WO2010048659A1

WO2010048659A1 - A wheel pallet

Info

Publication number: WO2010048659A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glyn Hughes; Kevin Buhagiar
Original assignee: Qantas Airways Limited; Chep Technology Pty Limited
Priority date: 2008-10-29
Filing date: 2009-10-20
Publication date: 2010-05-06
Also published as: WO2010048659A8; AU2009310618B2; AU2008101058B4; AU2009310618B9; AU2008101058A4; AU2009310618A1

Abstract

A wheel pallet (1) including a support structure (10), an access opening and a retaining member (12). The support structure (1) is for supporting a wheel. The access opening is for entry and egress of the wheel to and from the support structure (10) respectively. The retaining member (12) is detachably or movably connected to the support structure (10) adjacent the access opening. The retaining member (12) is movable between a closed position preventing egress of the wheel from the structure (10) via the access opening and an open position allowing entry of the wheel to the support structure (10) via the access opening.

Description

A WHEEL PALLET

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a wheel pallet which is used in the storage, handling and transportation of wheels.

The invention has been primarily developed for storing, handling and transporting aircraft wheels and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular use and is also applicable to other large vehicles such as dump trucks and skid steer loaders which require regular changing of tyres or wheels.

Background of the Invention

Multiple aircraft and large vehicle wheels are often stored either in a horizontal or vertical position without the use of any pallet or pallet mechanism. Aircrafts and large vehicles require regular changing of tyres or wheels. This may involve first picking up the spare wheel using a forklift and transporting via a trailer to the aircraft or large vehicle that requires the tyre or wheel change. The replaced tyre or wheel is then loaded onto a wheel chaging unit and then transferred to a wooden pallet in the horizontal position. A wheel change therefore can thus involve the loading, unloading and transporting of a wheel, which can be time consuming and can create occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues.

Transporting the entire wheel without a wheel pallet to the desired location, such as next to an aircraft for a wheel change, is difficult and unsafe, as handling a wheel assembly during this process can lead to the wheel falling over. It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel; an access opening for entry and egress of the wheel to and from the support structure respectively; and a retaining member detachably or movably connected to the support structure adjacent the access opening, the retaining member movable between a closed position preventing egress of the wheel from the structure via the access opening and an open position allowing entry of the wheel to the support structure via the access opening.

Preferably the support structure includes a pod to which the retaining member is detachably connected. More preferably the pod is formed predominantly of a plastics material.

Alternatively the support structure includes a framework to which the retaining member is movably connected. In this example the framework is fabricated from metal, typically aluminium or steel.

Preferably the wheel pallet includes a locking mechanism for detachably connecting the retaining member to the support structure. More preferably the locking mechanism includes a retractable pin.

Preferably the wheel pallet further comprises another retaining member detachably or movably connected to the support structure opposite the retaining member to allow variable separation between said retaining members to accommodate wheels of different widths.

Preferably the wheel pallet includes a cover for guarding the wheel from moisture or dirt and a harness for fastening the cover on the wheel.

Preferably the wheel pallet further comprises transporter access engageable by a transporting device for transporting or manoeuvring the pallet. More preferably the transporter access includes a pair of separated channels located underneath the support structure and adapted to be engaged by lifting tines of the transporting device.

Preferably the wheel pallet further comprises lifter access accessible by a wheel lifting device for lifting the wheel. More preferably the lifter access is defined by a space defined between the wheel and the support structure. Preferably the support structure is generally elongate and the access opening is located at one of its sides for side loading of the wheel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel, the support structure including a base structure and a rear structure, the base structure including wheel support pads, the rear structure including a wheel enagaging device, wherein the support structure is pivotally mounted to the base structure for movement between an expanded position, in which the rear structure is substantially normal to the base structure, and a collapsed position, in which the rear structure is substantially parallel to the base structure. The wheel engaging device prefereably includes a disc adapted to substantially abut the hub of the wheel, the disc being spring baised towards abutment with the wheel hub.

The wheel engaging device is preferably height adjustable along the side structure relative to the base structure.

The wheel support pads are preferably adapted to support wheels of varying sizes.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel, the support structure including a wheel enagaging device, the wheel engaging device including a disc adapted to substantially abut the hub of the wheel, wherein the disc is spring biased towards abutment with the wheel hub.

The support structure preferably includes a base structure to which is pivotally mounted a rear structure for movement between an expanded position, in which the side structure is substantially normal to the base structure, and a collapsed position, in which the side structure is substantially parallel to the base structure.

The wheel engaging device is preferably mounted to the rear structure.

