US20090293776A1

US20090293776A1 - Pallet (Load Carrier)

Info

Publication number: US20090293776A1
Application number: US12/086,604
Authority: US
Inventors: Bo Persson
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2005-12-13
Filing date: 2006-12-12
Publication date: 2009-12-03
Also published as: DK176570B1; ES2357687T3; WO2007069034A2; DK200501763A; SI1973787T1; RU2414401C2; PL1973787T3; AU2006325093A1; RU2008128494A; PT1973787E; DE602006018789D1; CY1111403T1; ATE490925T1; CN101336196B; EP1973787A2; JP2009519182A; CN101336196A; EP1973787B1; HK1128267A1; WO2007069034A3

Abstract

A pallet (1) made of plastic or other materials is provided with a plurality of hollow feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) at its underside (10). These are obtained by depressing the pallet material. At least one of these feet—foot (8)—has a length (L′) substantially corresponding to the length (L)—or width (B)—of the pallet. This foot (8) contains at least two inner comparatively wide support parts (13, 14, 15), arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part (16) of the foot (8). In this way, according to fire tests—where several identical pallets (1) filled with goods were stacked on top of each other—each pallet (1) has a unique ability to extinguish flames generated in goods on the pallet located directly below the pallet in question, and moreover, the pallet also shows considerable dimensional stability. This makes the pallet (1) particularly suitable for transport on transport means, optionally roller conveyors which cause many bumps.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a pallet (load carrier) of the type having a plurality of f hollow feet at its underside, said feet being obtained by depressing the pallet material.

BACKGROUND ART

A pallet is known which is provided with hollow feet facing downwards. It is known to provide a small support part on the upwards facing inner bottom surface of each foot, said support part participating in bearing goods placed on the top side of the pallet. However, this pallet is not quite satisfactory with respect to its ability to stop a fire with several goods placed on the pallet, when several pallets with goods are stacked on top of each other.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a pallet of the type disclosed in the preamble, and which is more effective than the prior art in extinguishing a fire on a pallet below, thus reducing the risk of the fire spreading. Moreover, the pallet must be appropriately flexible and suitable for transport on all types of transport means, especially roller conveyors.
The pallet according to the invention is characterized in that at least one of the feet mentioned has a length substantially corresponding to the length or width of the pallet, and that said foot contains at least two inner, comparatively wide support parts arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part of the foot. In this way, according to fire tests—where several pallets filled with goods were stacked on top of each other—a pallet has a unique ability to extinguish flames generated in goods on the pallet located directly below the pallet in question. Moreover, the pallet shows considerable dimensional stability and is particularly suitable for the transport of goods on transport means, optionally roller conveyors (with many bumps).
According to the invention, the support parts may be hollow. Thus, the pallet becomes particularly light.
Moreover, according to the invention, there may be at least three webs inside each support part. Thus, the pallet becomes comparatively sturdy
According to the invention, each foot may have a width which is 0.10-0.56 times the length of the foot This provides a particularly suitable embodiment of the pallet.
Furthermore, according to the invention, the foot having a length substantially corresponding to the length and width, respectively, of the pallet may be positioned substantially in the middle of the pallet, seen in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, respectively, of the pallet. In this way, especially the middle section of the pallet shows particular dimensional stability.
Additionally, according to the invention, the side wall of the long foot may be provided with elongated holes at positions located between the support parts. This results in certain material savings.
Further, according to the invention, at least two, preferably four, webs may be provided between the wall of each foot and the wall of each support part, said webs having e.g. an approximately U-shaped form. In this way, a particular stabilisation of the support part with respect to the wall of the foot and thus with respect to the surrounding part of the pallet is obtained, since, in other words, said webs “tether” the support part.
Moreover, according to the invention, the pallet may be made of plastic, preferably plastic containing wood fibres, particularly 45-55% by weight plastic and the remainder wood fibres. This material is particularly suitable, since it displays good strength and does not burn easily.
Furthermore, according to the invention, said foot may contain at least three wide support parts arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part. This provides a particularly suitable construction of the pallet.
According to the invention, the middle support part of the middle foot, seen in horizontal cross-section, may have an area which is smaller than approx. 35% of the area of the horizontal cross-section through the support part having the largest horizontal cross-section. This embodiment has been shown to be particularly suitable.
Additionally, according to the invention, the foot having a length, which is a little shorter than the length L of the pallet, may have a width B of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.2 times the width B of the pallet, where the feet excluding the above-mentioned foot (i.e. the outer feet) may have a width b of 0.10-0.15, preferably approx. 0.13 times the width B of the pallet. It has been found that this results in a pallet with appropriate stiffness.
According to the invention, the foot having a length L′, which is a little shorter than the length L of the pallet, may contain two support parts each having a length of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.20 times the length of the foot, where the feet excluding the above-mentioned foot each may have a length l of 0.10-0.30, preferably approx. 0.25 times the length of the pallet. In this way, the middle area of the pallet displays a certain flexibility.
Further, according to the invention, the free height of the pallet may be up to approx. 0.13 times the length of the pallet, thus resulting in the pallet being comparatively easy to move by means of a fork-lift truck.
Finally, according to the invention, the pallet may have a width of 760-800 mm, a length of 1140-1200 mm and a height of 110-150 mm. It has been found that these proportions are suitable for most pallets of the present type. However, the pallet may have many other appropriate proportions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, in which

