DE202019100863U1 - Anti-sag devices and arrangements for stacking pallets - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement of a lightweight pallet and a plurality of anti-sag devices, comprising:
(a) a lightweight range comprising:
(I) a substantially plate-shaped structure comprising a top and a bottom surface;
(II) a plurality of legs extending from the bottom surface of the plate structure;
(III) a plurality of structural elements disposed on a bottom side of the legs;
(b) a plurality of anti-sag devices, each of the anti-sag devices comprising:
(I) a substantially bar-shaped structure;
(II) a plurality of members selected from the group consisting of: linkages and reinforcing ribs configured to impart structural rigidity to the substantially beam-shaped structure;
(III) a plurality of grooves adapted to receive at least two legs of the lightweight pallet, the grooves comprising top and bottom surfaces;
(IV) a plurality of link mechanisms disposed on the top surfaces of the grooves, the link mechanisms configured to attach at least one of the plurality of structural members to the bottom surface of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet; wherein the plurality of structural elements on the bottom surface of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet, upon activation of the link mechanisms, are attached to the link mechanisms on the top surfaces of the grooves of the anti-droop devices;
wherein the activation of the connection mechanisms is performed by applying a vertical compressive force to the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet.

Description

Technical area

In general, the present invention relates to the field of storage and transportation. In particular, the invention relates to anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof, which facilitates stacking of pallets.

State of the art

It is believed that the current state of the art is represented by the following patent literature: US3824933 . US6053466 . US8006629 . US9592929 , USD0798024, US2013180437 . WO2011040758 and WO2013060900 ,

USD0798024 discloses a stackable pallet.

WO2011040758 discloses a lightweight pallet to be used in loading and unloading goods using a forklift. The lightweight range of WO2011040758 comprising: a pallet plate unit formed into the shape of a plate having a surface onto which goods are loaded; a pallet rib unit bent up or down from the pallet plate unit to support the pallet plate unit; a thermally bonded unit formed by thermally bonding both sides of a rib at the intermediate portion of each rib in a longitudinal direction such that the ribs of the pallet rib unit have a bonding force in a longitudinal direction or a vertical direction; and a plurality of pallet carrier units that are bent downward from the pallet plate unit to support the pallet plate unit so that the pallet plate unit has a predetermined height.

US8006629 discloses a pallet containing an upper and a lower cargo area. The upper loading area in US8006629 contains plug pin openings. First fasteners in US8006629 protrude downwardly from the upper deck, each first connector including an outer sleeve surrounding a respective plug hole. Second connecting elements in US8006629 project upwardly from the lower deck, with each second link including an inner sleeve and a pin receiving hole positioned therein. The inner sleeves pick up the outer sleeves to define support blocks connecting the lower and upper loading surfaces. Pins are inserted into the pin holes in the upper deck. Each male pin includes a head for engaging a male pin opening and spaced tips passing through the male pin receiving holes for engaging a rear surface of the inner sleeve associated therewith.

Presentation of the invention

The invention has been made in light of the deficiencies of the prior art and provides systems, methods and arrangements for overcoming these deficiencies. According to some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided which facilitate stacking and / or storage of pallets.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided which facilitate stacking and / or storage of lightweight and / or lightweight pallets.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided, facilitating stacking and / or storage of stackable pallets.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided, facilitating stacking and / or storage of lightweight and / or lightweight stackable pallets.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided which facilitate stacking and / or storage of pallets without significantly contributing to the vertical dimension of the assembly.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anti-sag devices and arrangements thereof are provided which facilitate stacking and / or storage of pallets that can be lifted by a forklift.

The term pallet, as referred to herein, refers to pallets usually having upper and planks with runners therebetween, loading sleds having only upper planks supported on runners, and other such support devices.

list of figures

• 1 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer leichtgewichtigen Palette nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Anordnung aus zwei verschachtelten leichtgewichtigen Paletten nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 3A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 3B ist eine Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 3C ist eine Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 3D ist eine Unteransicht einer Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 4A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 4B ist eine Vorderansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 4C ist eine Draufsicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 4D ist eine Unteransicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtung der Erfindung zum Stapeln und/oder Lagern von Paletten;
• 5A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Anordnung einer leichtgewichtigen Palette nach dem Stand der Technik und einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 5B ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 6A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Anordnung einer leichtgewichtigen Palette nach dem Stand der Technik und einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 6B ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 7A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Anordnung einer leichtgewichtigen Palette nach dem Stand der Technik und einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 7B ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 8A ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Anordnung einer leichtgewichtigen Palette nach dem Stand der Technik und einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung;
• 8B ist eine isometrische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform von drei Anti-Durchhang-Vorrichtungen der Erfindung.

