EP2724956A1 - Leichtgewichtige stapelbare Palette - Google Patents

Leichtgewichtige stapelbare Palette Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2724956A1
EP2724956A1 EP12190078.1A EP12190078A EP2724956A1 EP 2724956 A1 EP2724956 A1 EP 2724956A1 EP 12190078 A EP12190078 A EP 12190078A EP 2724956 A1 EP2724956 A1 EP 2724956A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pallet
pallet system
support structure
support members
thickness
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12190078.1A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacob Zeilon
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.)
Componia AG
Original Assignee
Componia AG
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 Componia AG filed Critical Componia AG
Priority to EP12190078.1A priority Critical patent/EP2724956A1/de
Publication of EP2724956A1 publication Critical patent/EP2724956A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/003—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0032—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0036—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00039—Agglomerates, i.e. different materials mixed together
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00074—Agglomerates, i.e. different materials mixed together
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet 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
    • B65D2519/00263—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
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00348—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface of other form
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00567—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 mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
    • 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
    • B65D2519/0081—Elements or devices for locating articles
    • B65D2519/00815—Elements or devices for locating articles on the pallet
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/0094—Details with special means for nesting or stacking nestable
    • 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
    • B65D2519/0098—Dismountable elements
    • B65D2519/0099—Dismountable elements single dismountable pallet element, e.g. for replacement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pallet system and in particular a pallet system including a support structure according to the preamble of the independent claim.
  • US patent 3,702,100 describes a lightweight, nestable, reusable molded plastic pallet, with a generally corrugated structure, which can be made from thermoplastic structural foam. This pallet also has a complicated geometry.
  • US patent 7,819,068 describes a plastic pallet with nestable feet.
  • the feet of the pallet are reinforced with ribs.
  • the pallet deck is reinforced on the underside with a complex pattern of ribs protruding downwardly.
  • the nestable feet allow improved stacking compared to traditional transport pallets.
  • This pallet can be manufactured by injection molding.
  • European patent application EP 2 067 708 describes a plastic pallet with a substantially planar and smooth upper side, and hollow elongate feet which are nestable in each other.
  • the inventor has identified a need for a pallet which combines the advantages of a lightweight pallet, high load bearing strength, reusability and high stackability.
  • an obj ect of the invention is to provide a lightweight reusable pallet, capable of high load bearing strength and high stackability.
  • the present invention describes a pallet system for storage and transportation of goods, comprising a load bearing support structure, wherein the support structure has an upper side for supporting a load and an underside, a number of elongated support members, the elongated support members being open on the upper side of the support structure, and tapering downwards, whereby the elongated support members are at least partly nestable in a subj acent pallet.
  • the load bearing support structure is formed from a starting material containing at least one plastic-based component and at least one fiber-based component, as a single piece of material of essentially uniform thickness.
  • the pallet system further comprises a top plate adapted to be fitted within a peripheral rim of the support structure.
  • a pallet system according to the present invention provides a lightweight pallet with high load bearing strength. Furthermore, due to the shape of the support structure and optional top plate, the components of the pallet system are highly stackable, both individually and in combination. This allows for less use of space when transporting the pallet system.
  • the pallet system according to the present invention is optimized for a standard size European pallet, the Euro-pallet, but can easily be applied to various other international standards.
  • the Euro-pallet uses 1200 mm x 800 mm floor space and can bear loads of up to 2500 kg.
  • the Euro-pallet in itself weighs approximately 22-25 kg, more if it has absorbed moisture.
  • the inventive pallet system also complies with international requirements for pallets shipped across national borders, which must be made of materials that are incapable of being a carrier of invasive species of insects and plant diseases.
  • a traditional wooden pallet does not meet these standards, and must be treated with either heat or fumigation before use.
  • the pallet system comprises a load bearing support structure 1 which has an upper side 2 for supporting a load and an underside 3. It further comprises a number of elongated support members 4, adapted to support the support structure 1 against an underlying surface, e.g. a floor.
  • the support members 4 are open on the upper side 2 of the support structure 1, and taper downwards, whereby the support members are at least partly nestable in a subjacent support structure 1 when stacked.
  • the support structure 1 is manufactured as a single unit, by e.g. injection molding or vacuum molding (thermoforming).
  • the material of the support structure 1 is preferably of an essentially uniform thickness throughout the structure, e.g. in a monocoque construction, which results in a reduced total weight compared to prior art pallets.
