WO2011049494A1

WO2011049494A1 - Loading pallet

Info

Publication number: WO2011049494A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/051208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claes NORDSTRÖM
Original assignee: Crossborder Technologies Ab
Priority date: 2009-10-22
Filing date: 2009-10-22
Publication date: 2011-04-28

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loading pallet (1 ). The loading pallet (1 ) comprises at least one upper element (3) constituting at least one load surface (2) and having spacers (4) disposed on its underside. Alternatively, the loading pallet (1 ) comprises, in addition to said upper element (3) and spacers (4), at least one lower element (5) which joins the spacers together at opposite ends of them and which has at least one bearing surface (6) for placing the loading pallet on a substrate. With the object of achieving a loading pallet (1) which makes fitting and removing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure simple and uncomplicated, is economic and does not impair the loading pallet's usability when used with no pallet surround or pallet superstructure, at least one encircling groove or recess (7) for the pallet surround or pallet superstructure is provided in and/or at the upper element (3) which constitutes a load surface (2).

Description

Loading pallet

Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a loading pallet. The loading pallet comprises at least one upper element constituting at least one load surface, and spacers disposed on the underside of the upper element. Alternatively, the loading pallet comprises, in addition to said upper element and spacers, at least one lower element which joins the spacers together at opposite ends of them and has at least one bearing surface for placing the loading pallet on a substrate.

Loading pallets intended to be provided with a surround or some other form of pallet superstructure are often not specially configured for the purpose. In cases where loading pallets have a particular configuration to facilitate the fitting of a pallet surround or pallet superstructure, it is frequently complex and uneconomic, difficult to use and a definite hindrance to using the loading pallet without a surround or superstructure.

Brief summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a loading pallet which eliminates the aforesaid disadvantages and has a configuration which makes fitting and removing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure simple and uncomplicated, is economic and does not impair the usability of the loading pallet when used with no pallet surround or pallet superstructure.

To this end, the loading pallet according to the present invention is characterised in that at least one encircling groove or recess for fitting a pallet surround or pallet superstructure in is provided in and/or at the upper element constituting a load surface.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art who examines the attached drawings and the detailed description set out below of preferred embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of an advantageous version of a loading pallet according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the loading pallet version according to

Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the upper side of the loading pallet according to Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the underside of the loading pallet according to Figs. 1-3. Fig. 5 is a side view of the loading pallet according to Figs. 1-4 from a long side. Fig. 6 is a side view of the loading pallet according to Figs. 1-5 from a short side. Fig. 7 is a partly cutaway enlarged view of part of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a partly cutaway enlarged view of part of Fig. 5

Fig. 9 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 1 but with a loading pallet superstructure disposed on the loading pallet's load surface.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 9 and depicts the loading pallet superstructure partly folded together.

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view corresponding to Figs. 9 and 10 and depicts the loading pallet superstructure completely folded together but not yet folded down.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view corresponding to Figs. 9-1 1 and depicts the loading pallet superstructure folded down and resting on the loading pallet's load surface.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view from the outside of the loading pallet superstructure and depicts an enlargement of a bracket for a locking device for the loading pallet superstructure, and part of the locking device.

Fig. 4 is a further perspective view which depicts in an enlarged version the bracket for the locking device of the loading pallet superstructure, with the pallet superstructure completely folded together.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view from above of another advantageous version of a loading pallet according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view from below of the loading pallet version according to

Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of the upper side of the loading pallet according to Figs. 15 and 16.

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the underside of the loading pallet according to Figs. 15-17. Fig. 19 is a side view of the loading pallet according to Figs. 15-18 from a long side.

Fig. 20 is a side view of the loading pallet according to Figs. 15-19 from a short side. Fig. 21 is perspective view corresponding to Fig. 15 but with a loading pallet superstructure disposed on the loading pallet's load surface.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 21 and depicts the loading pallet superstructure folded down and resting on the loading pallet's load surface.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view from above of an advantageous third version of a loading pallet according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The loading pallets depicted in the drawings are made of metal, although loading pallets for implementing the present invention may also be made of other materials, e.g. plastic or wood or combinations of said materials, but using metal makes it possible for the constituent parts of the respective loading pallets to be made thinner, thereby keeping down the weight of the loading pallet. By using thin plate, for example, the weight of the loading pallet can be brought down to below 20 kg.

