AU2020101895A4

AU2020101895A4 - System and method for securing an item to a pallet

Info

Publication number: AU2020101895A4
Application number: AU2020101895A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Black; Warwick Brown; Michael Robertson; Steven Sillitoe
Original assignee: Menzies Gareth; Menzies Timothy
Current assignee: Menzies Gareth; Menzies Timothy
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-08-19
Publication date: 2020-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-28
Also published as: AU2019204661A1; AU2020101895B4

Abstract

A system for securing an item to a pallet includes a pallet with a load-receiving platform part which has a load-receiving surface with apertures. The system includes a securing arrangement which provides a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, and a connection part which extends from the first engagement in use extends through one of the apertures. The securing arrangement also includes a second engagement part for engaging part of the item to be secured to the pallet and a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the pallet. The forcing arrangement includes a screw threaded part. In use, operation of a threaded connection arrangement which includes the screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet. to

Description

to

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING AN ITEM TO A PALLET FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for securing an item to a

pallet, and extends to related apparatus.

The present disclosure relates especially, but not exclusively, to a system and

method for securing a heavy item, such as an item of heavy machinery, to a metal

pallet to facilitate transportation of the heavy item.

BACKGROUND

Pallets are commonly used for transporting goods.

Pallets are generally constructed of timber in order to contain cost, but may be

constructed of metal.

It is important to adequately secure a load to a pallet to ensure that the load does not

become separated from the pallet during transportation.

One known method of securing a load to a pallet which, has been used for securing

items of heavy machinery to pallets, is to lash the load to the pallet. Lashing a load

to a pallet may involve using a long flexible lashing member, such as a strip of

polymer webbing. Chains and metal straps have been used as lashing members,

especially for securing heavy loads. The lashing member may be passed over the

load and under at least part of the pallet to lash the load to the pallet.

Issues encountered in lashing a load, such as an item of heavy machinery, to a

pallet include: that the lashing members may engage an upper part of the load that is

not designed or adapted to resist substantial forces; that load may be damaged by,

or need to be protected from, lashing members that are passed thereover and tensioned to secure the load; that excessive tensioning of the lashing members may unduly force the load downwardly, against the pallet, adding substantially to the effective weight of the load that must be borne by an upper, load-bearing, part of the pallet; and that the lashing members may interfere with preservation materials used to wrap and protect the item.

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art or related art are

not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form,

part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system for

securing an item to a pallet, the system comprising:

a pallet with a load-receiving platform part, the platform part providing a load

receiving surface having at least one aperture therein;

a securing arrangement comprising:

- a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, in use;

- a connection part which extends from the first engagement part and is

configured to extend through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part, adapted to engage part of an item to be secured

to the pallet; and

- a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the

pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and

wherein in use operation of a threaded connection arrangement which

includes the screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards

the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet.

In an embodiment the platform part is made substantially from metal.

In an embodiment the pallet is made substantially of metal.

In an embodiment the forcing arrangement is adapted to force the second

engagement part towards the first engagement part.

In an embodiment the connection part comprises an elongate shaft.

In an embodiment the screw threaded part is provided on the elongate shaft.

In an embodiment the screw threaded part is a male threaded part of the elongate

shaft.

In an embodiment the second engagement part is adapted to move along the screw

threaded part.

In an embodiment the second engagement part comprises a washer.

In an embodiment the washer is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate.

In an embodiment the threaded connection arrangement comprises a threaded

forcing element, complementary to the screw threaded part.

In an embodiment the threaded forcing element comprises a female threaded

element.

In an embodiment the threaded forcing element comprises a nut.

In an embodiment the threaded forcing element is operable to force the second

engagement part towards the pallet.

In an embodiment the threaded forcing element is operable to force the second

engagement part towards the first engagement part.

In an embodiment the second engagement part comprises part of the threaded

forcing element.

Such an embodiment may result from omission of a washer and use of the threaded

forcing element, which in an embodiment is a nut, to engage said part of an item to

be secured to the pallet.

In an embodiment the first engagement part first comprises a transverse element

which extends transversely outwardly from the connection part.

In an embodiment the connection part has a direction of elongation and the first

engagement part extends outwardly from the connection part in a direction

substantially transverse to the direction of elongation.

In an embodiment the first engagement part extends outwardly from the connection

part in first and second substantially opposed directions.

In an embodiment the first engagement part provides an engagement surface

adapted to engage an underside of the platform part of the pallet.

In an embodiment the first engagement part provides at least one stop configuration

adapted to engage a feature on the underside of the platform part of the pallet to limit

rotation of the first engagement part.

In an embodiment the first engagement part provides at least first and second stop

configurations, each adapted to engage a respective feature on the underside of the

platform part of the pallet to limit rotation of the first engagement part.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has first and second ends, each spaced

apart from the connection part, and provides at least one stop configuration at or

adjacent each of the first and second ends.

In an embodiment the first engagement part is integrally formed with the connection

part.

part by welding of the first engagement part to the connection part.

In an embodiment the connection part projects substantially perpendicular to the first

engagement part.

In an embodiment the first engagement part is dimensioned so that it can be passed

through the at least one aperture in one or more insertion orientations and can be

oriented to a retention orientation in which it cannot pass through the aperture.

In an embodiment the integrally formed first engagement part and connection part is

dimensioned so that the first engagement part be passed through the at least one

aperture in one or more insertion orientations and can be oriented to a retention

orientation in which it cannot pass through the aperture.

In an embodiment the aperture has a width and a length, the width being no greater

than the length.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a width and a length, the width

being no greater than the length.

In an embodiment the width and length directions of the first engagement part are

both substantially perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the connection part.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a width not substantially greater

than the width of the aperture.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a length greater than the width of

the aperture.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a length greater than 1.2 times its

width.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a length greater than twice its width.

In an embodiment the first engagement part has a length greater than three times its

width.

In an embodiment said width of the first engagement part is a width measured along

a line which intersects a position where the connection part is connected to the first

engagement part

In an embodiment the connection part is attached to the first engagement part

approximately half way along the length of the first engagement part and the first

engagement part has a length less than twice the length of the aperture.

In an embodiment the length of the first engagement part is at least twice the width

of the aperture.

In an embodiment the length of the first engagement part is at least three times the

width of the aperture.

In an embodiment the securing arrangement further comprises a retaining member

for retaining the first engagement part in engagement with the pallet prior to

operation of the forcing arrangement.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to engage the load-receiving

surface of the pallet.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to apply a force to the first

engagement part when the retaining member is engaged with the load-receiving

surface of the pallet.

In an embodiment the force is provided by retaining a part of the load receiving

platform part between the retaining member and the first engagement part.

In an embodiment the force is provided via a resilient member.

In an embodiment the resilient member comprises a spring.

In an embodiment the resilient member is provided about the connection part.

In an embodiment the connection part comprises a configuration for retaining and

bearing against at least part of the resilient member.

In an embodiment the retaining member comprises a female threaded member

moveable along a male threaded part of the connection part.

In an embodiment the retaining member is coupled to the connection part.

In an embodiment the connection part passes through a connection aperture of the

retaining member.

In an embodiment the retaining member provides first and second contact parts, on

respective first and second sides of the connection aperture, for contacting the load

receiving surface of the pallet.

In an embodiment the retaining member is generally u-shaped.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to move relative to the

connection part in a direction of elongation of the connection part.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to apply a force to the

connection part when the retaining member is engaged with the load-receiving

surface of the pallet.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to apply a force to the

connection part in order to force the first engagement part against part of the pallet.

In an embodiment the retaining member is adapted to apply a force to the

connection part in order to force the first engagement part against an underside of

the platform part of the pallet.

In an embodiment the system comprises at least two securing arrangements.

In an embodiment the system comprises at least three securing arrangements.

In an embodiment the system comprises at least four securing arrangements.

Plural securing arrangements may be used for securing different parts of the item at

respective different positions on the load-bearing platform part of the pallet.

In an embodiment the load-receiving surface of the pallet is provided with a plurality

of apertures.

