WO2011039766A2 - Transport structure - Google Patents

Transport structure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011039766A2
WO2011039766A2 PCT/IN2010/000599 IN2010000599W WO2011039766A2 WO 2011039766 A2 WO2011039766 A2 WO 2011039766A2 IN 2010000599 W IN2010000599 W IN 2010000599W WO 2011039766 A2 WO2011039766 A2 WO 2011039766A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tunnel
transport structure
base support
reinforcing
reinforcing member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2010/000599
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011039766A3 (en
Inventor
Sukumar Narasimhan
Harivallabh Ichha Bhatt
Makarand Purushottam Inamdar
Original Assignee
Reliance Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reliance Industries Ltd filed Critical Reliance Industries Ltd
Publication of WO2011039766A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011039766A2/en
Publication of WO2011039766A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011039766A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D19/36—Pallets comprising a flexible load carrier extending between guide elements, e.g. guide tubes
    • 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
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/002—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0024—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0026—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single 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
    • 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
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/002—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0024—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0028—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single 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 discrete foot-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
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—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
    • B65D2519/00049—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
    • B65D2519/00124—Paper
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than 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
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting 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
    • B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than 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
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-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
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00562—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems and methods used for transportation of goods.
  • the present invention relates to a transport structure, such as pallets, for storage, handling, loading or unloading of goods.
  • a transport structure such as pallets
  • the pallets may be manufactured of various materials, such as wood, plastic, paper and the like.
  • a wooden pallet includes a plurality of wooden sections held together with wooden battens disposed over the wooden sections and nailed or bolted to them.
  • the pallets with loads are generally held by a .forklift by engaging the forks of the forklift underneath the pallets.
  • Wooden pallets are prone to fungal/insect attack and the bolts and nails are prone to rusting thereby reducing the life of the . pallets.
  • Treated wood may be used to overcome the problem of fungal/insect attack.
  • Wooden pallets are non- recyclable and are generally non-reusable and create disposal problems. As wooden pallets require trees, they deplete the natural resources and are not environmental friendly. A wooden pallet is heavy and adds to the weight of the load being handled. It also increases the effective height of the load being handled. Wooden pallets are inflexible and can be a disadvantage in handling certain kinds of loads like bags or flexible containers as they do not contour to the shape of such loads and hold them property. This may cause the load to slip off the pallet and get damaged and result in accidents.
  • Plastic pallets similar in construction as the wooden pallets but without nails or bolts are also used for storage of heavy loads and for handling heavy loads.
  • Plastic pallets made by moulding or made from plastic lumber are expensive.
  • Plastic pallets are also inflexible like wooden pallets.
  • Supports for loads comprising plastic sheet and corrugated board (known as slip sheets) have also been in use, but these have limitations in handling heavy loads. While loading and unloading heavy loads with slip sheets, woodenplastic pallets will need to be used in combination. This will require additional clamps on the forklift to clamp the slip sheets.
  • EP0083505 publication having priority date of December 31, 1981 discloses a collapsible receptacle.
  • the collapsible receptacle includes a length of fabric material preferably formed from woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene.
  • a plurality of lift loops formed from webbing positioned along the length of fabric material.
  • the lift loops may be secured to the material either by means of stitching, or the lift loops may be adhesiyely secured to the material. After the lift loops are secured to the material, the material is adhesively secured around the upper end of a collapsible receptacle body panel with the lift loops projecting above the upper edge of the panel.
  • a line of stitching may be used along the length of material adjacent its lower edge to further secure the material to the body panel.
  • the fabric covering of the collapsible receptacle as disclosed by EP0083505 publication is comparatively ineffective in handling various kinds of load thereon.
  • US 6155527 patent having priority date of September 16, 1997 discloses a base pad for supporting an appliance during assembly and shipping is provided.
  • the pad has a pair of endpieces, each having portions for supporting the weight of an appliance, a pair of crosspieces connected to the endpieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and wrapping substantially covering the weight supporting portions of the endpieces.
  • the endpieces are formed of materials, such as expanded polystyrene and the wrapping is formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper.
  • the base pad as disclosed by US6155527 patent is not compact.
  • WOOl 08987 publication having priority date of August 02, 1999 discloses a pallet assembly capable of being fabricated on site as needed using a lie-flat (usually paper based) die-cut, overlapped and fixed product ("planar member") and a pair of forklift fork receiving members (e.g. longitudinally halved ⁇ tubes of laminated paper) capable of being spaced by the use of the planar member in a deployed form.
  • planar member e.g. longitudinally halved ⁇ tubes of laminated paper
  • the planar member deploys to a fqrm that holds the channel like fork receiving members in a spaced parallel condition.
  • the pallet assembly as disclosed by WOO 108987 publication does not provide comparatively strong and compact structure.
  • WOO 134484 publication having priority date November 12, 1999 discloses a pallet constructed in the nature of a slip-sheet for the support and transport of bulk-bags.
  • the pallet is fabricated from semi-rigid plastic sheet to have a base supporting lift tine engagement elements standing proud of an obverse face. Preferably two engagement elements are provided.
  • the elements may be moulded from the material of the base or formed by separate elements attached to the base. At one end a flap may be provided on the base to extend beyond the associated end opening of the elements.
  • the extension flap may be formed by an integral part of the base or by a separate projecting tab affixed to the base.
  • the pallet as disclosed by WOO 134484 publication is not foldable and is not adapted to carry various kinds of load.
  • EP1 149777 publication having priority date of March 08, 2000 discloses a flexible intermediate bulk container.
  • the flexible intermediate bulk container includes walls composed of flexible sheet, with at least a second end enclosed with a sheet. The ends may have filling and discharge spouts.
  • the walls of flexible sheet may have a plurality of loops external to the container and adjacent to the first end.
  • the second end has two parallel guides formed from flexible sheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk container.
  • each guide has therein a removable fork guide formed from a solid material.
  • the guides and removable fork guides are cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship to accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift.
  • the flexible intermediate bulk container of EP1 149777 publication discloses a fork guide formed from a solid material.
  • US20040217250 publication having priority date of September 13, 2001 discloses a flexible pallet manufactured by using plastic woven cloth or sheet.
  • the flexible pallet includes square upper and lower surface formed with plastic sheet seamed to each other so as to, form fork pockets therebetween, and inner surface materials formed with woven cloth using PP mono-filaments are installed on the inner surface of the fork pockets.
  • the flexible pallet further includes an elongate reinforcing member disposed on an insertation side of the fork pockets.
  • the flexible pallet of US20040217250 publication is comparatively ineffective in providing strong and sturdy structure for handling various kinds of goods.
  • BE ' 1015851 publication having priority date of January 09, 2004 discloses a solid or perforated auxiliary curved plate for use in place of pallets for handling flexible containers.
  • the auxiliary plate includes channels for locating forks of a forklift.
  • the auxiliary plate is preferably integrated into the container base.