The loading pallet 1 according to Figs. 1 -14 takes substantially the form of a quadrilateral loading pallet according to, for example, SE patent application 0702450-8, which is hereby referred to. The loading pallet 1 thus comprises at least one upper element 3 constituting a load surface 2, and spacers 4 disposed on the underside of the upper element. Alternatively, as in Figs. 1 -14, the loading pallet 1 may comprise also at least one lower element 5 which joins together the spacers 4 at opposite ends of them and which has at least one bearing surface 6 for placing the loading pallet on a substrate (not depicted). The spacers 4 may be detachably connected to the upper element 3 or to both the upper element 3 and the lower element 5.

According to the present invention, an encircling groove or recess 7 for fitting a pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 in is provided in and/or at the upper element 3 constituting a load surface 2. As previously mentioned, the groove or recess 7 makes fitting and removing the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 simple and uncomplicated. This configuration is economic and does not impair the usability of the loading pallet when used with no pallet surround or pallet superstructure.

To provide as large a load surface 2 as possible within the groove or recess 7, the groove or recess runs in and/or at the upper element 3 substantially peripherally round the load surface, i.e. as close as possible to the edges of the loading pallet 1 .

The upper element 3 of the loading pallet 1 comprises loading pallet elements 9 running in substantially the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and constituting the load surface 2, and loading pallet elements 10 running on the underside thereof in substantially the transverse or longitudinal direction of the loading pallet in order to hold together at least at their end portions the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface. Alternatively, as in Figs. 1 -14, where the loading pallet 1 comprises also a lower element 5, this lower element takes the form of loading pallet elements 1 1 running in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and each having at least one bearing surface 6. In that case the groove or recess 7 is provided in and/or at the loading pallet elements 9 constituting the load surface 2.

The loading pallet elements 9 constituting the load surface 2, the loading pallet elements 10 running on the underside of, and in the version depicted transversely to, these loading pallet elements 9, and any loading pallet elements 1 1 with which the loading pallet 1 is provided, running parallel with the loading pallet elements 9 and having bearing surfaces 6, all take the form, in the version depicted, of metal profiles. Thus the loading pallet 1 according to Figs. 1 -14 comprises a number of, in the version depicted three, profiles 9 which constitute a load surface 2 and here run in substantially the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet. At least one of these profiles 9 is a middle profile 9a and at least two are side profiles 9b. In the version depicted, the middle profile 9a is relatively wider than the two side profiles 9b.

The profiles 9 constituting the load surface 2 are held together by a number of, in the version depicted five, profiles 10 which run in substantially the transverse direction of the loading pallet 1. As previously indicated, these profiles 10 are disposed on the underside of the profiles 9 which constitute the load surface 2. In the version depicted, two of the profiles 10 are side profiles 10a which run along the respective short sides of the loading pallet 1 , and a third profile is a middle profile 10b which runs between the side profiles 10a from one long side of the loading pallet to the other. A so-called reinforcing profile 10c runs between, and substantially parallel with, the middle profile 10b and each of the side profiles 10a. In the version depicted, there are on the middle and side profiles 10b, 10a plates 12 made of friction-increasing material to provide improved friction relative to a lifting means, e.g. the fork of a fork truck. The plates 12 also serve as wear protection and are noise-damping.

In a version of the present invention, the profiles 9 are so configured that they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess 7. The groove or recess may be provided by, for example, appropriate bending of the respective profile 9. The profile 9 may for example be bent to a U-shape. Where the groove or recess 7 is for example provided substantially peripherally, the respective profile 9 is bent at its long and short sides or at its short sides, depending on where the profile is situated. With a quadrilateral load surface 2 as depicted in the drawings, and a consequently quadrilateral groove or recess 7 in and/or at the load surface, two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess may take the form of groove or recess portions at least at the long side of the side profile 9b which faces away from the load surface, and the other two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess may take the form of groove or recess portions at all the short sides of the profiles constituting the load surface. Accordingly, the middle profile 9a is for example bent at its short sides, while the side profiles 9b are bent both at one long side and at the short sides.

With the object of providing a durable impact-absorbing edge on the loading pallet 1 , the bending may be so configured that in a direction outwards from the load surface 2 the profiles 9 concerned are double-walled with spacing between the wall portions.