In an embodiment adjacent apertures of the load-receiving surface are spaced apart

by a distance less than at least one of: a width of the apertures; and, a length of the

apertures.

In an embodiment apertures of the load-receiving surface are substantially

rectangular.

In an embodiment apertures of the load-receiving surface are substantially regularly

distributed over at least part of the load-receiving surface.

In an embodiment the load-receiving surface of the pallet is provided by a grating.

In an embodiment the grating is welded to a substructure of the pallet.

In an embodiment the grating provides a plurality of apertures in the load-receiving

surface.

In an embodiment the grating comprises a plurality of spaced apart, substantially

mutually parallel, load-bearing members.

In an embodiment at least half of the load-bearing members are welded to the

substructure of the pallet.

In an embodiment at least half of the load-bearing members are welded to the

substructure of the pallet.

In an embodiment substantially all of the load-bearing members are welded to the

substructure of the pallet.

In an embodiment the grating further comprises a plurality of connecting members

extending between and connecting the load bearing members.

In an embodiment apertures are provided between, and at least partially defined by,

said load-bearing members.

In an embodiment the first engagement part is adapted to extend across, and bear

against the undersides of at least two of said load-bearing members.

In an embodiment the first engagement part is adapted to extend across at least

three of said load-bearing members, and bear against the undersides of at least two

of said load-bearing members.

In an embodiment the first engagement part is adapted to extend across at least

four of said load-bearing members, and bear against the undersides of at least two

of said load-bearing members.

In an embodiment adjacent apertures of the grating are spaced apart by a distance

less than at least one of: a width of the apertures; and, a length of the apertures.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a plurality of primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members underlie the load-receiving

platform.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members define tine-receiving channels of

the pallet.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members define tine-receiving channels of

the pallet therebetween.

In an embodiment at least one of the primary spacing members defines an elongate

channel therein which provides a tine-receiving channel of the pallet.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members comprise elongate metal channel

sections.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members comprise elongate steel channel

sections.

In an embodiment at least one of the primary spacing members comprises a metal

C-section.

In an embodiment at least one of the primary spacing members comprises a metal

hollow structural section or box section.

In an embodiment at least three of the primary spacing members are substantially

mutually parallel.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a plurality of reinforcing members arranged

substantially perpendicular to a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a plurality of reinforcing members overlaid

upon a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least three reinforcing members overlaid

upon a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least three substantially mutually parallel

reinforcing members, each overlaid upon a plurality of the primary spacing members.

reinforcing members, each overlaid upon substantially all of the primary spacing

members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a first reinforcing member at or adjacent a

first edge region of the pallet, a second reinforcing member at or adjacent a second,

opposed, edge region of the pallet, and at least one further reinforcing member

located intermediate the first and second reinforcing members.

In an embodiment the first reinforcing member, second reinforcing member and at

least one further reinforcing member are substantially mutually parallel.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least four reinforcing members overlaid

upon a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least four substantially mutually parallel

reinforcing members each overlaid upon substantially all of the primary spacing

members.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members comprise elongate metal channel

sections.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members comprise elongate steel channel

sections.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members comprise elongate metal box sections.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are arranged between the primary

spacing members and the load receiving platform.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are arranged between the primary

spacing members and the grating.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are welded to the primary spacing

members and the grating.

In an embodiment the pallet further comprises at least two bottom members, each of

which underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least three bottom members, each of

which underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet further comprises at least four bottom members, each of

which underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

In an embodiment each of at least three of the bottom members underlies and

extends between at least three primary spacing members.

In an embodiment each of at least four of the bottom members underlies and

extends between at least four primary spacing members.

In an embodiment at least some of the bottom members are arranged substantially

perpendicular to a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a first bottom member at or adjacent a first

edge region of the pallet, a second bottom member at or adjacent a second,

opposed, edge region of the pallet, and at least one further bottom member located

intermediate the first and second bottom members.

In an embodiment the first bottom member, second bottom member and at least one

further bottom member are substantially mutually parallel.

In an embodiment the pallet is substantially rectangular having a length direction and

a width direction.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members are elongate with a direction of

elongation extending in the width direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are elongate with a direction of

elongation extending in the length direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the bottom members are elongate with a direction of elongation

extending in the length direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the system further comprises at least one load spreading member

adapted to overlie at least part of the surface of the load-receiving platform part and

to spread the load of an item secured to the pallet, on the load receiving surface of

the pallet.

In an embodiment at least one said load spreading member comprises a metal plate.

In an embodiment at least one said load spreading member provides an aperture

therein for passage of the connection part of the securing arrangement therethrough.

In an embodiment the system further comprises at least one friction member,

adapted to be positioned between the pallet and the item, to increase friction

therebetween.

In an embodiment the friction member comprises a sheet or pad of rubber or like

material.

In an embodiment the friction member provides an aperture therein for passage of

the connection part of the securing arrangement therethrough.

In an embodiment a first friction member is provided for positioning between the

pallet and the load spreading member and a second friction member is provided for

positioning between the load spreading member and the item.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of

securing an item to a pallet comprising:

providing a pallet with a load-receiving platform part, the platform part providing a

load-receiving surface having at least one aperture therein;

positioning a fixing arrangement so that:

- a first engagement part of the fixing arrangement engages a part of the pallet;

- a connection part of the fixing arrangement extends from the first engagement

part, through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part of the fixing arrangement engages part of an item

to be secured to the pallet; and operating a forcing arrangement to force the second engagement part towards the pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and wherein the method comprises tightening of a threaded connection which includes the screw threaded part to force the second engagement part towards the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet.

In an embodiment the platform part is made substantially from metal.

In an embodiment the method comprises passing at least part of the fixing

arrangement through an item aperture provided in the item.

In an embodiment the item aperture provided is an aperture provided in the item for

receiving a bolt therethrough.

In an embodiment the item is an item of machinery comprising at least one mounting

part for mounting to a surface, and the item aperture is an aperture provided in the

mounting part.

In an embodiment the method comprises arranging a fixing member in the aperture

so that at least a first part of the fixing member is retained in the aperture and at

least a second part of the fixing member is spaced apart from and projects away

from the pallet.

In an embodiment the method comprises placing the item on the pallet so that the

centre of gravity of the item is located above a geometrically central part of the pallet.

In an embodiment the method comprises placing at least one layer of a material

between the pallet and the item to increase the frictional resistance to movement of

the item relative to the pallet, compared to having the surface of the item contacting

the surface of the pallet.

In an embodiment the method comprises placing at least one layer of a rubber

material between the pallet and the item.

In an embodiment the method comprises placing at least load distribution plate

between the pallet and the item.

In an embodiment the method comprises placing, between the pallet and the item: a

first, lower layer comprising rubber or like high friction material; a second

intermediate layer comprising a load distribution plate; and a third higher layer

comprising rubber or like high friction material.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a securing

arrangement for use in the system of the first aspect for securing an item to a pallet.

In an embodiment the securing arrangement comprises:

- a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, in use;

- a connection part which extends from the first engagement and is configured

to extend through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part, adapted to engage part of an item to be secured

to the pallet; and

- a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the

pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and

wherein in use operation of a threaded connection arrangement which

includes the screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards

the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet.

In an embodiment the securing arrangement comprises a bolt having a bolt head

which comprises the first engagement part, and a bolt shaft which comprises the

connection part and which provides said screw threaded part.

The securing arrangement of the third aspect may comprise any one or more of the

features or characteristics of the securing arrangement as set out above in relation to

embodiments of the system of the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a pallet for

use in the system of the first aspect, the pallet comprising a load-receiving platform

part, the platform part being made substantially from metal and the platform part

providing a load-receiving surface having at least one aperture therein.

The pallet of the fourth aspect may comprise any one or more of the features or

characteristics of the pallet as set out above in relation to embodiments of the

system of the first aspect.

In an embodiment the pallet is made substantially of metal.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises a plurality of primary spacing members which

underlie the load-receiving platform part and which at least partially define tine

receiving channels of the pallet.

