GB2561338A

GB2561338A - Pallet support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2561338A
Application number: GB1704208.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Watson Danny
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-16
Filing date: 2017-03-16
Publication date: 2018-10-17
Also published as: GB201704208D0

Abstract

A pallet support apparatus comprises a first chassis 2, a second chassis 3. Both chassis 2, 3 have a load bearing platform 9, 9defining a pallet sized space. A plurality of posts 4 extend between chassis 2, 3, and heave a head end 5 and a foot end 6. Each post 4 is fixedly connected to the second chassis 3 at its head end 5 and to the first chassis 2 at its foot end 6 to define a box shaped frame having spaced platforms. Load bearing platform 9 of first chassis 2 comprises a pair of elongate support runners 12, 12 for access by a pallet truck which may have a sloped section 14. Platform 9, 9 may also include a ramp 19 which may be detachable, articulated and interlock with slope section 14 via slots 23. Fixed diagonal brace members 16, having an X-shaped configuration 17 are also included on three sides. End stops 15 are provided on each chassis. A third chassis 20 may also be provided between chassis 2, 3 and may slide there between by coupling 21 which is in the form of a sleeve around posts 4.

Description

PALLET SUPPORT APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a pallet support apparatus, in particular, although not exclusively for pallets.

An earlier proposal of a pallet transport apparatus is disclosed in EP 2 230 198. In this arrangement the top chassis is removable from the head ends of the upstands. This means large cross-section construction materials are used to provide rigidity to the upstands, making it both heavy and bulky. This is not so much of a problem for use in a warehouse as such, but renders it unsuitable for many other applications.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved pallet support apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a pallet support apparatus comprising a first chassis, and a second chassis, the first chassis and the second chassis each having a load bearing platform defining a pallet sized space; a plurality of posts extending between the first chassis and the second chassis, the posts having a head end and a foot end, wherein each post is fixedly connected to the second chassis at its head end and the first chassis at its foot end to define a boxed shaped frame having spaced platforms; and wherein the load bearing platform of the first chassis comprises a pair of elongate support runners for access by a pallet truck. As the posts are fixedly connected to the chassis, a rigid boxed shaped support apparatus is provided which enables lightweight materials to be used for the posts. Providing a pair of elongate support runners has the further effect of readily improving access to the first chassis platform.

Conveniently, each support runner comprises a slope section at one end. The slope section ensures that the pallet truck is guided smoothly over the edges of the platform at one end.

Preferably, the device further comprises a ramp element provided the load bearing platform. This guides the pallet truck to and from the platform.

Conveniently, the ramp element is detachable. This stops the ramp from fouling the space around the pallet support apparatus when it is not in use.

Preferably, the ramp element comprises an articulated section.

Preferably, the slope section comprises slots for interlocking with formations on the ramp element. This allows the ramp element to be quickly and readily connected to the apparatus in a safe manner.

Conveniently, the device further comprises a third chassis provided between the first chassis and the second chassis, wherein the third chassis is attached to each post via a coupling, such that the third chassis is slidable between the first chassis and the second chassis. Preferably, each coupling is a sleeve element, coupled to its respective post.

Preferably, the device further comprises one or more brace members coupled diagonally between posts in a plane of a side of the support apparatus.

Conveniently, the one or more brace members form a substantially X-shaped configuration. Preferably, the substantially X-shaped brace members are provided to three sides of the support apparatus.

Preferably, the device further comprises one or more slideably connected brace members coupled between posts in a plane of the support apparatus.

Preferably, the load bearing platform further comprises one or more end stops. These act to stop the load as a pallet stop and ensure that the truck and/or load does not slide or roll off the platform.

To help understanding of the invention, specific embodiments thereof will now be described by of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pallet support apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows another perspective view of a pallet support apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a slidable chassis according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the pallet support apparatus illustrating the slidable chassis in a movement position;

Figure 5 shows a first enlarged view of the slidable chassis attached to the posts of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a second enlarged view of the slidable chassis attached to the posts of the present invention.

