US20100206200A1 - Pallet system - Google Patents

Pallet system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100206200A1
US20100206200A1 US12/680,104 US68010408A US2010206200A1 US 20100206200 A1 US20100206200 A1 US 20100206200A1 US 68010408 A US68010408 A US 68010408A US 2010206200 A1 US2010206200 A1 US 2010206200A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
base
members
pallet
base member
pallet system
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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.)
Abandoned
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US12/680,104
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English (en)
Inventor
Warren Howard Tosse
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority claimed from NZ56195707A external-priority patent/NZ561957A/en
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Publication of US20100206200A1 publication Critical patent/US20100206200A1/en
Abandoned 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
    • B65D19/0053—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0055—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/0067—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0071—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0073—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a stringer-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
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00139—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-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
    • B65D2519/00432—Non-integral, e.g. inserts
    • B65D2519/00442—Non-integral, e.g. inserts on the base surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00532—Frame structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00741—Dimensional aspects of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00746—Dimensional aspects of the pallet divisible into sub-pallets of smaller dimensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00776—Accessories for manipulating the pallet
    • B65D2519/00796—Guiding means for fork-lift
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/0081—Elements or devices for locating articles
    • B65D2519/00815—Elements or devices for locating articles on the pallet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/00965—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a pallet system, and in particular, but not exclusively to a pallet system for use in the transportation and/or storage of extruded products.
  • Extruded products such as aluminium or plastic extrusions
  • the transportation and storage of these extrusions presents unique difficulties. To be handled efficiently they are often strapped together in bundles, however even though the bundles may not be particularly heavy they can be difficult to handle due to their size and shape, and the relatively fragile nature of the extrusions.
  • the extrusions When carefully bundled and supported however, the extrusions can be used support one another, and a well secured and protected bundle of extrusions can be handled without undue difficulty.
  • the pallets support the bundles of extrusions in such a manner that the bundles have a generally rectangular cross section, and have a flat top that is at least partially protected, to allow stacking of one bundle over another.
  • the pallets can also provide access for fork lift tines to allow the pallets to be lifted or to be moved about using a forklift.
  • the pallet systems for extrusions are ideally three dimensional, providing structure and protection underneath the stack, structure and optionally some protection on the sides, and at least limited structure or protection over the top of the extrusions.
  • Pallet systems that are presently used are generally constructed from wood. However, due to the size requirements, and the three dimensional nature of the pallets, their construction is relatively expensive. In addition, relatively significant quantities of wood are used. The wood that is used to make the pallets is generally discarded after a single use since it is often not convenient to return long lengths of wood, which are often partly damaged, back to their origin.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a pallet system, having a plurality of base members, each base member being adapted to engage with another base member such that a generally elongate base structure can be formed from the base members, and the base members also being adapted to support a plurality of upright members.
  • each base member includes interlockable elements on at least one end adapted to interlock with similarly configured interlockable elements of an adjacent base member.
  • each base member includes the interlockable elements on both ends.
  • the interlockable elements include one or more fingers adapted to interlock with corresponding fingers or recesses of an adjacent base member.
  • the fingers Preferably have a generally “C” shaped cross section.
  • interlockable elements are adapted to receive fasteners to further secure any joint between interlocked base members.
  • each base member adapted to snap lock with the corresponding interlockable elements of an adjacent base member.
  • each base member can be engaged with an adjacent base member using one or more joining members.
  • each joining member is adapted to engage with one or more first sockets or pins provided on each base member.
  • each joining member can be fitted to a top side of each base member.
  • each joining member fits into each base member with an interference fit or a snap fit.
  • each joining member can be fitted to each base member without the use of tools.
  • the joint between adjacent base members provides a recess or recesses adapted to accommodate or retain a packaging strap.
  • each base member includes one or more base sockets, or a part of one or more sockets, adapted to support an upright member.
  • At least some of the base sockets are situated at or adjacent each joint between adjacent base members.
  • the upright members can be engaged with the base members without the use of tools.
  • the pallet system also includes cap members which are adapted to engage with any upright members that are used.
  • cap members Preferably have cap sockets which are adapted to engage with any upright members that are used.