In an embodiment the pallet further comprises a plurality of reinforcing members

comprising elongate metal channel sections.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are arranged substantially perpendicular

to a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members and the primary spacing members are

provided substantially in respective, substantially horizontal, layers of the pallet.

In an embodiment at least some of the reinforcing members are arranged between

the primary spacing members and the load receiving platform part.

which underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least three bottom members, each of

which underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the pallet comprises at least four bottom members, each of which

underlies and extends between at least two primary spacing members.

of apertures.

apertures.

In an embodiment apertures of the load-receiving surface are substantially

rectangular.

distributed over at least part of the load-receiving surface.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members define tine-receiving channels of

the pallet therebetween.

channel therein which provides a tine-receiving channel of the pallet.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members comprise elongate metal channel

sections.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members comprise elongate steel channel

sections.

In an embodiment at least one of the primary spacing members comprises a metal

C-section.

In an embodiment at least one of the primary spacing members comprises a metal

hollow structural section or box section.

mutually parallel.

substantially perpendicular to a plurality of the primary spacing members.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members comprise elongate steel channel

sections.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are arranged between the primary

spacing members and the grating.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are welded to the primary spacing

members and the grating.

a width direction.

In an embodiment the primary spacing members are elongate with a direction of

elongation extending in the width direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the reinforcing members are elongate with a direction of

elongation extending in the length direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the bottom members are elongate with a direction of elongation

extending in the length direction of the pallet.

In an embodiment the grating is welded to a substructure of the pallet.

surface.

mutually parallel, load-bearing members.

In an embodiment at least half of the load-bearing members are welded to the

substructure of the pallet.

In an embodiment at least half of the load-bearing members are welded to at least

two of said reinforcing members.

substructure of the pallet.

two of said reinforcing members.

In an embodiment substantially all of the load-bearing members are welded to at

least two of said reinforcing members.

four of said reinforcing members.

In an embodiment substantially all of the load-bearing members are welded to at

least four of said reinforcing members.

extending between and connecting the load bearing members.

said load-bearing members.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a method of securing an item to a pallet

comprising use of a securing arrangement in accordance with the third aspect.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided a method of securing an item to a pallet

comprising use of a pallet in accordance with the fourth aspect.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a combination of a pallet and an

item secured thereto, wherein the combination comprises a system in accordance

with the first aspect.

According to an eighth aspect there is provided a combination of a pallet and an item

secured thereto, wherein the combination comprises a securing arrangement in

accordance with the third aspect.

According to a ninth aspect there is provided a combination of a pallet and an item

secured thereto, wherein the combination comprises a pallet in accordance with the

fourth aspect.

According to a tenth aspect there is provided a combination of a pallet and an item

secured thereto, wherein the item is secured to the pallet by a method in accordance

with any one or more of the second fifth and sixth aspects.

According to an eleventh aspect there is provided a method of securing an item of

machinery to a pallet, comprising bolting the item of machinery to the pallet.

In an embodiment a bolt extends through an aperture of a grating which forms at

least part of a load-receiving platform of the pallet, and a shaft of the bolt extends

through an aperture provided in the item of machinery for receiving a bolt in order to

bolt the item of machinery to a surface.

It should be appreciated that features or characteristics described in relation to

embodiments of any one or more aspects may, unless logic dictates otherwise, be

incorporated into any other aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will be described, by way of

example, in the following Detailed Description of Embodiments which provides

sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The

Detailed Description of Embodiments is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of

the preceding Summary section in any way. The Detailed Description will make

reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a system for securing

an item to a pallet in accordance with the present disclosure, showing the item

secured to the pallet;

Figure 2 is a schematic top plan view of the pallet of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the pallet of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view from below of the pallet of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the pallet of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a securing

arrangement of the system of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the securing arrangement of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a schematic exploded front view of the securing arrangement of Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a clip component of the securing

arrangement of Figure 6;

Figure 10 is a schematic top plan view of a blank from which the clip component of

Figure 9 may be formed;

Figure 11 is a schematic front view corresponding generally to Figure 7 but

illustrating the clip component in an alternative position;

Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the securing arrangement of Figure 6 prior to

engagement with a grating that forms a load receiving platform of a pallet;

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of the securing arrangement of Figure 6

prior to engagement with a grating that forms a load receiving platform of a pallet;

Figures 14, 15 and 16 are schematic side views illustrating sequential steps in

positioning the securing arrangement of Figure 6 relative to a grating that forms a

load receiving platform of a pallet, prior to securing an item to the pallet;

Figure 17 is a schematic side view of the securing arrangement of Figure 6

positioned ready for use relative to a grating that forms a load receiving platform of a

pallet, subsequent to the steps illustrated in Figures 14 to 16;

Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view substantially corresponding to Figure 17

Figure 19 is a schematic, exploded, perspective illustration, showing hidden detail, of

an arrangement for distributing weight of an item, the arrangement comprising a

substantially rigid layer between two rubber layers;

Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view showing the three layers of Figure 19

separated so that one layer is not obscured by another;

Fig. 21 is a schematic partial cross sectional view illustrating part of an item secured

to a pallet;

Figure 22 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a pallet to

that illustrated in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 23 is a perspective bottom view of a further alternative embodiment of a

pallet;

Figure 24 is a perspective bottom view of a further alternative embodiment of a

pallet;

Figure 25 is a perspective bottom view of a further alternative embodiment of a

pallet;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a securing

arrangement to that illustrated in Figures 6 to 11;

Figure 27 is a front view of the securing arrangement of Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of the securing

arrangement of Figure 26 retained relative to a part of a grating that provides a load

receiving surface of a pallet, and illustrating introduction of one layer of an

arrangement for distributing weight of an item;

Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view corresponding to Figure 28 but showing

three layers of the arrangement for distributing weight of an item;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a securing

arrangement;

Figure 31 is a top plan view of the securing arrangement of Figure 30, showing some

hidden detail;

Figure 32 is a front view of the securing arrangement of Figure 30;

Figure 33 is a side view of the securing arrangement of Figure 30;

Figures 34(a) to 34(e) illustrate schematically a sequence of steps that could be

used to pass part of the securing arrangement of Figures 6 to 11 through an aperture

provided in a load-receiving surface of a pallet; and

Figure 35 is a schematic, exploded, perspective illustration, showing hidden detail, of

an alternative embodiment to that illustrated in Figure 19, of an arrangement for

distributing weight of an item.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings embodiments of a system for securing

an item to a pallet will now be described.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system, generally designated by the

reference numeral 1, for securing an item to a pallet, in use.

As illustrated in Figure 1 an item, generally designated by the reference numeral 5, is

secured to a pallet, generally designated by the reference numeral 200, by a plurality

of securing arrangements each generally designated by the reference numeral 600.

The item 5, as illustrated in Figure 1 is an item of machinery, such as a generator,

compressor or the like, and is provided with a number of feet 6, each of which is

provided with a through aperture (not shown in Figure 1, but see Figure 21) in order

to receive a bolt or similar fixing therethrough to facilitate attachment of the item 5 to

a floor when situated for use.

The pallet 200, provides a load receiving platform 202 in the form of a metal grating

204, which provide a large number of apertures (for example aperture 206)

therethrough.

The system 1 makes use of the through apertures in the feet 6 of the item 5 to

secure the item 5 to pallet 1, by providing each securing arrangement 600 with: a

first engagement part that engages an underside of the grating 202; a connection

part that extends through a selected aperture 206 of the grating and through the

aperture of a foot 6 of the item 5; a second engagement part that engages an upper

surface of the foot 6; and a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement

part downwardly towards the grating, all of which will be described in more detail

below.

With reference to Figures 2 to 5 the pallet 200 will be described in more detail.