  • the top and bottom surfaces can have a generally corrugated structure, as will be discussed below. Except for this difference, this embodiment is essentially identical to the embodiment of Figure 1 , in that it comprises a number of elongated support members 4, which are open on the upper side of the support structure 1, and taper downwards, whereby the support members are at least partly nestable in a subjacent support structure 1 when stacked.
  • the material of the support structure 1 is preferably of an essentially uniform thickness throughout the structure.
  • the number of elongated support members 4 is here shown as three, but can also be other numbers, such as two or four.
  • the load bearing support structure 1 can comprise a flat top surface and a corrugated bottom surface, or a corrugated top surface and a flat bottom surface.
  • the load bearing support structure 1 has an overall height H, preferably within the range of 100 mm - 300 mm, more preferably 140 mm - 180 mm. The most preferred height H is approximately 160 mm. From the lengthwise side, shown in Figure 3 , two through openings 20 are provided to allow entry of the forks of e.g. a fork-lift or pallet jack. These openings 20 are adapted to the chosen height H of the support structure 1, such that the openings are approximately 50-60% of the overall height H.
  • the openings 20 are preferably 100 mm - 300 mm wide and 70 mm - 160 mm high, most preferably 250 mm wide and 90 mm high, as long as suitable lifting forks can be inserted. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bottom edges of the openings are a maximum of 20 mm from the bottom edge of the support structure 1, which allows use of a wide range of lifting devices, including hand-held lifting jacks.
  • analogous openings 20 are provided, with similar sizes and placement as on the lengthwise side, although here the openings 20 are most preferably 150 mm high and 90 mm wide. The presence of openings on both the lengthwise side and the short side allow lifting from all four sides.
  • FIG 5 a cut-through across line A-A' in Figure 3 is shown, describing one embodiment of the invention.
  • An enlargement of a cut-through view is shown in Figure 6 .
  • the support structure 1 is formed in a single piece of material, of essentially uniform thickness, preferably 2-12 mm thick.
  • the term "thickness" is herein meant to be the cross-sectional thickness of the material.
  • Three elongated support members 4 have a generally tapered shape, and are open at the upper side of the support structure 1.
  • the angle (a) of the taper can be 25 - 40 degrees, preferably 30 - 34 degrees, most preferably 32 degrees. Between the elongated support members 4 there is provided upper supporting surfaces 5.
  • the upper supporting surfaces 5 have a generally corrugated structure, with 1-4 lengthwise running channels 6. These upper channels 6 can be 15 - 40 mm deep, preferably 25 - 25, most preferably 30 mm. However, in other embodiments, this surface 5 can be flat, as illustrated in Figure 1 . In most embodiments, all the upper supporting surfaces 5 of an individual support structure 1 are adapted to the same level height of the support structure 1.
  • the support members 4 can also be provided with a lengthwise running channel 7 at the bottom surface. These lower channels 7 can be 15 - 40 mm deep, preferably 25 - 25, most preferably 30 mm.
  • the thickness of the material in any cross-section of the load bearing support structure can vary between a first T 1 and second T 2 thickness value.
  • the thickness values can be between 2-12 mm.
  • the first thickness value T 1 is 2-4 mm and the second thickness value T 2 is 3-12 mm.
  • the first T 1 and second T 2 thickness values are essentially the same, such as 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm.
  • the second T 2 thickness value is no more than twice the first T 1 thickness value.
  • T 1 is 3 mm and T 2 is 5 mm.
  • all surfaces essentially parallel with the upper side of the support structure 1 are provided with the second thickness T 2 value, while all remaining parts are provided with the first T 1 thickness value.
  • the material thickness of all surfaces essentially parallel with the upper side of the support structure 1 is 4-8 mm, preferably 5 mm, while the remaining parts are 2-4 mm, preferably 3 mm thick.
  • elongated support members 8 with the same cross-sectional dimensions as the lengthwise support members 4 are provided. As can be seen in e.g. Figures 1 and 2 , these short-side elongated support members 8 are integrated with the outer lengthwise support members 4, such that a continuous trough around the sides of the support structure 1 is provided, on the upper side of the load bearing support structure 1, and continuous supporting members 4,8 on the underside (as can be seen in e.g. Figure 11 and 13 ).
  • the continuous supporting members 4, 8 provide a high load bearing support area against the underlying surface.
  • a horizontal rim 9 is provided around the outer periphery of the upper side of the support structure 1.
  • This rim 9 is also shown in Figure 1 and 2 .
  • the rim 9 is preferably 10 - 40 mm wide, more preferably 20-30 mm.