In another version of the present invention, the profiles 9 constituting the load surface 2 are so configured together with the profiles 10 for holding together the profiles 9 that they wholly or partly delineate a groove or recess 7. With a quadrilateral load surface 2 as depicted in the drawings and hence a quadrilateral groove or recess 7 in and/or at the load surface, it is thus possible for two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess to take the form of groove or recess portions at least at the long side of the respective side profiles 9b which faces away from the load surface, and for the other two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess to take the form of groove or recess portions at least at the long side of the respective side profiles 10a which faces away from the load surface, among the profiles 10 for holding together the profiles constituting the load surface. The groove or recess 7 may here be provided by, for example, groove-forming or recess-forming bending of said side profiles 9b among the profiles constituting the load surface 2, and of said profiles 10a among the profiles for holding together the profiles which constitute the load surface. Said bending will be substantially U-shaped and, as above, the bending may be so configured that in a direction outwards from the load surface 2 the profiles 9, 10 concerned, i.e. the side profiles 9b, 10a, are double-walled with spacing between the wall portions.

According to a third conceivable version of the present invention (see in this respect preferably the loading pallet according to Figs. 15-22) the profiles 9 constituting the load surface 2 may be so configured together with an edge profile 13 to the loading pallet 1 that they wholly or partly delineate the groove or recess 7. The edge profile 13 may therefore run round or be situated on one or more sides of the loading pallet 1 . The groove or recess 7 may be provided by, for example, substantially L-shaped bending of the respective profile 9 constituting the load surface and of the edge profile 13. In the version according to Figs. 15- 22, the loading pallet 1 is for example so configured that the groove or recess 7 is formed along the long sides of the loading pallet by the side profiles 9b and along the short sides by all of the profiles 9 and the edge profile 13 together.

Spacers 4 are disposed on the underside of the profiles 10 for holding together the profiles 9 which constitute the load surface 2, in the version depicted the middle and side profiles 10b, 10a among the holding-together profiles. The number of spacers 4 may vary. The spacers 4 should at least be so configured that the loading pallet 1 is supported by them at each corner of the loading pallet, i.e. the spacers should be disposed or formed on the underside of at least the two holding-together profiles 10 which run along the short sides of the loading pallet, in the version depicted the side profiles 10a. In the version according to Figs. 1 -14, spacers 4 are also disposed on the underside of the middle profile 10b among the holding-together profiles 10.

In the version according to Figs. 1 -14, each spacer 4 comprises at least one metal element bent to a substantially endless shape and having a length substantially equal to the circumference of the spacer and a width substantially equal to the height of the spacer.

The aforesaid spacers may take many other forms than those indicated by Figs. 1 - 14 and the above description. For example, the spacers may be configured otherwise in cases where a lower element with at least one bearing surface for placing the loading pallet on a substrate is omitted, i.e. where the spacers rest directly on the substrate. In such versions, the spacers may thus for example have, substantially as in Figs. 15-22, the shape of legs which in the version depicted run in the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet. The loading pallet version according to Figs. 15-22 is largely constructed like a loading pallet according to, for example, SE patent 0501632-4 (SE 528 875 C2).

As indicated above, each spacer 4 in the version according to Figs. 1 -14 is connected to a profile 1 1 which runs in the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet 1 and which joins the spacers together in substantially the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet. These profiles 1 1 , each of which thus has, running in substantially the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet 1 , a bearing surface 6 for placing the loading pallet on a substrate, are in the version depicted three in number and each join together at least two, in the version depicted three, spacers 4 in the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet. Two of the profiles 1 1 run along the respective long sides of the loading pallet and thus constitute side profiles 1 1 a, while the third runs between the side profiles from one short side to the other and constitutes a middle profile 1 1 b.