  • the auxiliary plate is inflexible and is only suitable for handling bulk flexible cpntainers.
  • US7644665 patent having priority date of May 16, 2005 discloses a knockdown pallet structure.
  • the pallet structure includes a flexible base panel fabricated from a suitable woven plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending pockets that are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members, which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes, for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck when a pallet structure, having a palletized load disposed thereon, is to be lifted and transported.
  • rigid support members which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes
  • US2010050910 publication having priority date of Mar 1, 2007 discloses a pallet.
  • the pallet includes at least one load arrangement surface and the support element being capable of sustaining the loads.
  • the support element includes at least one kind of alveolar plastic and has a substantially dome- shaped crosswise section.
  • the pallet also includes a fabric covering capable of externally enveloping both the loads arrangement surface and the support element.
  • the fabric covering of the pallet as disclosed by US2010050910 publication does not provide strong and sturdy structure for the support element.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is strong and sturdy.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is flexible.
  • One more object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is effective in handling various kinds of loads.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is weather and UV resistant.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is recyclable and does not cause disposal problem.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is adapted to provide easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that requires reduced space for storage and transportation.
  • One more object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is comparatively safe.
  • a portable transport structure in accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable transport structure.
  • the portable transport structure includes a flexible base support, at least one tunnel, and at least one arcuate reinforcing member locatable within said at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one tunnel has flexible walls provided on the base support.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is particularly adapted to be resiliently positioned in said tunnel.
  • the base support has a mass in the range of 180 to 240 grams per square meter.
  • the base support is of fabric.
  • the base support is of polyolefin fabric.
  • the base support is of raffia grade fabric.
  • the base support is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric.
  • the base support has a rectangular cross-section.
  • the base support has a square shaped'cross-section.
  • the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant.
  • the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
  • the at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
  • the at least one tunnel may be non-linearly aligned.
  • the at least one tunnel may be disposed on the operative top surface of said base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip.
  • the at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure.
  • the plurality of tunnels is disposed adjacent to one another on the base support.
  • the plurality of tunnels is spaced apart from each other on the base support.
  • a flexible raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric sheet may be disposed over the at least one tunnel and connected to sides of said base support.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resilieritly positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper
  • the arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
  • the arcuate reinforcing member is of a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
  • the transport structure includes a plurality of strapping means.
  • the strapping means may include an eyelet.
  • the transport structure may be a pallet.
  • a reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet includes at least one tunnel and at least one arcuate reinforcing member locatable within said at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in the tunnel.
  • the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is ofpolyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant.
  • the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
  • the at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
  • the at least one tunnel is non-linearly aligned Further, the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative top surface of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip.
  • the at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper.
  • the arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
  • the arcuate reinforcing member may be a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a transport structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transport structure as shown in Figure 1 along line A-A in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of a tunnel of the transport structure of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a transport structure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transport structure of Figure 4 along line B-B in Figure 4;
  • Figure'6 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members alternately in said tunnel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 7 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members sequentially in said tunnel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members sequentially in said tunnel, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating five tunnels formed on the base support adjacent to one another, in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional of the transport structure of Fig 9 along line C-C in Fig 9;
  • Figure 11 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating spaces between the tunnels, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 illustrates cross-sectional view of the transport structure of Fig 11 along line D-D in Fig 11;
  • Figure 13 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating longitudinal and transverse positioning of tunnels, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the transport structure of Fig 13 along lines EE and FF in Fig 13 respectively;
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of a transport structure illustrating positioning of tunnels below flexible base support, in accordance with one more embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 17 illustrates a view of the transport structure of Figure 16 along X - direction shown in Figure 16;
  • Figure 18 illustrates a view of the transport structure of Figure 16 along Y - direction shown in Figure 16.
  • the present invention provides a transport structure, such as a pallet for storage, handling, loading or unloading of goods.
  • the transport structure ⁇ of the present invention is flexible for facilitating handling of loads of various kinds.
  • the transport structure is adapted to provide a strong and sturdy structure for easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism. Further, the transport structure of the present invention does not add to height or weight of load.
  • the portable transport structure 100 includes a flexible base support, such as flexible base supports 102 and 202, at least one tunnel, such as tunnel 104 and at least one arcuate reinforcing member, such as arcuate reinforcing member 106.
  • the base support has a mass in the range of 180 to 240 grams per square meter.
  • the base support is not limited to any particular mass.
  • the base support may be composed of various materials.
  • the base support may be of fabric.
  • the base support may be of polyolefin fabric.
  • the base support is of raffia grade fabric.
  • the base support is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric.
  • the base support may be ultraviolet resistant.
  • the flexible base support is composed of lightweight material. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the base support.
  • the base support has a rectangular cross-section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base support has a square shaped cross-section. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the base support. Preferably, the sides of the base support are hemmed.
  • the at least one tunnel includes flexible walls provided on the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
  • the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant.
  • the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
  • the at least one tunnel may be linearly aligned.
  • the at least one tunnel may be non-linearly aligned.
  • the at least one tunnel may be disposed on the operative top surface of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip.
  • the at least one tunnel includes a pair of flexible strips.
  • Th6 flexible strips are adapted to configure a double walled hollow structure.
  • the double walled hollow structure includes pockets formed by stitching. The pockets are adapted to resiliently position at least one arcuate reinforcing member there within.
  • the plurality of tunnels may be disposed adjacent to one another on the base support. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of tunnels may be spaced apart from each other on the base support.
  • a flexible raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric sheet may be disposed over the at least one tunnel and connected to sides of the base support.
  • the at least one tunnel is adapted to provide sufficient space with respect to the base support for facilitating easy entry of tines or forks of a forklift for enabling easy transportation of load by the forklift.
  • the at least one tunnel is composed of lightweight material.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in tunnels. More specifically, the arcuate reinforcing member may be resiliently positioned in a part of the tunnels. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in said double walled hollow structure of the at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of the arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said doubled walled hollow structure of " said at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of said arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration. More specifically, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is encased or located within the double walled hollow structure of the at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of the arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
  • the arcuate reinforcing member is of a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
  • the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the arcuate reinforcing member.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be dismantable from said at least one tunnel.
  • the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is composed of lightweight material.
  • the portable transport structure 100 is a raffia grade polyolefin fabric sheet pallet 100.
  • the raffia grade polyolefin fabric sheet pallet 100 includes a base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited polyolefin woven fabric sheet having the sides thereof hemmed 108 (hemming marked 108).
  • the sides of the base support 102 are hemmed by folding over and stitching of the sides of the base support 102.
  • the pallet 100 includes two horizontally disposed double walled tunnels 104 fixed on the surface of the sheet. The double walls of the tunnels are marked 110a and 110b.
  • the tunnels are formed by folding raffia grade polyolefin strips into double walled hollow members and stitching (stitching marked 112) the hollow members onto the fabric sheet along the opposite sides 114a, 114b of the hollow members. Instead of stitching the sides of the hollow members, they may be fixed by alternative modes of fixing like bonding with an adhesive, riveting or heat sealing or welding.