  • the cap members have recesses or channels which can be used to accommodate or retain packaging strap material.
  • each base member has a generally rectangular or square shape when viewed from above.
  • each base member includes a region that is elevated with respect to at least one other region of the remainder of the lower surface.
  • each base member also includes one or more legs which extend below a body section of each base member.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a pallet load of extrusions incorporating at least one pallet system substantially as specified herein.
  • the pallet load of extrusions is held together using straps which are aligned with the joint between adjacent base members.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of palletising elongate or extruded products including the steps of;
  • the method further includes the fitting of joining members to engage adjacent base members.
  • the joining members are fitted to the top of the base assembly.
  • the invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and elements referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or elements, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a base assembly of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base member of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a base member of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joining member of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side panel of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cap member of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a base extension member of the first example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a second example of a pallet system.
  • FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a typical joint between adjacent base members of the second example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the joint shown in FIG. 12 .
  • FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of a capping member of the second example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the capping member of the second example of a pallet system
  • FIG. 16 is amend elevation view of two loaded pallets stacked one on top of the other
  • FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a joint between the two stacked pallets
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded partially cutaway perspective view of one of the stacked pallets.
  • FIG. 19 is a partially cutaway perspective view of one of the stacked pallets.
  • FIG. 1 shows a base assembly structure ( 11 ) which includes a plurality of base members ( 13 ).
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) can also include a number of upright members ( 15 ), side panels ( 17 ) and/or base extension members ( 19 ).
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) is designed for use in the storage and transportation of elongate products, for example extrusions. It can be seen that the pallet system ( 10 ) is made up of a number of parts that can be assembled together to form the elongate base assembly structure ( 11 ) onto which a number of extrusions can be placed.
  • the base assembly ( 11 ) can be strapped to the extrusions, to form a packaged set of extrusions in which the extrusions and the base assembly ( 11 ) act together to form a rigid and protected unit which can be handled using standard lifting and transportation equipment.
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) is particularly useful for the storage and transportation of aluminium extrusions, for example extrusions that are four to six metres in length.
  • Each base member ( 13 ) is adapted to engage with another base member ( 13 ) to form the elongate base assembly ( 11 ).
  • each base member ( 13 ) can be engaged with an adjacent base member ( 13 ) using one or more joining members ( 21 ) that are adapted to fit into first base sockets ( 23 ) provided on each base member ( 13 ).
  • the base members ( 13 ) in this example have a generally rectangular or square shape when viewed from above, and each have a lattice frame construction and can be made from a plastics material.
  • each joining members ( 21 ) comprises a body section ( 25 ) with four pins ( 27 ) that all extend from one side of the body section ( 25 ).
  • One pair of pins ( 27 ) can be fitted into a pair of adjacent first base sockets ( 23 ) in one base member ( 13 ) and the other pair of pins can be fitted into a pair, of adjacent base sockets ( 23 ) in another base member ( 13 ).
  • each joining member ( 21 ) can tie two adjacent base members ( 13 ) together.
  • each base member ( 13 ) includes three pairs of base sockets ( 23 ) at each end, and therefore three joining members ( 21 ) can be used to make a secure connection between adjacent base members ( 13 ).
  • each of the sockets ( 23 ) is recessed below a top surface ( 29 ) of the base members ( 13 ).
  • the amount that the sockets ( 23 ) are recessed below the top surface ( 29 ) is substantially the same as the thickness of the body section ( 25 ) of each joining member ( 21 ). This means that the top surface of each joining member can lie flush with the top surface ( 29 ) of the base members ( 13 ), and means that the top surface of the base assembly structure ( 11 ) provides a flat platform upon which a number of extrusions can be laid.
  • each joining member ( 21 ) fit into each base member ( 13 ), or the sockets ( 23 ) of each base member ( 13 ), with an interference fit or a snap fit.
  • each joining member ( 21 ) can be fitted to the top side of each base member ( 13 ), and the top of the joining members ( 21 ) can be flush with the top surface ( 29 ) of each base members ( 13 ), a load of extrusions that lie on top of the base assembly structure ( 11 ) can also help to prevent the joining members ( 21 ) from migrating out of the sockets ( 23 ) to help prevent the base members ( 13 ) from becoming disconnected.
