WO2002002421A1

WO2002002421A1 - Pallet with a barrier wall for inside a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2002002421A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000764
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice John Ryan
Original assignee: Maurice John Ryan
Priority date: 2000-06-30
Filing date: 2001-07-02
Publication date: 2002-01-10
Also published as: AUPQ852400A0

Abstract

Pallet (10) comprising a load-carrying tray (25) and a barrier wall (27) upstanding from a side of the tray. The barrier wall (27) can be permanently or removably mounted to the tray and is able to pivot down onto the tray to be retained in a folder position. The barrier wall is constructed with a peripheral frame (45) with a central section of spaced apart bars or a mesh structure (49) that is able to hold shelving or storage containers (61). The tray can have cut-out sections (52) to accommodate wheel arches (16) inside a vehicle (13). The pallet can be inserted into a load-carrying area (15) of a vehicle through side loading entry (19) or rear loading entry (17).

Description

PALLET WITH A BARRIER WALL FOR INSIDE A VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a pallet for storage, handling and transportation of goods.

Background Art

Pallets are commonly used for storage, handling and transportation of goods. A typical pallet comprises a rectangular tray having an upper surface on which goods can be stacked. Typically, the tray incorporates means by which it can be lifted by a fork-lift.

Pallets are particularly advantageous in the handling of packaged goods. The packaged goods can be stacked on a pallet at a loading station and the stacked pallet transferred into the load-carrying area of a vehicle for transportation. The loaded pallet can then be delivered to its destination, in a case where all the packaged goods are required at that destination. The loaded pallet can then be removed from the vehicle with the packaged goods still stacked thereon and the packaged goods subsequently distributed. In a case where the packaged goods on the pallet are to be distributed at various locations, the vehicle can travel to the various locations and the required quantities of packages can be removed from the pallet at each of the locations.

While pallets provide a particularly convenient way of handling packaged goods, there are disadvantages.

One such disadvantage arises when goods stacked on a pallet are distributed at various locations. In such a case, as the number of goods on the pallet are depleted during the distribution process, it is common for the remaining packages to topple from the pallet with motion of the vehicle, particularly during acceleration and breaking of the vehicle. This can lead to disorder in the load-carrying area of the vehicle, making it difficult for the driver to locate relevant packages for specific destinations. A further difficulty with conventional pallets is that any liquid spillages from the packaged goods are not confined by the pallet and can flow into the load-carrying area of the vehicle.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least alleviate at least some of the disadvantages referred to above in relation to conventional pallets.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pallet comprising a load-carrying tray and a barrier wall upstanding from a side of the load-carrying tray.

The barrier wall may be permanently mounted on the tray or may be demountable therefrom.

Alternatively, the barrier wall may be pivotally mounted on the tray such that the barrier wall may pivot down onto the tray to be retained in a folded position. In this case, the pallet may be provided with a locking mechanism such as a bolt to maintain the barrier wall in a fixed upright position. The bolt may simply be withdrawn to allow the barrier wall to pivot downwards.

Typically, the tray is rectangular in plan.

The barrier wall may comprise a peripheral frame. The peripheral frame may enclose a central barrier section. The central barrier section may be of any suitable construction, such as for example a series of spaced apart bars or a mesh structure.

The load-carrying tray may comprise a solid base with an upstanding peripheral wall extending around the base. In this way, the peripheral wall may define a weir for confining any liquid material which may spill from the packages and onto the tray.

The load-carrying tray may incorporate passages for receiving the forks of a fork-lift to facilitate handling of the pallet. Conveniently, there are passages which allow the forks of a forklift to engage the pallet from any one of the four sides thereof.

The load-carrying tray may be provided with a further barrier wall in opposed relation to the first-mentioned barrier wall.

The or each barrier wall may have provision to accommodate shelving which can be positioned on the wall to enhance the utility of the pallet.

The pallet according to the invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for use with a load-carrying vehicle in the form of a van having a rear loading entry and a side loading entry. Typically, the rear loading entry is closed by a single door or double doors, and the side loading entry is closed by a sliding door.

