EP2714530B1 - Process of manufacturing a pallet - Google Patents

Process of manufacturing a pallet Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2714530B1
EP2714530B1 EP11726038.0A EP11726038A EP2714530B1 EP 2714530 B1 EP2714530 B1 EP 2714530B1 EP 11726038 A EP11726038 A EP 11726038A EP 2714530 B1 EP2714530 B1 EP 2714530B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pallet
loads
fabric
support
support elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11726038.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2714530A1 (en
Inventor
José Roberto DURÇO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pack Less Desenvolvimento e Inovacao Ltda
Original Assignee
Pack Less Desenvolvimento e Inovacao Ltda
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pack Less Desenvolvimento e Inovacao Ltda filed Critical Pack Less Desenvolvimento e Inovacao Ltda
Publication of EP2714530A1 publication Critical patent/EP2714530A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2714530B1 publication Critical patent/EP2714530B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/36—Pallets comprising a flexible load carrier extending between guide elements, e.g. guide tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/001—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0012—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/002—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0024—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0026—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00084—Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00104—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00124—Paper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00139—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00343—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00402—Integral, e.g. ribs
    • B65D2519/00407—Integral, e.g. ribs on the load supporting surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00402—Integral, e.g. ribs
    • B65D2519/00412—Integral, e.g. ribs on the base surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00562—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00825—Finishing of the external surfaces
    • B65D2519/0083—Anti-slip means
    • B65D2519/0084—Separated elements, e.g. including in-moulded elements

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a process of manufacture of a pallet for the storage and transport of various loads, the pallet comprising a light, flexible and compression-resistant material.
  • a pallet used for storage and transport of loads can be evaluated by its functionality, performance and quality, by means of the analysis of the parameters such as mechanical resistance and size, static and dynamic stability, among others.
  • Such parameters must meet the requirements established in accordance with the user's needs, handling and movement, and this involves two basic questions: the raw materials and the constructivity used in assemblage and manufacture of the pallet.
  • the cost involved in production is a restricting factor for the scope of the pallet design.
  • a functional, efficient and good quality pallet having all the desirable characteristics is costly and its production is considered unfeasible.
  • EP 2 316 741 discloses a light-weight pallet for storage and transport of loads which is designed for being made of a light, compression-resistant plastic material, preferably of an alveolar plastic.
  • the pallet comprises a load arrangement surface (2) for placement of loads which is supported by support elements (3) of substantially dome-shaped cross-section.
  • the pallet design further comprises a base (5) unitary with the load arrangement surface (2) while embracing the support elements (3), and optionally a fabrinc covering.
  • US 2006/254473 discloses a knockdown pallet structure comprising a relatively flexible base panel which is fabricated from a suitable woven plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending pockets are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members, which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes, for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck when a pallet structure, having a palletized load disposed thereon, is to be lifted and transported.
  • rigid support members which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes
  • a pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members are respectively pivotally secured at first end portions thereof upon the pallet structure so as to be movable between a first operative position, at which the pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members will be disposed in a longitudinally spaced, laterally oriented mode, and a second position at which the pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members will be disposed in a laterally spaced, longitudinally oriented mode so as to be disposed parallel to the laterally spaced, longitudinally extending rigid support members in order to permit the entire pallet structure to be rolled up, folded, or otherwise knocked-down, for compact storage and transportation purposes.
  • a pallet with low mechanical resistance has a low admissible load capacity, and may buckle or even be- come damaged depending on the total weight placed thereon, thus jeopardizing the safety of the load(s).
  • Size stability is achieved by using easy to handle raw materials that have low sensitivity in relation to climactic changes such as temperature and humidity.
  • the production process may correct any size discrepancies, but this action involves cost and often the cost of repeated work is high because both allocation of specialized manpower and time could be used in other production processes.
  • Static stability is particularly important in stacking the loads on the pallet and in stacking the pallets on top of one another when not in use.
