EP2532599A1 - Pallet designed to support thin flat objects in upright position - Google Patents

Abstract

The pallet (1) has a piece mounted on a base that is formed by a frame (2). The piece defines a removable support (17) to support an elongated object in upright position. The base comprises rectangular-shaped elongated lugs (13, 14) passing from a rest/folded position, in which the lugs are supported on the base, to an active position in which the lugs are extended perpendicularly above a main plane of the base. The lugs maintain the piece perpendicularly to the plane in the active position. The lugs are formed with longitudinal grooves to receive uprights (18, 19) of the support.

Description

The invention relates to a pallet suitable for holding upright objects in the standing position.

Elongated objects are objects of small thickness relative to their largest dimension, for example in the form of a panel, tube or post. These objects are generally rectangular or square, or even circular section for example when it is poles or boilers. These objects are, for example, windows, doors and bay windows of gates, garage doors, panels, wire or not, regardless of their constituent material and their dimensions.

These objects must be transported and / or stored in a standing position. This allows, on the one hand, to minimize the influence of the object on a carrier surface, and on the other hand, to preserve its characteristics, especially when transporting glass panels, windows or other objects fragile.

For this, wooden pallets of a type known per se are used which comprise a part forming a support zone of the objects. This piece is either attached to one end of the pallet, or mounted in a central position, on the pallet, perpendicular to a main plane of the pallet. In this case, the objects are supported on both sides of this room. Spacers and reinforcing legs connect, if necessary, the free end of this piece to the base of the pallet.

Such pallets, if they fully ensure the holding upright objects are not easy to store and / or transport empty, given their congestion.

It is to this disadvantage that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a pallet suitable for holding elongated objects, easy to store and transport when empty.

To this end, the invention relates to a pallet adapted for holding in the standing position at least one elongated object, this pallet comprising a base and a part mounted on the base and defining a support in the standing position of this object, characterized in that that the base is provided with at least two holding tabs, adapted to move from a rest position where they are supported on the base to an active position where they extend perpendicularly above a main plane of the base and in that the legs, in the active position, are adapted to maintain, perpendicular to the plane of the base, the part defining the object support.

Such a pallet with a foldable part allows, when not used, storage in a minimum space.

• les pattes sont réparties sur deux bords opposés de la base en face l'une de l'autre.
• Chaque patte est pourvue d'une rainure de réception d'un montant du support, les rainures des deux pattes se faisant face.
• Les pattes sont montées chacune dans une platine articulée sur la base.
• Deux pattes sont positionnées en position centrale sur les platines qui les reçoivent.
• Au moins un organe d'articulation de chaque platine sur la base et propre à faire passer les pattes d'une position à une autre comprend au moins une sangle.
• Deux sangles sont disposées au voisinage des extrémités de chaque platine.
• Chaque patte est pourvue d'un pied d'appui sur la surface porteuse.
• Le support comprend deux montants de forme complémentaire à une rainure longitudinale ménagée dans chaque patte.
• Les montants du support sont télescopiques.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a pallet may incorporate one or more of the following features:

• the legs are distributed on two opposite edges of the base facing each other.
• Each leg is provided with a receiving groove of a support upright, the grooves of the two tabs facing each other.
• The legs are each mounted in an articulated plate on the base.
• Two legs are positioned centrally on the decks that receive them.
• At least one hinge member of each plate on the base and adapted to pass the tabs from one position to another comprises at least one strap.
• Two straps are arranged near the ends of each plate.
• Each leg is provided with a support foot on the bearing surface.
• The support comprises two amounts of complementary shape to a longitudinal groove in each leg.
• The amounts of the support are telescopic.

• la figure 1 est une vue générale d'une palette conforme à l'invention, en configuration montée, prête à recevoir des objets allongés,
• la figure 2 est une vue générale, sous un autre angle et à la même échelle, de la palette de la figure 1 chargée avec des objets allongés de différentes dimensions schématisés par des traits mixtes,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective, à plus grande échelle, du détail III, à la figure 1 illustrant une patte en position verticale, dite active, avec un support inséré dans la patte,
• la figure 4 est une vue générale, à la même échelle et sous un autre angle de la base seule de la palette, les pattes étant en position active,
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4, les pattes étant en position de repos
  et
• la figure 6 est une vue générale, à la même échelle que les figures 4 et 5, du support seul.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a pallet according to the invention, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the following drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a general view of a pallet according to the invention, in mounted configuration, ready to receive elongated objects,
• the figure 2 is a general view, from another angle and at the same scale, of the palette of the figure 1 loaded with elongated objects of different dimensions schematized by mixed lines,
• the figure 3 is a perspective view, on a larger scale, of detail III, figure 1 illustrating a tab in vertical position, said active, with a support inserted in the tab,
• the figure 4 is a general view, on the same scale and at another angle of the sole base of the pallet, the tabs being in the active position,
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4 , the legs being in the rest position
  and
• the figure 6 is a general view, on the same scale as the Figures 4 and 5 , only support.