It should be appreciated that pallets of the system disclosed herein may be made in

any of a variety of sizes and engineered with any of a variety of load capacities. For

example, a first size of pallet may be relatively small, for example 1160 by 1160 mm

or less and engineered to have a load capacity of about a tonne (1000 kg) and a second size of pallet may be relatively large, for example 3.5 metres by about 2.3 metres, and engineered to have a load capacity of several tonnes or more. Of course different sizes of pallet to those specifically mention may be provided, and should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, pallets larger than 3.5 metres by about 2.3 metres may be provided.

The pallet 200 of Figures 2 to 5 should therefore be appreciated to be only an

illustrative, particular, example of a pallet that may form part of a system in

accordance with the present disclosure.

The pallet 200 is may be 3.5 metres long (in a longer, length, direction) and 1.8

metres wide. The pallet is substantially rectangular and has first and second longer

sides, 210, 212, and first and second shorter sides 214, 216.

The pallet 200 comprises the grating 202 and an underlying structure or substructure

218 which may be regarded as having a number of layers.

A bottom layer 219 comprises a plurality of bottom members 220, 222, 224, 226

which in the illustrated embodiment each comprise an elongate steel bar, which may

be quite flat, for example having transverse dimensions of 10 mm height and 100

mm width. The bottom members 220, 222, 224, 226 extend the length of the pallet.

In the illustrated embodiment a first bottom member 220 extends along or adjacent

the first longer side 210 of the pallet 200, a second bottom member 222 extends

along or adjacent the second longer side 212 of the pallet 200, and the rest of the

bottom members (in this embodiment third and fourth bottom members 224, 226,

although more or fewer may be provided) extend substantially parallel to the first and

second bottom members 220, 222, and are positioned so that the bottom members are spaced apart in the width direction of the pallet. In the illustrated embodiment the lateral spacing between each bottom member is about 467mm.

A second layer 229 comprises a plurality of elongate spacing members 230, 231,

232, 234, 235, 236, 237, which are arranged in to extend in the width direction of the

pallet 200.

In the illustrated embodiment the elongate spacing members 230, 231, 232, 233,

234, 235, 236, each comprise an elongate structural steel channel section which

provides an in use height of about 120mm. Structural channel section is used to

provide high structural strength for the second layer 229 without undue weight. The

type of channel member to be used may be selected according to the load capacity

that the pallet is required to have. Different types of channel section may be used for

different elongate spacing members 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236. In the

illustrated embodiment a first spacing member 230 extends along or adjacent the

first shorter side 214 of the pallet 200, a second spacing member 231 extends along

or adjacent the second shorter side 216 of the pallet 200, and the rest of the spacing

members (in this embodiment third to sixth spacing members 232, 233, 234, 235,

236, although more or fewer may be provided) extend substantially parallel to the

first and second spacing members 230, 231, and are positioned so that the spacing

members are substantially uniformly spaced apart in the length direction of the pallet.

In the illustrated embodiment the distance between the transverse centre of each

spacing member and the transverse centre of a neighbouring spacing member is

about 575 mm plus or minus about 20mm.

Different types of channel section may be used for different elongate spacing

members 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236.

In the illustrated embodiment the first and second spacing members 230, 231, the

third and seventh spacing members 232, 236 (which are those that neighbour the

first and second spacing members 230, 231) and the fifth spacing member 234

comprise C-section steel members, which in the illustrated embodiment are 120 mm

(in the in-use height direction) by 52 mm, with a 4 mm wall thickness. The fourth and

sixth spacing members 233, 235 in this embodiment comprise box sections which

are 120 mm (in the in-use height direction) by 200 mm, with a 4 mm wall thickness.

(It should be appreciated that while this arrangement is considered to be both

structurally effective and cost-effective, the selection of a C-section member or a box

section member for any given spacing member may be varied: for example, if

desired any of the C-section members could be replaced by a suitable box section

member to provide an alternative box section spacing member, and/or any of the box

section members could be replaced by a suitable C-section member to provide an

alternative C-section spacing member. Further, other forms of spacing member, for

example other forms of channel member, could be used if desired.) Attachment lugs

238 may be provided on the spacing members, for example to facilitate the pallet

being tied down for transportation.

A third layer 239 comprises a plurality of reinforcing members 240, 242, 244, 246

which in the illustrated embodiment each comprise an elongate channel section in

the form of a steel box section member, for example having transverse dimensions

of 50 mm (in the in-use height direction) by 100 mm, with a 4 mm wall thickness.

The reinforcing members 240, 242, 244, 246 extend the length of the pallet. In the

illustrated embodiment a first reinforcing member 240 extends along or adjacent the

first longer side 210 of the pallet 200, a second reinforcing member 242 extends

along or adjacent the second longer side 212 of the pallet 200, and the rest of the bottom members (in this embodiment third and fourth bottom members 244, 246, although more or fewer may be provided) extend substantially parallel to the first and second reinforcing members 240, 242, and are positioned so that the reinforcing members are substantially uniformly spaced apart in the width direction of the pallet.

In the illustrated embodiment the lateral spacing between each bottom member is

about 467mm. In the illustrated embodiment each of the reinforcing members 240,

242, 244, 246 is located substantially directly above a respective bottom member

220,222,224,226.

A fourth layer or top layer 249, which is in the illustrated embodiment provided by the

grating 204, provides the load receiving platform 202 of the pallet 200. The grating

comprises a plurality of mutually substantially parallel, mutually spaced apart load

members 250, interconnected by a plurality of mutually substantially parallel,

mutually spaced apart tying members, in the form of tie rods 252. The tie rods 252

are substantially perpendicular to the load members 250, so that a large number of

substantially rectangular apertures 206 are defined by the grating 204. In the

illustrated embodiment the load members 250 extend across the width direction of

the pallet 200 and the tie rods 252 extend along the length direction of the pallet 200.

In an embodiment using a particular grating 204, the load members 250 are steel

bars with substantially rectangular transverse cross section of approximately 34 mm

by 4.75 mm and are spaced approximately 34 mm apart. In use the longer

transverse sides are oriented in the height direction. In this embodiment the tie rods

252 are steel rods with substantially circular transverse cross section having a

diameter of approximately 6 mm and are spaced approximately 96 mm apart. The

rectangular apertures 206 are thus approximately 34 mm by 96 mm.

Of course, a differently dimensioned grating may be used, and in one alternative the

load members have a rectangular transverse cross section of approximately 20 mm

by 3.5 mm and are spaced approximately 30 mm apart. In this alternative

embodiment the may be are steel rods with substantially circular transverse cross

section having a diameter of approximately 6 mm, as described above and may be

spaced approximately 96 mm apart as described above, but may be dimensioned

and/or spaced differently, and suitable and desired.

The pallet 200 is constructed by welding members of each of the first to fourth layers

219, 229, 239, to members 249 of at least one of the other layers. The number, type

and size of welded connections is selected to provide adequate strength for the

pallet 200 taking into account the desired load capacity.

It should be appreciated that the considerations in relation to a given load capacity

for a pallet providing a load receiving platform to which items are to be secured using

embodiments of securing arrangements in accordance as disclosed herein, in which

the item is in effect clamped to load members of the grating, may be quite different to

considerations where a pallet is intended to merely bear the weight of an item, or to

have the item lashed to the pallet using straps which extend around parts of the

substructure of the pallet. In particular, in embodiments of the system 1, an item

secured to the pallet 200 by securing arrangements 600, will during transportation in

a vehicle likely impart substantial tensile forces between the grating and the

substructure, which the welded connections between the grating and the

substructure must be capable of resisting. In contrast, in a pallet in which the item is

lashed to the substructure, the forces between the grating and the substructure will

be largely compressive, and it will be appreciated that less strength in welded

connections between the grating and the sub structure will likely be required for an item of the same weight. Broadly, and in summary, pallets are generally engineered with sole or primary consideration given to their resistance to compressive forces, but in contrast in the system 1, the ability of the pallet 200 to resist tensile forces is an important consideration.

In the illustrated embodiment, pallet 200, is intended to have a load capacity of about

5 tonnes, although this could of course be varied by appropriate choice of materials,

dimensions, and the like.