  • the constructive configuration of the pallets should allow for a maximum quantity of stacked loads without risking their sliding or instability due to any constructive defect in the pallet interface. Therefore, the interface should not only have a physical space to place the loads, but also offer stability and safety for the loads themselves. The same can be said of the stacking of the pallets.
  • the structure should be such that the pallet does not damage another pallet beneath it.
  • Dynamic stability is related to the matter of slipping or sliding of the forks of the forklift trucks when inserting them into the pallets.
  • Many currently known pallets are not able to maintain perfectly stability on the forks, and this may give rise to sliding and consequently damage the loads when the trucks move the pallets.
  • the design of the pallet must also take into consideration other types of movement in which the pallet is subject during the production process such as, for example, transport via a conveyor belt that moves horizontally and vertically. Both the constructive configuration and the material used influence the dynamic stability, and a material having low attrition (friction) facilitates sliding.
  • palletization separation of stacked pallets and placement of loads on pallets
  • unitization grouping of various lesser load volumes into a single larger volume on the pallet
  • export transport, movement and unloading of the pallet
  • the wooden pallets have a relatively low manufacturing cost and also are easy to produce and structurally sound.
  • this material presents certain problems such as fragility to attack by pests such as termites and the need to use nails or threads, which may damage the load placed upon the pallet, in joining the parts.
  • Another drawback involves the difficulty of size control of the wood, and this fact may prejudice process au-tomation besides creating difficulties in storing the pallets when not in use.
  • Injected plastic parts have good durability, inherent pest resistance, and require no nails because generally injected plastic pallets are made in a single unit.
  • this material has drawbacks such as low friction (instability), difficulty in repairing and the high cost involved in the manufacture of an injection mold.
  • the production cost increases the final price of the pallet and, in most cases, the high cost of production of a plastic pallet makes its use unfeasible.
  • a first objective of the present invention is to propose a process of manufacture of a pallet which meets the requirements of functionality presented above and have good performance, keeping the final cost relatively low.
  • the objective of the present invention is achieved by a process of manufacturing a pallet used for storage and transport of loads, the pallet comprising (i) a loads arrangement surface capable of accommodating said loads, (ii) at least two support elements associated to the loads arrangement surface and capable of sustaining said loads, positioned substantially parallel therebetween and capable of supporting loads, wherein each support element is provided with a substantially cross section of a circular dome-shaped kind and having an upper limit and a lower limit and (iii) wherein the loads arrangement surface is positioned in some place between the upper and lower limits of the support elements, the surface being positioned nearer of the upper limit than of the lower limits.
  • the process comprises the following steps:
  • the pallet 1 comprises a load arrangement surface 2 sustained on two ore more support elements 3.
  • the pallet 1 comprises a load arrangement surface 2 sustained on two ore more support elements 3.
  • three support elements 3 are used, however, this number may be altered in accordance with the desired functional need and requirements.
  • the loads arrangement surface 2 has a fabric covering and is capable of accommodating any type of load provided that the total weight limit is respected and provided the load does not damage it.
  • the fabric covering extends to the support elements 3, enveloping them, and they are held together by simple sewing.
  • a fabric comprising raffia is used.
  • Raffia is a low cost material made of synthetic fibers transformed from polypropylene. Its main characteristics include high mechanical resistance, good size stability (easy to mold), facility to clean and high thermal stability, in addition to providing sufficient attrition to stabilize the load placed on the pallet 1 without sliding.
  • Another kind of natural, synthetic or artificial fabric can be used as long as its characteristics do not compromise the functionality and safety requirements achieved when using raffia.
  • the loads arrangement surface 2 comprises four ends: a first end 201 , a second end 202, a third end 203 and a fourth end 204.
  • the first end 201 and the second end 202 are arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends to the surface 2 and the third end 203 and the fourth end 204 are arranged in parallel to one another at opposite ends to the surface 2 and intersecting with the first and second ends 201 , 202.