As shown, the pallet support apparatus 1 comprises a first chassis 2, and a second chassis 3, wherein the first chassis 2 and the second chassis 3 each define a load bearing 9, 9' platform having an outer perimeter with an interior space sized to accommodate a standard sized pallet. The size of the interior space can be made to suit other specifications and pallet sizes.

The apparatus in most cases, affords two fixed levels for supporting pallets. The first chassis 2 affords a base level and the second chassis 3 affords an upper level. However in other cases, the apparatus can afford three or four levels, depending on the desired application.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, extending between the first chassis 2 and the second chassis 3 are four posts 4, each of which comprise a head end 5 and a foot end 6. Each foot end 6 of a post connects to a corner of the first chassis 2 external to its pallet sized perimeter, and each head end 5 of a post connects to a corner of the second chassis external to its pallet sized perimeter. This ensures the posts do not foul the interior space provided for the pallet.

The first chassis 2 is formed by a pair of substantially parallel side rails 7 coupled between a pair of the posts 4. Substantially orthogonal to the side rails 7 are seven lateral support members 8 which form the floor or load bearing platform 9. The second chassis essentially mirrors this arrangement and has complimentary side rails 7', support members 8' and a load bearing platform 9'.

Additional to the first chassis 2, three of the seven lateral support members 8 sit on spacers 13 between channels 11 provided between the support members 8 and a base frame 10. This allows the loading bearing platform of the first chassis to be distanced from the floor to which the apparatus is at rest with. This provides a suitable gap for the forks of a pallet truck to lift the apparatus and keeps the pallet and its goods away from debris or the like.

Provided to the load bearing platform 9 of the first chassis 2 are runners 12,12'. The runners are parallel to the side rails 7 and fixed orthogonal to the lateral supports 8. Each runner comprises a slope section 14 having slots 23. In most cases, the sloped section extends beyond the end edge of the outermost lateral support member 8. Also provided to each of the platforms 9, 9' are end stops 15. These stop flush with the end edge of the other outermost lateral support member 8. Each runner aids removing the pallet via a pallet truck for example, by allowing the wheels of the pallet truck to run along its top guiding surface.

In three substantially vertical side planes of the device a pair of rigidly connected brace members 16 is provided. Each brace member 16 runs diagonally from a substantial nadir of the device to a substantial apex of the device i.e. the full length of a side. This allows one of the pair of brace members 16 to intersect another of the pair of brace members to a form a substantially central "X" shaped brace junction 17 at each of the three sides. In some cases, to aid the formation of the brace junction 17, a slot maybe provided to one of the bracing members to allow the other brace member to pass through, or in further cases a coupling such as a four way junction box may be provided, or in simpler arrangement, the struts may just cross each other at their side faces and may be welded where they cross.

In one further substantially vertical side plane of the device, a pallet sized opening 18 is provided. The opening 18 is sized to be suitable for movement of a pallet loaded with goods to and from the pallet sized space provided to the load bearing platform 9 of the first chassis. The opening 18 opens to the runner 12, 12' on the first chassis 2. As used within this specification, a pallet sized opening 18 can be taken to mean, in one example, suitably sized to accommodate a pallet loaded with goods, or in a further example, suitably sized to accommodate a pallet truck or the like inclusive of a pallet loaded with goods.

As shown in Figure 2, the pallet sized opening 18 can optionally comprise a pair of slidable brace members 23a to provide further rigidity to the device. In use, the slidable brace members 23a form a substantially X shaped configuration and can be locked in place by a pin or similar means known in the art. When access to the platform 9 via the pallet sized opening is then required, the sliding arrangement allows the members 23a to be retracted.

In further detail, each slidable brace member 23a comprises a two-part limb arrangement, namely limb 24 and limb 25. The limb 25 is pivotally connected to a post 4, via a pivot 26, and limb 24 is slideably connected to a post 4 via a finger 27 provided to an end. The finger 27 engages with a track 28 that is parallel with a face of a post 4 such that as the brace member 23a is slid towards the foot end 6 of the post 4, the limbs 24 retract and the members 23a can be stowed adjacent the platform 9. The limbs 25 are conveniently sized such that their length is less than or equal to the width between a pair of the posts 4.

