EP3677524A1 - Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund - Google Patents

Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3677524A1
EP3677524A1 EP19150439.8A EP19150439A EP3677524A1 EP 3677524 A1 EP3677524 A1 EP 3677524A1 EP 19150439 A EP19150439 A EP 19150439A EP 3677524 A1 EP3677524 A1 EP 3677524A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pallet
structural body
main structural
lateral
pallet module
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Withdrawn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
EP19150439.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Masoud TALEBI AMIRI
Matthew REALI
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.)
Ponera Group SAGL
Original Assignee
Ponera Group SAGL
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 Ponera Group SAGL filed Critical Ponera Group SAGL
Priority to EP19150439.8A priority Critical patent/EP3677524A1/de
Priority to MX2021008148A priority patent/MX2021008148A/es
Priority to BR112021013186-8A priority patent/BR112021013186A2/pt
Priority to SG11202107316VA priority patent/SG11202107316VA/en
Priority to CA3125593A priority patent/CA3125593A1/en
Priority to CA3125597A priority patent/CA3125597A1/en
Priority to SG11202107314TA priority patent/SG11202107314TA/en
Priority to US17/420,279 priority patent/US11708192B2/en
Priority to EP20700954.9A priority patent/EP3906195A1/de
Priority to PCT/IB2020/050057 priority patent/WO2020141492A1/en
Priority to JP2021539162A priority patent/JP2022516343A/ja
Priority to CN202080013331.2A priority patent/CN113412222B/zh
Priority to JP2021539160A priority patent/JP2022516342A/ja
Priority to CN202080014659.6A priority patent/CN113423646B/zh
Priority to EP20701125.5A priority patent/EP3906196A1/de
Priority to US17/420,255 priority patent/US20220063865A1/en
Priority to PCT/IB2020/050060 priority patent/WO2020141494A1/en
Priority to AU2020204812A priority patent/AU2020204812A1/en
Priority to AU2020205167A priority patent/AU2020205167A1/en
Priority to KR1020217024478A priority patent/KR20210113267A/ko
Publication of EP3677524A1 publication Critical patent/EP3677524A1/de
Priority to CL2021001774A priority patent/CL2021001774A1/es
Priority to ZA2021/04886A priority patent/ZA202104886B/en
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
    • B65D19/004—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 and each contact surface having a discrete foot-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
    • 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
    • B65D19/0042—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 more than one element
    • B65D19/0046—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 more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0051—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 more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • 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
    • B65D19/0053—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0077—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0089—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0093—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0097—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00129—Metal
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    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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    • 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
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    • 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
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00293—Overall construction of the load supporting 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
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    • 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
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    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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    • 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
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    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
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    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-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
    • B65D2519/00398—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
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    • 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
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    • B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00432—Non-integral, e.g. inserts
    • B65D2519/00437—Non-integral, e.g. inserts on the load supporting surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • 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
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    • 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
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    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00741—Dimensional aspects of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00746—Dimensional aspects of the pallet divisible into sub-pallets of smaller dimensions

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a pallet module configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules.
  • the invention also relates to an assortment of such pallet modules produced in at least two different sizes, as well as to a pallet assembly built of multiple such pallet modules which are nested within and interlocked with one another.
  • US Patent No. US 3,857,342 A discloses a pallet formed of nestable plastic modules each having four centrally located legs and four outwardly extending flanges, with each of the flanges having means for interlocking with the flanges of adjacent modules. While this solution is suitable for forming a nested pallet assembly of at least two pallet modules, the resulting pallet assembly is however insufficiently robust, the mating and interlocking system being prone to undesired release, leading to potential disconnection of the pallet modules during handling and/or transport of loads, which is clearly undesirable. This is especially critical for the transport of large loads.
  • a further problem with the aforementioned known pallet modules resides in that they are not optimized for shipment or warehousing of the individual pallet modules and components, especially due to the presence of feet that are typically made integral with a main structural body of the pallet module.
  • Another problem with the known pallet modules resides in the lack of flexibility thereof, especially in terms of sizes and dimensions which are not optimal and restrict the user's ability to build a large variety of pallet assemblies of varying sizes and dimensions for non-standard size goods or equipment. Furthermore, the height of the known pallet modules, and of the resulting pallet assemblies, is not optimized and the configuration thereof typically restricts the ability to use the full volume of the transport units and/or to efficiently stack individual pallet modules one above the other for e.g. shipment or warehousing purposes. This is especially the case for pallet modules comprising a foot structure that is made integral with the main structural body of the pallet modules.
  • a general aim of the invention is to provide an improved pallet module of the type configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules.
  • an aim of the present invention is to provide such a pallet module that ensures formation of a robust pallet assembly, while not compromising ease and speed of assembly and disassembly.
  • Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a pallet module that is constructed and designed to facilitate and optimize shipment as well as warehousing of individual pallet modules and components thereof thanks to more optimal sizes and configurations.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide such a pallet module comprising an improved foot structure.
  • Still another aim of the invention is to provide an assortment of pallet modules from which the end user can choose to build a large variety of pallet assemblies.
  • Another aim of the invention is to reduce material consumption and increase shipment flexibility and efficiency, especially by reducing waste and providing a reusable solution.