  • the pallet 1 also comprises a base 5 that is capable of providing support for pallet 1 on an external means, which is formed by the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • Said external means can be represented by any external surface or by the loads arrangement surface itself of another pallet 1 , when these are not in use and are stacked vertically. Accordingly, pallet sliding can be avoided when, for example, being transported in a conveyor belt, due to the friction provided by the raffia, thus improving the dynamic stability.
  • the support element 3 which is supported on an outer surface 4 ( figure 1 ), has a three-dimensional geometrical shape and is made of a light, flexible and compression-resistant material.
  • this material comprises an alveolar type plastic such as, for example, the so called Polyonda ® .
  • the alveolar structure is characterized by a double-layered physical arrangement capable of sustaining weights and movements of all kinds of loads.
  • Polyonda is a thermoplastic and comprises other characteristics such as high thermal resistance and impermeability.
  • another kind of material can be used as long as the functionality and safety requirements provided by alveolar plastic are maintained.
  • alveolar plastic can be used in conjunction with any other material such as cardboard or some other kind of plastic.
  • the cross section of the support element 3 is of a circular dome-shaped kind, which provides good support and safety for the load(s) placed on the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • This type of configuration working together with the alveolar plastic, has good mechanical resistance and, consequently, good total admissible load capacity.
  • the support elements 3 are configured such as to allow stable contact with the forks of the fork-life truck, preventing the pallet 1 from slipping when said forks are inserted and during load movement and transport by the fork-lift trucks. Accordingly, good dynamic stability is achieved.
  • the convex section of the dome-shaped support element 3 faces the loads arrangement surface 2 and the concave section of the dome-shaped support element 3 faces the base 5.
  • the longitudinal section of the support element 3 extends from the perpendicular projection of the third end 203 to the perpendicular projection of the fourth end 204 to provide uniform and homogeneous support for the entire area comprised by the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • the fabric covering merely extends through the perpendicular projections of the first and second ends 201 , 202, and, preferably, the apertures of the support elements 3 are not enveloped by the fabric covering.
  • the support elements 3 also act as guides for the forks of the forklift trucks, facilitating transport operations by the operator.
  • the raw materials used facilitate the desired size stability, because these materials are easy to handle. So, if there is any discrepancy with the originally designed sizes, no special tools or specialized manpower is required to carry out the repeat work and, even if does generate material wastage, the damage would be much less compared to conventional raw materials.
  • the raw materials used are recyclable, that is, the fabric and the alveolar plastic can be reused to manufacture other pallets or even other products for other uses. Therefore, the negative environmental impact is reduced, whilst achieving a sustainable yield.
  • the first embodiment of the pallet 1 is illustrated in figures 2 and 3 .
  • Each of the three support elements 3 are externally and individually enveloped by the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • the loads arrangement surface 2 only comprises the fabric covering which, in turn, comprises the raffia. This is one of the preferred embodiments.
  • the second embodiment of the pallet 1 is illustrated in figures 4 and 5 .
  • the three support elements 3 are externally and jointly enveloped by the extension of the fabric of the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • the fabric covering envelops the entire structure of the pallet 1, providing greater stability and safety, but with a greater fabric consumption compared to the first embodiment.
  • the third embodiment of the pallet 1 is illustrated in figures 6 and 7 .
  • the loads arrangement surface 2 comprises a substantially rigid sustainment platform 205 in addition to the fabric covering.
  • the sustainment platform 205 is rectangular in shape and encompasses the entire area of the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • the raw materials used to manufacture this sustainment platform 205 must have rigidity and thickness in accordance with the use requirements.
  • cardboard, alveolar plastic itself or any kind of material that meets the needs can be used.
  • the sustainment platform 205 is positioned between the support elements 3 and the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2, in such a way that the loads are sustained on the support elements 3, and the fabric covering is sewn thereon to avoid slipping on the support elements 3.
  • the fourth embodiment of the pallet 1 is illustrated in figures 8 and 9 .
  • the support platform 206 is placed between the support elements 3 and the fabric covering of the base 5 of the pallet 1.