The pallet may be of a size so that it can be inserted into, and removed from, the load-carrying area of the vehicle through the side entry, with the barrier wall located towards the rear of the vehicle so as to divide the load-carrying area into two sections, being a front section which is occupied by the load-carrying tray and a rear section which is accessible through the rear entry. With this arrangement, in addition to the load carried on the tray, a further load can be carried in the rear section behind the pallet with access to that section being obtained via the rear entry. The barrier wall provides a barrier surface which assists in confining a load carried in the rear section. In this way, packages stacked in the rear section can be unloaded without disrupting packages stacked on the load-carrying tray of the pallet. Similarly, packages stacked on the load-carrying tray of the pallet can be unloaded without disrupting packages stacked in the rear section.

The or each barrier wall of the pallet may incorporate a slot adapted to receive the load-carrying platform of a hand trolley for the purpose of conveniently securing the hand trolley with respect to the pallet so as to restrain the hand trolley against movement within the load-carrying area of the vehicle. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a second embodiment;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pallet of Figure 2 showing the barrier wall in the folded down position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a third embodiment;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the pallet of Figure 1 in position in the load- carrying area of a van;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the van with the pallet in position;

Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing the pallet in position on the ground prior to loading, with the van shown in readiness to receive the loaded pallet;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view showing the loaded pallet with packages stacked thereon in position in the van, as well as showing additional packages stacked in the rear section of the load-carrying area of the van;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 with the exception that the packages stacked on the pallet have been unloaded therefrom;

Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing the pallet in position within the load-carrying area of the van; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a fifth embodiment;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the pallet according to Figure 12 with a hand trolley resting on the load-carrying tray of the pallet and being secured in position on the pallet;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the pallet according to Figure 12 with the hand trolley being shown secured in another way to the pallet;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a sixth embodiment;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a pallet according to a seventh embodiment; and

Figure 17 is a detailed view of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 and 5 to 10 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a pallet 10 for use with a load-carrying vehicle 13 in the form of a van having a load-carrying area 15 with access thereto through a rear entry 17 and a side entry 19. The rear entry 17 can be closed by a double door 21 and the side entry 19 can be closed by a slidable side door 23.

The pallet 10 comprises a load-carrying tray 25 which is of rectangular shape in plan, and a barrier wall 27 upstanding from one side of the tray.

The tray 25 comprises a plurality of longitudinal frame elements 28 (there being three such longitudinal frame members in this embodiment) and lateral frame elements 29 between which the longitudinal frame members 27 extend and to which the ends of the longitudinal frame members 28 are fixed. A plate 31 is mounted on the frame structure to provide a load-carrying base 32 for the tray 25.

Apertures 33 are provided in the two lateral frame elements 29 to provide passages between adjacent longitudinal frame elements 28 for receiving the forks of a forklift to facilitate handling of the pallet. Similarly, apertures 35 are provided in the longitudinal frame elements 28 to receive the forks of a forklift. In this way, the pallet has provision to receive the forklift from any one of the four sides of the load-carrying tray 25.

A peripheral wall 41 is provided around the sides of the base 32 of the tray 25 shown as wall sections 41a, 41 b, 41 c and 41 d. The barrier wall 27 is located on one of the sides. The base 32 is flat, the arrangement being such that any spillage of liquids onto the load-carrying tray is confined by the peripheral wall 41.

The barrier wall 27 comprises a peripheral frame structure 45 which encloses a central barrier section 47. In this embodiment, the central barrier section 47 is in the form of a barrier mesh attached to the peripheral frame 45. Intermediate frame members 49 extend between the tray 25 and the upper end of the peripheral frame 45.

The peripheral wall 41 is configured to provide webs 57 bracing between the load-carrying tray 25 and the barrier wall 27 so as to rigidly secure the barrier wall with respect to the load-carrying tray.