In the version depicted, each of the profiles 1 1 which have bearing surfaces 6 is provided with at least two bearing surface portions 6a running in the longitudinal direction of the profile, and at least one recess 6b running in the longitudinal direction of the profile between said bearing surface portions. The recess 6b is intended for at least one fixing means 14 for releasable connection of said profile 1 1 to a spacer 4 and, via the spacer, to a profile 9 constituting a load surface 2 and to a profile 10 for holding together the profiles which constitute the load surface. These items connected to one another by fixing means may for example also be specially configured so that after being assembled they engage with one another and prevent pivoting movements relative to one another. The fixing means 14 may for example be a bolted connection of a suitable kind, e.g. comprising a bolt 15 running through the respective spacer 4 and through a consequently releasably connected load- surface profile 9, holding-together profile 10 and profile 1 1 which has a load surface 6, and a nut 16 which can be screwed firmly to the threaded free end of the bolt. The loading pallet will be effectively held together by said bolted connection 14, which also makes quick and effective disassembly of the loading pallet possible when the latter is not to be used, and equally quick and effective assembly for reuse.

With the object inter alia of providing good friction relative to the substrate, at least one friction pad 17 is disposed in the recess 6b in at least one of the profiles 1 1 . In the version depicted with two side profiles 1 1 a and a middle profile 1 1 b, the side profiles have at least one friction pad 17 disposed at their respective end portions. Alternatively it is conceivable for all of the profiles 1 1 to be provided with one or more friction pad 17, or only the middle profile 1 1 b. Each friction pad 17, which may be of any desired length within the scope of the length of the profile 1 1 , is detachably disposed in the recess 6b by the aforesaid fixing means 14, which runs through a hole 27 in the friction pad or through a cylindrical insert placed in that hole. In the version with, for example, a bolted connection, the bolthead or the nut is countersunk in the friction pad 17. If so desired, the friction pad 17 may have a special slide surface 18 which cooperates with the bearing surface portions 6a of the respective profile 11 having a bearing surface 6, in order to absorb the weight of the loading pallet, and which is configured to prevent or counteract sliding movements of the loading pallet 1. The slide surface 18 may for example have blades running in the longitudinal direction of the loading pallet. To absorb the weight of the loading pallet and any load placed on the latter, the fixing means 14 may also cooperate, e.g. by the bolts 15 through the spacer 4, the profiles 9, 10, 11 and the friction pad 17 being made about 1 mm longer than the bolts which do not run through a friction pad. The aforesaid profiles 11 may of course also be disposed on loading pallets 1 which have no groove or recess 7.

With the object of strengthening the loading pallet structure so that the loading pallet can bear large weights without disintegrating or becoming deformed, at least one load- absorbing reinforcement 27 may be disposed in and/or on the load surface 2. In principle it is therefore conceivable to provide a load-absorbing reinforcement 27 wherever so desired on the load surface, but on a quadrilateral loading pallet 1 with a consequently quadrilateral load surface 2 it is advantageous for a load-absorbing reinforcement to be disposed at each corner of the load surface, within the groove or recess 7 for the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8. The load-absorbing reinforcement 27 may then be placed on top of the spacer 4 situated at the respective corner and be supported by that spacer and the fixing means 14 which runs through the spacer.

In the version depicted in the drawings (Fig. 23) the load-absorbing reinforcement takes the form of a solid cast reinforcing element 27 with suitable connecting portions for connecting it to the profile 9b constituting the load surface 2 and to the holding-together profile 10a situated at the respective corner of the load surface. To facilitate the connection, the connecting portions of the reinforcing element 27 are with advantage configured to fit together with the cross-sectional shape of said profiles 9b, 10a so that, for example, said profiles need only be pushed onto the reinforcing element. The connecting portions are situated in different planes on the reinforcing element 27, since the profiles concerned are in different planes. For this reason, the reinforcement 27 is also applicable in a right version and a left version on each loading pallet. To achieve a more stable structure in the version depicted, not only the reinforcing element 27 but also said profiles 9b, 10a rest on the respective spacer 4, and the profiles are also fastened to one another in a suitable manner, e.g. by being firmly riveted to one another in cases where the profiles are made of metal. In the version depicted, the reinforcing element 27 is detachably fastened to the respective spacer 4 by the fixing means 14 and therefore has, for example, a recess for the nut 16 pertaining to the bolt 15 of the fixing means. The result is a rigid load-absorbing connection through the loading pallet 1.

At least a portion of the load-absorbing reinforcement 27 may also delineate at least part of the groove or recess 7. In the loading pallet version according to Fig. 23 with load- absorbing reinforcements 27 at the corners of the load surface 2, each load-bearing reinforcement has for example a portion 27a which delineates a corner portion 7a of the groove or recess 7. On the side of the portion 27a which faces outwards from the corner, the load-absorbing reinforcement 27 is chamfered to eliminate the possibility of damage or injury being caused by sharp corners on the loading pallet 1. It is of course possible to also provide load-absorbing reinforcements 27 as above for loading pallets 1 which have no groove or recess 7.