The wheel engaging device is preferably height adjustable along the rear structure relative to the base structure. The wheel pallet preferably includes a secondary wheel restraining device adapted to support the wheel prior to, and after, engagement of the wheel with the wheel engaging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wheel pallet;

Fig. 2 A is a top view of a second embodiment of a wheel pallet;

Fig. 2B is a side view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 2 A; Fig. 2C is an end view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 1 with two trolleys;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 1 , with a cover and harness fitted;

Fig. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a wheel pallet; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 5, with a wheel therein;

Fig. 7 is a side perspective view of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 5, in a collapsed configuration and with a like wheel pallet stacked thereon; and Fig. 8 is a rear view of the wheel pallet and wheel shown in Fig. 6.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a wheel pallet 1 , suitable for use with aircraft wheels or wheels for other large-sized vehicles. The wheel pallet 1 includes a support structure 10 for supporting a wheel 11, and a retaining member 12. The retaining member 12, is in the form of an elongate bar, and is detachably connected to the support structure 10 such that the retaining member 12 can be switched or disposed anywhere between a closed position and an open position.

The retaining member 12 in its closed position, as shown in Fig. 1, is adapted to retain the wheel 11 and reduce the likelihood of the wheel falling over when it is placed on the support structure, for example, during transportation of the wheel pallet or due to gusty wind on an airport runway. The retaining member 12 can be removed, lifted, turned, slid or otherwise manipulated to be disposed in its open position (not shown) to provide an access opening for loading the wheel on to the support structure 10. For example, one end of the elongate bar 12 may be lifted, allowing the bar 12 to rotate about its other end to provide an opening access. Alternatively, both ends of the bar 12 may be lifted, thereby detaching the bar 12 entirely from the support structure 10 to provide an access opening.

The detachable connection of the retaining member 12 to the support structure 10 may be achieved via a locking mechanism. One type of locking mechanism (not shown) includes a retractable pin which secures the retaining member when the pin is extended, and allows release or detachment of the retaining member when the pin is retracted.

As shown in Fig. 1 , the wheel pallet 1 may also comprise another retaining member 16 detachably or movably connected to the support structure 10. The wheel 11 can be located between the two retaining members 12 and 16, which are located opposite each other on opposite sides of the elongate wheel pallet 1. The detachable or movable connection of either or both retaining members allows the separation of the two retaining members to be adjusted to accommodate wheels of different widths. The wheel pallet 1 also includes a pod 14 to support and locate the wheel 11, to which the retaining members 12 and 16 are connected. The pod 14 is formed predominantly of a plastics material.

The wheel pallet 1 further comprises a pair of separated channels 30a and 30b located underneath the support structure 10. These channels form a transporter access by which a transporting device such as a forklift may engage. For example, the channels 30a and 30b can be engaged by the lifting tines of a forklift such that the entire wheel pallet 1 can be lifted off the ground and transported elsewhere by the forklift.

Fig. 3 shows the wheel pallet 1 of the first embodiment of Fig. 1 being lifted by a trolley 42 having a hydraulically driven arm 44 for lifting the wheel pallet 1. The trolley 42 includes a draw bar 46 for towing and thus manoeuvring the wheel pallet 1. The trolley 42 can be attached to either the pallet or a second trolley to form a carriage effect to enable towing of more than one wheel pallet and/or trolley at a time.

Fig. 4 shows the wheel pallet of Fig. 1 and the trolley 42 of Fig. 3 together with a cover 32 for guarding the wheel 11 from moisture or dust and a harness 34 for fastening the cover 32 on the wheel 11.

The wheel pallet 1 also includes lifter access by a wheel lifting device, for example, for lifting the wheel or for the loading and unloading of a wheel. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the lifter access is formed by spaces 50a and 50b, into which lifting arms of the wheel lifting device can extend. The lifting arms when raised can therefore lift the wheel 11 in isolation. The wheel pallet 1 shown in Fig. 1 also includes a pair of channels 60a and 60b for receiving base portions of a suitable wheel lifting device while the lifting arms are extended into the spaces 50a and 50b. A suitable wheel lifting device to be used with the embodiment of the wheel pallet shown in Fig. 1 is the Semmco Wheel and Brake Changer (hereinafter referred to as the Wheel Changer), which is a wheel lifting device for lifting aircraft wheels. The lifting arms of the Wheel Changer are supported on a body which includes base portions formed by two elongate members pointing in substantially the same direction as the lifting arms. Caster or roller wheels are also attached on the elongate members for the mobility of the Wheel Changer. Sketches of the Wheel Changer are shown at http://www.piwdesign.co.uk/semmco2/pdfs/Wheel-Break-Changer-SEMMCO.pdf.

Various ways in which a wheel in the wheel pallet may be manipulated using the Wheel Changer are now described.