In this embodiment the bottom members 220, 222, 224, 226 are welded to the

elongate spacing members 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236 wherever a bottom

member 220, 222, 224, 226 crosses one of the elongate spacing members 230, 231,

232, 233, 234, 235, 236, by continuous fillet welding along each side edge of the

bottom member 220, 222, 224, 226. Each end of each bottom member 220, 222,

224, 226 is also welded to one of the first and second spacing members 230, 231.

Similarly, each of the elongate spacing members 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236

is welded to each of the reinforcing members 240, 242, 244, 246 along at least two

sides of the overlap therebetween, using continuous fillet welding along each of two

opposed edges. Further, each of the load members 250 of the grating 204 is welded

to each of the reinforcing members 240, 242, 244, 246 using a continuous fillet weld

of at least 50mm length. Because the structural strength of the pallet 200 is

important, it use, it is desirable to ensure that all construction material used (in this

embodiment, steel, meets a predetermined quality and/or strength requirement, and

in the described embodiment all steel used meets the requirements of the Q235

standard and/or has a minimum strength of 250MPa.

As foreshadowed by the above, the bottom layer 219 may have a height of about

10mm, the second layer may have a height of about 120 mm, the third layer may

have a height of about 50 mm, and the grating may have a height of about 34 mm.

This gives a total height for the pallet 200 of about 214mm, although it will be

appreciated that this height dimension is provided by way of example only.

With reference to Figures 6 to 11, an embodiment of a securing arrangement 600 will

now be described.

The securing arrangement 600 comprises a first engagement part that in this

embodiment is in the form of an elongate cross member 602 which is attached

substantially at its longitudinal centre to one end region of an elongate shaft 604.

The elongate shaft 604 projects substantially perpendicular to the direction of

elongation of the cross member 602. The cross member has an engagement

surface 606 which faces generally in the direction in which the elongate shaft 604

projects from the cross member 602, and which is adapted in use to engage an

underside of the grating 202. At each longitudinal end of the cross member 602,

there is provided a projection 608, 609, which extends substantially perpendicular to

the surface 606.

The elongate shaft 604 is adapted to extend from the underside of the grating 202

through an aperture 206 of the grating, and thus comprises a connection part that

can extend through a selected aperture 206 of the grating in use. It will be realised

that whilst in the presently described embodiment the connection part is provided in

the form of a single elongate shaft 604, in other embodiments the connection part

may be two or more interconnected pieces.

An end region of the elongate shaft 604 distal from the cross member is provided

with a male helical screw thread 610. In the illustrated embodiment the screw thread

610 extends most of the length of the elongate shaft 604, and there is only a small

unthreaded part 612 of the elongate shaft 604, which is adjacent the cross member

602.

Provided adjacent the cross member 602, on the unthreaded part 612 of the

elongate shaft 604 there is provided a generally u-shaped biasing clip 614. The

biasing clip 614 is captured on the shaft 604, which extends through a hole 616 in

the biasing clip 614 (see Figure 9). The biasing clip 614 is restricted to a region of

the elongate shaft close to the cross member (in this embodiment the unthreaded

part 612) by a retaining ring 618, which is mounted on and about the shaft a small

predetermined distance from the cross member 602, and in this embodiment at the

transition between the unthreaded part 612 of the elongate shaft 604 and the screw

thread 610.

The biasing clip 614 is biased towards the cross member 602 by a helical spring

620, which is mounted about the unthreaded part 612 of the elongate shaft 604, and

which has a first end engaged with the biasing clip 614 and a second end engaged

with the retaining ring 618.

The securing arrangement 600 further comprises a nut 622 which is complementary

to the screw thread 610, and a plate washer 624 which can be mounted loosely on

the shaft and which can be forced towards the cross member 602, in use, by

operation (tightening) of the nut 622. A spring washer 626 is provided for use

between the nut 622 and the plate washer 624, for example to help avoid or reduce

unintentional loosening of the nut 622 in use, although this may, of course, be achieved in alternative ways, for example by use of a locking nut, such as a polymer insert locking nut (or nyloc nut) in which case a normal washer, rather than a spring washer, may be used.

In use, the shaft can extend through an aperture in the foot 6 of an item 5, and the

nut 622 can be tightened to force the plate washer 624 against an upper surface of

the foot, thus forcing the foot against the grating 204, facilitating securing of the item

to the pallet 200. Thus the plate washer 624 is an example of a second engagement

part that engages an upper surface of the foot 6; the nut 622 in cooperation with the

screw thread 610 is an example of a forcing arrangement for forcing the second

engagement part downwardly towards the grating, as will be described in more detail

below. It will be appreciated that in some circumstances it may be appropriate to

omit the plate washer 624, so that the nut bears directly (or via a spring or other

washer) on the upper surface of the foot 6 (or other appropriate part of an item). In

such a case the nut may provide the second engagement part, as well as being

integral to the forcing arrangement.

The biasing clip 614 is shown in isolation in Figure 9. The biasing clip 614

comprises a base plate portion 901, in which the hole 616 is provided, and which, in

use, is engaged by the spring 620. In the illustrated embodiment the base plate

portion 901 is generally square. First and second upstanding wall portions 902, 903

project upwardly from opposed sides of the base plate portion 601. Each upstanding

wall portion 902, 903 terminates in an upper lip or shoulder 904, 905 which projects

outwardly from the top of the respective wall portion 902, 903. Figure 10 illustrates a

general planar rectangular sheet metal blank 1000, which can be formed into the

biasing clip 614 by forming radiused right angle bends at the regions indicated by

broken lines 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008. The bends formed along broken lines 1004,

1006 (which are close to the hole 616) form transitions between the base plate

portion 901 and the upstanding wall portions 902, 903. The bends formed along

broken lines 1002, 1008 (which are further from the hole 616) form transitions

between the upstanding wall portions 902, 903 and the respective lips or shoulders

904,905.

Figure 8 is a schematic exploded view of the securing arrangement 600 of Figures 6

and 7, and illustrates the component parts thereof. The securing arrangement 600

can be formed from the component parts illustrated in Figure 8 as follows. The

projections 608, 609, are welded onto the end parts of the cross member 602. An

end of the shaft 604 is inserted into a hole 630 provided at the longitudinal centre of

the cross member 630, and welded in place by a suitable strong weld, such as a

circular continuous fillet weld (not shown), to form the cross member 602 and shaft

604 into a robust integral member, with the approximate shape of an inverted upper

case 'T'. The biasing clip 614, spring 620 and retaining ring 618 are placed onto the

shaft 604, from the upper end of the shaft 604 as illustrated. The retaining ring 618

is moved into its final position, slightly compressing the spring 620, and spot or tack

welded to the shaft 604. The washer plate 624, spring washer, 626 and nut 622 may

be threaded onto the shaft 604 if desired, or retained separately for later use, as the

process of securing an item to a pallet will typically require that they are not present

on the shaft until after the shaft is passed through an aperture of an item to be

secured (although this may not be the case for all configurations of aperture).

The strength of the shaft 604 (and its size) should be selected to be appropriate for

the dimensions and mass of the item (and any other load that may be connected to

the item). In the illustrated embodiment the shaft is 20mm in diameter (M20 size) and made from steel with a minimum strength of 400MPa. The minimum strength of weld metal used in the securing arrangement 600 is 550 MPa.

Figure 11 illustrates that the biasing clip 614 is movable in the axial (elongation)

direction of the shaft 604, and shows the biasing clip 614 in a position in which the

spring 620 is somewhat compressed between the biasing clip 614 and the retaining

ring 618. It will be appreciated from Figure 11, that if with the spring 620

compressed as illustrated, if the lips 904, 905 are held in position and the rest of the

securing arrangement 600 is free to move, the force exerted by the spring 620

between the biasing clip 614 and the retaining ring 618 will force, and move, the

retaining ring 618, and thus the shaft 604 and the cross member 602, upwards.

Figures 12 to 18 illustrate attachment of at least part of the securing arrangement

600 to pallet as an initial step in securing a load.

Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the securing arrangement 600, but without the washer

plate 624, spring washer, 626 and nut 622, in proximity to the grating 204 of a pallet

200, noting that for convenience only a small part of the grating 204 is shown. It will

be noted that the biasing clip 614 has been deliberately rotated by 90 degrees, so

that the lips 904, 905 project outwardly beyond the width of the cross member 602.

Thus when the cross member 602, which is only slightly narrower than the apertures

206 of the grate 204 is inserted into an aperture 206, the lips 904, 905 will not be

able to enter the aperture 206. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the direction of

elongation of the cross member 602 is substantially aligned with the length direction

of the apertures 206.

Figure 14 illustrates the securing arrangement 600 (without the washer plate 624,

spring washer, 626 and nut 622) being partially inserted into an aperture 206 of the grating 204, so that the lips 904, 905 engage the upper surfaces of two load members 250 that partially define the aperture 206. As illustrated in Figure 14 the spring 620 is not compressed, and the engagement surface 606 of the cross member 602 is higher than the bottoms of the two load members 250.

Figure 15 illustrates a user having applied a small downward force to the shaft 604 in

order to partially compress the spring 620. As illustrated in Figure 15, when the

spring 620 is compressed the vertical distance (in the direction of elongation of the

shaft 604) between the lips 904, 905 and the engagement surface 606 of the cross

member 602 is greater than the height of the two load members 250. Indeed, the

vertical distance (in the direction of elongation of the shaft 604) between the lips 904,

905 and the tops of the projections 608, 609 of the cross member 602 is greater than

the height of the two load members 250.

Figure 16 illustrates the downward force still being applied, and the user having

rotated the shaft 604, and therefore also the cross member 602, by 90 degrees. The

direction of elongation of the cross member 602 is now substantially perpendicular to

the load members 250 and to the length direction of the apertures 206.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrates the downward force having been released, so that the

biasing action of the spring 620 and biasing clip 614 has raised the shaft 604 and

cross member 602. As illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the engagement surface 606

of the cross member 602 extends across, and engages the bottoms of, four load

members 250. The projections 608, 609 of the cross member 602 extend above the

bottoms of the load members 250, and in this position effectively prevent inadvertent

rotation of the shaft 604 and cross member 602 away from the illustrated desired

position. It will be appreciated that having the cross member 602 extend across, and engage the bottoms of, four load members 250 can provide more effective distribution of forces, and thus greater effective strength that would be provided by a shorter cross member that would engage fewer load members 250, for example, only the two load members immediately adjacent the aperture.

As illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the shaft 604 and cross member 602 are

retained, by the biasing clip, in a convenient position, with the threaded part of the

shaft extending upwardly from the grating, so that an item to be secured to the pallet

200 can be engaged therewith. For example, an engine or other item of machinery

with bolt-holes in a mounting part thereof can be lowered onto the pallet, so that

respective bolt-holes engage with respective upwardly extending threaded parts of

respective shafts 604, without the shafts 604 or associated securing arrangements

600 having to be held in place by a person. Rather, the shafts 604 and associated

securing arrangements 600 can be effectively held in place are by the biasing clip of

each respective securing arrangement 600.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a load distribution and anti-slip arrangement, generally

designated 1900, which may be used as part of the system 1.

In order to avoid contact of a metal part of an item 5 (for example metal foot 6) with

the metal load members 250 of the grating 204, which may result in an undesirably

low-friction contact, it is desirable to provide a layer of high friction material, such as

rubber, between the grating 204 and the item 5. It is also desirable, at least in some

cases, to provide a layer or plate of substantially rigid material between the grating

204 and the item 5 to help spread the weight of the item over a greater number of

load members than would otherwise be borne upon by the foot 6 (or feet).

As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 the load distribution and anti-slip arrangement

1900 comprises a first, in-use lower, layer provided by a sheet or mat of rubber

1920, a second, in use intermediate, layer provided by a metal (e.g. steel) sheet or

plate 1930, and a third, in use higher, layer provided by a sheet or mat of rubber

1940. Each sheet, mat or plate 1920, 1930, 1940 is provided with a respective

aperture, 1921, 1931, 1941 which may be at a geometric centre thereof, to allow the

shaft 604 to pass therethrough. This helps ensure that all parts of the load

distribution and anti-slip arrangement 1900 are positioned correctly relative to the

item (which is to be attached to the shaft, as will be described in more detail

hereafter).

The aperture 1921 of the lower sheet or mat of rubber 1920, and the aperture 1931

of the metal sheet or plate 1930, are, in the illustrated embodiment, substantially

larger than the diameter of the shaft 604 and the width of the biasing clip 614, to

avoid contact with the biasing clip 614 which could damage the sheet or mat of

rubber 1920 or the biasing clip 614, or create an irregularity that might lead to play in

the position of the foot 6. In the illustrated embodiment the maximum width of the

biasing clip 614 (between distal edges of the lips 904, 905 may be about 47 mm, and

the size of the apertures 1921, 1931 may be 55 by 75 mm.

Figure 21 illustrates schematically and in partial cross section, the securing

arrangement 600 being used to secure a foot 6 of an item 5 to the grate 204 of pallet

200, with the load distribution and anti-slip arrangement 1900 in use, between the

grating 204 and the foot 6. It will be appreciated that tightening of the nut 622

effectively clamps the foot 6 to the grating 204.

Use of four (or more) securing arrangements of the type described, according to the

mass of the item to be secured and the number of feet or, more generally, mounting

regions with bolt apertures, can allow the system 1 to effectively secure heavy items

such as generators, compressors and other machinery to a pallet. The item should

normally be located and secured on the pallet so that the centre of gravity of the item

is located above a geometrically central part of the pallet. The use of a pallet with a

grating providing the platform provides a large number of closely spaced apertures,

providing a high level of flexibility in relation to selection of apertures which align with

the apertures provided by the item.

Of course, many variations are possible.

Figures 22 to 25 illustrate alternative embodiments of pallets 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500

which may be used as part of the disclosed system for securing a load, and which

are configured and constructed similar to the pallet 200 of Figures 1 to 5, with

substantially similar four-layer construction.

The pallet 2200, illustrated in Figure 22, is very similar to the pallet 200, being of the

same length but of greater width, being 2.3 metres wide, compared to the 1.8 metre

width of pallet 200. The greater width is provided by using increased lengths for the

members which extend in the width direction and using an appropriately increased

number of members which extend in the length direction. The pallet 2200 is

constructed to have a load capacity of approximately six tonnes.

The pallet 2300, illustrated in Figure 23, is of slightly smaller width than the pallet

200, being 1500mm wide as against 1800 mm wide, and is of smaller length being

2380 mm long as against the 3500 mm length of pallet 200. In this embodiment

slightly smaller bottom members 2320 are used, being steel members 8 mm thick by

80 mm wide (as against the 10 mm by 100 mm bottom members of pallet 200).

Further, fewer spacing members are used, as can be seen in Figure 23. However,

the same types and cross sectional dimensions of spacing members 2330 and

reinforcing members are used as used in pallet 200. The pallet 2300 is constructed

to have a load capacity of approximately 3.5 tonnes.

The pallet 2400 of Figure 24 is still smaller, having a length of 2320 mm and a width

of 1160 mm. In this embodiment bottom members 2420 with transverse size 8mm

by 80 mm, and reinforcing members with transverse size 70 mm by 50 mm are used.

The grating members and spacing members correspond to those used in pallet 200

(but are of course fewer in number and shorter in length). The pallet 2400 is

constructed to have a load capacity of approximately 2.5 tonnes.

The pallet 2500 of Figure 25 is still smaller, having a length of 1160 mm and a width

of 1160 mm. In this embodiment the transverse size of the bottom members 2520,

spacing members 2530, reinforcing members 2540 and grating members are all the

same as used for pallet 2400 (but are of course varied in number and length as

appropriate). The pallet 2500 is constructed to have a load capacity of

approximately 1.5 tonnes.