  • a pair of cellulose paper tubes 106 halved along the length thereof is inserted in the space between the double walls of each of the tunnels 104 one at each end thereof in spaced apart relationship with each other.
  • the paper tubes 106 are optionally fixed to the tunnels by stitching (stitching marked 116) or by one of the other modes of fixing as described above.
  • the paper tubes are, preferably used yarn spools cut into halves along the length thereof.
  • the pallet 200 as illustrated in Figs 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes a base support 202 made of two flexible raffia grade UV inhibited polyolefin fabric sheets 204a, 204b fixed together by one of the above modes of fixing.
  • the pallet 300 as illustrated in Fig 6 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes three paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in spaced apart relationship with one another.
  • the pallet 400 as illustrated in Fig 7 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes six paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in close contact with one another.
  • the pallet 500 as illustrated in Fig 8 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes seven paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in close contact with one another.
  • the base support 102 also includes eyelets 502 formed therein.
  • the tunnels 104 of the pallets as illustrated above act as engaging grooves for the forks (not shown) of a forklift (not shown) or similar lifting mechanisms for handling i.e. lifting or lowering loads (not shown) located on the pallets.
  • the tunnels 104 may also act as strapping or slinging grooves for handling the loads.
  • the eyelets 502 of Fig 8 also can act as strapping or slinging holes for handling the loads.
  • the pallet 600 as illustrated in Figs 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes five tunnels 104 formed on the base support 102 adjacent to one another. Each of the tunnels includes six; paper tubes 106 inserted therein in close contact -with one another. Besides providing access for the forks of a forklift or for strapping, the tunnels also provide certain amount of rigidity and strength to the pallet.
  • the pallet 700 as illustrated in Figs 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings includes the base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven poly olefin fabric sheet with the sides thereof hemmed 108.
  • a plurality of discontinuous or discrete groups or sets of tunnels marked 702a, 702b and 702c are formed on the base support 102 with spaces marked 704 between the groups of the tunnels.
  • Each of the tunnels is formed as described earlier with reference to Figs 1 to 3.
  • a top flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric sheet 706 is hemmed at the sides and placed over the groups of tunnels and fixed at the sides of the base support 102 by one of the ; modes of fixing as described above except where the spaces 704 appear so that the spaces 704 between the groups of tunnels against the top sheet 706 also provide access for the forks of a forklift or for slinging or strapping for handling loads.
  • the pallet thus provides entry for forks or for slinging from different sides anjd directions of the pallet.
  • the tunnels also provide certain amount of rigidity and strength to the pallet.
  • the pallet 800 as illustrated in Figs 13 to 15 of the accompanying drawings includes two rows of . discrete tunnels 802a, 802b and 802c formed at opposite ends across the width of the base support 102.
  • a pair of tunnels 804a and 804b are formed along the length of the base support between the rows of discrete tunnels 802a, 802b and 802c aligned with the open spaces 806 between the discrete tunnels.
  • the tunnels 804a and 804b can be accessed from the front side or back side of the pallet for forks entr or for slinging via the respective open spaces 806.
  • the forks entry for the tunnels or entry for slinging in the two rows of discrete tunnels can be from opposite sides of the pallet.
  • the tunnels also provide reinforcement to the pallet.
  • the tunnels are made as described earlier.
  • the pallet 900 as illustrated in Figs 16, 17 and 18 of the accompanying drawings includes the base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric sheet with the sides thereof hemmed 108.
  • the pallet 900 also includes three rows of vertically disposed double walled tunnels 902a, 902b and 902c formed underneath the base support 102 in spaced apart relationship with one another.
  • Each of the tunnels is formed with raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric strips folded into double walled hollow members and fixed together by one of the modes of fixing described earlier.
  • the upper ends of the hollow members are fixed to the bottom surface of the base support 102 by one of the modes of fixing described earlier.
  • Each of the tunnels includes a cellulose paper tube inserted in the space between the double walls thereof and fixed to the walls of the tunnels by one of the modes of fixing described above.
  • each of the cellulose paper tubes includes a used yarn spool cut across the length thereof.
  • the tunnels provide flexibility to engage the forks (not shown) of a forklift (not shown) from below the pallet in the vertical direction and handle the load on the pallet.
  • the tunnels can be accessed both from the X and Y directions in Fig 16.
  • the pallet also can be strapped and handled by engaging the open spaces 904 and 906 between the tunnels in the X direction and in Y direction, respectively.
  • the tunnels also provide rigidity to the pallet.
  • the pallet of Figs 16 to 18 may comprise two sheets as in the case of the pallet of Figs 4 and 5 and may include eyelets as in the case of the pallet of Fig 8.
  • a reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet.
  • the reinforcing structure includes at least one tunnel, such as tunnels 104, 702a, 702b, 702c, 802a, 802b, 802c and at least one arcuate reinforcing member, such as the arcuate reinforcing member 106, adapted to be resiliently positioned in the at least one tunnel.
  • the reinforcing structure is adapted to be provided on a base support of a portable transport structure, such as the base support 102 or 202 of the portable transport structure 100 to 900.
  • the at least one tunnel and the at least one arcuate reinforcing member of the reinforcing structure are respectively structurally and functionally similar to the tunnels 104, 702a, 702b, 702c, 802a, 802b, 802c and the arcuate reinforcing member 106 of the portable transport structure 100 to 900. Accordingly, the at least one tunnel and the at least one arcuate reinforcing member of the reinforcing structure are not described in detail for the brevity of the present document.
  • the various flexible pallets of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings are advantageously used, especially during loading and unloading of loads by supporting the loads only on the pallets and handling the pallets with a forklift or similar lifting mechanism without the use of wooden pallets.
  • the load on the pallet also can be handled by engaging straps (wire ropes or strings) through the eyelets or through the spaces between the tunnels or through the tunnels.
  • the loads may be lifted by holding the straps manually or by holding the straps with a lifting mechanism like forklift. Because of the flexible nature of the pallets, the pallets will contour or bend or fold over the loads so as to hold the loads securely and safely in place while being handled.
  • the pallet is foldable, mechanically strong, reusable, weather and UV resistant, fungal / insect resistant and durable.
  • the pallet is recycleable and does not cause disposal problems. It is ecofriendly as it does not deplete natural resources like trees as in the case of wooden pallets. It is easy to fabricate and does not require any energy for its fabrication. It is flat, compact and lightweight and requires reduced space for storage and transportation. It does not significantly add to the height or weight of the load. Because of its flexibility it can also be folded during storage and transportation. As a result, storage space and transportation cost are reduced. Reuse of used yarn spools in the tunnels .renders it further economical. As the cellulose paper tubes are fully enclosed within the tunnel walls, the paper tubes are not affected by moisture or water. Consequently the life of the pallet is also increased.
