GB2277506A - Spacer for protecting wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

A locking spacer 14 which fits between the rims of adjacent wheels 11, 12, 17 and 18, as they are built up on a pallet for transporting protects individual wheels from impingement damage. The spacer, either double (Figure 1) or single (Figure 2), clips over the rim horns 11, 12, 17 and 18 of the wheel, (Figures 3 and 4) and prevents movement. When the wheels are unloaded the spacers can be re-used in building up other pallet loads. Figure 3 shows a spacer between four adjacent wheel rims, see also 15 figure 5, rims 17 and 18 being vertically above above 11 and 12. <IMAGE>

Description

LOCKING SPACER FOR PROTECTING WHEELS DURING TRANSPORT This invention relates to a locking spacer for protecting wheels during transport.

Wheels that are to be fitted to vehicles, are often transported over a distance from the place of manufacture to where they are fitted. During this transportation, wheels must be packed to ensure that damage to the wheel does not occur. In transit individual wheels can move and knock into each other causing sufficient damage to cause fitment problems. Although traditional methods of packing aim to ensure limited movement between wheels, this can be expensive and does not provide a positive barrier.

According to the present invention there is provided a locking spacer for transporting wheels whereby each individual wheel is spaced from each other through a detachable, re-useable but locking spacer. When packing wheels, a spacer is placed between the rims of individual wheels and mechanically locked in position to prevent movement during transit. As individual wheels are placed on a pallet for transport the individual layers and stacks are arranged to contain spacers such that no damage through impingement can occur.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 = Double spacer Figure 2 = Single spacer Figure 3 = Double spacer in operation Figure 4 = Single spacer in operation Figure 5 = Plan view of built up pallet Referring to the drawings in Figure 1 and Figure 2, two types of spacer are shown, one is a single spacer, the other a double spacer. Both are of the same construction and material. The double spacer is used to protect adjacent wheels on a pallet, whilst the single spacer is used on the outside wheels in a layer. The single spacer therefore prevents accidental damage between individual pallets. With reference to the functional parts of the spacer comments will be made with regard to Figures through 3 to 5.

As individual wheels are placed on a pallet, a double spacer is positioned between the wheels such that the body of the spacer 10, clips over the rim horns 11 and 12 of two adjacent wheels.

The spacer is so designed that the recesses 13 between the body and the arms 14 of the spacer forms a positive lock over the rim horn of any wheel type.

As more wheels are placed on the pallet further spacers are added to ensure no two wheels are in contact with each other.

When an individual layer has been completed, single spacers, Figure 4, are added to the outside wheels. For a typical pallet layer see Figure 5, where 15 represents a double spacer and 16 a single spacer. Further layers are built up by adding wheels on top and clipping adjacent wheels to the double spacer at the rim horns 17 and 18. Wheels on the outside of the layer are attached by single spacers to the rim horn 19. This packing sequence is continued until the required pallet size has been achieved. When unloading the pallet the spacers are unclipped and individual wheels removed. The spacers can then be re-used in producing further pallets of wheels.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIM

   A locking spacer for protecting wheels during transport consisting of a re-useable device which clips between the rim horns of adjacent wheels thus avoiding impingement damage.