  • the construction, or disassembly, of the base assembly structure ( 11 ) can be carried out without any requirements for tools since the joining members ( 21 ) can be fitted to each base member, or be removed, by hand.
  • each base member ( 13 ) includes two legs ( 31 ) which hold a body portion ( 33 ) of each base member a small distance above the ground.
  • the slight elevation provided by the legs ( 31 ) is enough to allow the tines of a forklift to get under the base assembly structure ( 11 ).
  • the lower outside corner of each leg ( 31 ) is provided with a step.
  • the step ( 35 ) is configured such that when two adjacent base members ( 13 ) are joined together, the adjacent steps ( 35 ) form a recess or channel that runs along the length of the join.
  • the recess provided by the joint between adjacent base members ( 13 ) can accommodate or retain a packaging strap, for example a plastic or a metal strap that is used to hold extrusions onto the base assembly structure ( 11 ).
  • the base assembly ( 11 ), or the base members ( 13 ), is/are adapted to support the upright members ( 15 ), and in this example each base member ( 13 ) includes a part of a second base socket ( 37 ) at each corner for this purpose.
  • each base member ( 13 ) includes a part of a second base socket ( 37 ) at each corner for this purpose.
  • the adjacent parts of the second base socket ( 37 ) on each corner of the base members ( 13 ) join to form a single second base socket ( 37 ).
  • Each upright member ( 15 ) can simply be made of a length of wood, having a suitable cross section to fit into the second base sockets ( 37 ).
  • the length of wood, or other material, can be cut to length to suit the height of a bundle of extrusions. Since the upright members ( 15 ) can be engaged with the base members ( 13 ) by inserting them into the second base sockets ( 37 ) there is no requirement to use tools to construct the pallet system ( 10 ).
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) can also include cap members ( 39 )—refer to FIG. 7 .
  • the cap members ( 39 ) are adapted to engage with the upright members ( 15 ) that are used, and to sit over the top of a load of extrusions.
  • upright members ( 15 ) are only shown fitted to one side of the base structure assembly ( 11 ), however, in use, upright members ( 15 ) would usually be fitted to both sides of the base structure assembly ( 11 ).
  • a cap socket ( 43 ) is provided on a lower side ( 41 ), and at each end, of each cap members ( 39 ).
  • the cap sockets are similar in size to the second base sockets ( 37 ), and for this reason they are also adapted to engage with any upright members ( 15 ) that are used.
  • the cap members ( 39 ) also have recesses or channels ( 45 ) which can also be used to accommodate or retain any packaging strapping material.
  • any packaging or strapping material that is used can be held securely in line with the joint between adjacent base members ( 13 ), and in line with the uprights ( 15 ) and the cap members ( 39 ), and can help to hold the whole assembly of the base structure ( 11 ) and any extrusions together in a relatively stable package that is suitable for handling, transportation and storage.
  • the legs ( 31 ) of the upper load can rest on the cap member ( 39 ) of the lower load.
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) can also include side panels ( 17 ).
  • the side panels can be fitted to the base assembly ( 11 ) as shown in FIG. 1 and can provide additional protection to any goods that are stored or transported using the pallet system ( 10 ).
  • FIG. 6 shows a side panel in more detail.
  • Each side panel ( 17 ) is essentially a flat panel that includes attachment means so that it can be attached to the base assembly ( 11 ).
  • the attachment means includes a first half hinge ( 47 ) feature that is part of each side panel ( 17 ), and which is adapted to mate with a second half hinge ( 49 ) feature that is part of each side of each base member ( 13 ).
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) can include base extension members ( 19 )—see FIG. 8 .
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a base structure assembly ( 11 ) that includes one base extension member ( 19 ) at each end.
  • the base extension members ( 19 ) are similar in 20 , configuration to the base members ( 13 ) but have a shorter length.
  • the base members can have a length in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 metres
  • the base extension members ( 19 ) may have a length in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 metres.
  • the shorter base extension members ( 19 ) can allow the overall length of the base structure assembly ( 11 ) to more closely match the overall length of the goods that are to be loaded onto the pallet system ( 10 ).