The pallet 10 is dimensioned so as to be receivable in the load-carrying area 15 of . the van 13 through the side entry 19. In this embodiment, the pallet 10 is introduced into the load-carrying area 15 of the vehicle 13 through the side entry 19 of the van, with the barrier wall 27 being located towards the rear of the vehicle. The pallet 10 is located towards the forward end of the load-carrying area 15 such that the barrier wall 27 divides the load-carrying area into two sections, one being a front section 61 which is occupied by the load-carrying tray 25 and the other being a rear section 62. With this arrangement, the pallet 10 with packages 63 stacked thereon can be loaded into the load-carrying area 15 through the side entry 19, and additional packages 65 can be loaded into the rear section 62 of the load-carrying area 15 through the rear entry 17. The barrier wall 27 serves to separate the packages 63 stacked on the pallet in the front section 61 from the packages 65 stacked in the rear section 62. In this way, the packages 63 can be progressively removed from the van without disrupting the stacked packages 65, as illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings. Similarly, it is possible for the stacked packages 65 to be progressively removed from the van without disrupting the stacked packages 63. The barrier wall 27 thus serves to confine the two sets of packages 63, 65 so that unloading of one set of packages does not interfere with the stability of the other set of packages.

Restraining means 71 (Figure 10) such as locating brackets may be provided for locating the pallet 10 in position in the load-carrying area 15 of the vehicle to prevent sliding of the pallet within the load-carrying area during movement of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a pallet 20 according to a second embodiment. The pallet 20 is of similar construction to the pallet 10 of the first embodiment with the exception that the barrier wall 27 is pivotally mounted on the tray 25 about a pivot point 12. This allows the barrier wall 27 to pivot down onto the tray 25 to be retained in a folded position as shown in Figure 3. The pallet 20 may conveniently be stored in the folded position when not in use.

The pallet 20 according to the second embodiment also comprises a locking mechanism in the form of a bolt 73 as shown in Figure 17. The bolt 73 is released to allow the barrier wall to pivot downwards into the folded position.

While the feature of the pivotal mounting of the barrier wall 27 on the tray is described and illustrated only in relation to the second embodiment, it should be appreciated that this feature may be incorporated into any one of the other embodiments which have been described herein. Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a pallet 30 according to a third embodiment. The pallet 30 is of similar construction to that of the pallet 10 of the first embodiment with the exception that the peripheral frame 45 is of angular construction instead of having a curved shape. The variation in the shape of the peripheral frame allows for accommodation of the pallet in vans with varying roof shapes.

Referring now to Figure 11 of the drawings, there is shown a pallet 40 according to a fourth embodiment. The pallet 40 is of similar construction to the pallet 30 of the third embodiment, with the exception that it is provided with a further barrier wall 81 in opposed relationship to barrier wall 27. As can be seen from the drawing, one barrier wall is lower than the other to facilitate access to the load- carrying tray. Clearly, any of the other embodiments described herein may also be provided with a further barrier wall analogous to that of the fourth embodiment.

Referring now to Figures 12 to 14 of the drawings, there is shown a pallet 50 according to a fifth embodiment. The pallet 50 is of similar construction to the pallet 10 of the first embodiment except that there is provided a gap 51 incorporated in the barrier mesh 49.

The gap 51 is adapted to receive the load-carrying platform 53 of a hand trolley 55, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 13, the hand trolley 55 is supported on the load-carrying tray 25 with the platform 53 of the trolley received in the gap 51 to secure the trolley 55 with respect to the pallet. In this way, the hand trolley 55 can be restrained against movement within the van 13. In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 14 of the drawings, the trolley 55 is located on the side of the barrier wall 27 opposite to the load-carrying tray 25, with the load-carrying platform 53 received in the gap 51 in a similar fashion to secure the trolley with respect to the pallet.

The various embodiments which have been described relate to pallets adapted to be loaded into a vehicle 13 through the side entry 19. The presence of wheel arches 16 (see Figure 6) protruding into the load-carrying area 15 causes difficulties in loading the pallets through the rear entry 17. If the pallets are to be loaded through the rear entry 17, they need to be of a size which can be accommodated in the space between the wheel arches 16.