The palette 1 illustrated at figure 1 comprises a base 2. In this case this base 2 is formed by a rectangular frame. In another embodiment, the base may be square. The base 2 is made of wood, by techniques known per se, such as pinning, nailing, gluing or screwing. Alternatively the base 2 is made of another material, for example metal or polymer.

The frame 2 is held in the form of sleepers 3. It is provided with four identical legs 4, raising the frame 2 above a carrying surface, for example the floor or the floor of a truck, from a height sufficient to ensure its handling, especially to allow the passage of the forks of a forklift.

On two opposite edges 200, 201 of the frame 2, for example the two edges of smaller dimensions when the frame is rectangular, holding members or plates 5, 6 are mounted. These plates 5, 6 are identical. They are made of the same material as the frame 2. Alternatively, they are not identical and / or are not in the same material as the frame.

The plates 5, 6 are elongated and they occupy the entire length of the edge 200, respectively 201, of the frame 2 on which they are mounted. Thus, they extend outside the frame 2. The plates 5, 6 advantageously support the feet 4. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the feet 4 are fixed to the frame 2 and not to the plates 5, 6.

The plates 5, 6 are formed by two parallel boards held in this configuration by wedges 7, 8. There is thus defined between the two boards of each plate 5, 6, two elongate housing 9 and 10, the latter being more particularly visible at the figure 3 .

The plates 5, 6 are connected to the base 2 by at least one hinge member, in this case two hinge members 11, 12. The hinge members 11, 12 are formed by straps adapted to withstand the environmental conditions and with significant wear resistance. For example, the straps are made of synthetic textile. Alternatively, it may be metal hinges or other hinge member. It may be, for example, male and female reliefs provided with an orifice and alternately arranged on the frame 2 and the plate 5 or 6. A pivot connection between these reliefs is then formed by a rod inserted into the orifices of the reliefs.

In this case, the straps 11, 12 are located in the vicinity of the ends of each plate 5, 6. Alternatively, the number and / or position of the hinge members 11, 12 is different.

The plate 5 is equipped with at least one elongate tab 13, of rectangular shape, fixed perpendicular to the largest dimension of the plate 5 which the receives. In this case, this dimension corresponds substantially to the width L of the frame 2. This tab 13 is inserted into the housing 9, and secured to the plate 5 by techniques known per se, such as nailing or screwing. Alternatively, it can be removably mounted on the plate so as to slide in the housing 9, 10. Similarly, the plate 6 is equipped with at least one elongate tab 14, of rectangular shape and fixed perpendicular to the to the largest dimension of the plate 6. The lug 14 is inserted into the housing 10 and secured to the plate 6.

Here, the tabs 13, 14 are disposed centrally in the housing 9, 10 of the plate 5, 6 corresponding. In other embodiments, they are arranged in the vicinity of one end of the plate 5, 6. As a variant, several tabs are provided on each plate.

The two lugs 13, 14 are mounted so as to, in an active position A illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 4 extend perpendicularly above a main plane P of frame 2.

The tabs 13, 14 of the plates 5, 6 are arranged so as to face each other, on either side of the frame 2. They are each provided with a longitudinal groove 15, respectively 16, visible for example at the figure 4 . Each groove 15, 16 extends centrally, according to the largest dimension of the tab 13, 14. The grooves 15, 16 are formed in the tabs 13, 14 so as to face each other on both sides of the frame.

Each groove 15, 16 has dimensions and a shape that are complementary to the shape and dimensions of a portion of a removable support 17. The removable support 17 is generally rectangular in shape. Its largest dimension is defined by uprights 18, 19 which are adapted to the size of the objects to be maintained. The uprights 18, 19 are of shape and dimensions adapted to fit into the grooves 15, 16.

Two transverse bars 20, 21, two struts 22, 23 and a central cross member 24 stiffen the support 17 while maintaining the rectangular configuration.

The support 17 offers, by its configuration, a support zone extending over most of its surface while using a minimum of material, thus lightening the structure through a slatted construction. The dimensions of the support 17 thus allow the support of most of the elongated objects.

To the figure 1 the tabs 13, 14 are arranged perpendicularly to the base in the so-called active position A. The feet 4 rest on the bearing surface. Extending above the base 2 and in the same direction as the tabs 13, 14, the support 17 is mounted in the middle position on the frame 2 between the tabs 13 and 14. The assembly has thus, seen from the side, an inverted T configuration. Blocking in position of the uprights 18, 19 of support 17 in the grooves 15, 16 of the tabs 13, 14 can be secured, for example, by a pin inserted in the orifices formed in the uprights 18, 19 and the lugs 13, 14.

The figure 2 illustrates the support of elongated objects O, for example windows, on either side of the support 17. The larger objects are supported first on the support 17. The assembly is easy to strap, as shown with S straps at the figure 2 , and / or to film to secure the loaded pallet 1, during its transport.

