WO2019056040A1

WO2019056040A1 - Pallet module and associated modular pallet system

Info

Publication number: WO2019056040A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/000155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Vittoria; Damien Miller
Original assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-22
Filing date: 2018-08-29
Publication date: 2019-03-28
Also published as: AU2018334694A1

Abstract

A modular pallet system (100) for supporting or holding goods for transportation and/or storage. The system (100) includes a plurality of pallet modules (1) that are provided with a joining mechanism (8). The joining mechanism (8) includes an elongated latching member (9) that is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position the latching member (9) engages in an adjacent pallet module (1).

Description

PALLET MODULE AND ASSOCIATED MODULAR PALLET SYSTEM

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a support module for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, such as a pallet module or platform module, and an associated modular support system.

[0002] As noted above, the invention is particularly applicable to a pallet module or platform module, and to an associated modular pallet system and it will be convenient to describe the invention in this exemplary context. It will be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular application but is, for example, also applicable to a container module and to an associated modular container system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] For goods to flow smoothly/seamlessly from end to end within the goods supply chain in wholesale and retail operations, standardisation of footprints for pallets and platforms is generally required. For this reason, there are long-established specifications for pallet sizes. However, at the retail end of the supply chain, greater flexibility in the footprint size and usage of pallets is typically required. Because all parts of the wholesale and retail supply chain have a significant investment in infrastructure and equipment built around these dimensions, any change in these in pallet specifications is difficult to achieve.

[0004] There have been some attempts to join platforms/pallets but there has not yet been an integrated solution that allows interconnected pallets to flow smoothly through the supply chain and to be separated as and when required.

[0005] One known modular pallet system comprises pallet modules that can be joined together to create customised pallets (i.e., sized in multiples of a single pallet module) via tongue-and- groove joining elements moulded into the sides of individual pallet modules. This system has the disadvantage, however, that it is only suitable for modifying the size of a pallet when the pallet is in an unloaded state. Thus, it is not particularly suitable for providing retailers flexibility in the movement and display of goods at the end of the supply chain. [0006] It would be desirable to provide a modular support system which facilitates the movement of goods and pallets through existing supply chains using existing supply chain infrastructure and equipment. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide flexibility to drive higher yields through flexible category management, promotions and one-off location displays while maintaining current supply chain efficiencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is disclosed herein a support module, such as a pallet module, for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, comprising:

a base for engaging a floor;

a receiving member presenting a receiving surface upon which the goods are to be placed and supported for transport and/or storage; and

a joining mechanism for releasable interconnection or integration of the support module with an adjacent such support module,

wherein the joining mechanism comprises at least one latching member that is movable between a retracted, inactive position and an extended, active position in which the latching member is configured to be received by and to latch or engage within a corresponding recess of the adjacent support module.

[0008] Preferably, the receiving member is a generally flat, panel-like member such that the receiving surface is a generally planar surface extending across an upper side of the receiving member, wherein the base bears the receiving member and comprises at least one footing for engaging the floor.

[0009] Preferably, the receiving member comprises a container.

[0010] Preferably, the latching member is movable linearly, especially slidable, and preferably horizontally slidable, between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0011] Preferably, the latching member is elongate and movable between the retracted position and the extended position in a direction that is generally parallel to its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis. [0012] Preferably, the latching member has an associated detent mechanism, such as a ball detent mechanism, for locking or holding the latching member in engagement within the recess of the adjacent support module in the extended position.

[0013] Preferably, the latching member, in the retracted position, is accommodated within a cavity formed in the receiving member or in the base.

[0014] Preferably, the latching member comprises an activating element with which a user may activate movement of the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0015] Preferably, the activating element comprises a handle or grip element for manual operation by a user to move the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position; the activating element preferably projecting outwardly, especially laterally outwardly, from the support module for access by the user.

[0016] Preferably, the joining mechanism comprises two latching members respectively provided or arranged at opposite sides of the support module for together interconnecting or integrating the support module with the adjacent support module.

[0017] There is further disclosed herein a support module, for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, comprising:

a joining mechanism for releasably interconnecting or integrating the support module with an adjacent such support module,

wherein the joining mechanism comprises at least one latching member that is slidable between an inactive position and an active position, wherein the latching member is configured to be received by, and to latch or engage with, a corresponding recess of the adjacent support module in the active position.