It will be appreciated that the sizes and load capacities of the described pallets are

provided by way of example, and that suitable engineering of a pallet with a grating

providing some or all of the upper surface thereof may provide a pallet of

substantially any appropriate desired size, and with a load bearing capacity as

desired or required, up to, and even in excess of, 10 tonnes. Further, it should be

appreciated that while use of a grating is considered particularly useful for providing

a structurally strong platform part with a large number of closely spaces apertures (to allow flexibility in the positioning of securing arrangements), other apertures surface arrangements could be used, and if a grating arrangement is used the grating need not cover all of the upper surface part of the platform, but may be provided only at a

(typically, but not necessarily) generally central region of the platform, where it is

expected that an item is to be attached to the pallet. For example, one or more non

central, top surface regions of the platform may be made from sheet metal (such as

sheet steel) with or without apertures provided in the sheet metal.

It will be appreciated that the pallets 200, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 are all constructed

to be suitable for use with forklift trucks, and that the spacing members define tine

receiving channels of the pallets. Depending on the size of the pallet and the spacing

of the tines of the forklift, the tines may be received in spaced between the spacing

members, or the box section spacing members may be adapted to receive the tines

therein.

The pallets 200, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 all provide reinforcing members which

overlie spacing members, as described in detail in relation to the pallet 200, so that

the reinforcing members and the spacing members are provided substantially in

respective, different, substantially horizontal, layers of the pallet. In the illustrated

embodiments the reinforcing members are shown to be of generally rectangular

transverse cross section, with the longer sides of the rectangular cross sectional

shape substantially horizontal in use, and the shorter sides of the rectangular cross

sectional shape substantially vertical in use (extending in the height direction of the

pallet). In an alternative embodiment the rectangular cross sectional reinforcing

members may be oriented with the longer sides of the rectangular cross sectional

shape substantially vertical in use, and the shorter sides of the rectangular cross

sectional shape substantially horizontal in use. This alternative orientation of the reinforcing members may provide greater resistance to bending of the pallet downwardly along its length, under load, when being lifted by a crane or the like. Of course increased resistance to bending may alternatively or additionally be provided in other ways, for example, further reinforcement may be provided by welding additional members (optionally using the same type of member as the reinforcing members or as one or more of the spacing members) between neighbouring spacing members. Such additional members may be arranged substantially in the same horizontal layer of the pallet as the spacing members, with the additional members being welded to vertical surface parts of the spacing members.

Pallets generally of the illustrated and described construction may be provided with

lifting lugs accessible from the top of, or above, the pallet to facilitate lifting of the

pallets (and items secured thereto) by a crane. Lifting lugs may, for example, be

securely fixed by welding to the top surfaces of some or all of the spacing members

and/or reinforcing members. Accessibility of the lifting lugs from the top of, or above,

the pallet may be facilitated by omitting small sections of the grating to allow access.

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative embodiment 2600 of securing

arrangement to the securing arrangement 600 of Figures 6 to 10. There are many

similarities between the securing arrangement 600 and the securing arrangement

2600 and only the differences will be discussed in detail. The securing arrangement

2600 provides projections (corresponding to projections 608, 609 of securing

arrangement 600) in the form of first and second pairs of studs 2608, 2609. More

functionally significant is that securing arrangement 2600 does not provide a biasing

clip. Rather the securing arrangement 2600 allows cross member 2602 to be

retained against the underside of load members of a grating by providing a screw

threaded washer 2614, which a user can cause to travel along the screw thread

2610 of shaft 2604 by causing rotation thereof. In use, the user inserts cross

member 2602 through an aperture of a grating, rotates the shaft 2604 to orient the

cross member 2602 transverse to the load members of the grating and then rotates

the threaded washer until it reaches the bottom of the screw thread and engages the

tops of the load members adjacent the aperture, thereby retaining the cross member

2602 to be retained against the underside of load members of a grating. The user

may either lift the shaft 2604 so that the cross member 2602 engages the underside

of the load members prior to rotating the threaded washer 2614, so that the cross

member is manually placed in position and then merely retained in that position by

the threaded washer, or may use the action of rotating the threaded washer, while it

is engaged with the tops of the load members adjacent the aperture, to raise the

shaft 2604 and the cross member 2602, although the latter approach is considered

more prone to error. Compared to the bias clip 614 of securing arrangement 600,

the securing arrangement 2600 is considered less convenient to use, requiring

greater manipulation and being more time consuming.

Figure 28 shows the relevant parts of securing arrangement 2600, with the threaded

washer 2614 engaged with the tops of load members 250, so as to hold the cross

member against the bottoms of load members 250. Figure 28 further illustrates

positioning of a rubber mat or sheet 2800, with a differently shaped aperture to that

of rubber mats or sheets 1920, 1940 described above and illustrated in Figures 19

and 20.

Figure 29 illustrates the rubber mat or sheet 2800 in position as a lower friction

enhancing layer, and addition of further elements of a load distribution and anti-slip

arrangement, being a metal (e.g. steel) sheet or plate 2930, and an in use higher, friction enhancing layer provided by a sheet or mat of rubber 2940, which are variations of those previously described.

Figures 30 to 33 illustrate a further, and less-developed, embodiment of a securing

arrangement 3000. There are many similarities between the previously described

securing arrangements 600, 2600 and the securing arrangement 3000 and only the

differences will be discussed in detail. One such difference is that the securing

arrangement 3000 lacks a retaining arrangement for retaining cross member 3002

against the underside of load members of a grating. Another difference is that the

cross member is relatively short in length compared to previously described

embodiments, and adapted to engage the undersides of only two load members of a

grating. While this may be adequate under some circumstances, engagement of the

undersides of a greater number of load members is considered desirable.

In relation to this it should be appreciated that the cross member 602 of a securing

arrangement may be longer than the length of the grating aperture without

precluding the cross member 602 being readily able to be inserted into the aperture.

Figures 34(a) to 34(e) illustrate schematically how a combined cross member and

shaft 3400 with a cross member 3406 of greater length than the length of an

aperture 3410 of a grating 3411, may be easily manipulated to allow insertion of the

cross member through the aperture 3410. As can be seen in Figure 34(a) the

length of the aperture 3410 is the distance between first and second tie rods 3452,

3453. Broadly speaking the process is to incline the cross member 3406, and feed a

first lower end 3406A into the aperture 3410, as illustrated in Figure 34(b). The

combined cross member and shaft 3400 is then moved so that the first end of the

cross member 3406A passes below the tie rod 3452 defining one end of the

aperture, as illustrated in Figure 34(c) and so that the shaft part of the combined cross member and shaft 3400 is close to that tie rod 3452. The combined cross member and shaft 3400 can then be lowered and/or rotated to move the second end of the cross member 3406 into the aperture 3410, as illustrated in Figures 34(d) and

34(e). After insertion, the cross member 3410 maybe rotated as described above.

Figure 35 illustrates an alternative embodiment 3500 of a load distribution and anti

slip arrangement, to the arrangement, designated 1900, of Figures 19 and 20. The

significant difference is that the a first, in-use lower, layer provided by a sheet or mat

of rubber 3520, a second, in use intermediate, layer provided by a metal (e.g. steel)

sheet or plate 3530, and a third, in use higher, layer provided by a sheet or mat of

rubber 3540, are all generally square rather than rectangular.

At least embodiments described herein provide a number of advantages over certain

known ways of attaching items to pallets.

The securing arrangement 600 can provide an effective and direct restraint between

the pallet and a robust part of the item. In contrast lashing is often placed over or

around an item which may damage the item and/or damage or interfere with a

preservation materials used to wrap and protect the item.

The securing arrangement 600 does not exert substantial net downward pressure on

the pallet. In contrast tensioned lashing may add to the effective weight of an item

on a pallet which can decrease the effective load bearing capacity of the pallet

The securing arrangement 600 uses a robust metal shaft, and is very heavy duty and

anticipated to have a long service life.