The present invention will become more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a prior art lightweight pallet;
• 2 Figure 9 is an isometric view of a prior art arrangement of two nested lightweight pallets;
• 3A Fig. 10 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 3B Figure 3 is a front view of one embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 3C Fig. 10 is a plan view of one embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 3D Figure 11 is a bottom view of one embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 4A Figure 9 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 4B Figure 3 is a front view of another embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 4C Fig. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 4D Figure 11 is a bottom view of another embodiment of an anti-sag device of the invention for stacking and / or storing pallets;
• 5A Figure 10 is an isometric view of a prior art lightweight pallet assembly and one embodiment of three anti-droop devices of the invention;
• 5B Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of three anti-sag devices of the invention;
• 6A Figure 10 is an isometric view of a prior art lightweight pallet assembly and one embodiment of three anti-droop devices of the invention;
• 6B Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of three anti-sag devices of the invention;
• 7A Figure 10 is an isometric view of a prior art lightweight pallet assembly and one embodiment of three anti-droop devices of the invention;
• 7B Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of three anti-sag devices of the invention;
• 8A Figure 10 is an isometric view of a prior art lightweight pallet assembly and one embodiment of three anti-droop devices of the invention;
• 8B Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of three anti-sag devices of the invention.

Detailed disclosure of embodiments

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, not all features of the actual implementation are described in this specification. It will, of course, be understood that in developing such an actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as adhering to application or business constraints that may vary from one implementation to the next. Moreover, it is clear that the expense of such a development can be complex and time consuming, but would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Before explaining an embodiment of the present invention, first, on 1 and 2 Refer to a lightweight range 10 and a nested arrangement 20 a variety of lightweight pallets 10A to 10E to show the state of the art for the inventive concept clearer. The lightweight range 10 is usually made of a polymeric material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), whether recycled or not.

The lightweight range 10 includes an upper surface plate 12 optionally having a plurality of aperture structures 14 or, in the case of loading sleds, a flat monolithic surface. The lightweight range 10 includes a variety of legs 16 coming from the upper surface plate 12 go down. The legs 16 define a cavity 18 , The bottom of the legs 16 includes apertures 22 ,

Lightweight pallets, like pallet 10 , are commonly used for lifting and transporting goods that are mounted on the pallet. Sometimes, lightweight pallets, like the pallet 10 , used to present the goods to customers by placing the pallet on the floor or shelf in the store, allowing customers to take the goods directly from the pallet or the loader.

How out 2 is apparent, is optional a variety of lightweight pallets, such as the lightweight pallets 10A and 10B in a nested arrangement stack 20 stacked. The legs 16 the upper pallet 10A are in the cavity 18 the legs 16 from 10B in the stack 20 used and are included within this. The nested stack 20 is designed to carry a variety of lightweight pallets in a compact form.

According to some embodiments of the present invention is on 3A to 3D Reference is made to an anti-sag device 30 demonstrate. The anti-sag device 30 forms a substantially beam-like structure 32 out. The beam-like structure 32 the anti-sag device 30 optionally includes a plurality of linkages or reinforcing ribs 34 that are designed, the anti-sag device 30 to give structural strength.

The beam-like structure 32 the anti-sag device 30 further includes a plurality of grooves 36 , The grooves 36 inside the bar-like structure 32 the anti-sag device 30 are designed with the legs of a lightweight range, like the legs 16 the in 1 shown lightweight range 10 to match and accommodate this.

At the bottom surface, the grooves comprise 36 inside the bar-like structure 32 the anti-sag device 30 connectors 38 , The connectors 38 at the bottom surface of the grooves 36 are adapted to be attached to the apertures of the bottom surface of the legs of a lightweight pallet, such as the apertures 22 on the bottom surface of the legs 16 the in 1 shown lightweight range 10 , The fastening mechanism of the connectors 38 may vary from one embodiment to another. The activation of the connectors 38 , namely the attachment of the connectors 38 at the apertures of the bottom surface of the legs of a lightweight pallet, however, is preferably performed by exerting a vertical compressive force on the legs of a lightweight pallet, which is usually achieved by the inherent weight of the pallet, such as by simply placing the legs of the lightweight pallet, such as the legs 16 the in 1 shown lightweight range 10 , in the grooves 36 inside the bar-like structure 32 the anti-sag device 30 ,

According to some embodiments of the present invention is on 4A to 4D Reference is made to an anti-sag device 40 demonstrate. The anti-sag device 40 forms a substantially beam-like structure 42 out. The beam-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 optionally includes a plurality of linkages or reinforcing ribs 44 that are designed, the anti-sag device 40 to give structural strength.