  • a pallet module according to claim 1 namely a pallet module configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules, the pallet module comprising:
  • the main structural body exhibits first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body, along the third and fourth lateral sides, the first and second lateral grooves being each configured to receive the first and second lateral flanges, respectively, of another similar pallet module, so that the first, respectively second lateral flange of said other similar pallet module nests within the first, respectively second lateral groove to form the nested pallet assembly.
  • the pallet module further comprises first and second toggle latch components arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides, respectively, and third and fourth toggle latch components arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, respectively.
  • the first and second toggle latch components are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components, respectively, of another similar pallet module of the nested pallet assembly, to form releasable toggle latches allowing the pallet module to be secured to or released from said other similar pallet module.
  • each of the first and second lateral flanges exhibits at least one positioning notch formed along an outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges
  • each of the first and second lateral grooves exhibits at least one protrusion configured to mate with the at least one positioning notch provided on the first and second lateral flanges of another similar pallet module.
  • a position of each positioning notch along the outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges and a position of each protrusion within the first and second lateral grooves coincide with a position of each of the first to fourth toggle latch components along the first to fourth lateral sides.
  • the first and second lateral flanges may in particular be offset sideways with respect to the first and second lateral sides, with the first and second lateral flanges being optionally joined together to form an L-shaped lateral flange.
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components are provided on the upper side of the main structural body at least partly within recesses formed below an upper surface of the upper side of the main structural body.
  • the first and second toggle latch components are spring-loaded latch elements comprising a moveable latch section that extends outwardly beyond the peripheral border of the main structural body
  • the third and fourth toggle latch components are catch elements comprising a catch section configured to cooperate with the moveable latch section of the spring-loaded latch elements of another similar pallet module.
  • the first and second toggle latch components may in particular be manually-actuatable spring-loaded latch elements further comprising a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the first and second toggle latch components.
  • the first and second lateral flanges may be formed integrally with the main structural body, in which case the main structural body and the first and second lateral flanges can advantageously be made of plastic.
  • the pallet module may furthermore comprise a plurality of reinforcing elements extending within the main structural body and the first and/or second lateral flanges.
  • Such reinforcing element may in particular be made of a metal, such as aluminium, of a metal alloy, or of a composite material.
  • the aforementioned reinforcing elements are preferably longitudinal rod elements extending between upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body and of the first and/or second lateral flanges.
  • a first series of longitudinal rod elements may extend in a first direction and second series of longitudinal rod elements may extend in a second direction distinct from the first direction.
  • the pallet module further comprises at least one cover element configured to cover an upper side of the first lateral flange and/or second lateral flange, each cover element having an upper surface that is flush with an upper surface of the upper side of the main structural body.
  • Said at least one cover element comprises at least one toggle latch component configured to cooperate and interlock with a corresponding one of the first and second latch components to form a releasable toggle latch allowing the cover element to be secured to or released from the pallet module.
  • the foot structure of the pallet module is configured as a releasable foot structure comprising one or more releasable foot elements that can each be secured to or removed from a corresponding foot-receiving element provided on the lower side of the main structural body.
  • Each releasable foot element may in particular be connected to the foot-receiving element by means of a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to allow the releasable foot element to be manually inserted into and automatically interlock with the foot-receiving element without this requiring any tool.
  • the foot structure could also be designed as a fixed foot structure comprising one or more fixed foot elements made integral with or permanently attached to the main structural body of the pallet module.
  • a pallet module according to independent claim 11 namely a pallet module configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules, the pallet module comprising:
  • the foot structure is configured as a releasable foot structure comprising one or more releasable foot elements that can each be secured to or removed from a corresponding foot-receiving element provided on the lower side of the main structural body, and each releasable foot element is connected to the foot-receiving element by means of a spring-loaded locking mechanism configured to allow the releasable foot element to be manually inserted into and automatically interlock with the foot-receiving element without this requiring any tool.
  • the aforementioned spring-loaded locking mechanism preferably includes a mounting aperture provided on each foot-receiving element and configured to receive a head portion of each releasable foot element, which head portion is provided with a retaining section configured to cooperate, upon axial insertion of the head portion inside the mounting aperture, with a plurality of spring-loaded retaining elements provided on each foot-receiving element and emerging inside the mounting aperture.
  • a spacing may additionally be provided between each foot-receiving element and each releasable foot element to allow lateral insertion of a tool for the purpose of releasing the releasable foot element from the foot-receiving element.
  • each releasable foot element may advantageously be further provided with a lower mounting aperture configured and dimensioned to receive a head portion of another foot element, each releasable foot element being provided with a plurality of spring-loaded retaining elements emerging inside the lower mounting aperture and configured to cooperate with and retain the retaining section of another foot element upon axial insertion of the head portion inside the lower mounting aperture.
  • through-holes are provided in the main structural body and the first and second lateral flanges next to the toggle latch components, which through-holes extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the main structural body and said first and second lateral flanges.
  • an assortment of pallet modules in accordance with the aforementioned invention produced in at least two different sizes, wherein said assortment of pallet modules includes a unit-size pallet module whose main structural body exhibits a unit size and at least one larger-size pallet module whose main structural body exhibits a length corresponding to an integer multiple of a length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module, the unit-size pallet module and the at least one larger-size pallet module being combinable with one another.