The securing arrangement 600 does not require use of lugs provided on the pallet,

and therefore increased the availability of any such lugs for use in restraining the

pallet to a vehicle.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or

less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its

variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an

inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or

described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the

invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the

proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the

art.

Claims

1. A system for securing an item to a pallet, the system comprising:

receiving surface having at least one aperture therein;

a securing arrangement comprising:

- a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, in use;

- a connection part which extends from the first engagement part and is

configured to extend through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part, adapted to engage part of an item to be secured

to the pallet; and

- a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the

pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and

wherein in use operation of a threaded connection arrangement which

includes the screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards

the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the platform part is made substantially

from metal.

3. A system according to either preceding claim, wherein the forcing

arrangement is adapted to force the second engagement part towards the first

engagement part.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the connection part

comprises an elongate shaft, and the screw threaded part is provided on the

elongate shaft as a male threaded part of the elongate shaft.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the threaded connection

arrangement comprises a nut, complementary to the screw threaded part.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement part

first comprises a transverse element which extends transversely outwardly from the

connection part in first and second substantially opposed directions and provides an

engagement surface adapted to engage an underside of the platform part of the

pallet.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement part

is dimensioned so that it can be passed through the at least one aperture in one or

more insertion orientations and can be oriented to a retention orientation in which it

cannot pass through the aperture.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aperture has a width

and a length, the width being no greater than the length, and the first engagement

part has a width and a length, the width being no greater than the length, and the

length of the first engagement part is at least three times the width of the aperture.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the securing

arrangement further comprises a retaining member for retaining the first engagement

part in engagement with the pallet prior to operation of the forcing arrangement, the

retaining member being adapted to engage the load-receiving surface of the pallet

and to apply a force to the first engagement part when the retaining member is engaged with the load-receiving surface of the pallet in order to force the first engagement part against part of the pallet.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises at

least three securing arrangements for securing respective different parts of the item

at respective different positions on the load-bearing platform part of the pallet.

11. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the load-receiving

surface of the pallet is provided by a grating providing a plurality of apertures which

are substantially regularly distributed over at least part of the load-receiving surface.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the grating comprises a plurality of

spaced apart, substantially mutually parallel, load-bearing members and

substantially all of the load-bearing members are welded to a substructure of the

pallet which underlies the grating.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the first engagement part is adapted

to extend across at least three of said load-bearing members, and bear against the

undersides of at least two of said load-bearing members.

14. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the pallet comprises:

a plurality of primary spacing members which underlie the load-receiving platform

part and which at least partially define tine-receiving channels of the pallet; and

a plurality of reinforcing members arranged substantially perpendicular to a plurality

of the primary spacing members, the reinforcing members comprising elongate metal

channel sections, and the reinforcing members being arranged between the primary

spacing members and the load receiving platform part.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the pallet further comprises at least

two bottom members, each of which underlies and extends between at least two

primary spacing members.

16. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system further

comprises at least one load spreading member adapted to overlie at least part of the

surface of the load-receiving platform part and to spread the load of an item secured

to the pallet, on the load receiving surface of the pallet, at least one said load

spreading member providing an aperture therein for passage of the connection part

of the securing arrangement therethrough.

17. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system further

comprises at least one friction member, adapted to be positioned between the pallet

and the item, to increase friction therebetween the friction member providing an

aperture therein for passage of the connection part of the securing arrangement

therethrough.

18. A method of securing an item to a pallet comprising:

load-receiving surface having at least one aperture therein;

positioning a fixing arrangement so that:

- a connection part of the fixing arrangement extends from the first engagement

part, through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part of the fixing arrangement engages part of an item

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises passing at

least part of the fixing arrangement through an item aperture provided in the item

and the item aperture is an aperture provided in the item for receiving a bolt

therethrough.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the item is an item of machinery

comprising at least one mounting part for mounting to a surface, and the item

aperture is an aperture provided in the mounting part.

21. A method according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the method comprises

placing, between the pallet and the item: a first, lower layer comprising rubber or like

high friction material; a second intermediate layer comprising a load distribution

plate; and a third higher layer comprising rubber or like high friction material.

22. A method according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the method comprises

use of a system in accordance with any of claims 1 to 17.

23. A securing arrangement for use in the system of any of claims 1 to 17, the

securing arrangement comprising:

- a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, in use;

- a connection part which extends from the first engagement and is configured

to extend through one of the at least one apertures,

- a second engagement part, adapted to engage part of an item to be secured

to the pallet; and

- a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the

pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and

wherein in use operation of a threaded connection arrangement which

includes the screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards

the pallet, to secure the item to the pallet.

24. A securing arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the securing

arrangement comprises a bolt having a bolt head which comprises the first

engagement part, and a bolt shaft which comprises the connection part and which

provides said screw threaded part.

25. A pallet for use in the system of any of claims 1 to 17, the pallet comprising a

load-receiving platform part, the platform part being made substantially from metal

and the platform part providing a load-receiving surface having at least one aperture

therein.

26. A pallet according to claim 25, wherein the pallet comprises:

- at least three primary spacing members which underlie the load-receiving

platform part and which at least partially define tine-receiving channels of the

pallet; and

- at least three reinforcing members overlaid across a plurality of the primary

spacing members, the reinforcing members comprising elongate metal

channel sections, the reinforcing members being arranged between the

primary spacing members and the load-receiving platform part.

27. A pallet according to claim 26, wherein the pallet is substantially rectangular

having a length direction and a width direction, the length of the pallet being at least

as great as the width, the primary spacing members being elongate with a direction

of elongation extending in the width direction of the pallet, and the reinforcing

members being elongate with a direction of elongation extending in the length

direction of the pallet.

28. A pallet according to either of claims 26 or 27, wherein the load-receiving

surface of the pallet is provided by a grating comprising a plurality of spaced apart,

substantially mutually parallel, load-bearing members.

29. A pallet according to claim 28, wherein at least half of the load-bearing

members are welded to at least three of said reinforcing members.

30. A pallet according to claim 29, wherein substantially all of the load-bearing

members are welded to at least three of said reinforcing members.

31. A pallet according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the pallet comprises at

least three bottom members, each of which underlies and extends between at least

three primary spacing members.

32. A pallet according to claim 31, wherein the bottom members are elongate with

a direction of elongation extending in a length direction of the pallet.

33. A method of securing an item of machinery to a pallet, comprising bolting the

item of machinery to the pallet.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein a bolt extends through an aperture

of a grating which forms at least part of a load-receiving platform of the pallet, and a shaft of the bolt extends through an aperture, provided in the item of machinery, for receiving a bolt in order to bolt the item of machinery to a surface.

35. A system for securing an item to a pallet, the system comprising:

a metal pallet with a load-receiving platform part, the platform part providing a load

receiving surface having at least one aperture therein;

a securing arrangement comprising:

a first engagement part configured to engage part of the pallet, in use;

a connection part which extends from the first engagement part and is

configured to extend through one of the at least one apertures,

a second engagement part, adapted to engage part of an item to be secured

to the pallet; and

a forcing arrangement for forcing the second engagement part towards the

pallet, wherein the forcing arrangement comprises a screw threaded part and

wherein in use operation of a threaded connection arrangement which includes the

screw threaded part forces the second engagement part towards the pallet, to

secure the item to the pallet.

36. A system according to claim 35, wherein the connection part comprises an

elongate shaft, and the screw threaded part comprises a male threaded part fast with

the elongate shaft, wherein the threaded connection arrangement comprises a nut,

complementary to the screw threaded part.

37. A system according claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the first engagement part

extends outwardly from the connection part and provides an engagement surface

adapted to engage an underside of the platform part of the pallet.

38. A system according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the first

engagement part comprises a transverse element which extends transversely

outwardly from the connection part in first and second substantially opposed

directions and is dimensioned so that it can be passed through the at least one

orientation in which it cannot pass through the aperture.

39. A system according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the securing

and to apply a force to the first engagement part when the retaining member is

engaged with the load-receiving surface of the pallet in order to force the first

engagement part against part of the pallet.