[0018] Preferably, the latching member is elongate and is slidable in a direction generally parallel to its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis between the inactive position and the active position. [0019] Preferably, the latching member has an associated detent, such as a ball detent, for holding or locking the latching member in either or both of the inactive position and the active position.

[0020] Preferably, the latching member, in the inactive position, is accommodated in a cavity preferably formed in the receiving member, wherein the latching member includes an activating element with which a user may activate movement of the latching member between the inactive and active positions.

[0021] A modular support system, such as a modular pallet system, configured for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, the system comprising a plurality of support modules according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0022] Preferably, the support modules are pallets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the various advantages thereof, one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pallet module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a latching member of the joining mechanism in an extended position;

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a latching member from the pallet module of Fig. 1 ;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a side view of the pallet module of Fig. 1 with the latching member in the extended position;

[0027] Fig. 4 is a side view of the pallet module of Fig. 1 with the latching member in a retracted position;

[0028] Fig. 5 is a side view of two pallet modules in a modular pallet system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the latching member of the joining mechanism of the right-hand side pallet in the retracted position, such that the pallet modules are disconnected; and

[0029] Fig. 6 is a side view of two pallet modules in a modular pallet system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the latching member of the joining mechanism of the right-hand side pallet in the extended position, such that the pallet modules are integrated.

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0031] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] With reference firstly to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a pallet module 1 according to a preferred embodiment in a modular pallet system 100 for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage is shown. The pallet module 1 has a generally flat, panel-like receiving member 2 which presents a generally flat or planar upper surface 3, upon which goods (e.g., packaged in cartons or crates) are placed and supported for transport and/or storage. In this particular case, the panel-like receiving member 2 is moulded from a plastic or polymer material and has an open framework structure in order to provide rigidity with reduced weight.

Nevertheless, the flat panel-like nature of the receiving member 2 is still apparent. The pallet module 1 further comprises a base 4 on which the panel-like receiving member 2 is mounted and borne. The base includes two elongate footings 5 which extending along opposite front and rear edges of the pallet module 1 for engaging the floor. The elongate footings 5 comprise skids 6 and spaced apart legs or struts 7 connecting the skids 6 with the panel-like receiving member 2. As will be appreciated by workers in this field, both the footings 5 and the legs or struts 7 are spaced apart to enable the forks of a forklift or hoist (not shown) to be inserted between the receiving member 2 and the floor for lifting and moving the pallet modules 1 , especially when loaded with goods.

[0033] Referring further to drawing Figs. 1 to 4, the pallet module 1 includes a joining mechanism 8 for releasably interconnecting or integrating the pallet module 1 with another adjacent one of the pallet modules 1. The joining mechanism 8 comprises an elongate latching member 9 that is slidable between a retracted, inactive position (seen in Fig. 4), where it is accommodated within a cavity 10 extending along a side edge of the panel-like receiving member 2, and an extended, active position (seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3), where it projects as a generally rectangular rod or finger from a front edge of the panel -like receiving member 2. In the extended position shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the elongate latching member 9 is configured to be received by and to latch or engage within a corresponding recess 11 of the adjacent pallet module 1. In this regard, the latching member 9 is configured to be received by and to engage within the corresponding recess 11 of the adjacent pallet module 1 in a substantially form-fitting manner to provide for a substantially rigid and robust interconnection or integration of the pallet modules 1.

[0034] From Fig. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that the elongate latching member 9 has an associated ball detent mechanism 12 for holding or locking the latching member 9 in

engagement within the recess 1 1 of the adjacent pallet module 1 when the latching member 9 is in the extended position. Specifically, a ball detent element 13 of the detent mechanism 12 is resiliently biased via a spring member (not shown) to an outwardly projecting, interlocking posture. The ball detent element 13 is thus configured to engage and lock within a

corresponding hole or aperture 14 provided in a side wall of the recess 1 1 that is configured to receive the latching member 9. In this way, the ball detent mechanism 12 may operate to hold or lock the latching member 9 within the respective recess 11 and prevent unwanted separation or disconnection of the first pallet module 1 from the second adjacent pallet module 1 with which it is interconnected or integrated. When these two pallet modules 1 are compatibly joined the second pallet module will have its recess 1 1 aligned with the respective latch member 9 of the first pallet module 1 to allow the latch member 9 to enter into that recess and travel along its length. As the latch member 9 is inserted into the respective recess 1 1 , the ball detent element 13 is depressed under resilient bias until it reaches alignment with the corresponding hole or aperture 14, whereupon it may move outwardly into interlocking engagement with the sides of the hole or aperture 14 to lock the latching member 9 in the respective recess 11 and thus join the pallet modules 1 securely.