  • the peripheral border of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module exhibits a square shape.
  • the length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module may in particular be of the order of 150 mm to 300 mm.
  • the length of the main structural body of the at least one larger-size pallet module is at least twice the length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module.
  • the assortment of pallet modules preferably includes a medium-size pallet module and a large-size pallet module, the peripheral border of the main structural body of the medium-size pallet module exhibiting a rectangular shape having a length equal to twice the length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module and a width smaller than the length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module, and the peripheral border of the main structural body of the large-size pallet module exhibiting a square shape having a length equal to twice the length of the main structural body of the unit-size pallet module.
  • pallet assembly built of multiple pallet modules according to the invention, which pallet modules are nested within and interlocked with one another.
  • FIG. 1A-H to 13A-B which pallet modules are each configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules as schematically illustrated, by way of illustration, in Figures 9A and 9B . While some features of the invention will be discussed with reference to Figures 1A-H to 2A-C and 5A-B to 8 , it shall be appreciated that the relevant considerations apply by analogy to the embodiments shown in Figures 3A-C , 4A-C and 10A-B to 13A-B .
  • FIGs 1A and 1B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 10, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the same pallet module 10 is shown from the top and bottom in Figures 1C and 1D and from all four sides in Figures 1E to 1H .
  • the pallet module 10 (as well as the other embodiments of pallet modules described herein) is configured to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of at least two similar pallet modules, be it another identical pallet module 10 or e.g. a compatible pallet module 20 or 30 as for instance shown in Figures 3A-C or Figures 4A-C .
  • the pallet module 10 comprises a main structural body 100 exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 100A with first to fourth lateral sides 101-104 extending between upper and lower sides 100B, 100C of the main structural body 100.
  • the first to fourth lateral sides 101-104 are here numbered in sequence in the counter-clockwise direction when looking at the pallet module 10 from the top (as shown in Figure 1C ).
  • the pallet module 10 further comprises a foot structure 90 that is disposed on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100.
  • the foot structure 90 could be designed as a fixed foot structure comprising one or more fixed foot elements made integral with or permanently attached to the main structural body 100.
  • the foot structure 90 is configured as a releasable foot structure comprising one or more releasable foot elements 91 that can each be secured to or removed from a corresponding foot-receiving element 92 provided on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100.
  • the peripheral border 100A here exhibits a square shape with a defined length (and width) L1 as reproduced on Figure 1C .
  • L1 is of the order of 300 mm, but any other length could be contemplated.
  • the length of the pallet module of the invention may especially be within a range of the order of 150 mm to 1'200 mm.
  • the pallet module 10 depicted in Figures 1A-H forms one pallet module of an assortment of pallet modules (including the pallet module 20 of Figures 3A-C and the pallet module 30 of Figures 4A-C ) that are combinable together to form a nested pallet assembly.
  • the pallet module 10 will also be referred as a "unit-size pallet module", namely a pallet module 10 whose main structural body exhibits a unit size of here L1 x L1, all other pallet modules of the relevant assortment exhibiting a larger size.
  • the larger-size pallet modules e.g. the pallet modules 20 and 30 of Figures 3A-C and Figures 4A-C , respectively
  • length L1 will also be referred to as "unit length”.
  • first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 are configured to cooperate with a corresponding side portion of another similar pallet module, namely another part of the relevant mating system.
  • the main structural body 100 exhibits first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 extending inwardly from the peripheral border 100A of the main structural body 100 along the third and fourth lateral sides 103, 104.
  • These first and second lateral grooves are each configured to receive the first and second lateral flanges, respectively, of another similar pallet module (including e.g. the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 of another pallet module 10) so that the first, respectively second lateral flange of said other similar pallet module nests within the first, respectively second lateral groove 130, 140, thereby forming a nested pallet assembly.
  • the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 are advantageously offset sideways with respect to the first and second lateral sides 101, 102. This optimizes the available space for nesting pallet modules one within the other, and especially ensures that load can adequately be supported at each corner of the pallet module.
  • the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 jointly form an L-shaped lateral flange on the side of the pallet module, which constitutes a highly characteristic feature of this embodiment of the invention. This same feature is also present on the other illustrated embodiments of the pallet modules of Figures 3A-C and 4A-C .
  • the pallet module 10 further comprises a securing system configured to allow the pallet module 10 to be secured to or released from another similar pallet module of the nested pallet assembly.
  • This securing system includes first and second toggle latch components 51, 52 that are arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides 101, 102, respectively, and third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54 that are arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides 103, 104, respectively.
  • the first and second toggle latch components 51, 52 are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54, respectively, of another similar pallet module of the nested pallet assembly, to form releasable toggle latches 500 (see Figure 8 ) allowing the pallet module 10 to be secured to or released from the other similar pallet module.
  • the resulting releasable toggle latches 500 typically comprises a spring-loaded latch element with a moveable latch section 510 that extends outwardly to cooperate with a catch element comprising a catch section 550.
  • the spring-loaded latch element is preferably manually actuatable and further comprises a handle section 520 that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section 510 to allow manual actuation of the latch element.