Referring back to Figure 1, ramp elements 19 can be coupled to the front of the runners at both the upper 20 and lower chassis 2 levels, to enable a pallet truck to access the runners. A ramp element 19 is provided with formations at one end that engage with the slots 23 provided to the slope 14 of the runners 12,12'. An end face of the ramp element 19 is further tapered such that it runs flush with the floor on which it rests with. The ramps may in this connection include an articulated section for enhancing accessibility to and from the apparatus. The ramp element 16 is available in varying sizes to reduce gradient according to requirements.

As shown in the Figures, a third slidable chassis 20 can be provided between the first fixed chassis 2 and the second fixed chassis 3. The third chassis 20 defines a load bearing platform 9", which can also be fitted with runners 12, 12' and end stops 15. The third chassis 20 can be attached to the device via couplings 21 to the posts 4, such that it is slidable up and down towards the first and second chassis. Each coupling 21 may be a sleeve element coupled to its respective post. The posts 4 may comprise apertures 32 to accept tines such as a pin 22 that hold the slidable chassis 20 in place.

In this connection, fitted to the slidable chassis 20 is a locking assembly for each pair of posts. Each locking assembly comprises a handle 29 connected to an elongate bar 30 that engages and disengages the pins 22 from their respective post apertures 32. The handle is pivotable, such that it can fold flat away from the load bearing platform 9". In a typical configuration, the bar 30 runs to opposite widthwise sides of the slidable chassis and through elongate holes 31 provided adjacent the corners of the chassis. Attached to the ends of the bar are linkages 24 that engage with the pins 22 fitted to the couplings 21. As shown in Figure 4, this enables the slidable chassis 20 to be adjusted in step-wise manner, such that one end of the chassis is secured whilst the other end is moved upwardly or downwardly the posts 4.

It can be envisaged that one or more slidable chassis may be utilized with the apparatus according to the present invention.

Whilst the apparatus can be dimensioned according to its purpose/the application, in one arrangement a typical apparatus comprises dimensions of (mm): 1535 H x 1130 W x 1250 D.

Claims

1. Pallet support apparatus comprising:- a first chassis (2), and a second chassis (3), the first chassis and the second chassis each having a load bearing platform (9, 9') defining a pallet sized space; a plurality of posts (4) extending between the first chassis and the second chassis, the posts having a head end (5) and a foot end (6), wherein each post (4) is fixedly connected to the second chassis (3) at its head end (5) and the first chassis (2) at its foot end (6) to define a box shaped frame having spaced platforms (9, 9'); and wherein the load bearing platform (9) of the first chassis (3) comprises a pair of elongate support runners (12,12') for access by a pallet truck.

2. Pallet support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each support runner (12,12') comprises a slope section (14) at one end.

3. Pallet support apparatus according to any proceeding claim, further comprising a ramp element (19) provided to the load bearing platform (9, 9').

4. Pallet support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ramp element (19) is detachable.

5. Pallet support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the ramp element (19) comprises an articulated section.

6. Pallet support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ramp element (19) comprises a tapered floor.

7. Pallet support apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6 when dependant on claim 2, wherein the slope section (14) comprises slots (23) for interlocking with formations on the ramp element (19).

8. Pallet support apparatus according to any proceeding claim, further comprising a third chassis (20) provided between the first chassis (2) and the second chassis (3), wherein the third chassis (20) is attached to each post via a coupling (21), such that the third chassis (20) is slidable between the first chassis (2) and the second chassis (3).

9. Pallet support apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each coupling (21) is a sleeve element, coupled to its respective post (4).

10. Pallet support apparatus according to any proceeding claim, further comprising one or more fixedly connected brace members (16) coupled diagonally between posts (4) in a plane of a side of the support apparatus.

11. Pallet support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the one or more fixedly connected brace members (16) form an X-shaped configuration (17).

12. Pallet support apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the substantially X-shaped brace members (17) are provided to three sides of the support apparatus.

13. Pallet support apparatus according to any proceeding claim, further comprising one or more slideably connected brace members (26) coupled between posts (4) in a plane of the support apparatus.

14. Pallet support apparatus according to any proceeding claim, wherein the load bearing platform (9, 9') further comprises one or more end stops (15).

15. Pallet support apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.