[0035] Referring to drawing Figs. 2 to 4, it will be noted that ball detent element 13 essentially forms a spring-biased "button" that is usually in the outward, inter-locking or "positive" posture. If the ball element or "button" 13 engaged within the hole or aperture 14 is pressed in, the detent mechanism 12 can be released and the latching member 9 can be then moved. For this purpose, the latching member 9 includes a handle or grip element 15 for manual operation by a user to move the latching member 9 between the retracted position and the extended position. This handle or grip element 15 projects laterally outwardly from a side of the pallet module 1 for ready access by the user. In this regard, the cavity 10 which accommodates the latching member 9 in the retracted position includes a lateral slot 16 which provides an operator manual access to the handle or grip element 15 for manually sliding the latching member 9 between the retracted and extended positions. Thus, with reference to Fig. 4, an operator may use the handle or grip element 15 to slide the latching member 9 from the extended position shown in Fig. 3 back into the retracted position within the cavity 10. A side wall of the cavity 10 includes a further hole or aperture 17 sized to receive the ball detent element 13 in order to hold or lock the latching member 9 within the cavity 10 in the retracted position. It will be noted that, if the cavity 10 were to include a spring member (not shown) for resiliently biasing the latching member 9 to the extended position, the detent mechanism 12 - i.e., via the ball detent element 13 and the hole or aperture 17 - may then operate to hold the latching member 9 in the retracted position against the resilient bias of that spring member.

[0036] The joining mechanism 8 typically includes two latching members 9 respectively provided or arranged at opposite sides of the pallet module 1 for together inter-connecting or integrating a first pallet module 1 with an adjacent second pallet module 1. The joining mechanism 8 may be present on all sides of the pallet and may be used on both sides to secure the pallet modules together. Thus, two joined pallet modules may be secured by two separate joining mechanisms on each side as described above. [0037] With reference now to drawing Figs. 5 and 6, a modular pallet system 100 is illustrated for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage. This modular pallet system 100 comprises at least of the pallet modules 1 described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Thus, in the modular pallet system 100, the joining mechanism 8 of each pallet module 1 allows a pallet to be assembled from, and then subsequently be disconnected into, two or more separate pallet modules, which can then later again be re-assembled as required in the supply chain environment. The joining mechanism 8 allows the pallet modules to be assembled to size specifications compatible with existing supply chain handling and automated lines.

[0038] Based on the above description of an embodiment, a method of operating the modular pallet system 100 can be summarised as follows. For joining the pallet modules 1, the steps include: (i) aligning two pallet modules next to or adjacent one another, such that the latching members 9 of a first module 1 are aligned with the corresponding recesses 11 of the other module 1 ; (ii) compressing and holding a ball element or "button" 13 of a latching member 9 of the first module 1; (iii) sliding the latching member 9 via the handle or gripping element 15 of the first module 1 into the corresponding recess 11 of the second module 1 until the respective button 13 locates in the hole or aperture 14 of the second module 1 and springs back to engage and lock therein; (iv) repeating steps (ii) and (iii) for the latching member 9 on the opposite side of the first pallet module 1 until that latching member is engaged and locked within the corresponding recesses 11 of the second module 1, whereby the pallet modules 1 of the pallet system 100 are then joined and integrated. For separating the pallet modules 1, the steps include: (i) compressing and holding the ball element or "button" 13 of a latching member 9 of the first module 1 ; (ii) withdrawing the latching member 9 of the first module 1 via its handle or gripping element 15 from the recess 1 1 of the second module 1 back into the cavity 10 of the first module until the respective button 13 locates in the hole or aperture 17 of the first module 1 and springs back to engage and lock therein; (iii) repeating steps (i) and (ii) for the latching member 9 on the opposite side of the first pallet module 1 until that latching member is engaged and locked within its cavity 10 in the first module 1 ; and (iv) moving the pallet modules 1 away from the aligned position, whereby the pallet modules 1 of the pallet system 100 are separated from one another.