  • Each releasable toggle latch 500 is thus formed of two connectable or disconnectable sections, one being provided on one pallet module of the pallet assembly, and the other on the other, adjacent pallet module of the pallet assembly.
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 are provided on the upper side 100B of the main structural body 100, as shown, namely at least partly within recesses 151-154 formed below an upper surface of the upper side 100B of the main structural body 100.
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 could alternatively be provided on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100, but this constitutes a less favourable solution.
  • the aforementioned spring-loaded latch element is advantageously located on the side where the first, respectively second lateral flange is provided. This provides for some protection of the moveable latch section 510 thanks to the presence of the neighbouring lateral flange.
  • the first and second toggle latch components 51, 52 thus consist of spring-loaded latch elements whose moveable latch section 510 extends outwardly beyond the peripheral border 100A of the main structural body 100, i.e. beyond the first and second lateral sides 101, 102, respectively.
  • the third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54 consist of catch elements whose catch section 550 is located entirely with the relevant recesses 153, 154, respectively.
  • a corresponding clearance is formed in all four lateral sides 101 to 104 to allow passage of the relevant portion of the moveable latch section 510, thereby allowing assembly of multiple pallet modules together.
  • each of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 exhibits at least one positioning notch 110A, respectively 120A, formed along an outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120.
  • only one positioning notch 110A, respectively 120A is formed along the outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120.
  • each of the first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 exhibits at least one corresponding protrusion 130A, respectively 140A, configured to mate with a corresponding positioning notch provided on the first and second lateral flanges of another similar pallet module.
  • a position of each positioning notch 110A, 120A along the outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 and a position of each protrusion 130A, 140A within the first and second lateral grooves coincide with a position of each of the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 along the first to fourth lateral sides.
  • This same principle is reflected on the other pallet modules of the same assortment and guarantees a precise and accurate positioning of the pallet modules one with respect to the other. This further ensures that the mating system 110, 120, 130, 140 ideally supports load applied on the pallet assembly and provides adequate resistance and robustness against shear stress.
  • first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 are formed integrally with the main structural body 100, which ensures structural integrity of the entire pallet module.
  • the pallet module can be mass-produced, for instance by moulding.
  • the main structural body 100 and first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 can especially be made of plastic, which can especially be shaped into the desired configuration by moulding.
  • the main structural body 100 shown in Figures 1A-H is advantageously structured to form ribs and valleys to save weight, while maintaining the structural integrity of the main structural body 100.
  • reinforcing element extending within the main structural body and the first and/or second lateral flanges.
  • These reinforcing elements can be made of any suitable material, especially a metal, such as aluminium, a metal alloy or a composite material.
  • Reinforcing elements are shown in Figures 1A-H as longitudinal rod elements 161, 162 that extend within the main structural body 100 and the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120, between upper and lower surfaces thereof. More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, a first series of longitudinal rod elements 161 extends in a first direction (here from the first lateral side 101 to the third lateral side 103 of the main structural body 100, both above and below the location of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120), while a second series of longitudinal rod elements 162 extends in a second direction distinct from the first direction (here perpendicularly to the first series of rod elements 161, within the thickness of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120).
  • first direction here from the first lateral side 101 to the third lateral side 103 of the main structural body 100, both above and below the location of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120
  • a second series of longitudinal rod elements 162 extends in a second direction distinct from the first direction (he
  • the reinforcing elements 161, 162 can especially be integrated within the main structural body 100 and the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120, made of plastic, by combined moulding techniques, where the relevant reinforcing elements 161, 162 are prepositioned inside the mould prior to injection of the plastic material to ultimately form a combined metal-plastic structure.
  • Figure 2A is a partial perspective view of the pallet module of Figure 1A-H as seen from a lower angle and which shows one of a plurality of foot elements of the foot structure 90 provided on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100 of the pallet module 10.
  • the foot structure 90 is configured as a releasable foot structure comprising one or more releasable foot elements 91 that can each be secured to or removed from a corresponding foot-receiving element 92 provided on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100.
  • each releasable foot element 91 is connected to the foot-receiving element 92 by means of a spring-loaded locking mechanism (an example of which is shown in greater detail in Figures 2B and 2C ) that is configured to allow the releasable foot element 91 to be manually inserted into and automatically interlock with the foot-receiving element 92 without this requiring any tool.
  • a spring-loaded locking mechanism an example of which is shown in greater detail in Figures 2B and 2C
  • Figures 2B and 2C are exploded views of a particularly advantageous configuration of the releasable foot element 91 and foot-receiving element 92, where the spring-loaded locking mechanism includes a mounting aperture 92A provided on each foot-receiving element 92 (see Figure 2C ) and configured to receive a head portion 91A of each releasable foot element 91.
  • This head portion 91A is provided with a retaining section 91B, namely a retaining groove forming a neck section on the head portion 91A, which retaining section 91B is configured to cooperate, upon axial insertion of the head portion 91A inside the mounting aperture 92A, with a plurality of spring-loaded retaining elements 95 provided on each foot-receiving element 92 and emerging inside the mounting aperture 92A.
  • retaining elements 95 are distributed about the mounting aperture 92A and only part thereof is accordingly visible in Figure 2C .