  • This rim provides a supporting frame for goods or another support structure 1 being stacked on top.
  • the rim 9 can be provided with a vertical edge 10, thereby securing goods, other support structures or other pallets from sliding off the inventive pallet.
  • the thickness of the material can be between 2 mm - 20 mm, more preferably 5-10 mm.
  • a slightly thicker material at the edge of the supporting structure is advantageous in that it presents a less sharp outer edge, such that maneuvering of people, machinery and other pallets around the inventive pallet system is facilitated.
  • the support structure 1 comprises reinforcement structures 15 just above the side openings 14, in order to further improve the buckling resistance of the pallet system when being lifted by e.g. a fork lift. This is illustrated in Figure 7 .
  • the pallet system of the present invention comprises a top plate 11, as seen in Figure 8 , in a cut through view, and in Figure 10 , in perspective view.
  • a top view of the top plate 11 is shown in Figure 12 .
  • This top plate is adapted to be fitted within the vertical edge 10 of the peripheral rim 9 of the support structure 1.
  • the top plate is provided with contact fittings, such as elongated depressions 12 (see Figure 10 and 12 ) adapted to fit within complementary grooves 13 (se Figure 2 ).
  • the contact fittings can also be of other types known in the art, such as snaps, hooks or other fasteners to secure the top plate to the support structure.
  • the thickness of the top plate 11 can be between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably 1-4 mm.
  • a pallet system comprising a support structure and a top plate can be varied to fit the user's needs.
  • Examples include adapting the top plate to comprise specific molded shapes on the top side, in order to fit specific goods to the pallet system. These molded shapes can be adapted to e.g. a specific product shape, such that the product to be shipped or stored is optimally supported.
  • Another example of adapting the top plate is to add on specific fasteners adapted to specific types of goods, such as snaps, hooks, straps or other fasteners.
  • the load bearing support structure and optional top plate of the inventive pallet system is made using a method based on heat and pressure, preferably injection molding or vacuum forming.
  • the load bearing support structure and optional top plate of the inventive pallet system is preferably made from a starting material containing at least one plastic-based component and at least one fiber-based component. Such a material is described in W02011/073496 .
  • the plastic-based component is preferably a plastic suitable for injection molding or vacuum forming, such as a thermoplastic.
  • plastics that can be used in the invention are various polymer matrix materials, such as polyolefins, for example polypropylene (PP); polyesters, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); polyethers, for example polyetheretherketone (PEEK); or other polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or co-polymers of the same or blends comprising two or more of the same.
  • the plastic component can be a combination of two or more of the plastics above or other plastics as known in the art.
  • the plastic material is recycled plastic.
  • the fiber-based component can be cellulose fibers, wood fibers, plant fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, polymer fibers, PET fibers, metal fibers, viscose fibers, or other natural fibers, such as hemp, flax, sisal or jute, or a combination thereof or other fibers as known in the art.
  • a preferred starting material is polypropylene and cellulose fibers.
  • UPM ForMi supplied by UPM in Helsinki, Finland.
  • UPM ForMi is produced from renewable raw materials, is recyclable and generates renewable energy in the production process.
  • the starting material can have a fiber content of 10 - 90 weight %, preferably 40 - 80 weight %.
  • the starting material is polypropylene with 50 weight % cellulose fiber.
  • the starting material is polypropylene with 60 weight % cellulose fiber.
  • the fiber content is a high as possible, as the fiber component is the main contributor to the strength of the finished product, while the plastic mainly holds the material together. Also, the fiber content needs to be adapted to the chosen manufacturing method.
  • a load bearing support structure weighing approximately 5-6 kg and a top plate weighing approximately 2 - 3,5 kg.
  • the support structure 1 can bear forces up to 25000 N, e.g. a load of 1000 kg subjected to 2,5 G. With the added top plate 11, the pallet system can bear up to 40000 N.
  • this material has superior strength and stiffness.
  • the inventive pallet system therefore has the advantage of being able to combine the features of being light-weight, strong and using an environmentally friendly and recyclable material.
  • the pallet system is highly stackable, as is illustrated in Figure 8 , and can thereby be transported without goods in a highly compact space.
  • support structures 1 are formed in a monocoque structure, with each underside adapted to fit snugly against the upper side of another.
  • ten support structures 1 and ten top plates 11 are stacked.
  • the total height H s of such a stack is approximately 370 mm.
  • the added height of each added support structure 1 or top plate 11 in a stack can be as low as 10-15 mm.