[0039] As the invention is modular it allows the joining of two or more pallet modules 1 to suit the desired supply chain configuration. If a pallet system 100 comprises pallet modules 1 which are each joined by two or more joining mechanisms 8, it is envisaged that all of the latching members 9 will need to be disengaged to ensure full separation of the pallet modules.

[0040] An advantage of the above described is that it, the support module of the invention is able to be quickly and easily interconnected or integrated with an adjacent such support module - or also disconnected or separated from an adjacent support module - in order to adapt the support module to the particular task or supply chain application currently being performed. That is, the joining mechanism in the support module of the invention enables a wholesaler to employ interconnected or integrated support modules of standard size specifications for efficient distribution through the supply chain but also enables a retailer to separate or disconnect the pallet modules to create smaller footprints for individual or specialised display options at the end of the supply chain.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving member is formed as a generally flat, panellike member such that the receiving surface is a generally flat or planar surface extending across an upper side of the receiving member. The base of the support module bears the receiving member and typically includes at least one footing, and preferably a plurality of footings, for engaging the floor. In this way, the support module is configured as a pallet module or platform module that presents a generally flat or planar receiving surface or loading surface upon which goods (such as packaged goods in cartons or crates) may be placed and supported for transport and/or storage. The base of such a pallet module may be configured such that the plurality of footings comprise skids or legs which are spaced apart to enable the forks of a forklift or hoist to be inserted between the generally flat, panel-like receiving member and the floor, as will be understood in this field. Thus, by using the specifications of a standard Australian display pallet and its size ratio relationship to the Australian (wooden) transport pallet, the inventors have developed a new and efficient way to maintain specifications of the supply chain and yet also provide divisible flexibility for smaller pallet footprints as often desired by retailers. Heavy equipment, such as a forklift or hoist, is not required to separate the pallets/platforms.

[0042] In an alternative preferred embodiment, however, the receiving member may be configured as a container or receptacle, such as a crate, a bin or a tote. In other words, the receiving surface may form or substantially enclose a chamber within which the goods are to be placed and held for transport and/or storage. In this way, the support module may be designed for supporting and holding loose items which may otherwise be likely to roll off or fall off a generally flat receiving surface of a pallet.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one latching member of the joining mechanism is configured to be received by and to latch or engage within the corresponding recess of the adjacent support module in a substantially form-fitting manner. In this way, the interconnection or integration of the modules can be effected in a substantially rigid and robust manner.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one latching member is movable linearly between the retracted position and the extended position. In particular, the latching member is typically slidable, preferably horizontally slidable, between the retracted position and the extended position. The latching member is preferably elongate, and may be formed to project in the extended position in the manner of a rod or finger. The latching member is preferably for movement in a direction that is generally parallel to its longitudinal extent or axis between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, each latching member has an associated detent mechanism, such as a ball detent mechanism, for holding or locking the latching member in engagement within the recess of the adjacent support module in the extended position. The detent mechanism may thus operate to prevent any unwanted separation or disconnection of the support module from an adjacent modular with which it is interconnected or integrated. In this regard, the detent mechanism is typically configured to engage and lock within a hole or aperture provided in a side wall of the recess configured to receive the latching member. A detent element (e.g., a ball element) of the detent mechanism is preferably resiliently biased (e.g., via a spring member) to an outwardly projecting, inter-locking posture.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, each latching member has an associated detent mechanism, such as a ball detent mechanism, for holding or locking the latching member in the retracted position. The latching member may itself optionally be resiliently biased towards the extended position, e.g., via a spring member. Accordingly, the detent mechanism may operate to hold the latching member in the retracted position against the resilient bias of the spring member.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the latching member is accommodated within a cavity in the support in the retracted position. The cavity is preferably formed in the receiving member or in the base, and more particularly, at a side of the receiving member or the base, where it is readily accessible by an operator. That is, the components of the joining mechanism for effecting the interlocking of adjacent support modules are preferably provided in a structurally robust and substantially rigid part of each support module. In this way, the interconnected or integrated support modules are able to exhibit substantial structural integrity and rigidity in their connected state.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the latching member includes an activating element with which a user may activate movement of the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position. The activating element preferably comprises a handle or grip element for manual operation by a user to move the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position. To this end, the activating element typically projects outwardly, especially laterally outwardly, from the support module for ready access by the user. The cavity within which the latching member is desirably accommodated in the retracted position may therefore include a lateral slot for manual access to the activating element.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the support module is constructed from any one of the materials selected from the group of: a polymer plastic, such as PE, HDPE, PVC, polyurethane, polyamide, and polycarbonate; a fibre -reinforced polymer composite, such as GFRP, CFRP, AFRP, and Kevlar; wood; cloth; grapheme; or any other suitable material. By way of example, the latching member may be comprised of nylon GF 30% or polycarbonate; the activating element or handle may be comprised of acetal; a ball detent may be comprised of acetal; and each spring member may be comprised of stainless steel.