  • the cellulose paper tubes help to maintain the shape of the tunnels without deforming or collapsing so that there is easy accessibility to the forks of the forklift or similar lifting mechanism in the tunnels or for the straps.
  • the cellulose paper tubes also provide certain amount of rigidity and mechanical strength to the tunnels and base support, particularly in the case of the pallets of Figs 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. As a result, loads can be held on the pallet without allowing the pallet to sag excessively. Also heavier loads can be handled by the pallet.
  • the pallet can be accessed for handling for different directions.
  • the pallet is versatile as it can handle loads of different shapes and kinds and from different directions. It is user friendly and includes few component parts and is economical.
  • the hemming or fabric overflow at the sides of the sheet(s) helps to prevent damage to the pallets at the sides thereof and increases the structural strength of the pallets.
  • Ten pallets of Figs 1 ; and 2 were fabricated with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric sheet of mass 230 GSM, length 1025 mm and width 1025 mm. Fabric overflow on all the sides of the sheet was 25 mm and all the sides were provided with Herackle or over-edging stitch (hemmed). 3 ⁇ 4o spaced apart double walled tunnels were formed on the base support using two woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric strips. Inner and outer fabrics of the tunnels each was 230 GSM. The tunnels were stitched by double needle chain stitch using 6000 Denier thread. Used yarn spools cut half along the length thereof were inserted between the walls of the tunnels.
  • the tubes were stitched to the tunnels by needle chain stitch using 4000 Denier thread.
  • the length, diameter and thickness of the tubes were 187.5 mm, 125 mm and 75 mm.
  • the pallets were used 3 times to handle loads of 2200 kg over a, period of 4 weeks and the pallets were still found to be intact and reusable.
  • Pallets of Figs 11 and 12 were fabricated with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric sheets of 180 GSM both as base sheet and top sheet.
  • the sheets had a length ,of 1175 mm and width of 1135 mm. Fabric overflow on all the sides of the sheets were 25 mm and all the sides of the sheets were hemmed with over-edging stitch.
  • the sheets were held together at the sides with double needle chain stitch in two rows with 6000 denier thread.
  • the discrete tunnels were formed on the base support with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric strips of 180 GSN as described earlier. Loads of 450 kg were handled with the pellets 6 number of times over a period of 6 weeks. The pallets were found to be still intact and reusable.
  • the portable transport structure of the present invention is strong and sturdy. Further, the portable transport structure is flexible. Furthermore, the portable transport structure is easy to fabricate and uses relatively inexpensive material for its fabrication. Moreover, the portable transport structure is adapted to hold the load properly. Also, the portable transport structure is effective in handling various kinds of loads. Additionally, the portable transport structure is recyclable and does not cause disposal problem. In addition, the portable transport structure that is . adapted to provide easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism. Also, the portable transport structure requires reduced space for storage and transportation. Additionally, the portable transport structure of the present invention is durable, reusable, and fungal/ insect resistant.
  • the flexible base support, the- at least one tunnel and at least one arcuate reinforcing member are composed of lightweight material.
  • the portable transport structure has relatively less height and mass compared to conventional transport structures. Further, the portable transport structure reduces the weight and occupies less volume for ensuring better economics in the transport process as relatively more items may be transportable depending upon the transportable load and volume. Furthermore, the portable transport structure adds relatively less height or mass than conventional pallets. Additionally, the portable, transport structure is adapted to handle loads from different directions.
  • the portable transport structure is comparatively safe.
  • the portable transport structure of the present invention provides specific place, such as tunnels, for fork entry and for facilitating balanced handling of load.
  • the portable transport structure is relatively user friendly.
  • the arcuate members and the base support may be dismantable for storage purposes.
  • the portable transport structure of the present invention uses relatively inexpensive material for its fabrication.

Abstract

A portable transport structure and a reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet are disclosed. The portable transport structure (100-900) includes a flexible base support (102, 202), at least one tunnel (104, 702a-c, 802a-c, 804a-b, 902a-c), and at least one arcuate reinforcing member (106) locatable within said at least one tunnel. The at least one tunnel has flexible walls (110a, 110b) provided on the base support. The at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in said tunnel. The reinforcing structure includes at least one tunnel and at least one arcuate reinforcing member adapted to be resiliently positioned in the tunnel. The transport structure is compact, recyclable, easy to fabricate and effective in handling loads.

Description

TRANSPORT STRUCTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to systems and methods used for transportation of goods. Particularly, the present invention relates to a transport structure, such as pallets, for storage, handling, loading or unloading of goods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, a transport structure, such as pallets, is used as portable supports for storage and handling of heavy goods, especially while loading and unloading the goods with a forklift. The pallets may be manufactured of various materials, such as wood, plastic, paper and the like. A wooden pallet includes a plurality of wooden sections held together with wooden battens disposed over the wooden sections and nailed or bolted to them. The pallets with loads are generally held by a .forklift by engaging the forks of the forklift underneath the pallets. Wooden pallets are prone to fungal/insect attack and the bolts and nails are prone to rusting thereby reducing the life of the . pallets. Treated wood may be used to overcome the problem of fungal/insect attack. However, the treated wood is expensive increasing the cost of the wooden pallet. Wooden pallets are non- recyclable and are generally non-reusable and create disposal problems. As wooden pallets require trees, they deplete the natural resources and are not environmental friendly. A wooden pallet is heavy and adds to the weight of the load being handled. It also increases the effective height of the load being handled. Wooden pallets are inflexible and can be a disadvantage in handling certain kinds of loads like bags or flexible containers as they do not contour to the shape of such loads and hold them property. This may cause the load to slip off the pallet and get damaged and result in accidents.
Plastic pallets similar in construction as the wooden pallets but without nails or bolts are also used for storage of heavy loads and for handling heavy loads. Plastic pallets made by moulding or made from plastic lumber are expensive. Plastic pallets are also inflexible like wooden pallets. Supports for loads comprising plastic sheet and corrugated board (known as slip sheets) have also been in use, but these have limitations in handling heavy loads. While loading and unloading heavy loads with slip sheets, woodenplastic pallets will need to be used in combination. This will require additional clamps on the forklift to clamp the slip sheets.
Some of the prior art transport structures are as follows:
For example, EP0083505 publication having priority date of December 31, 1981 discloses a collapsible receptacle. The collapsible receptacle includes a length of fabric material preferably formed from woven polypropylene or woven polyethylene. A plurality of lift loops formed from webbing positioned along the length of fabric material. The lift loops may be secured to the material either by means of stitching, or the lift loops may be adhesiyely secured to the material. After the lift loops are secured to the material, the material is adhesively secured around the upper end of a collapsible receptacle body panel with the lift loops projecting above the upper edge of the panel. A line of stitching may be used along the length of material adjacent its lower edge to further secure the material to the body panel. However, the fabric covering of the collapsible receptacle as disclosed by EP0083505 publication is comparatively ineffective in handling various kinds of load thereon.