  • the spring-loaded retaining elements 95 can be simple elongated elements that are mounted inside radial holes formed in the foot-receiving element 92 and that are urged towards the interior of the mounting aperture 92A by means of springs.
  • Each releasable foot element can further be provided with a lower mounting aperture 91C configured and dimensioned to receive a head portion 91A of another foot element 91, each releasable foot element 91 being provided with a plurality of spring-loaded retaining elements 95* (similar to the spring-loaded retaining elements 95 provided in the foot-receiving element 92) emerging inside the lower mounting aperture 91C and configured to cooperate with and retain the retaining section 91B of another foot element 91 upon axial insertion of the head portion 91A inside the lower mounting aperture 91C.
  • spring-loaded retaining elements 95* similar to the spring-loaded retaining elements 95 provided in the foot-receiving element 92
  • FIG. 2A-C Also shown in Figures 2A-C is a spacing 92C provided between each foot-receiving element 92 and each releasable foot element 91.
  • This spacing 92C is configured to allow lateral insertion of a tool, such as a crowbar or screwdriver, between the foot-receiving element 92 and the releasable foot element 91.
  • a tool such as a crowbar or screwdriver
  • a head portion 92B of the foot-receiving element 92 is also visible in Figures 2B-C.
  • This head portion 92B is used for the purpose of securing the foot-receiving element 92 to the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100.
  • the foot-receiving elements 92 - or more precisely the head portion 92B thereof - can be integrated to the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100, made of plastic, by combined moulding techniques.
  • FIGS 3A-C are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, and a top view of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 20, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, and which forms part of a same assortment of pallet modules as the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H .
  • the pallet module 20 will also be referred as a "large-size pallet module”.
  • FIGs 4A and 4B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, and a top view of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 30, in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, and which likewise forms part of a same assortment of pallet modules as the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H and the pallet module 20 of Figures 3A-C .
  • the pallet module 30 will also be referred as a "medium-size pallet module”.
  • the pallet modules 20 and 30 share a substantial number of common features with the pallet module 10, including:
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 are likewise provided on the upper side 200B, resp. 300B, of the main structural body 200, resp. 300, at least partly within corresponding recesses 251-254, resp. 351-354, formed below the upper surface of the upper side 200B, resp. 300B, of the main structural body 200, resp. 300.
  • the peripheral border 200A here exhibits a square shape with a defined length (and width) L2 as reproduced on Figure 3C , which is twice the unit length L1 of the unit-size pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H , i.e. of the order of 600 mm in the illustrated example, hence the reason why this pallet module 20 is being referred to as the large-size pallet module.
  • the peripheral border 300A here exhibits a rectangular shape with a defined length L3 and defined width W3 as reproduced on Figure 4C .
  • the length L3 is likewise twice the unit length L1 of the unit-size pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H , i.e. of the order of 600 mm in the illustrated example, but the width W3, in the illustrated example, is of the order of 400 mm, hence the reason why this pallet module 30 is being referred to as the medium-size pallet module.
  • the overall size of the pallet module 30 is specifically chosen in the illustrated example to correspond to exactly a quarter of the dimensions of a standard Euro-pallet which has a length of 1'200 mm and a width of 800 mm. In other words, assembling four medium-size pallet modules 30 in a square would lead to a pallet assembly exhibiting substantially the size of a standard Euro-pallet. Other dimensions could however be contemplated.
  • each of the first and second lateral flanges 210, 220 and each of the first and second lateral grooves 230, 240 are provided with a pair of positioning notches 210A, 220A and a pair of protrusions 230A, 240A, respectively, whereas only the second lateral flange 320 and the second lateral groove 340 are each provided with a pair of positioning notches 320A and protrusions 340A.
  • the position of the second and fourth toggle latch components 52 and 54 along the second and fourth lateral sides 202, 204 is compatible with the position of the toggle latch components 51-54 (and of the position of the relevant notches and protrusions) along the lateral sides 101-104 of the pallet module 10 or of the toggle latch components 52, 54 along the lateral sides 302, 304 of the pallet module 30.
  • two pallet modules 10 or one pallet module 30 could be assembled to either one or both of the second and fourth lateral sides 202, 204 of the pallet module 20.
  • the position of the first and third toggle latch components 51 and 53 along the first and third lateral sides 201, 203 is different, meaning that the pallet module 20 can only be coupled via the first lateral side 201 or the third lateral side 203 to a corresponding lateral side of another pallet module 20 or to a similar pallet module exhibiting the same configuration.
  • the pallet module 20 could however be designed to ensure that all toggle latch components 51-54, positioning notches 210A, 220A and protrusions 230A, 240A are positioned in a symmetric manner and ensure compatibility of engagement on all sides with the other pallet modules.
  • toggle latch components 51-54 are identical to the toggle latch components 51-54 used in the first embodiment.
  • the first and second toggle latch components 51, 52 shown in Figures 3A-C and 4A-C are likewise spring-loaded latch elements comprising a moveable latch section 510 (linked to a handle section 520) that extends outwardly beyond the peripheral border 200A, resp. 300A, of the main structural body 200, resp. 300, while the third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54 are catch elements comprising a catch section 550 configured to cooperate with the moveable latch section 510 of the spring-loaded latch elements of another similar pallet module.