FIG. 1 shows a top view at an angle of a first embodiment of the pallet according to the invention, and

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view at an angle of the same,

FIG. 3 shows a section through the support part 13 of FIG. 1 in a plane perpendicular to the top side of the pallet and parallel to the front edge of the pallet, and

FIG. 4 is a complete bottom view of the pallet illustrated in FIG. 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The pallet 1 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with a plurality of hollow feet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, at its bottom side 10, said feet being obtained by completely or partially depressing the pallet material from the top side 11 of the pallet. As is apparent, the middle foot 8 (FIG. 2) has a length L′, which almost corresponds to the length L of the pallet (cf. FIG. 1). The foot 8 contains three inner comparatively wide support parts 13, 14, 15 arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part 16 of the foot 8.
As seen in FIG. 3, the support parts 13, 14, and 15 may be hollow, the hollow part facing downwards. At least two webs, preferably three webs 21, 22, 23, may be provided inside each support part 13, 14, 15 (cf. FIG. 4).
As seen in FIG. 4, each foot may have a width b, which is 0.10-0.56 times the length L of the corresponding foot.
As seen particularly in FIG. 1, the foot 8 (cf. FIG. 2) having a length L′ predominantly corresponding to the length L of the pallet may be arranged in the middle of the pallet seen in the longitudinal direction of the pallet.
As seen particularly clearly in FIG. 2, the side wall of the long foot 8 may be provided with elongated holes 26, 27, 28, and 29 at the places located between the support parts 13, 14, and 15.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, there may be provided at least two, in the present case four webs 40, 41, 42, and 43 between the wall 31 of each foot 8 and the wall 13 a of each support part 13, said webs each having an approximately U-shaped form.
The illustrated pallet 1 may be made of different materials, e.g. plastic, preferably plastic containing wood fibres, particularly 40-60% by weight, e.g. 45-55% by weight plastic and the remainder wood fibres.
The middle support part 14 of the middle foot 8, seen in horizontal cross-section, may have an area which is smaller than approx 35% of the area of the horizontal cross-section through the support part 13 or 15 having the largest horizontal cross-section.
The middle foot 8 (cf. FIG. 2) has a length L′ (cf. FIG. 1) predominantly corresponding to the length L of the pallet. The foot 8 may have a width B of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.2 times the width B of the pallet. The feet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 may have a width b of 0.10-0.15, preferably approx. 0.13 times the width B of the pallet.
The two support parts 13 and 15 of the foot 8 (cf. FIG. 1) may each have a length l′, which is 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.20 times the length L′ of the foot. The feet 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 excluding the above-mentioned foot 8 may have a length l of 0.10-0.30, preferably approx. 0.25 times the length L of the pallet.
With respect to the free height h′ of the pallet 1, it may be up to approx. 0.13 times the length of the pallet. However, in FIG. 2, the free height h′ is only approx 0.05 times the length L of the pallet.
The pallet 1 may typically have a length L of 1140-1200 mm, a width B of 760-800 mm, and a height h′ of 110-150 mm.
The invention may be modified in many ways without thereby deviating from its scope.

Claims

1. A pallet (1) made of plastic or other materials and of the type having a plurality of hollow feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at its underside (10), said feet being obtained by depressing the pallet material, characterized in that at least one of the feet (8) mentioned has a length (L′) predominantly corresponding to the length (L) or width (B) of the pallet (1), and that said foot (8) contains at least two inner, comparatively wide support parts (13, 14, 15) arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part (16) of the foot (8).

2. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the support parts (13, 14, 15) are hollow.

3. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two, preferably three, webs (21, 22, 23) are provided in each support part (13).

4. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that each foot (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) has a width (b) or (B), which is 0.10-0.56 times the length (l) or (L) of the corresponding foot.

5. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot (8) having a length (L′) predominantly corresponding to the length (L) and width (B), respectively, of the pallet is positioned in the middle of the pallet (1), seen in the longitudinal direction and transverse direction, respectively, of the pallet.

6. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall of the long foot (8) is provided with elongated holes (26, 27, 28, 29) at positions located between the support parts (13, 14, 15).

7. The pallet according to claim 6, characterized in that at least two, preferably four, webs (40, 41, 42, 43) are provided between the wall (31) of each foot (8) and the wall (13 a) of each support part (13), said webs having e.g. an approximately U-shaped form.

8. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that it may be made of different materials, preferably plastic, in particular plastic containing wood fibres, particularly 40%-60% by weight, e.g. 45-55% by weight plastic and the remainder wood fibres.

9. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the middle support part (14) of the middle foot (8), seen in horizontal cross-section, has an area which is smaller than approx. 35% of the area of the horizontal cross-section through the support part (13 or 15) having the largest horizontal cross-section.

10. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot (8) having a length (L′), which is a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, has a width (B) (FIG. 1) of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.2 times the width (B) of the pallet, and the feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (the outer feet) excluding the above-mentioned foot (8) have a width (b) (FIG. 4) of 0.10-0.15, preferably approx. 0.13 times the width (B) of the pallet.

11. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot (8) having a length (L′), which is a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, contains two support parts (13, 15) each having a length (l′) of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.20 times the length (L′) of the foot, and the feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (the outer feet) excluding the above-mentioned foot (8), which has a length a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, have a length l (FIG. 4) of 0.0-0.30, preferably approx. 0.25 times the length (L) of the pallet.

12. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that the height (h′) (FIG. 2) of its feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is up to approx. 0.13 times the length (L) of the pallet (1).

13. The pallet according to claim 10, characterized in that it has a width (B) of 760-800 mm, a length (L) of 1140-1200 mm and a height (h′) of 110-150 mm, but it may also have many appropriate proportions.

14. A pallet (1) made of plastic or other materials and of the type having a plurality of hollow feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) at its underside (10), said feet being obtained by depressing the pallet material, whereby at least one of the feet (8) mentioned has a length (L′) predominantly corresponding to the length (L) or width (B) of the pallet (1), and being positioned in the middle of the pallet, seen in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, respectively, of the pallet, said long foot (8) containing at least two inner, comparatively wide support parts (13, 14, 15) arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part of the foot (8), characterized in that the bottom part of each foot (8) is a horizontal wall (16) and that each support part (13, 14, 15) is hollow and pressed directly up from said horizontal wall (16).

15. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that at least two, preferably three, webs (21, 22, 23) are provided in each support part (13).

16. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that each foot (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) has a width (b) or (B), which is 0.10-0.56 times the length (l) or (L) of the corresponding foot.

17. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that the side wall of the long foot (8) is provided with elongated holes (26, 27, 28, 29) at positions located between the support parts (13, 14, 15).

18. The pallet according to claim 17, characterized in that at least two, preferably four, webs (40, 41, 42, 43) are provided between the wall (31) of each foot (8) and the wall (13 a) of each support part (13), said webs having e.g. an approximately U-shaped form.

19. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that it may be made of different materials, preferably plastic, in particular plastic containing wood fibres, particularly 40%-60% by weight, e.g. 45-55% by weight plastic and the remainder wood fibres.

20. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that the middle support part (14) of the middle foot (8), seen in horizontal cross-section, has an area which is smaller than approx. 35% of the area of the horizontal cross-section through the support part (13 or 15) having the largest horizontal cross-section.

21. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that the foot (8) having a length (L′), which is a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, has a width (B) (FIG. 1) of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.2 times the width (B) of the pallet, and the feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (the outer feet) excluding the above-mentioned foot (8) have a width (b) (FIG. 4) of 0.10-0.15, preferably approx. 0.13 times the width (B) of the pallet.

22. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that the foot (8) having a length (L′), which is a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, contains two support parts (13, 15) each having a length (l′) of 0.10-0.25, preferably approx. 0.20 times the length (L′) of the foot, and the feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (the outer feet) excluding the above-mentioned foot (8), which has a length a little shorter than the length (L) of the pallet, have a length l (FIG. 4) of 0.0-0.30, preferably approx. 0.25 times the length (L) of the pallet.

23. The pallet according to claim 14, characterized in that the height (h′) (FIG. 2) of its feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) is up to approx. 0.13 times the length (L) of the pallet (1).

24. The pallet according to claim 21, characterized in that it has a width (B) of 760-800 mm, a length (L) of 1140-1200 mm and a height (h′) of 110-150 mm, but it may also have many appropriate proportions.