US 6155527 patent having priority date of September 16, 1997 discloses a base pad for supporting an appliance during assembly and shipping is provided. The pad has a pair of endpieces, each having portions for supporting the weight of an appliance, a pair of crosspieces connected to the endpieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and wrapping substantially covering the weight supporting portions of the endpieces. The endpieces are formed of materials, such as expanded polystyrene and the wrapping is formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper. However, the base pad as disclosed by US6155527 patent is not compact.
WOOl 08987 publication having priority date of August 02, 1999 discloses a pallet assembly capable of being fabricated on site as needed using a lie-flat (usually paper based) die-cut, overlapped and fixed product ("planar member") and a pair of forklift fork receiving members (e.g. longitudinally halved^tubes of laminated paper) capable of being spaced by the use of the planar member in a deployed form. In use, the planar member deploys to a fqrm that holds the channel like fork receiving members in a spaced parallel condition. However, the pallet assembly as disclosed by WOO 108987 publication does not provide comparatively strong and compact structure.
WOO 134484 publication having priority date November 12, 1999 discloses a pallet constructed in the nature of a slip-sheet for the support and transport of bulk-bags. The pallet is fabricated from semi-rigid plastic sheet to have a base supporting lift tine engagement elements standing proud of an obverse face. Preferably two engagement elements are provided. The elements may be moulded from the material of the base or formed by separate elements attached to the base. At one end a flap may be provided on the base to extend beyond the associated end opening of the elements. The extension flap may be formed by an integral part of the base or by a separate projecting tab affixed to the base. However, the pallet as disclosed by WOO 134484 publication is not foldable and is not adapted to carry various kinds of load.
EP1 149777 publication having priority date of March 08, 2000 discloses a flexible intermediate bulk container. The flexible intermediate bulk container includes walls composed of flexible sheet, with at least a second end enclosed with a sheet. The ends may have filling and discharge spouts. The walls of flexible sheet may have a plurality of loops external to the container and adjacent to the first end. The second end has two parallel guides formed from flexible sheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk container. Preferably, each guide has therein a removable fork guide formed from a solid material. The guides and removable fork guides are cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship to accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift. However, the flexible intermediate bulk container of EP1 149777 publication discloses a fork guide formed from a solid material.
US20040217250 publication having priority date of September 13, 2001 discloses a flexible pallet manufactured by using plastic woven cloth or sheet. The flexible pallet includes square upper and lower surface formed with plastic sheet seamed to each other so as to, form fork pockets therebetween, and inner surface materials formed with woven cloth using PP mono-filaments are installed on the inner surface of the fork pockets. The flexible pallet further includes an elongate reinforcing member disposed on an insertation side of the fork pockets. However, the flexible pallet of US20040217250 publication is comparatively ineffective in providing strong and sturdy structure for handling various kinds of goods.
BE ' 1015851 publication having priority date of January 09, 2004 discloses a solid or perforated auxiliary curved plate for use in place of pallets for handling flexible containers. The auxiliary plate includes channels for locating forks of a forklift. The auxiliary plate is preferably integrated into the container base. The auxiliary plate is inflexible and is only suitable for handling bulk flexible cpntainers.
US7644665 patent having priority date of May 16, 2005 discloses a knockdown pallet structure. The pallet structure includes a flexible base panel fabricated from a suitable woven plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending pockets that are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members, which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes, for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck when a pallet structure, having a palletized load disposed thereon, is to be lifted and transported. However, the pallet structure ,as disclosed by US7644665 patent is comparatively ineffective in handling various kinds of load thereon.
US2010050910 publication having priority date of Mar 1, 2007 discloses a pallet. The pallet includes at least one load arrangement surface and the support element being capable of sustaining the loads. The support element includes at least one kind of alveolar plastic and has a substantially dome- shaped crosswise section. The pallet also includes a fabric covering capable of externally enveloping both the loads arrangement surface and the support element. However, the fabric covering of the pallet as disclosed by US2010050910 publication does not provide strong and sturdy structure for the support element.
Accordingly, there is a need for a transport structure that has strong and sturdy structure. Also, there is a need for a transport structure that is effective in handling various kinds of loads. Further, there is a need for a transpQit structure that is compact, requires reduced space for storage and transportation. Furthermore, there is a need for a transport structure that is easy to fabricate and uses relatively inexpensive material for its fabrication. Furthermore, there is a need for a transport structure that is adapted to hold the load properly.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is strong and sturdy.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is flexible.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is easy to fabricate and does not require any energy for its fabrication. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is adapted to hold the load properly.
One more object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is effective in handling various kinds of loads.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is weather and UV resistant.
Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is recyclable and does not cause disposal problem.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is adapted to provide easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism.
Additionally, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that requires reduced space for storage and transportation.
One more object of the present invention is to provide a portable transport structure that is comparatively safe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable transport structure. The portable transport structure includes a flexible base support, at least one tunnel, and at least one arcuate reinforcing member locatable within said at least one tunnel. The at least one tunnel has flexible walls provided on the base support. The at least one arcuate reinforcing member is particularly adapted to be resiliently positioned in said tunnel.
Preferably, the base support has a mass in the range of 180 to 240 grams per square meter.
Typically, the base support is of fabric.
Typically, the base support is of polyolefin fabric.
Preferably, the base support is of raffia grade fabric.
Furthermore, the base support is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric.
Typically, the base support has a rectangular cross-section.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the base support has a square shaped'cross-section. ,
Preferably, sides of the base support are hemmed. Typically, the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips. Further, the at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips. Furthermore, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips. Moreover, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
Additionally, the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
In one more embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
Also, the at least one tunnel may be non-linearly aligned.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel may be disposed on the operative top surface of said base support.
Alternatively, the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support.
Preferably, the at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip. Typically, the at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure. Typically, the plurality of tunnels is disposed adjacent to one another on the base support.
Preferably, the plurality of tunnels is spaced apart from each other on the base support.
Furthermore, a flexible raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric sheet may be disposed over the at least one tunnel and connected to sides of said base support.
Typically, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resilieritly positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
Preferably, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper,
Typically, the arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
Further, the arcuate reinforcing member is of a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport structure includes a plurality of strapping means.
The strapping means may include an eyelet.
The transport structure may be a pallet. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet. The reinforcing structure includes at least one tunnel and at least one arcuate reinforcing member locatable within said at least one tunnel. The at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in the tunnel.
Preferably, the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
Typically, the at least one tunnel is ofpolyolefin fabric strips.
Typically, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
Preferably, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
Additionally, the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant.
Typically, the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
Preferably, the at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
Alternatively, the at least one tunnel is non-linearly aligned Further, the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative top surface of the base support.
Furthermore, the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support.
Moreover, the at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
Typically, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper.