  • the support platform 206 is rectangular in shape and encompasses the entire area projected perpendicularly from the loads arrangement surface 2.
  • the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2 is sewn on the support platform 206.
  • the same observations made for the sustainment platform 205 can be applied to the support platform 206.
  • the support sustainment 205 of the third embodiment and the support platform 206 of the fourth embodiment can be implemented together in another embodiment, thus increasing the mechanical resistance and static stability of the pallet 1.
  • the fifth embodiment of the pallet 1 is illustrated in figures 10 and 11 .
  • This constructive configuration is similar to the fourth embodiment, but instead of a support platform 206, there are three support platforms 207 also rectangular in shape, but smaller in width.
  • two or more support platforms 207 can be extended like a frame which extends from the perpendicular projection of the first end 201 to the perpendicular projection of the second end 202 of the pallet 1.
  • the extension of the fabric covering of the loads arrangement surface 2 is sewn to the sup- port platforms 206.
  • the sixth embodiment is illustrated in figures 12 and 13 and comprises at least two support elements 3 capable of sustaining loads.
  • Each support element 3 is provided with a cross section of a substantially circular dome-shaped kind having at least an upper limit 6 and a lower limit 7.
  • the dome-shaped constitution and the alveolar structure confer a mechanic resistance enabling the support element 3 to support static load of around 6,000 kg, despite the fact that it weights only 2.7 kg. It thus presents low manufacturing costs and a very high performance in supporting loads, in opposition to other known geometrically formed support elements, which show worse results in term of mass x load capacity ratio.
  • a wood pallet weights 28 kg, hardening the procedures for its transporting (it is hard for a man alone to carry one, for example).
  • the upper limit 6 is the point of inflexion of the arc, representing its upper point.
  • the lower limits 7 consist in any point(s) of the base of the arc, representing the lower points of said arc.
  • the loads arrangement surface 2, associated to the support elements 3, is disposed in some place between the upper and lower limits 6,7 of the support elements 3.
  • the surface 2 must be positioned nearer of the upper limit 6 than of the lower limits 7, enabling a load area substantially plan and stable for positioning loads.
  • the assembly composed of the support elements 3 and the loads arrangement surface 2 creates a portion for positioning loads substantially plan and having an increased area, without deforming easily, even in the case of absence of a support platform.
  • This embodiment also comprises at least a base 5 associating the lower limits 7 of the support elements 3 therebetween in order to increase the resistance and stability of the pallet.
  • the seventh embodiment is illustrated in figures 17 to 19 and comprises two additional support elements 3 positioned substantially parallel therebetween and substantially perpendicular with respect to the other two support elements 3.
  • this embodiment has four support elements 3, a first support positioned at the first end 201 of the pallet, a second support 3 positioned at the second end 202, a third support 3 positioned at the third end 203 and a fourth support 3 positioned at the fourth end 204.
  • This pallet has a quadrilateral reinforced shape which enables the support of heavy loads with stability and small deformation of the base 2.
  • the eighth embodiment is illustrated in figures 20 to 22 and, analogously, considering that the cross section is substantially circular dome-shaped (similar to an arc), the upper limit 6 is the point of inflexion of the arc, representing its upper point.
  • the lower limits 7 consist in any point(s) of the base of the arc, representing the lower points of said arc.
  • the loads arrangement surface 2, associated to the four support elements 3, is disposed in some place between the upper and lower limits 6,7 of the support elements 3.
  • the surface 2 must be positioned nearest of the upper limit 6 than of the lower limits 7, enabling a load area substantially plan and stable for positioning loads.
  • the assembly composed of the support elements 3 and the loads arrangement surface 2 creates a portion for positioning loads substantially plan and having an increased area, without deforming easily, even in the case of absence of a support platform.
  • This embodiment also comprises at least a base 5 associating the lower limits 7 of the support elements 3 therebetween in order to increase the resistance and stability of the pallet.
  • the pallet comprises two additional support elements 3 positioned substantially parallel therebetween and substantially perpendicular with respect to the other two support elements 3.