The beam-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 further includes a plurality of grooves 46 , The grooves 46 are designed with the legs of a lightweight range, like the legs 16 the in 1 shown lightweight range 10 to match and accommodate this. The beam-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 preferably comprises a surrounding enclosure 49 which contribute to the structural stability as well as to an aesthetic effect of the anti-sag device 40 contributes. The beam-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 also includes oval apertures 52 designed to receive the forks (not shown) of a forklift truck (not shown).

At the bottom surface, the grooves comprise 46 inside the bar-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 connectors 48 , The connectors 48 at the bottom surface of the grooves 46 are essentially the connectors 38 at the bottom surface of the grooves 36 the in 3A to 3D shown anti-sag device 30 similar.

Now up 5A and 5B Referring to, is the lightweight range 10 to an array of three anti-sag devices 30 added. The legs 16 the lightweight range 10 are in the grooves 36 inside the bar-like structure 32 the anti-sag devices 30 used. The lightweight range 10 is then released and by their own weight, the connectors 38 in the apertures 22 on the bottom surface of the legs 16 snapped, creating the three anti-sag devices 30 on the lightweight range 10 be secured, what in arrangement 50 results.

The order 50 the pallet 10 and the three anti-sag devices 30 is characterized by superior structural strength. Accordingly, the arrangement depends 50 after placing the arrangement 50 on two Side bar (not shown) of a stacking and / or storage structure, so that the side bars (not shown) only the end portions of the anti-sag devices 30 In fact, they do not carry, as they do, from the end portions of the anti-slack devices placed on the side beams (not shown) 30 hangs and remains essentially flat / linear.

Now up 6A and 6B Referring to, is the lightweight range 10 to an array of three anti-sag devices 60 added. The legs 16 the lightweight range 10 are in the grooves 36 within the anti-sag devices 60 used. The lightweight range 10 is then released and by its own weight become connectors of the anti-slack devices 60 in the apertures 22 on the bottom surface of the legs 16 the lightweight range 10 snapped, creating the three anti-sag devices 60 on the lightweight range 10 be secured, what in arrangement 70 results. The order 70 the pallet 10 and the three anti-sag devices 30 is characterized by superior structural strength, so the arrangement 70 actually does not sag when the side bars (not shown) only the end portions of the anti-sag devices 60 carry. The order 70 can also be lifted by a forklift truck (not shown) with the oval apertures 52 withstand a four-way lift through a forklift truck (not shown).

Now up 7A and 7B Referring to, is the lightweight range 10 to an array of three anti-sag devices 80 added. The anti-sag devices 80 include a completely surrounding cladding 82 For the structural stability as well as the aesthetic effect of anti-sag devices 80 contributes. The legs 16 the lightweight range 10 are in the grooves 36 within the anti-sag devices 80 used. The lightweight range 10 is then released and by its own weight become connectors of the anti-slack devices 80 in the apertures 22 on the bottom surface of the legs 16 the lightweight range 10 snapped, creating the three anti-sag devices 80 on the lightweight range 10 be secured, what in arrangement 90 results. The order 90 the pallet 10 and the three anti-sag devices 30 is characterized by superior structural strength, so the arrangement 90 actually does not sag when the side bars (not shown) only the end portions of the anti-sag devices 80 carry. The order 90 has a superior aesthetic effect, making the lightweight range 10 with the anti-sag devices 80 can be placed directly on the floor or a shelf in the store, allowing customers to take the goods directly from the lightweight range 10 to take.

Now up 8A and 8B Referring to, is the lightweight range 10 to an array of three anti-sag devices 40 added. The anti-sag devices 40 include a surrounding cladding 42 For the structural stability as well as the aesthetic effect of anti-sag devices 40 contributes. The legs 16 the lightweight range 10 are in the grooves 46 within the anti-sag devices 40 used. The lightweight range 10 is then released and by its own weight become connectors of the anti-slack devices 40 in the apertures 22 on the bottom surface of the legs 16 the lightweight range 10 snapped, creating the three anti-sag devices 40 on the lightweight range 10 be secured, what in arrangement 100 results. Because the bar-like structure 42 the anti-sag devices 40 also a surrounding enclosure 49 which contributes to the structural stability of the anti-sag device 40 contributes, is the arrangement 100 the pallet 10 and the three anti-sag devices 40 characterized by a superior structural strength, so that the arrangement 100 actually does not sag when the side bars (not shown) only the end portions of the anti-sag devices 40 carry. Because the bar-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 also a surrounding enclosure 49 which includes an aesthetic effect of the anti-sag device 40 contributes to the lightweight range 10 with the anti-sag devices 40 can be placed directly on the floor or a shelf in the store, allowing customers to take the goods directly from the lightweight range 10 to take. The beam-like structure 42 the anti-sag device 40 also includes oval apertures 52 adapted to receive the forks (not shown) of a forklift (not shown), so that the arrangement 100 can also be lifted by a forklift (not shown), wherein the oval apertures 52 withstand a four-way lift through a forklift truck (not shown).