Alternatively, the arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
The arcuate reinforcing member may be a paper tube or a section of a paper tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings in which,
Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a transport structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transport structure as shown in Figure 1 along line A-A in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of a tunnel of the transport structure of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a transport structure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transport structure of Figure 4 along line B-B in Figure 4;
Figure'6 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members alternately in said tunnel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 7 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members sequentially in said tunnel, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a top view of a transport structure depicting positioning of arcuate reinforcing members sequentially in said tunnel, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating five tunnels formed on the base support adjacent to one another, in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional of the transport structure of Fig 9 along line C-C in Fig 9;
Figure 11 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating spaces between the tunnels, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 illustrates cross-sectional view of the transport structure of Fig 11 along line D-D in Fig 11;
Figure 13 is a top view of a transport structure illustrating longitudinal and transverse positioning of tunnels, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the transport structure of Fig 13 along lines EE and FF in Fig 13 respectively; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a transport structure illustrating positioning of tunnels below flexible base support, in accordance with one more embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 illustrates a view of the transport structure of Figure 16 along X - direction shown in Figure 16; and
Figure 18 illustrates a view of the transport structure of Figure 16 along Y - direction shown in Figure 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Preferred embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The present invention provides a transport structure, such as a pallet for storage, handling, loading or unloading of goods. The transport structure^of the present invention is flexible for facilitating handling of loads of various kinds. The transport structure is adapted to provide a strong and sturdy structure for easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism. Further, the transport structure of the present invention does not add to height or weight of load.
Referring to Figures 1 to 18, portable transport structures 100 to 900 are described. The portable transport structure 100 includes a flexible base support, such as flexible base supports 102 and 202, at least one tunnel, such as tunnel 104 and at least one arcuate reinforcing member, such as arcuate reinforcing member 106.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the base support has a mass in the range of 180 to 240 grams per square meter. However, the base support is not limited to any particular mass. The base support may be composed of various materials. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the base support may be of fabric. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base support may be of polyolefin fabric. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the base support is of raffia grade fabric. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the base support is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric. In one more embodiment of the present invention, the base support may be ultraviolet resistant. The flexible base support is composed of lightweight material. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the base support.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the base support has a rectangular cross-section. In another embodiment of the present invention, the base support has a square shaped cross-section. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of the base support. Preferably, the sides of the base support are hemmed.
The at least one tunnel includes flexible walls provided on the base support. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips. In one more embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is ultraviolet resistant. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the at least one tunnel.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is discontinuous. Further, the at least one tunnel may be linearly aligned. Alternatively, the at least one tunnel may be non-linearly aligned. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel may be disposed on the operative top surface of the base support. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of the base support. The at least one tunnel includes at least one flexible strip. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one tunnel includes a pair of flexible strips. Th6 flexible strips are adapted to configure a double walled hollow structure. In one embodiment of the present "invention, the double walled hollow structure includes pockets formed by stitching. The pockets are adapted to resiliently position at least one arcuate reinforcing member there within. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of tunnels may be disposed adjacent to one another on the base support. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of tunnels may be spaced apart from each other on the base support. In one embodiment of the present invention, a flexible raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric sheet may be disposed over the at least one tunnel and connected to sides of the base support. The at least one tunnel is adapted to provide sufficient space with respect to the base support for facilitating easy entry of tines or forks of a forklift for enabling easy transportation of load by the forklift. The at least one tunnel is composed of lightweight material.
The at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in tunnels. More specifically, the arcuate reinforcing member may be resiliently positioned in a part of the tunnels. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in said double walled hollow structure of the at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of the arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said doubled walled hollow structure of "said at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of said arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration. More specifically, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is encased or located within the double walled hollow structure of the at least one tunnel by means of stitching to prevent displacement of the arcuate reinforcing member in its operative positioned configuration. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper. In another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the arcuate reinforcing member is of a paper tube or a section of a paper tube. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular material used for manufacturing the arcuate reinforcing member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be dismantable from said at least one tunnel. The at least one arcuate reinforcing member is composed of lightweight material.
Now particularly referring to Figures 1 to 3, the portable transport structure 100 is a raffia grade polyolefin fabric sheet pallet 100. The raffia grade polyolefin fabric sheet pallet 100 includes a base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited polyolefin woven fabric sheet having the sides thereof hemmed 108 (hemming marked 108). The sides of the base support 102 are hemmed by folding over and stitching of the sides of the base support 102. The pallet 100 includes two horizontally disposed double walled tunnels 104 fixed on the surface of the sheet. The double walls of the tunnels are marked 110a and 110b. The tunnels are formed by folding raffia grade polyolefin strips into double walled hollow members and stitching (stitching marked 112) the hollow members onto the fabric sheet along the opposite sides 114a, 114b of the hollow members. Instead of stitching the sides of the hollow members, they may be fixed by alternative modes of fixing like bonding with an adhesive, riveting or heat sealing or welding. A pair of cellulose paper tubes 106 halved along the length thereof is inserted in the space between the double walls of each of the tunnels 104 one at each end thereof in spaced apart relationship with each other. The paper tubes 106 are optionally fixed to the tunnels by stitching (stitching marked 116) or by one of the other modes of fixing as described above. The paper tubes are, preferably used yarn spools cut into halves along the length thereof. The pallet 200 as illustrated in Figs 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes a base support 202 made of two flexible raffia grade UV inhibited polyolefin fabric sheets 204a, 204b fixed together by one of the above modes of fixing. The pallet 300 as illustrated in Fig 6 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes three paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in spaced apart relationship with one another.
The pallet 400 as illustrated in Fig 7 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes six paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in close contact with one another. The pallet 500 as illustrated in Fig 8 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes seven paper tubes 106 inserted in each of the tunnels 104 on the base support 102 in close contact with one another. The base support 102 also includes eyelets 502 formed therein. The tunnels 104 of the pallets as illustrated above act as engaging grooves for the forks (not shown) of a forklift (not shown) or similar lifting mechanisms for handling i.e. lifting or lowering loads (not shown) located on the pallets. The tunnels 104 may also act as strapping or slinging grooves for handling the loads. The eyelets 502 of Fig 8 also can act as strapping or slinging holes for handling the loads.
The pallet 600 as illustrated in Figs 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings is similar to the pallet of Figs 1 to 3 but includes five tunnels 104 formed on the base support 102 adjacent to one another. Each of the tunnels includes six; paper tubes 106 inserted therein in close contact -with one another. Besides providing access for the forks of a forklift or for strapping, the tunnels also provide certain amount of rigidity and strength to the pallet.
The pallet 700 as illustrated in Figs 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings includes the base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven poly olefin fabric sheet with the sides thereof hemmed 108. A plurality of discontinuous or discrete groups or sets of tunnels marked 702a, 702b and 702c are formed on the base support 102 with spaces marked 704 between the groups of the tunnels. Each of the tunnels is formed as described earlier with reference to Figs 1 to 3. A top flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric sheet 706 is hemmed at the sides and placed over the groups of tunnels and fixed at the sides of the base support 102 by one of the ; modes of fixing as described above except where the spaces 704 appear so that the spaces 704 between the groups of tunnels against the top sheet 706 also provide access for the forks of a forklift or for slinging or strapping for handling loads. The pallet thus provides entry for forks or for slinging from different sides anjd directions of the pallet. The tunnels also provide certain amount of rigidity and strength to the pallet.