  • the use of a shorter base extension members ( 19 ) at each end of the base structure ( 11 ) provides second base sockets ( 37 ) that are nearer to the end of the base structure ( 11 ), and the opportunity to place upright members ( 15 ) and cap members ( 39 ) near the ends.
  • the pallet system ( 10 ) provides a method of palletising elongate or extruded products that includes the steps of;
  • the method can further include the fitting of joining members to engage adjacent base members, and preferably the joining members are fitted to the top of the base assembly.
  • the parts can be disassembled, and the component parts can be returned for re-use.
  • FIGS. 9 to 19 a second example of a pallet system ( 60 ) according to the present invention is shown.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show a base assembly structure ( 61 ) which includes a plurality of base members ( 63 ).
  • the pallet system ( 60 ) can also include a number of upright members ( 64 ) and/or base extension members ( 65 ).
  • the second example of a pallet system ( 60 ) is similar to the first example of a pallet system ( 10 ) except as follows.
  • each base member ( 63 ) includes interlockable elements ( 67 ) that are adapted to interlock with similarly configured interlockable elements ( 67 ) of an adjacent base member ( 63 ). While each base member ( 63 ) can include interlockable elements ( 67 ) on just one end, for example to construct a base assembly structure ( 61 ) of just two base members ( 63 ), preferably each base member ( 63 ) includes the interlockable elements ( 67 ) on both ends. Clearly the base extension members ( 65 ) require interlockable elements ( 67 ) at just one end only.
  • the base members ( 63 ) can be injection molded plastic parts having longitudinal members ( 63 a ), transverse members ( 63 b ) and diagonal members ( 63 c ) for improved rigidity.
  • the base extension members ( 65 ) can be made by simply cutting a base member ( 63 ) laterally, between transverse members ( 63 b ), at a wide range of desired locations along its length. In this way a base assembly structure ( 61 ) of a wide range of overall lengths can be formed, as the length of the base extension members ( 65 ) can be chosen at will.
  • the interlockable elements ( 67 ) could take a number of forms, however in this example, the interlockable elements ( 67 ) include one or more fingers ( 69 ) that are adapted to interlock with corresponding fingers or recesses of an adjacent base member ( 63 ).
  • each base member ( 63 ) has two short fingers ( 71 ) and two long fingers ( 73 ) on each end.
  • the long fingers ( 71 ) are sized and shaped to fit about the short fingers ( 71 ) of an adjacent base member ( 63 ), and each pair of intertwined long and short fingers ( 71 ) and ( 73 ) can be further fastened together using a suitable fastener, for example a screw ( 75 ).
  • a boss ( 76 ) is provided on the inside of each of the short fingers ( 71 ) to accommodate the threads of the screws ( 75 ).
  • each base member ( 63 ) provides a joint between adjacent base members ( 63 ) that has a greater strength than if all of the fingers ( 69 ) on one end of a base member ( 63 ) were the same length.
  • the base members ( 63 ) of the second example ( 60 ) can also include sockets ( 77 ) which are adapted to support the upright members ( 64 ) that can be used to help secure a stack of articles on the pallet system ( 60 ) and/or to facilitate the stacking of two or more similarly configured pallet systems one on top of another.
  • each base member ( 63 ) includes a lifting region ( 81 ) that is elevated with respect to at least one other region of the remainder of the lower surface ( 79 ).
  • the forks of fork lift vehicle can be placed under the lifting regions ( 81 ) of a base assembly structure ( 61 ) to allow a load of articles ( 82 ) supported on the pallet system ( 60 ) to be moved about.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show a capping member ( 83 ) or cleat which can be used to help secure a load of extrusions on or within the pallet system ( 60 ).
  • the capping members ( 83 ) can also be designed to assist with holding stacked pallet loads of extrusions secure.
  • Each capping member ( 83 ) includes a socket ( 85 ) at each end which is configured to engage with the top end of an upright member ( 64 ).
  • the sockets ( 85 ) being open at the bottom face of the capping members ( 83 ).