As illustrated in figure 3 , it is possible to easily remove or insert the support 17, by a translation movement, upwards or downwards, according to the double arrow F, into the groove 15, 16 of each tab 13, 14. The two legs 13, 14 being identical, positioned face to face and the support 17 being, by its construction, lightweight, the withdrawal or insertion movement is easily performed by a single man.

The figure 4 illustrates the active position of the legs 13, 14, they have not yet received the support 17. It is noted that the tabs 13, 14 are advantageously equipped in the lower part of a foot 25, 26 coming, in this position, resting on the bearing surface, in the same way as the feet 4, arranged at the ends of the plates 5, 6 and supporting the base 2.

The presence of these feet 25, 26 under the tabs 13, 14 allows a distribution of the weight of the pallet loaded more efficient and homogeneous if the weight was simply distributed on the only feet 4. In addition, the feet 25, 26 limit the torsion and / or the bending of the base 2 and participate in the locking in the active position of the tabs 13, 14 of the pallet thus loaded while avoiding the sliding of the pallet on the carrier surface. The tabs 13 and 14 are held in vertical position by the support 17 inserted in the grooves 15, 16.

When the pallet 1 is empty, the support 17 is removed from the grooves 15, 16.

In this configuration, the removable support 17 is removed from the base 2 and is in the form of a planar object that can also easily be stored flat, standing or stacked.

As illustrated in figure 5 when folding the tabs 13, 14 on the frame 2, that is to say when the free ends 130, 140 of the latter are lowered towards the crosspieces 3 of the frame 2, according to the arrows G, each tab 13, 14, its foot 25, 26 and the plate 5, 6 on which the tab 13, 14 is mounted pivot in the direction of the interior of the frame 2, thanks to the hinge members 11, 12.

In this configuration, said rest position R, the base 2 has a slightly larger footprint, in length, than that of the base 2 with the tabs 13, 14 in active configuration A since the length is increased by the length of the legs 4 , 25, 26. The width of the base 2 remains substantially the same regardless of the configuration of the tabs 13, 14.

There is then a pallet 1 in the folded position R of shape and dimensions substantially similar to that of a standard pallet, particularly with regard to its thickness, which makes it easy to transport it, flat or in a vertical position, to store and / or stack it.

In other embodiments not shown, the support is secured to the base 2 and fixed thereto by a pivot connection.

With such pallets, a user can easily store them in a minimum of space before or after any use.

Moreover, it is possible to use several supports 17 of different lengths for the same base 2, depending on the objects that are to be transported.

Such a pallet is easy maintenance. Indeed, in case of damage to a portion of the pallet 1, for example the support 17 or the base 2, it is not necessary to change the entire pallet but simply the part concerned.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, it may be envisaged to have two tabs 13 or 14 per side 200, 201, of the base 2, so as to hold two parallel supports 17 and thus define between them a receiving volume of objects.

In another embodiment, the frame 2 itself is hinged which allows, after folding the tabs 13, 14 as shown in FIG. figure 5 , fold, for example in the other direction, the frame by folding two half-frames on one another, one of the cross members 3 forming a hinge. Such a solution further reduces the size of the object.

In another embodiment, the height of the removable support 17 is adjustable, that is to say that the two uprights 18, 19 are telescopic to adjust the height of the support 17 according to the dimensions of the objects to be transported.

It is also possible to consider, for example for the transport of heavy objects and high, at least one strut pivotally mounted on an amount 18 or 19 and adapted to come to bear on the base. In this way, the support in position 17 is strengthened.

Claims (10)

Pallet (1) adapted for holding in the standing position at least one elongate object (O), said pallet (1) comprising a base (2), a part (17) mounted on the base (2) and defining a support in the upright position of this object (O), characterized in that the base (2) is provided with at least two holding tabs (13, 14) adapted to move from a rest position (R) where they are resting on the base (2) at an active position (A) where they extend perpendicularly above a main plane (P) of the base (2) and in that the legs (13, 14), in active position, are adapted (15, 18) to maintain, perpendicular to the plane (P) of the base (2), the part (17) defining the object support. Pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the tabs (13, 14) are distributed on two opposite edges of the base facing each other. Pallet according to claim 2, characterized in that each lug (13, 14) is provided with a groove (15, 16) for receiving a post of the support (17), the grooves (15, 16) of the two lugs (13, 14) facing each other. Pallet according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the lugs (13, 14) are each mounted in a plate (5, 6) articulated on the base (2). Pallet according to claim 4, characterized in that two lugs (13, 14) are positioned centrally on the plates (5, 6) which receive them. Pallet according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one hinge member of each plate (5, 6) on the base (2), and adapted to pass the lugs (13, 14). from one position (A, R) to another (R, A) comprises at least one strap (11, 12). Pallet according to claim 6, characterized in that two straps (11, 12) are arranged near the ends of each plate (5, 6). 8. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tab (13, 14) is provided with a support foot on the bearing surface. Pallet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (17) comprises two uprights (18, 19) of complementary shape to a longitudinal groove (15, 16) formed in each tab (13, 14). Pallet according to claim 9, characterized in that the uprights (18, 19) of the support are telescopic.

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