  • this embodiment has four support elements 3, a first support positioned at the first end 201 of the pallet, a second support 3 positioned at the second end 202, a third support 3 positioned at the third end 203 and a fourth support 3 positioned at the fourth end 204.
  • This pallet has a quadrilateral reinforced shape which enables the support of heavy loads with stability and small deformation of the base 2.
  • the four support elements 3 are dimensioned and positioned in a manner that they show a length smaller that the length of the corresponding first, second, third and fourth end 201 ,202,203,204.
  • both openings 10 of all supports 3 are free and open to allow the positioning of a fork of the forklift.
  • the pallet can be suspended/transported by any of the first to fourth ends, increasing its convenience.
  • the single piece is previously assembled and ready to receive the support elements 3 by means of bags 9, simplifying the manufacture of the pallet 1.
  • any embodiment of the pallet from sixth to eighth can be used (and loaded) upside down, that is to say, the surface 2 and the base 5 can be inverted, increasing the possibility of use. This use is not possible in the case of embodiments one to four of the present pallet.
  • the pallet 1 when used to transport raw material in the form of plastic resin or the like, the pallet 1 can be melted together with the resin it previously transported. In this situation, the pallet can be advantageously manufactured with the same resin it will transport and it will perform a "one way trip" to the factory where the resin (and the pallet) will be melted for the manufacturing of polymeric goods. Considering this, the pallet is in fact part of the raw material to be transported and hence its cost will be null. Another advantage is that the costs with the recycling of the pallet are null. In other situation, the pallet can be used in complementation with the use of the already known pallets, with advantageous results regarding costs.
  • the conventional pallet for example, the pallet manufactured with wood
  • a first company i.e.
  • the goods produced are transported to other place by means of the pallet 1.
  • the first company can spent more resources buying expensive pallets for internal use (to transport goods within its factory), and buy the cheap pallet 1 for the goods to be transport for example to a second company.
  • the pallet 1 loaded is positioned, and transported, over the regular pallet, and the assembly is transported.
  • the regular pallet acts as a base of the pallet 1, being solely a device for internal use. Hence, the regular pallet does not leave the factory, avoiding costs for acquisition of others or the expensive costs for transporting them back.
  • Another advantage in the use of the pallet 1 during the transport between two companies is that there is an increase in the available space on the truck, ships or whatever, since its height is at least 16 centimeters inferior to the height to a conventional pallet. In case of the positioning of several pallets one over the other, this mean a high increase in available space.
  • the manufacturing process according to the present invention is made by means of a specific developed machine, including the steps described following.
  • At least one main bobbin of fabric 100 and at least one (but preferably two) accessory bobbins 100' are provided in a manufacturing machine 50, in a manner that the two accessory bobbins are positioned side by side and substantially over the main bobbin (see figures 23 to 25 ).
  • the fabric fed by the three bobbins are sewn by means of one or more sewing heads 101 , feeding two layers of fabric in a substantially parallel disposition.
  • one or more seam lines 102 are provided.
  • position sensors and pullers 103 are provided in order to pull both fabrics in a synchronized manner, optimizing (reducing to the minimum required) the consumption of fabric.
  • the two accessory layers of fabric provided by the two accessory bobbins 100' are sewed over the main layer of fabric, defining the two mentioned apertures/bags 9 to enable the positioning of said support elements 3.
  • the sewing are made specifically according to the embodiment of the pallet to be manufactured, but in all of them the creation of the bags during the sewing of the two layers is determined by the positioning of the accessory bobbins with respect to the main one.
  • the speed of the resuming sewn fabric is reduced, in order to enable it to pass in a following station 104 for cutting the pallet on the desired length as well as finish of sewing threads.
  • the pallet is already cut and ready for receiving the supports 3 (in the preferred embodiment, two supports positioned parallel to each other), which is made by means of a specific device that arches them to a circular dome-shaped format.