  • either 147 support structures 1 or 86 each of support structures 1 and top plates 11 could fit in a standard size transport trailer where the available height is approximately 2200 mm. This compares to approximately 16 traditional wood pallets within the same space.
  • the material used gives the pallet system a surface with low friction, which is useful both when moving pallets along a floor, and when unstacking the stacked pallets.
  • the pallet system as described herein can be used in all common transportation and storage needs.
  • the present invention is especially useful in situations where light weight and small storage size are highly advantageous, such as air freight.
  • the pallet system of the present invention is especially suitable for goods where sanitary requirements are high, such as transportation and storage of food or medical supplies.
  • the outer dimensions of the pallet system described herein are adapted to a standard Euro-pallet, i.e. 1200 mm x 800 mm.
  • the pallet system can be adapted to other sizes, such as double, half or quarter size Euro-pallets, e.g. 1200 mm x 1600 mm, 600 mm x 800 mm, 600 mm x 400 mm etc.
  • the pallet system of the present invention can also be supplied with further adapted storage and transportation parts, such as fitted box systems.
  • box systems can be adapted for stackability of several units on top of each other.
  • specific molded shapes of the rim 9 or upper supporting surfaces 5 of the support structure 1 and/or the top plate 11 can be used to fit specific goods to be transported or stored on the inventive pallet system.
EP12190078.1A 2012-10-26 2012-10-26 Leichtgewichtige stapelbare Palette Withdrawn EP2724956A1 (de)

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016096569A1 (en) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Fibreuse Nv Load carrier and method for manufacturing the same
US10479553B2 (en) 2016-02-26 2019-11-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
US10479661B2 (en) 2016-02-16 2019-11-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Lift and pallet
US10661944B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2020-05-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet with inset deck
USD895224S1 (en) 2020-05-20 2020-09-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
USD895223S1 (en) 2020-05-20 2020-09-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
US11034371B2 (en) 2019-08-19 2021-06-15 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet sled
US11174070B2 (en) 2019-08-07 2021-11-16 Rehrig Pacific Company Stackable pallet

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB838477A (en) * 1957-07-12 1960-06-22 Ici Ltd An improved pallet
DE1531944A1 (de) * 1967-10-18 1970-01-29 Kimberly Clark Co Palette
US3702100A (en) 1971-04-05 1972-11-07 Menasha Corp Molded pallet
DE3217573A1 (de) * 1982-05-11 1983-11-17 Furnier- Und Sperrholzwerk J.F. Werz Jr. Kg Werzalit-Pressholzwerk, 7141 Oberstenfeld Palette
EP2067708A1 (de) 2007-12-07 2009-06-10 Dan Alven Palette
WO2010057586A1 (de) 2008-11-19 2010-05-27 Aks Kunststoff Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg Kunststoffpalette
US7819068B2 (en) 2007-08-22 2010-10-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
WO2011073496A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2011-06-23 Upm-Kymmene Corporation A pallet and a method for manufacturing a pallet

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB838477A (en) * 1957-07-12 1960-06-22 Ici Ltd An improved pallet
DE1531944A1 (de) * 1967-10-18 1970-01-29 Kimberly Clark Co Palette
US3702100A (en) 1971-04-05 1972-11-07 Menasha Corp Molded pallet
DE3217573A1 (de) * 1982-05-11 1983-11-17 Furnier- Und Sperrholzwerk J.F. Werz Jr. Kg Werzalit-Pressholzwerk, 7141 Oberstenfeld Palette
US7819068B2 (en) 2007-08-22 2010-10-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
EP2067708A1 (de) 2007-12-07 2009-06-10 Dan Alven Palette
WO2010057586A1 (de) 2008-11-19 2010-05-27 Aks Kunststoff Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg Kunststoffpalette
WO2011073496A1 (en) 2009-12-16 2011-06-23 Upm-Kymmene Corporation A pallet and a method for manufacturing a pallet

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016096569A1 (en) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Fibreuse Nv Load carrier and method for manufacturing the same
US10479661B2 (en) 2016-02-16 2019-11-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Lift and pallet
US10479553B2 (en) 2016-02-26 2019-11-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
US10661944B2 (en) 2016-10-11 2020-05-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet with inset deck
US11174070B2 (en) 2019-08-07 2021-11-16 Rehrig Pacific Company Stackable pallet
US11034371B2 (en) 2019-08-19 2021-06-15 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet sled
USD895224S1 (en) 2020-05-20 2020-09-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
USD895223S1 (en) 2020-05-20 2020-09-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet

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