  • longitudinal rod elements 261, 262, resp. 361, 362, acting as reinforcing elements are likewise provided within the main structural body 200, resp. 300, and within the first and second lateral flanges 210, 220, resp. 310, 320.
  • the foot structure 90 of pallet modules 20 and 30 can be strictly identical to the foot structure 90 discussed in relation to the first embodiment and Figures 2A-C , meaning that the releasable foot elements 91 are perfectly interchangeable between the pallet modules 10, 20 and 30.
  • the present invention provides for unprecedented flexibility in that a large variety and sizes of pallet assemblies can be created to meet various requirements. Furthermore, this modularity is not made to the detriment of the ease and speed of assembly and disassembly, or of the robustness. This extensive modularity furthermore facilitates shipment of the relevant pallet modules and components, optimizes space usage, and increases transport efficiency as a result.
  • the advantages of the invention are multiple and include in particular:
  • FIGS 10A-B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 40, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and which forms part of another assortment of pallet modules.
  • the pallet module 40 will, like the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H , be referred as a "unit-size pallet module".
  • the pallet module 40 shares a substantial number of common features with the pallet modules 10, 20 and 30, including:
  • the main structural body 400 of the unit-size pallet module 40 preferably exhibits a square shape, and all larger-size pallet modules of the same assortment (not shown) exhibit similar configurations allowing pallet modules to be combinable with one another.
  • the unit length (L1) of the unit-size pallet module 40 is here of the order of 192 mm.
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 are likewise provided on the upper side 400B of the main structural body 400, at least partly within corresponding recesses 451-454 formed below the upper surface of the upper side 400B of the main structural body 400.
  • each lateral flange 410, 420 is provided with a pair of positioning notches 410A, resp. 420A, and that each lateral groove 430, 440 is likewise provided with a pair of protrusions 430A, 440A, the function of which remains the same as previously described.
  • the foot structure 90* which consists in this example of a fixed foot structure provided on the lower side 400C of the main structural body 400 and comprising a foot element 91* that is made integral with the main structural body 400.
  • the foot element 91* exhibits a conical shape, as shown, and the main structural body 400 is structured to exhibit a corresponding depression on the upper side 400B allowing stacking of multiple pallet modules 40 one on top of the other, which reduces space consumption when stacked.
  • each of the larger-size pallet modules has a size corresponding to an integer multiple of the unit size of the unit-size pallet module.
  • the unit-size pallet module could exhibit a square shape of dimensions L1 x L1 (like the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H or the pallet module 40 of Figures 10A-B ) and the peripheral border of the main structural body of each one of the larger-size pallet modules could exhibit a square shape of dimensions n*L1 x n*L1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Even more preferably, the larger-size pallet modules could exhibit a square shape of dimension 2 n *L1 x 2 n *L1.
  • Figures 11A-B to 13A-B are illustrative of an assortment of pallet modules following this principle. In this context, optimal sizes include especially sizes deriving from a unit length L1 ranging from 150 mm to 300 mm, and in particular a unit length of 180-192 mm, 239-256 mm or 272-288 mm, which constitute particularly preferred dimensions.
  • FIGs 11A-B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 10*, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, and which forms part of a further assortment of pallet modules.
  • the pallet module 10* will, like the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H and the pallet module 40 of Figures 10A-B , be referred as a "unit-size pallet module".
  • FIGS 12A-B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 20*, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and which forms part of the same assortment of pallet modules as the pallet module 10* of Figures 11A-B .
  • the pallet module 20* will also be referred as a "medium-size pallet module”.
  • FIGS 13A-B are two perspective views, taken from different viewing angles, of a pallet module, designated globally by reference numeral 30*, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, and which likewise forms part of the same assortment of pallet modules as the pallet module 10* of Figures 11A-B and the pallet module 20* of Figures 12A-B .
  • the pallet module 30* will also be referred as a "large-size pallet module”.
  • the pallet modules 10*, 20* and 30* share a substantial number of common features, including:
  • the first to fourth toggle latch components 51-54 are likewise provided on the upper side 100B*, 200B*, resp. 300B*, of the main structural body 100*, 200*, resp. 300*, at least partly within corresponding recesses 151*-154*, 251*-254*, resp. 351*-354*, formed below the upper surface of the upper side 100B*, 200B*, resp. 300B*, of the main structural body 100*, 200*, resp. 300*.
  • the length of the main structural body 200* of the medium-size pallet module 20* is here twice the unit length (L1), while the length of the main structural body 300* of the large-size pallet module 30* is four times the unit length (L1).
  • the unit length (L1) of the unit-size pallet module 10* is of the order of 287,5 mm, meaning that the length of the medium-size pallet module 20* and of the large-size pallet module 30* is of 575 mm and 1'150 mm, respectively.
  • the number of toggle latch components 51-54 along each side increases as a function of the increase in dimensions of the pallet module, namely from one per side for the unit-size pallet module 10*, to two per side for the medium-size pallet module 20*, and four per side for the large-size pallet module 30*.
  • the foot structure 90* consists in each case of a fixed foot structure comprising one or more foot elements 91* that are made integral with the main structural body 100*, 200*, resp. 300*.
