepin 48 cannot be readily withdrawn from thesocket 50 and thereby firmly holds the firsttop frame member 18 and the secondtop frame member 20 together. Thepin 48 andsocket 50 provide another mechanical connection of the firsttop frame member 18 to the secondtop frame member 20. - Another alignment feature of the
top frame 10 is shown inFIGS. 12-14 . One part of the firsttop frame member 18 includes aboss 56 and apull ring 58. Theboss 56 is configured to mate with asocket 60 of thesecond frame member 20. Thesocket 60 is shown inFIG. 13 , and has a central opening that flares outward near the open end of the socket to facilitate guiding theboss 56 into the socket. When the firsttop frame member 18 and secondtop frame member 20 are brought together, theboss 56 is received in thesocket 60. Thepull ring 58 is a feature associated with molding thetop frame 10, and is trimmed back after molding to avoid interference with the fit of theboss 56 in thesocket 60, as may be seen inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 15 shows a segment of the firsttop frame member 18 in which theribbing 26 includes acurved section 26A. The segment further includes apuck 62 adjacent to thecurved section 26A. Thepuck 62 is a feature of the molding process. This segment mates together with another segment from the secondtop frame element 20, as shown inFIG. 16 . Another segment of the firsttop frame member 18 is shown inFIG. 17 that is received on a corresponding segment of the second top frame member as shown inFIG. 18 . The ring shown inFIG. 18 is a feature of the molding process used to keep the frame member engaged to an ejector pin of the mold (not shown) so that the part does not fall out of the mold when it is opened. - As previously stated, the second
top frame member 20 is of identical construction. Looking again atFIG. 3 , the secondtop frame member 20 can be readily positioned for attachment to the firsttop frame member 18. More specifically, a secondtop frame member 20 in the same initial orientation shown for the first top frame member inFIG. 3 can be rotated 180° about a vertical axis so that the flat exterior surface of the second top frame member faces out of the page. The secondtop frame member 20 can then be moved into alignment over the firsttop frame member 18. The inverted and aligned secondtop frame member 20 will present thelatching connection units 30 that are aligned with corresponding latchingconnection units 30 of the firsttop frame member 18. Moreover, for each aligned pair of latchingconnection units 30, themale connector element 30A of the secondtop frame member 20 will be aligned with afemale connector element 30B of the firsttop frame member 18. Afemale connector element 30B of the secondtop frame member 20 will be aligned with amale connector element 30A of the firsttop frame member 18. Accordingly, when the first andsecond frame members FIG. 6 , which shows a latching connection unit of the second top frame member lockingly engaged with the latching connection unit of the first top frame member. It will be understood that other connection features, including thepins 48 andsockets 50 ofFIGS. 7-9 , andbosses 56 andsockets 60 are also arranged to mate when the secondtop frame member 20 is positioned for attachment to the firsttop frame member 18 as described above. - Referring now to
FIGS. 19-25 , it may be seen that multiple (e.g., three) top frames can be stacked together in a way in which the top frames are interconnected by stacking structure so that the stacked top frames 10 act mechanically as a single piece. As shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 , each corner of an exterior surface of thetop frame 10 has stacking structure including a raised apeg 68 and anadjacent recess 70. The top frames 10 can be stacked so that thepegs 68 of one top frame can be received in therecesses 70 of the adjacent top frame so that the stacked frames have lateral connectivity. Straps (not shown) are applied over the top of the stack of top frames as used on top of items arranged on a pallet to stabilize the items. The straps also hold the stack of top frames together in a vertical direction. - When introducing elements of aspects of the invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- Not all of the depicted components illustrated or described may be required. In addition, some implementations and embodiments may include additional components. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as set forth herein. Additional, different or fewer components may be provided and components may be combined. Alternatively, or in addition, a component may be implemented by several components.
- The above description illustrates the aspects of the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the aspects of the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the aspects of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the aspects of the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the aspects of the invention are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The aspects of the invention are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
- The Abstract and Summary are provided to help the reader quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. They are submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in simplified form that are further described in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the claimed subject matter.
Claims (20)
1. A top frame for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet, the top frame comprising:
a first top frame member including first mechanical connection units;
a second top frame member including second mechanical connection units, the second top frame member being configured to be secured to the first top frame member with the first mechanical connection units connected to the second mechanical connection units.
2. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second mechanical connection units are configured for snap together mating.
3. The top frame as set forth in claim 2 wherein each of the first and second mechanical connection units comprises a male connector element and a female connector element, the male connector element of the first mechanical connection unit being engaged with the female connector element of the second mechanical connection unit, and the female element of the first mechanical connection unit being engaged with the male connector element of the second mechanical connection unit.
4. The top frame as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member are each formed as one piece of material.
5. The top frame as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member are molded from a polymeric material.
6. The top frame as set forth in claim 5 wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member have the identical construction.
7. The top frame as set forth in claim 6 wherein the first and second mechanical connection units each have a rectangular, picture-frame shape.
8. The top frame as set forth in claim 7 wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member has an exterior surface including a flat surface and an interior surface formed by ribbing.
9. The top frame as set forth in claim 8 wherein the first and second top frame members are free of welded interconnection.
10. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member are each formed as one piece of material.
11. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the first top frame member and second top frame member are formed with stacking structure for interconnection with another top frame of the same construction.
12. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first top frame member and the second top frame member have the identical construction.
13. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first top frame member includes a pin having at least one axially extending rib, and the second top frame member includes a socket receiving the pin, the rib of the pin and the socket being engaged in an interference fit.
14. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the first top frame member and the second top frame member has an exterior surface including a substantially flat surface and an interior surface formed by ribbing.
15. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second top frame members are free of welded interconnection.
16. The top frame as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second top frame members including aligned channels for receiving strapping applied to the pallet, articles held by the pallet and the top frame.
17. A top frame member for use in forming a top frame configured for use in a pallet assembly to stabilize articles held on a pallet, the top frame member comprising:
a generally rectangular frame having an exterior including a flat surface, an interior including ribbing supporting the flat surface;
mechanical connections arranged around the frame are configured for snap together mating with mechanical connections of another top frame member of identical construction to form a top frame.
18. The top frame member as set forth in claim 16 wherein the top frame member is formed as a single piece of material.
19. The top frame member as set forth in claim 16 wherein the top frame member is molded from a polymeric material.
20. The top frame as set forth in claim 16 wherein the top frame member is formed with stacking structure for interconnection with another top frame of the same construction.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/397,687 US20240217701A1 (en) | 2022-12-30 | 2023-12-27 | Top frame for pallet system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263477848P | 2022-12-30 | 2022-12-30 | |
US18/397,687 US20240217701A1 (en) | 2022-12-30 | 2023-12-27 | Top frame for pallet system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20240217701A1 true US20240217701A1 (en) | 2024-07-04 |
Family
ID=91667004
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US18/397,687 Pending US20240217701A1 (en) | 2022-12-30 | 2023-12-27 | Top frame for pallet system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20240217701A1 (en) |
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2023
- 2023-12-27 US US18/397,687 patent/US20240217701A1/en active Pending
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Owner name: INTEPLAST GROUP CORPORATION, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LIN, YAW-KUEN;REEL/FRAME:066499/0882 Effective date: 20230112 |