  • the capping members ( 83 ) span between opposing upright members ( 64 ) connected to each side of the base assembly structure ( 61 ).
  • the capping members ( 83 ) also include a recessed groove ( 87 ) along their length which can be used to retain a packaging strap ( 89 ) which can be used to secure the pallet system ( 60 ) about a load of extrusions or other elongate products ( 82 ).
  • each capping member ( 83 ) further includes one or more protrusions ( 91 ) at each end, the protrusions ( 91 ) extending upwardly from a top face ( 93 ) of the capping member ( 83 ). Also, a bearing face ( 95 ) of each protrusion ( 91 ), which faces the opposite end of the capping member ( 83 ), is inclined at an acute angle to the top face ( 93 ) of the capping member ( 83 ).
  • the lower outside edges of the base assembly structure ( 61 ) of the upper pallet system ( 60 ) can be held in place by the opposing bearing faces ( 95 ) of the capping members ( 83 ) of the lower pallet system ( 60 ). In this way, a stack of loaded pallets using the pallet system ( 60 ) can be kept secure when stacked or when being transported.
  • the protrusions ( 91 ) can also be adapted to engage with the underside of the base assembly structure ( 61 ), for example be engaging in corresponding recesses in the base members ( 63 ), to prevent longitudinal movement or slippage of the upper pallet relative to the lower pallet.
  • the joining members ( 21 ) have pins ( 27 ) and the base members ( 13 ) have complimentary sockets ( 23 ).
  • the pins could be part of the base members ( 13 ), and the joining members ( 21 ) could include the complimentary sockets.
  • adjacent base members ( 13 ) are joined using separate joining members ( 21 ).
  • the abutting edges of the base members ( 13 ) could be provided with complimentary protrusions and recesses that are configured to mate together, for example to form a dovetailed type of joint.
  • each base member ( 63 ) could be adapted to snap lock with the corresponding interlockable elements ( 67 ) of an adjacent base member ( 63 ).
  • At least the preferred form of the invention provides a pallet system which can be assembled or disassembled relatively easily, and the component parts are not cumbersome and can be transported for re-use with less difficulty than comparable full length pallets.
  • the re-usability provides a pallet system that is less demanding on the earth's natural resources.
  • the pallet system can be assembled or disassembled without the need for tools.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
US12/680,104 2007-09-26 2008-09-03 Pallet system Abandoned US20100206200A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ561957 2007-09-26
NZ56195707A NZ561957A (en) 2007-09-26 2007-09-26 Pallet system
NZ564290 2007-12-13
NZ56429007 2007-12-13
PCT/NZ2008/000227 WO2009041827A1 (fr) 2007-09-26 2008-09-03 Système de palette

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100206200A1 true US20100206200A1 (en) 2010-08-19

Family

ID=40511639

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/680,104 Abandoned US20100206200A1 (en) 2007-09-26 2008-09-03 Pallet system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20100206200A1 (fr)
AU (2) AU2008304015A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009041827A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107499648A (zh) * 2017-09-26 2017-12-22 宁波喜悦包装科技股份有限公司 一种由顶盖、围板、托盘组成的塑料保护箱
US20180339803A1 (en) * 2017-05-26 2018-11-29 Integrated Composite Products, Inc. Composite pallet
US10589897B1 (en) * 2017-08-11 2020-03-17 Paxxal Inc. Roto molded pallet
US11440701B2 (en) 2018-07-25 2022-09-13 Paxxal Inc. Structural block assembly
US11560256B2 (en) 2018-07-25 2023-01-24 Paxxal Inc. Roto molded pallet

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US2686646A (en) * 1951-08-10 1954-08-17 Martin H Mcmillan Pallet gate assembly
US2700520A (en) * 1951-04-21 1955-01-25 Leroy F Skubic Spacing and supporting facilities for pallets and the like
US3902692A (en) * 1973-02-05 1975-09-02 Westmoreland Plastics Co Combined assembly and shipping skid
US4095769A (en) * 1975-02-22 1978-06-20 Bruggemann & Brand Kg Freight pallet
US4694962A (en) * 1985-06-10 1987-09-22 Taub Ronald H Standard dimension pallet assembly formed of separate abutted segments
US5105746A (en) * 1990-07-19 1992-04-21 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Interlocking pallet
US5267648A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-12-07 Drilltec Patents & Technologies Company, Inc. Device for the transporting and stacking of cylindrical objects, such as gas cylinders, pipes, etc.