It would, however be advantageous to provide a pallet which has a facility for rear entry loading. One such pallet is shown in Figure 15 of the drawings.

Referring now to Figure 15, there is shown a pallet 60 according to a sixth embodiment. The pallet 60 is of somewhat similar construction to the pallet 30 of the third embodiment except that there are cut-out sections 52 to accommodate the wheel arches 16. Each cut-out section 52 extends laterally into the load-carrying base 32. A frame element 53 extends over each cut-out section 52 to provide a rigid connection between the base 32 and the peripheral frame structure 45 for stability.

Referring now to Figure 16, there is shown a pallet 70 in which the barrier wall 27 is adapted to support storage containers 61 which may be used for any suitable purpose. The storage containers 61 may be supported on one or both sides of the barrier wall 27. While the feature of provision to support storage containers 61 is described and illustrated only in relation to this embodiment, it should be appreciated that the feature may be incorporated into any one of the other embodiments which have been described.

In each of the embodiments described, the or each barrier wall has been rigidly or pivotally mounted onto the load-carrying tray of the pallet. It should, however, be appreciated that the or each barrier wall may be demountable with respect to the load-carrying tray. This can be particularly advantageous for storage and/or transportation of the pallets.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a simple, yet highly effective pallet which is particularly suitable for use with vehicles of the type described.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the various embodiments described. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. A pallet comprising a load-carrying tray and a barrier wall upstanding from a side of the load-carrying tray.

2. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the barrier wall is permanently mounted on the tray.

3. A pallet according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the barrier wall is pivotally mounted on the tray such that the barrier wall may pivot down onto the tray to be retained in a folded position.

4. A pallet according to claim 3 wherein the pallet is provided with a locking mechanism to maintain the barrier wall in a fixed upright position.

5. A pallet according to claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a bolt.

6. A pallet according to claim 1 wherein the barrier wall is demountable from the tray.

7. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tray is rectangular in plan.

8. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrier wall comprises a peripheral frame.

9. A pallet according to claim 8 wherein the peripheral frame encloses a central barrier section.

10. A pallet according to claim 9 wherein the central barrier section comprises a series of spaced apart bars.

11. A pallet according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the central barrier section comprises a mesh structure.

12. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the load-carrying tray comprises a solid base with an upstanding peripheral wall extending around the base.

13. A pallet according to claim 12 wherein the peripheral wall is configured to provide webs between the load-carrying tray and the barrier wall so as to rigidly secure the barrier wall with respect to the load-carrying tray.

14. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the load-carrying tray incorporates passages for receiving the forks of a fork-lift to facilitate handling of the pallet.

15. A pallet according to claim 14 wherein there are passages which allow the forks of a forklift to engage the pallet from any one of the four sides thereof.

16. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the load-carrying tray is provided with a further barrier wall in opposed relation to the first-mentioned barrier wall.

17. A pallet according to claim 16 wherein the or each barrier wall is provided with shelving which can be positioned on the wall.

18. A pallet according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the or each barrier wall incorporates a slot adapted to receive the load-carrying platform of a hand trolley to secure the hand trolley with respect to the pallet.

1 9. A pallet according to any one of the preceding claims adapted for use with a load-carrying vehicle having a rear loading entry and a side loading entry.

20. A pallet according to claim 19 wherein the pallet is of a size so that it can be inserted into, and removed from a load-carrying area of the vehicle through the side entry, with the barrier wall located towards the rear of the vehicle so as to divide the load-carrying area into two sections, being a front section which is occupied by the load-carrying tray and a rear section which is accessible through the rear entry.

21. A pallet according to claim 20 wherein locating brackets are provided in the load-carrying area of the vehicle to prevent sliding of the pallet during movement of the vehicle.

22. A pallet according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the barrier wall provides a barrier surface which assists in confining a load carried in the rear section.

23. A pallet substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.