[0050] Thus, in the case of a modular pallet system, the joining mechanism of each pallet module allows a pallet to be assembled from, and then subsequently disconnected into, two or more separate pallet modules, which can then later again be re-assembled as required in the supply chain environment. The joining mechanism allows the pallet modules to be assembled to size specifications compatible with existing supply chain handling and automated lines. That is, the joining mechanism allows pallet modules and other types of platform modules to be interlocked to suit the flow of supply chains while providing flexibility and modularity to suit an end destination where the pallet modules may need to be separated. Thus, the system provides benefits in the handling of goods during their transport, manufacture, warehousing or storage, and retail. Indeed, the system could be applied to the joining of modules for any modular platform, pallet, container, bin, box, tote, crate, bulk container, stillage or similar system, where this functionality will provide benefits to the supply chain and users.

[0051] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0052] It will also be appreciated that in this document the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus or system described herein is not limited to those features or parts or elements or steps recited but may include other elements, features, parts or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. Moreover, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects.

[0053] List of reference signs

1 pallet module

2 receiving member

3 flat upper surface

4 base

5. footing

6. skid

7. leg or strut

8. joining mechanism 9. latching member

10. cavity

11. recess

12. detent mechanism

13. detent element

14. hole or aperture

15. handle or grip element

16. lateral slot

17. hole or aperture

100. modular pallet system

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A support module, such as a pallet module, for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, comprising:

a base for engaging a floor;

2. A support module according to claim 1, wherein the receiving member is a generally flat, panel-like member such that the receiving surface is a generally planar surface extending across an upper side of the receiving member, wherein the base bears the receiving member and comprises at least one footing for engaging the floor.

3. A support module according to claim 1, wherein the receiving member comprises a container.

4. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member is movable linearly, especially slidable, and preferably horizontally slidable, between the retracted position and the extended position.

5. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member is elongate and movable between the retracted position and the extended position in a direction that is generally parallel to its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis.

6. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member has an associated detent mechanism, such as a ball detent mechanism, for locking or holding the latching member in engagement within the recess of the adjacent support module in the extended position.

7. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member, in the retracted position, is accommodated within a cavity formed in the receiving member or in the base.

8. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching member comprises an activating element with which a user may activate movement of the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position.

9. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the activating element comprises a handle or grip element for manual operation by a user to move the latching member between the retracted position and the extended position; the activating element preferably projecting outwardly, especially laterally outwardly, from the support module for access by the user.

10. A support module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the joining mechanism comprises two latching members respectively provided or arranged at opposite sides of the support module for together interconnecting or integrating the support module with the adjacent support module.

1 1 . A support module, for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, comprising:

12. A support module according to claim 1 1 , wherein the latching member is elongate and is slidable in a direction generally parallel to its longitudinal extent or longitudinal axis between the inactive position and the active position.

13. A support module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the latching member has an associated detent, such as a ball detent, for holding or locking the latching member in either or both of the inactive position and the active position.

14. A support module according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the latching member, in the inactive position, is accommodated in a cavity preferably formed in the receiving member, wherein the latching member includes an activating element with which a user may activate movement of the latching member between the inactive and active positions.

15. A modular support system, such as a modular pallet system, configured for supporting or holding goods for transport and/or storage, the system comprising a plurality of support modules according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the support modules are pallets.