A wheel in the wheel pallet 1 can be lifted, for example for mounting on an aircraft, with the help of the Wheel Changer in the following procedure. Referring to Fig. 1 , as the Wheel Changer (not shown) is moved towards the wheel pallet 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the wheel axis, the two elongate members (not shown) may be received into the two troughs 60a and 60b respectively, while the lifting arms (not shown) of the Wheel Changer are extended into the spaces 50a and 50b. The lifting arms may then be raised and lift the wheel 11 off the wheel pallet 1. If necessary, the retaining member 12 can be switched to the open position to provide more room for upward movement of the lifting arms.

A wheel in the wheel pallet 1 can also be unloaded from the wheel pallet 1 with the help of the Wheel Changer as follows. Referring to the wheel lifting procedure above, after the lifting arms are raised and the wheel 11 lifted off the wheel pallet 1, the retaining member 12 is detached, providing an access opening for the wheel 11 to be removed. The Wheel Changer can then move away from the wheel pallet 1 , thereby unloading the wheel from the wheel pallet 1. To load the wheel 11 on to the wheel pallet 1 , the above procedure for unloading the wheel can be reversed. This allows for side loading of the wheel 11 on to the wheel pallet 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the wheel axis. Figs 2 A to 2C show a second embodiment of a wheel pallet 2. Like the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the wheel pallet 2 includes a support structure 20 and a retaining member 22. The retaining member 22 is in the form of a cantilever and is movably connected to the support structure 20 at one end of the cantilever 22. The cantilever 22 is designed so that the other end of the cantilever 22 does not reach the support structure 20.

Figs. 2A to 2C show the cantilever 22 in its closed position. To move towards its open position (not shown), the cantilever 22 swings outwardly away from the support structure 20 by rotating or swinging about the end connected to the support structure 20, thereby providing an access opening to load the wheel 21 on to the support structure 20. The cantilever 22 is one of four cantilevers 22, 26a, 26b and 26c, two on each side of the wheel pallet. The cantilevers located on the sides of the elongate wheel pallet 2 allows for side loading of the wheel 21 in a direction that is substantially parallel to the wheel axis. The support structure 20 also includes a framework 24 to which the cantilevers

22, 26a, 26b, and 26c are movably connected. The framework 24 is fabricated from metal, typically aluminium.

The wheel pallet 2 also allows for end loading of the wheel 21. End loading is through another access opening 28 defined by another retaining member in form of a slidable curtain (not shown) at one end 28 of the wheel pallet 2. The slidable curtain in its closed position retains the wheel 21 in the wheel pallet 2, and in its open position allows end loading of the wheel 21 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis.

Similar to the first embodiment, the wheel pallet 2 also includes transporter access in the form of two channels 40a and 40b engageable by a forklift and located underneath the support structure 20. Similar to the first embodiment, the wheel pallet 2 also includes lifter access in the form of two spaces 50a and 50b.

Figs. 5 to 7 show a third embodiment of a wheel pallet 70. The wheel pallet 70 includes a support structure with a base structure 74 and a pivotally mounted rear structure 76. The rear structure 76 can pivot between an expanded configuration, as shown in Figs. 5, 7 and 8, and a collapsed configuration as shown in Fig. 7. The expanded configuration is used for wheel storage, handling and transit. The collapsed configuration is used to minimise storage and freight costs, and conveniently allows stacking. The base structure 74 includes a pair of wheel locating pads 78, which are configured to minimise the production of flat spots on stored tyres. The pads 78 can support wheels of various sizes.

The rear structure 76 includes a wheel engaging device in the form of a height adjustable, axially slidable disc 80, which can be brought into contact with a stored wheel 82 and serves to provide protection for the hub and bearings of the wheel 82. The disc 80 has a threaded opening which receives a fastener 84 (see Fig. 7) which passes through the centre of the wheel 82 in order to securely fasten the wheel to the disc 80, and thus to the rear structure 76 and wheel pallet 70 overall.

The side structure 76 also includes a retractable, spring biased strap assembly 86 (see Fig. 8) mounted adjacent one side of the side structure 76. The strap assembly 86 can be extended outwardly and around the stored wheel 82 and connected to the other side of the support structure 76, thereby providing a secondary level of secure retention of the wheel 82 to the wheel pallet 70. The strap assembly 86 can also support the wheel 82 before or after the disc 80 engages the wheel 82. As with earlier embodiments, the base structure 72 includes transporter access in the form of openings 88 that extend side to side and also fore and aft. The openings 88 can receive forklift tines from any of the sides or the front or rear of the wheel pallet 60.

As with earlier embodiments, the wheel pallet 70 also includes lifter access in the form of two spaces 50a and 50b. The wheel pallet 70 is also suitable for use with either a single or a multiple trolley arrangement, such as those previously described.

The embodiments of wheel pallets described above have one or more of the following advantages: • Transportation of the wheel pallet becomes practicable since the wheel is not likely to fall off the wheel pallet. This can simplify the procedure in loading or unloading the wheel.