  • the main structural bodies 100*, 200*, resp. 300* are likewise structured to exhibit one or more corresponding depressions on the upper side 100B*, 200B*, resp. 300B* allowing stacking of multiple pallet modules one on top of the other.
  • through-holes 190 could be provided in the main structural body 100, 200, 300, 400, 100*, 200* resp. 300* and the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320, 410, 420, 110*, 120*, 210*, 220* resp.
  • toggle latch components 51-54 which through-holes 190 extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the main structural body and the first and second lateral flanges.
  • Figures 1A-H , 3A-C , 4A-C , 11A-B , 12A-B and 13A-B actually show the provision of a pair of such through-holes 190 next to each of the toggle latch components 51-54, while Figures 10A-B show only one such through-hole 190 next to each of toggle latch component 51-54.
  • These through-holes 190 are advantageous in that they can be exploited for the purpose of passing ropes, straps or like securing bands to secure a load on the relevant pallet assembly.
  • These through-holes 190 can furthermore be used to mount vertical posts on the pallet assembly to support e.g. side walls or barriers.
  • Figures 5A-B to 7A-B illustrate a further refinement of the invention shown in the particular context of the pallet module 10, but that is applicable by analogy to any other pallet module, including the pallet modules 20 and 30 of Figures 3A-C and 4A-C , the pallet module 40 of Figures 10A-B , and the pallet modules 10*, 20* and 30* of Figures 11A-B to 13A-B .
  • FIGS 5A-B show the pallet module 10 of Figures 1A-H additionally provided with a pair of cover elements 170, 180 configured to cover an upper side of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120, each cover element 170, 180 having an upper surface that is flush with an upper surface of the upper side 100B of the main structural body 100 of the pallet module 10.
  • Each cover element 170, 180 is separately shown in Figures 6A-B and 7A-B , respectively.
  • cover elements 170, 180 are shown in Figures 5A-B , one could obviously contemplate to use a single L-shaped cover element to cover both the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120.
  • each cover element may also cover part of the first or second lateral flanges of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly as for instance disclosed by way of illustration in Figures 9A and 9B .
  • each cover element comprises at least one toggle latch component 71, resp. 81, configured to cooperate and interlock with a corresponding one of the first and second latch components 51, 52 of the pallet module 10 to form a releasable toggle latch 500 allowing the cover element to be secured to or released from the pallet module 10.
  • each toggle latch component 71, 81 consists of a catch element comprising a catch section 550, identical to that of the third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54, which catch element is located within a corresponding recess 171, resp. 181, of the cover element.
  • an extension 170A, resp. 180A provided on the underside of each cover element 170, 180 to fill the gap of the positioning notches 110A, 120A formed along the outer edge of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120.
  • Figures 9A and 9B are two schematic top views of a pallet assembly formed by combining multiple pallet modules in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9A shows a pallet assembly 1000 formed of nine unit-size pallet modules 10 that are assembled together to form a square-shaped pallet assembly.
  • two cover elements 170' and 180' are located on the portions of the pallet assembly 1000 where the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 of pallet modules 10 would otherwise be exposed.
  • Figure 9B shows another pallet assembly 1000* formed of four pallet modules, namely two large-size pallet modules 20 and two medium-size pallet modules 30.
  • two cover elements 170* and 180* are located on the portions of the pallet assembly 1000* where the first and second lateral flanges 210, 220, 310, 320 of pallet modules 20, 30 would otherwise be exposed.
  • first and second flanges and the first and second lateral grooves are contiguous
  • first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves could alternatively be provided on opposite lateral sides of the main structural body of the pallet module.
  • first lateral side", “second lateral side”, “third lateral side” and “fourth lateral side” shall not be construed as designating any particular sequence of sides, but rather any of the four lateral sides forming the quadrilateral peripheral border of the main structural body of the pallet module.
  • each pallet module may comprise a multiplicity of lateral flanges arranged in different levels and a corresponding multiplicity of lateral grooves configured to mate with the multiplicity of a lateral flanges of another similar pallet module.
  • the foot structure could be designed as a releasable foot structure or as a fixed foot structure comprising one or more fixed foot elements that are made integral with the main structural body of the pallet module or that are permanently attached to the main structural body.
  • the invention is not limited to assortments of pallet modules including only a unit-size pallet module, a medium-size pallet module and a large-size pallet module.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
EP19150439.8A 2019-01-05 2019-01-05 Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund Withdrawn EP3677524A1 (de)

Priority Applications (22)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19150439.8A EP3677524A1 (de) 2019-01-05 2019-01-05 Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund
SG11202107316VA SG11202107316VA (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
AU2020204812A AU2020204812A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
CN202080013331.2A CN113412222B (zh) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 货板模块、货板模块的品类及其构成的货板组件
CA3125593A CA3125593A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
CA3125597A CA3125597A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
SG11202107314TA SG11202107314TA (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
US17/420,279 US11708192B2 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
EP20700954.9A EP3906195A1 (de) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen und damit aufgebaute palettenanordnung
PCT/IB2020/050057 WO2020141492A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
CN202080014659.6A CN113423646B (zh) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 货板模块的品类及其构成的货板组件
MX2021008148A MX2021008148A (es) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Variedad de modulos de pales, y conjunto de pales construido del mismo.