US5275279A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-01-04 North American Container Corporation Shipping container for an outboard motor
US5483899A (en) * 1994-07-05 1996-01-16 Christie; Eugene P. Modular pallet arrangement
US5769376A (en) * 1996-03-28 1998-06-23 Roll Form Tech Ltd. Support for collecting liquid from metal coils
US6202569B1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2001-03-20 Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Stackable pallet system
US6234087B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2001-05-22 Alltrista Corporation Machine dispensed modular pallet
US6971518B1 (en) * 2004-06-03 2005-12-06 Sonoco Development, Inc. Pallet base packaging system
US20060032411A1 (en) * 2004-08-12 2006-02-16 21St Century Plastics Corporation Modular Pallet and Method
US7438195B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2008-10-21 Tech-Source, Inc. All-terrain vehicle shipping package
US20090145339A1 (en) * 2007-12-06 2009-06-11 Georg Utz Holding Ag Flat pallet, and method of making such a flat pallet

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2523271A (en) * 1944-10-25 1950-09-26 Bartel Arthur Load supporting pallet
US2700520A (en) * 1951-04-21 1955-01-25 Leroy F Skubic Spacing and supporting facilities for pallets and the like
US2686646A (en) * 1951-08-10 1954-08-17 Martin H Mcmillan Pallet gate assembly
US3902692A (en) * 1973-02-05 1975-09-02 Westmoreland Plastics Co Combined assembly and shipping skid
US4095769A (en) * 1975-02-22 1978-06-20 Bruggemann & Brand Kg Freight pallet
US4694962A (en) * 1985-06-10 1987-09-22 Taub Ronald H Standard dimension pallet assembly formed of separate abutted segments
US5105746A (en) * 1990-07-19 1992-04-21 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Interlocking pallet
US5267648A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-12-07 Drilltec Patents & Technologies Company, Inc. Device for the transporting and stacking of cylindrical objects, such as gas cylinders, pipes, etc.
US5275279A (en) * 1993-02-18 1994-01-04 North American Container Corporation Shipping container for an outboard motor
US5483899A (en) * 1994-07-05 1996-01-16 Christie; Eugene P. Modular pallet arrangement
US5769376A (en) * 1996-03-28 1998-06-23 Roll Form Tech Ltd. Support for collecting liquid from metal coils
US6202569B1 (en) * 1999-08-03 2001-03-20 Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Stackable pallet system
US6234087B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2001-05-22 Alltrista Corporation Machine dispensed modular pallet
US7438195B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2008-10-21 Tech-Source, Inc. All-terrain vehicle shipping package
US6971518B1 (en) * 2004-06-03 2005-12-06 Sonoco Development, Inc. Pallet base packaging system
US20060032411A1 (en) * 2004-08-12 2006-02-16 21St Century Plastics Corporation Modular Pallet and Method
US20090145339A1 (en) * 2007-12-06 2009-06-11 Georg Utz Holding Ag Flat pallet, and method of making such a flat pallet

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180339803A1 (en) * 2017-05-26 2018-11-29 Integrated Composite Products, Inc. Composite pallet
US10696449B2 (en) * 2017-05-26 2020-06-30 Integrated Composite Products, Inc. Composite pallet
US10589897B1 (en) * 2017-08-11 2020-03-17 Paxxal Inc. Roto molded pallet
CN107499648A (zh) * 2017-09-26 2017-12-22 宁波喜悦包装科技股份有限公司 一种由顶盖、围板、托盘组成的塑料保护箱
US11440701B2 (en) 2018-07-25 2022-09-13 Paxxal Inc. Structural block assembly
US11560256B2 (en) 2018-07-25 2023-01-24 Paxxal Inc. Roto molded pallet

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2008101327A4 (en) 2015-02-26
WO2009041827A1 (fr) 2009-04-02
AU2008304015A1 (en) 2009-04-02

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