• The wheel can be both transported and stored in the wheel pallet. This means that transportation of the wheel itself is not necessary. • Most of the manual handling associated with manoeuvring, transport and storage of the wheel is eliminated. This means reducing the risk of injury.

• Two-way fork access allows convenient access by conventional fork trucks.

• Able to suit all terrain towing. • Four-way fork access allows convenient access by hand held trolley jack.

• Allows manual transporting with hand held trolley jack.

• The wheel is firmly secured for transit.

• The secondary safety strap provides an additional security of wheel retention in transit. • They fit standardised Qantas cargo units for convenient airfreight.

• They fit all aircraft wheel variants.

• The axially movable disc allows fitment with all wheel sizes

• They allow fast wheel change over.

• They suit aircraft wheel change over on tarmac. • They comply with Qantas safety regulations.

• They are light weight.

• They have a relatively low overall height to allow convenient access underneath aircraft.

• They are compatible with the Semmco Wheel Changing unit. • They are suitable for use in all weather conditions.

• They are manoeuvrable in tight access areas.

• They allow several units to be towed simultaneously.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, the retaining member may be curved rather than straight to provide greater access to the wheel even when the retaining member is in its closed position. The lifter access may be located on top of the support structure rather than underneath the support structure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

Claims:

1. A wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel; an access opening for entry and egress of the wheel to and from the support structure respectively; and a retaining member detachably or movably connected to the support structure adjacent the access opening, the retaining member movable between a closed position preventing egress of the wheel from the structure via the access opening and an open position allowing entry of the wheel to the support structure via the access opening.

2. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a pod or a framework to which the retaining member is detachably or movably connected.

3. A wheel pallet as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the wheel pallet further comprises another retaining member detachably or movably connected to the support structure opposite the retaining member to allow variable separation between said retaining members to accommodate wheels of different widths.

4. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel pallet further comprises lifter access accessible by a wheel lifting device for lifting the wheel.

5. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel pallet includes a cover for guarding the wheel from moisture or dust and a harness for fastening the cover on the wheel.

6. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure includes a pod to which the retaining member is detachably connected.

7. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 6 wherein the pod is formed predominantly of a plastics material.

8. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support structure includes a framework to which the retaining member is movably connected.

9. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel pallet includes a locking mechanism for detachably connecting the retaining member to the support structure.

5 10. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism includes a retractable pin.

11. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the wheel pallet further comprises another retaining member detachably or movably connected to io the support structure opposite the retaining member to allow variable separation between said retaining members to accommodate wheels of different widths.

12. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel pallet includes a cover for guarding the wheel from moisture or dirt.

I₅

13. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 12, wherein the wheel pallet includes a harness for fastening the cover on the wheel.

14. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the wheel 20 pallet further comprises transporter access engageable by a transporting device for transporting or manoeuvring the pallet.

15. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 14, wherein the transporter access includes a pair of separated channels located underneath the support structure and adapted to be 5 engaged by lifting tines of the transporting device.

16. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the wheel pallet further comprises lifter access accessible by a wheel lifting device for lifting the wheel.

30

17. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lifter access is defined by a space defined between the wheel and the support structure.

18. A wheel pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support structure is generally elongate and the access opening is located at one of its sides for side loading of the wheel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis.

19. A wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel, the support structure including a base structure and a rear structure, the base structure including wheel support pads, the side structure including a wheel enagaging device, wherein the support structure is pivotally mounted to the base structure for movement between an expanded position, in which the rear structure is substantially normal to the base structure, and a collapsed position, in which the rear structure is substantially parallel to the base structure.

20. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 19, wherein the wheel engaging device includes a disc adapted to substantially abut the hub of the wheel, the disc being spring biased towards abutment with the wheel hub.

21. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 20, wherein the wheel engaging device is height adjustable along the side structure relative to the base structure.

22. A wheel pallet comprising: a support structure for supporting a wheel, the support structure including a wheel enagaging device, the wheel engaging device including a disc adapted to substantially abut the hub of the wheel, wherein the disc is spring biased towards abutment with the wheel hub.

23. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 22, wherein the support structure includes a base structure to which is pivotally mounted a rear structure for movement between an expanded position, in which the rear structure is substantially normal to the base structure, and a collapsed position, in which the rear structure is substantially parallel to the base structure.

24. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 23, wherein the wheel engaging device is mounted to the rear structure.

25. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 24, wherein the wheel engaging device is height adjustable along the rear structure relative to the base structure.

26. A wheel pallet as claimed in claim 22, 23 or 24, further including a secondary wheel restraining device adapted to support the wheel prior to, and after, engagement of the wheel with the wheel engaging device.