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3824933 [0002]
• US 6053466 [0002]
• US 8006629 [0002, 0005]
• US 9592929 [0002]
• US 2013180437 [0002]
• WO 2011040758 [0002, 0004]
• WO 2013060900 [0002]
• US Pat. No. D0798024 [0003]

Claims (12)

Arrangement of a lightweight pallet and a plurality of anti-sag devices, comprising: (a) a lightweight range comprising: (I) a substantially plate-shaped structure comprising a top and a bottom surface; (II) a plurality of legs extending from the bottom surface of the plate structure; (III) a plurality of structural elements disposed on a bottom side of the legs; (b) a plurality of anti-sag devices, each of the anti-sag devices comprising: (I) a substantially bar-shaped structure; (II) a plurality of members selected from the group consisting of: linkages and reinforcing ribs configured to impart structural rigidity to the substantially beam-shaped structure; (III) a plurality of grooves adapted to receive at least two legs of the lightweight pallet, the grooves comprising top and bottom surfaces; (IV) a plurality of link mechanisms disposed on the top surfaces of the grooves, the link mechanisms configured to attach at least one of the plurality of structural members to the bottom surface of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet; wherein the plurality of structural elements on the bottom surface of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet, upon activation of the link mechanisms, are attached to the link mechanisms on the top surfaces of the grooves of the anti-droop devices; wherein the activation of the connection mechanisms is performed by applying a vertical compressive force to the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet. Arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the vertical crush force does not exceed a gravitational weight of the lightweight pallet. Arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the substantially beam-shaped structure of the anti-drool devices further includes a plurality of oval apertures adapted to receive forks of a forklift thereby withstanding a four-way stroke of the assembly. Arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the substantially beam-shaped structure of the anti-sag devices further includes a surrounding sheath that contributes to an aesthetic effect of the anti-sag device. Arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the connection mechanisms are snap fasteners. Arrangement according to Claim 1 characterized by superior structural strength, wherein, after placing the assembly on two side beams of a stack or bearing structure, the side beams of the stacking or bearing structure, not shown, carrying only end portions of the anti-droop devices, the assembly does not actually sag when engaged from the end portions of the anti-sag devices, and remains substantially planar or linear. Anti-slack device designed to fit with a lightweight pallet and comprising: (a) a substantially bar-shaped structure; (b) a plurality of members selected from the group consisting of: linkages and reinforcing ribs configured to impart structural strength to the substantially beam-shaped structure; (c) a plurality of grooves adapted to receive at least two legs of the lightweight pallet, the grooves comprising top and bottom surfaces; (d) a plurality of linkage mechanisms disposed on a surface of the grooves, the linkage mechanisms configured to attach at least one structural element to a bottom surface of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet; wherein upon activation of the link mechanisms, the bottom surfaces of the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet are attached to the link mechanisms; wherein the activation of the connection mechanisms is performed by applying a vertical compressive force to the at least two legs of the lightweight pallet. Anti-sag device after Claim 7 wherein the vertical crush force does not exceed a gravitational weight of the lightweight pallet. Anti-sag device after Claim 7 wherein the substantially beam-shaped structure further includes a plurality of oval apertures adapted to receive forks of a forklift, thereby withstanding a four-way stroke of the assembly. Anti-sag device after Claim 7 The substantially beam-shaped structure further includes a surrounding enclosure that contributes to an aesthetic effect of the anti-sag device. Anti-sag device after Claim 7 wherein the connection mechanisms are snap fasteners. Anti-sag device after Claim 7 wherein an array of at least two of the anti-droop devices and the lightweight pallet is characterized by superior structural strength, wherein after placing the assembly on two side beams of a stack or bearing structure, the side beams of the stack structure not shown only Wear end portions of the anti-sag devices, the arrangement actually does not sag when hanging from the end portions of the anti-sag devices, and remains substantially planar or linear.

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