The pallet 800 as illustrated in Figs 13 to 15 of the accompanying drawings includes two rows of . discrete tunnels 802a, 802b and 802c formed at opposite ends across the width of the base support 102. A pair of tunnels 804a and 804b are formed along the length of the base support between the rows of discrete tunnels 802a, 802b and 802c aligned with the open spaces 806 between the discrete tunnels. The tunnels 804a and 804b can be accessed from the front side or back side of the pallet for forks entr or for slinging via the respective open spaces 806. Alternatively the forks entry for the tunnels or entry for slinging in the two rows of discrete tunnels can be from opposite sides of the pallet. Besides facilitating forks entry or entry for slinging from all the four sides of the pallet, the tunnels also provide reinforcement to the pallet. The tunnels are made as described earlier.
The pallet 900 as illustrated in Figs 16, 17 and 18 of the accompanying drawings includes the base support 102 made of a flexible raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric sheet with the sides thereof hemmed 108. The pallet 900 also includes three rows of vertically disposed double walled tunnels 902a, 902b and 902c formed underneath the base support 102 in spaced apart relationship with one another. Each of the tunnels is formed with raffia grade UV inhibited woven polyolefin fabric strips folded into double walled hollow members and fixed together by one of the modes of fixing described earlier. The upper ends of the hollow members are fixed to the bottom surface of the base support 102 by one of the modes of fixing described earlier. Each of the tunnels includes a cellulose paper tube inserted in the space between the double walls thereof and fixed to the walls of the tunnels by one of the modes of fixing described above. Preferably each of the cellulose paper tubes includes a used yarn spool cut across the length thereof. The tunnels provide flexibility to engage the forks (not shown) of a forklift (not shown) from below the pallet in the vertical direction and handle the load on the pallet. The tunnels can be accessed both from the X and Y directions in Fig 16. The pallet also can be strapped and handled by engaging the open spaces 904 and 906 between the tunnels in the X direction and in Y direction, respectively. The tunnels also provide rigidity to the pallet. The pallet of Figs 16 to 18 may comprise two sheets as in the case of the pallet of Figs 4 and 5 and may include eyelets as in the case of the pallet of Fig 8.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet. The reinforcing structure includes at least one tunnel, such as tunnels 104, 702a, 702b, 702c, 802a, 802b, 802c and at least one arcuate reinforcing member, such as the arcuate reinforcing member 106, adapted to be resiliently positioned in the at least one tunnel. The reinforcing structure is adapted to be provided on a base support of a portable transport structure, such as the base support 102 or 202 of the portable transport structure 100 to 900. The at least one tunnel and the at least one arcuate reinforcing member of the reinforcing structure are respectively structurally and functionally similar to the tunnels 104, 702a, 702b, 702c, 802a, 802b, 802c and the arcuate reinforcing member 106 of the portable transport structure 100 to 900. Accordingly, the at least one tunnel and the at least one arcuate reinforcing member of the reinforcing structure are not described in detail for the brevity of the present document.
The various flexible pallets of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings are advantageously used, especially during loading and unloading of loads by supporting the loads only on the pallets and handling the pallets with a forklift or similar lifting mechanism without the use of wooden pallets. Instead of using the forklift or similar lifting mechanism for handling the load on the pallet, the load on the pallet also can be handled by engaging straps (wire ropes or strings) through the eyelets or through the spaces between the tunnels or through the tunnels. The loads may be lifted by holding the straps manually or by holding the straps with a lifting mechanism like forklift. Because of the flexible nature of the pallets, the pallets will contour or bend or fold over the loads so as to hold the loads securely and safely in place while being handled. As a result, accidents during handling of the loads are avoided and handling of the load is : made easy and convenient. This can be particularly advantageous, especially in the case of flexible loads like bags or flexible containers. The pallet is foldable, mechanically strong, reusable, weather and UV resistant, fungal / insect resistant and durable.
Because of the use of raffia grade polyolefin, the pallet is recycleable and does not cause disposal problems. It is ecofriendly as it does not deplete natural resources like trees as in the case of wooden pallets. It is easy to fabricate and does not require any energy for its fabrication. It is flat, compact and lightweight and requires reduced space for storage and transportation. It does not significantly add to the height or weight of the load. Because of its flexibility it can also be folded during storage and transportation. As a result, storage space and transportation cost are reduced. Reuse of used yarn spools in the tunnels .renders it further economical. As the cellulose paper tubes are fully enclosed within the tunnel walls, the paper tubes are not affected by moisture or water. Consequently the life of the pallet is also increased. The cellulose paper tubes help to maintain the shape of the tunnels without deforming or collapsing so that there is easy accessibility to the forks of the forklift or similar lifting mechanism in the tunnels or for the straps. The cellulose paper tubes also provide certain amount of rigidity and mechanical strength to the tunnels and base support, particularly in the case of the pallets of Figs 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. As a result, loads can be held on the pallet without allowing the pallet to sag excessively. Also heavier loads can be handled by the pallet. The pallet can be accessed for handling for different directions. The pallet is versatile as it can handle loads of different shapes and kinds and from different directions. It is user friendly and includes few component parts and is economical. The hemming or fabric overflow at the sides of the sheet(s) helps to prevent damage to the pallets at the sides thereof and increases the structural strength of the pallets.
The above embodiments of the invention are by way of examples and should not be construed and understood to be limiting the scope of the invention. There can be variations in the arrangement of tunnels on the base support. The base support geometry can be different. The number of eyelets can vary. Instead of eyelets other strapping means like rings or loops or lugs can be provided. There can be three or more fabric sheets for the base support. The top sheet of Figs 11 and 13 may comprise multiple sheets. Embodiments comprising such variations of the invention are obvious to those skilled, in the art and are to be construed and understood to be within the scope of the invention.
Experimental Examples:
Ten pallets of Figs 1; and 2 were fabricated with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric sheet of mass 230 GSM, length 1025 mm and width 1025 mm. Fabric overflow on all the sides of the sheet was 25 mm and all the sides were provided with Herackle or over-edging stitch (hemmed). ¾o spaced apart double walled tunnels were formed on the base support using two woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric strips. Inner and outer fabrics of the tunnels each was 230 GSM. The tunnels were stitched by double needle chain stitch using 6000 Denier thread. Used yarn spools cut half along the length thereof were inserted between the walls of the tunnels. The tubes were stitched to the tunnels by needle chain stitch using 4000 Denier thread. The length, diameter and thickness of the tubes were 187.5 mm, 125 mm and 75 mm. The pallets were used 3 times to handle loads of 2200 kg over a, period of 4 weeks and the pallets were still found to be intact and reusable.