  • the bags 9, and as a consequence the pallet as a hole are moved over the arched supports 3, the insertion preferably being facilitated by the use of compressed air to reduce adherence between both surfaces.
  • the most innovative aspect of the current manufacturing process is the positioning 105 of the supports 3 into the bags 9 on a step within the same machine that sewn the pallet. This characteristic enables consistently the speed of the manufacture of the pallet and hence reduces the manufacturing costs, an important issue when considering the reduced price of the product, especially to make it viable against the regular wood pallet.
  • the machine 50 can be used to manufacture any specific embodiment of the pallet, regardless the number and positioning of the supports and considering the existence, or not, of one or more sustainment or support platforms 205,206,207.
  • the machine must be slightly adapted for producing such pallets, like repositioning the accessory bobbins 100' depending of the quantity and positioning of supports 3 (and, as a consequence, of the respective bags 9).
  • the machine 50 In case of use of sustainment or support platforms 205,206,207, the machine 50 must have any conventional mean to feed and position then on the correct place between the layers of fabric in order to permit the correct sewn.
  • the present process of manufacture of a pallet comprises the following steps:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Sewing Machines And Sewing (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
EP11726038.0A 2011-05-26 2011-06-10 Process of manufacturing a pallet Not-in-force EP2714530B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CO11065048A CO6570182A1 (es) 2011-05-26 2011-05-26 Estiba y proceso de elaboración de la misma
PCT/BR2011/000179 WO2012159176A1 (en) 2011-05-26 2011-06-10 Pallet and process of manufacture thereof

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2714530A1 EP2714530A1 (en) 2014-04-09
EP2714530B1 true EP2714530B1 (en) 2016-04-20

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11726038.0A Not-in-force EP2714530B1 (en) 2011-05-26 2011-06-10 Process of manufacturing a pallet

Country Status (8)

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EP (1) EP2714530B1 (pt)
AU (1) AU2011369157A1 (pt)
BR (1) BR112013030310B1 (pt)
CO (1) CO6570182A1 (pt)
MY (1) MY155380A (pt)
RU (1) RU2566898C2 (pt)
SA (1) SA112330520B1 (pt)
WO (1) WO2012159176A1 (pt)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112893520B (zh) * 2021-01-12 2022-03-11 燕山大学 一种基于镀锡板板包的木台结构优化方法
CN112749455B (zh) * 2021-01-12 2022-11-11 燕山大学 一种板带横切机组中木台结构优化方法及系统

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB800453A (en) * 1953-12-24 1958-08-27 American Cyanamid Co Improvements in or relating to shipping unit
FR2088619A5 (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-01-07 Thomas Jean Palette with plastic support - of sheet or synthetic fabric
SU682419A1 (ru) * 1977-06-20 1979-08-30 Предприятие П/Я Г-4302 Листовой поддон
JP3889984B2 (ja) * 2001-09-13 2007-03-07 日本マタイ株式会社 フレキシブルパレット
US20060254473A1 (en) * 2005-05-16 2006-11-16 Creighton Thomas W Knockdown pallet structure, and method of erecting and knocking-down the same
BRPI0700676F1 (pt) * 2007-03-01 2019-01-15 Forte Tecnologia & Consultoria Ltda pallet
BRPI0801320B1 (pt) * 2008-05-15 2020-03-24 Forte Tecnologia & Consultoria Ltda. Máquina para dobrar placas de um palete de tecido
EP2316741A1 (en) * 2009-10-27 2011-05-04 Durço, José Roberto Pallet

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CO6570182A1 (es) 2012-11-30
BR112013030310A2 (pt) 2017-07-11
MY155380A (en) 2015-10-15
SA112330520B1 (ar) 2016-07-26
RU2566898C2 (ru) 2015-10-27
WO2012159176A1 (en) 2012-11-29
RU2013157925A (ru) 2015-07-10
BR112013030310B1 (pt) 2020-11-17
AU2011369157A1 (en) 2014-01-09
EP2714530A1 (en) 2014-04-09

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