JP2021539160A JP2022516342A (ja) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 パレットモジュール、パレットモジュールの分類、及びパレットモジュールから構築したパレットアセンブリ
JP2021539162A JP2022516343A (ja) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 パレットモジュールの分類及びパレットモジュールから構築したパレットアセンブリ
EP20701125.5A EP3906196A1 (de) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Sortiment von palettenmodulen und damit gebaute palettenanordnung
US17/420,255 US20220063865A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
PCT/IB2020/050060 WO2020141494A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
BR112021013186-8A BR112021013186A2 (pt) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Sortimento de módulos de palete, conjunto de palete, e uso do sortimento de módulos de palete
AU2020205167A AU2020205167A1 (en) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same
KR1020217024478A KR20210113267A (ko) 2019-01-05 2020-01-06 펠릿 모듈 모음, 및 펠릿 모듈로 형성되는 펠릿 조립체
CL2021001774A CL2021001774A1 (es) 2019-01-05 2021-07-02 Variedad de módulos de palés, y conjunto de palés construido del mismo
ZA2021/04886A ZA202104886B (en) 2019-01-05 2021-07-12 Assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19150439.8A EP3677524A1 (de) 2019-01-05 2019-01-05 Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund

Publications (1)

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EP3677524A1 true EP3677524A1 (de) 2020-07-08

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EP19150439.8A Withdrawn EP3677524A1 (de) 2019-01-05 2019-01-05 Palettenmodul, sortiment von palettenmodulen, und daraus aufgebauter palettenverbund

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EP (1) EP3677524A1 (de)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2157171A5 (de) * 1971-10-13 1973-06-01 Bourreau Alain
US3857342A (en) 1973-06-27 1974-12-31 Loechner J Modular nestable pallet
US5105746A (en) 1990-07-19 1992-04-21 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Interlocking pallet
JPH0585546A (ja) 1991-09-30 1993-04-06 Kanazawa Jushi Kogyo Kk 組立式フオークリフト用パレツト
WO1998031595A1 (en) 1997-01-21 1998-07-23 Leigh Coddington Modular pallet structure
US20050051061A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Paul Smith Modular terrain assembly
FR2859458A1 (fr) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-11 Knauf Snc Palette modulaire
WO2010128261A2 (fr) 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Geprom Palette modulaire séparable applicable a la demi-palette
CH703404A2 (fr) * 2010-07-06 2012-01-13 Bertrand Pittet Dispositif d'assemblage pour panneaux de glace synthétique.
CN205023079U (zh) * 2015-09-14 2016-02-10 中国人民解放军军械工程学院 组合式可拼接托盘
EP3075922A1 (de) * 2013-11-12 2016-10-05 Zhong, Yugang Modularer fussboden
CN106081306A (zh) * 2016-07-27 2016-11-09 仪征市升泰环境材料有限公司 一种托盘
WO2017023163A1 (en) 2015-08-06 2017-02-09 Yap Swee Wun Modular pallet assembly
CN206345153U (zh) * 2016-11-15 2017-07-21 惠州智享物流科技有限公司 一种可拼装式托盘
WO2017200482A1 (en) 2016-05-16 2017-11-23 Lim Jee Keng Modular pallet and multilayer support structure
CN109051191A (zh) * 2018-08-28 2018-12-21 南京中电熊猫平板显示科技有限公司 一种缓冲栈板

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2157171A5 (de) * 1971-10-13 1973-06-01 Bourreau Alain
US3857342A (en) 1973-06-27 1974-12-31 Loechner J Modular nestable pallet
US5105746A (en) 1990-07-19 1992-04-21 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Interlocking pallet
JPH0585546A (ja) 1991-09-30 1993-04-06 Kanazawa Jushi Kogyo Kk 組立式フオークリフト用パレツト
WO1998031595A1 (en) 1997-01-21 1998-07-23 Leigh Coddington Modular pallet structure
FR2859458A1 (fr) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-11 Knauf Snc Palette modulaire
US20050051061A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2005-03-10 Paul Smith Modular terrain assembly
WO2010128261A2 (fr) 2009-05-07 2010-11-11 Geprom Palette modulaire séparable applicable a la demi-palette
CH703404A2 (fr) * 2010-07-06 2012-01-13 Bertrand Pittet Dispositif d'assemblage pour panneaux de glace synthétique.
EP3075922A1 (de) * 2013-11-12 2016-10-05 Zhong, Yugang Modularer fussboden
WO2017023163A1 (en) 2015-08-06 2017-02-09 Yap Swee Wun Modular pallet assembly
CN205023079U (zh) * 2015-09-14 2016-02-10 中国人民解放军军械工程学院 组合式可拼接托盘
WO2017200482A1 (en) 2016-05-16 2017-11-23 Lim Jee Keng Modular pallet and multilayer support structure
CN106081306A (zh) * 2016-07-27 2016-11-09 仪征市升泰环境材料有限公司 一种托盘
CN206345153U (zh) * 2016-11-15 2017-07-21 惠州智享物流科技有限公司 一种可拼装式托盘
CN109051191A (zh) * 2018-08-28 2018-12-21 南京中电熊猫平板显示科技有限公司 一种缓冲栈板

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