Five pallets of Figs 4 and 5 were fabricated with two woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric sheets of 230 GSM. The length and width of the sheets were 1175 mm and 1135 mm, respectively. Fabric overflow on all the sides of the sheets were 25 mm and all the sides were hemmed with over-edging stitch. The sheets were held together with double needle chain stitch in two rows with 6000 denier thread. The tunnels were fabricated as described earlier... Using the pallets, weights of 2200 kg were handled 6 number of times over a period of 4 weeks. The pallets were still in good condition and were found to be reusable.
Pallets of Figs 11 and 12 were fabricated with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric sheets of 180 GSM both as base sheet and top sheet. The sheets had a length ,of 1175 mm and width of 1135 mm. Fabric overflow on all the sides of the sheets were 25 mm and all the sides of the sheets were hemmed with over-edging stitch. The sheets were held together at the sides with double needle chain stitch in two rows with 6000 denier thread. The discrete tunnels were formed on the base support with woven raffia grade polypropylene fabric strips of 180 GSN as described earlier. Loads of 450 kg were handled with the pellets 6 number of times over a period of 6 weeks. The pallets were found to be still intact and reusable.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The portable transport structure of the present invention is strong and sturdy. Further, the portable transport structure is flexible. Furthermore, the portable transport structure is easy to fabricate and uses relatively inexpensive material for its fabrication. Moreover, the portable transport structure is adapted to hold the load properly. Also, the portable transport structure is effective in handling various kinds of loads. Additionally, the portable transport structure is recyclable and does not cause disposal problem. In addition, the portable transport structure that is. adapted to provide easy accessibility to forks of a forklift or similar lifting mechanism. Also, the portable transport structure requires reduced space for storage and transportation. Additionally, the portable transport structure of the present invention is durable, reusable, and fungal/ insect resistant.
Also, the flexible base support, the- at least one tunnel and at least one arcuate reinforcing member are composed of lightweight material. Additionally, the portable transport structure has relatively less height and mass compared to conventional transport structures. Further, the portable transport structure reduces the weight and occupies less volume for ensuring better economics in the transport process as relatively more items may be transportable depending upon the transportable load and volume. Furthermore, the portable transport structure adds relatively less height or mass than conventional pallets. Additionally, the portable, transport structure is adapted to handle loads from different directions.
Also, in view of the flexibility of the base support and overall lighter mass the portable transport structure is comparatively safe. Further, the portable transport structure of the present invention provides specific place, such as tunnels, for fork entry and for facilitating balanced handling of load. In view of the flexibility, reduced height and weight of the portable transport structure in accordance with the present invention, the portable transport structure is relatively user friendly. For instance, the arcuate members and the base support may be dismantable for storage purposes. Additionally, the portable transport structure of the present invention uses relatively inexpensive material for its fabrication.
The numeral values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the invention and the claims unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and^. other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:
1. A portable transport structure comprising:
• a flexible base support;
• at least one tunnel having flexible walls provided on said base support; and
• at least one arcuate reinforcing member adapted to be resiliently positioned in said tunnel.
2. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support has a mass in the range of 180 to 240 grams per square meter.
3. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support is of fabric.
4. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support is of polyolefin fabric.
,
5. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support is of raffia grade fabric.
6. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric.
7. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support has a rectangular cross-section.
8. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base support has a square shaped cross-section.
9. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein sides of said base support are hemmed.
10. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
11.The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips.
12. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
13. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
1 . The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
15. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel. is discontinuous.
16. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
17. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tunnel is non-linearly aligned.
18. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative top surface of said base support.
19. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one runnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface of said base support.
20. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one tunnel comprises at least one flexible strip.
21. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure.
22. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a plurality of tunnels is disposed adjacent to one another on said base support.
23; The transport structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a plurality of tunnels is spaced apart from each other on said base support.
24. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a flexible raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric sheet disposed over said at least one tunnel .and connected to sides of said base support.
25. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
26. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper.
27. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
28. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is of a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
29. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is dismantable from said at least one tunnel.
30. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a plurality of strapping means.
31. The transport structure as claimed in claim 30, wherein the strapping means comprises an eyelel
32. The transport structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport structure is a pallet.
33. A reinforcing structure for a flexible pallet comprising*.
• at least one tunnel having flexible walls; and
• at least one arcuate reinforcing member adapted to be resiliently positioned in said tunnel.
34. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is of flexible fabric strips.
35. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is of polyolefin fabric strips.
36. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is of raffia grade polyolefin strips.
37. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is of raffia grade woven polyolefin fabric strips.
38. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is continuous from one side of the base support to the opposite or adjacent side of the base support.
39.The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is discontinuous.
40. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is linearly aligned.
41. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is non-linearly aligned.
42. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative top surface of said base support.
43. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel is disposed on the operative bottom surface1 of said base support.
44. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel comprises at least one flexible strip.
45. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one tunnel defines a double walled hollow structure.
46. he reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one arcuate reinforcing member is adapted to be resiliently positioned in pockets defined in said double walled hollow structure of said at least one tunnel.
47. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said at least one arcuate reinforcing member is of cellulose paper.
48. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is a portion of a used yarn spool.
49. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is a paper tube or a section of a paper tube.
50. The reinforcing structure as claimed in claim 33, wherein said arcuate reinforcing member is dismantable from said at least one tunnel.
PCT/IN2010/000599 2009-09-13 2010-09-08 Transport structure WO2011039766A2 (en)

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US20040217250A1 (en) * 2001-09-13 2004-11-04 Yoshitaro Kido Flexible pallet
BE1015851A3 (en) * 2004-01-09 2005-10-04 Rosenlew Nv Auxiliary piece used in place of pallet for lifting, moving and stacking flexible bulk containers, comprises curved plate with channel for locating fork on forklift truck
US20070006782A1 (en) * 2005-05-16 2007-01-11 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Combination knockdown pallet structure and article container
WO2008104044A1 (en) * 2007-03-01 2008-09-04 Lapietra Junior, Rodinei Pallet

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FR2088619A5 (en) * 1970-04-20 1972-01-07 Thomas Jean Palette with plastic support - of sheet or synthetic fabric
US20040217250A1 (en) * 2001-09-13 2004-11-04 Yoshitaro Kido Flexible pallet
BE1015851A3 (en) * 2004-01-09 2005-10-04 Rosenlew Nv Auxiliary piece used in place of pallet for lifting, moving and stacking flexible bulk containers, comprises curved plate with channel for locating fork on forklift truck
US20070006782A1 (en) * 2005-05-16 2007-01-11 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Combination knockdown pallet structure and article container
WO2008104044A1 (en) * 2007-03-01 2008-09-04 Lapietra Junior, Rodinei Pallet

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014053937A1 (en) * 2012-10-01 2014-04-10 Mac Pallet S.A. Ecological pallet
US9382036B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2016-07-05 Mac Pallet S.A. Ecological pallet

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