According to the invention, the groove or recess 7 provided for a pallet surround or pallet superstructure in and/or at the upper element 3 constituting a load surface 2 for the loading pallet 1 may have at least one bracket 19 for a locking device 20 for anchoring the pallet surround or pallet superstructure in the groove or recess (see preferably Figs. 13 and 14). In the version depicted, there are two brackets 19 (Figs. 12 and 22) which delineate between them a side of the groove or recess 7. Effective locking of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure in the groove or recess 7 is thus achieved. In the version depicted, each bracket 19 takes the form of a flange or the like with a partly arcuate long hole or arcuate hollow 21 in the flange. The brackets 19 may be fastened or detachably disposed in the groove or recess 7.

As illustrated particularly by Figs. 10-12, the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 can be folded together to simplify its handling and transport when it is not being used. The pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 comprises, for example, a number of sides which correspond to the sides of the load surface 2 and hence of the groove or recess 7 and which are mutually connected to one another by, for example, hinges 22 for folding together of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure. The pallet surround or pallet superstructure may of course be configured or provided with other types of folding means than hinges, but hinges of conventional kinds are durable and reliable for their function. With a quadrilateral load surface and a quadrilateral groove or recess 7, the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 will with advantage also be quadrilateral, in which case the pallet surround or pallet superstructure in its simplest form will be foldable by two mutually opposite sides 8a and 8b of it being pivotable and, to this end, being, for example, pivotable at the middle so that the pallet surround or pallet superstructure in its folded state may be as small as possible. In the version depicted, it is the short sides 8a, 8b which are configured to be pivotable, but the long sides 8c and 8d may of course also be made pivotable. The pivotable sides are pivotable via, for example, spring-loaded hinges 23 which in an unloaded state keep the respective sides in a deployed position, i.e. they keep the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 unfolded as in Fig. 9 or 21. Here too, however, the pivotable sides may be provided or configured with other types of means which make it possible to pivot them.

The pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 may be configured in many different ways. For example, the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 may be made of metal, wood or plastic or combinations thereof. Moreover, one or more sides of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 may take the form of a framework (not depicted) with wall portions situated between the elements of the framework. For example, the pallet surround or pallet superstructure may comprise a framework made of metal and wall portions made of metal or some other material, eg canvas or the like. Such a pallet surround or pallet superstructure will be extremely light but nevertheless stable.

At least one of the sides of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8, in the version depicted a short side 8a and a long side 8c, may have a hatch or down-foldable portion provided with hinges 24. The short side 8a will have a shorter down-foldable portion 25a corresponding to about half of the length of the short side and about a quarter of its height, while the long side 8c will have a down-foldable portion 25c with a length corresponding to about the whole length of the long side and about a quarter of the height of the long side. The size, version and positioning of any hatches or down-foldable portions may of course vary greatly.

At least one of the sides of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8, in the version depicted the long side 8d, is lockable in the groove or recess 7 in and/or at the load surface 2 of the loading pallet 1. The pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 need not be locked firmly in the groove or recess 7 in and/or at the load surface 2. In many cases it is desirable to be able to handle and transport a loading pallet and a pallet surround or pallet superstructure separately, but there are situations where it is desirable to secure the pallet surround or pallet superstructure to the loading pallet, both during use with the pallet surround or pallet superstructure deployed and when the pallet surround or pallet superstructure is folded together and folded down. To this end, the lockable side (the long side 8d) of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 has at least one locking device 20 (see above) which makes it possible, after the pallet surround or pallet superstructure has been folded together, for it to be folded down towards the load surface 2. In the version depicted, the locking device comprises a locking bolt 26 situated at the lower corner of the long side 8d, protruding from the long side in its longitudinal direction and supported movably in a bracket in the groove or recess 7, in the version depicted in the aforesaid bracket comprising a flange 19, which locking bolt slides into the arcuate long hole or the arcuate hollow 21 in the flange. As indicated above, to simplify handling, two brackets 19 which delineate between them a side of the groove or recess 7 are provided, and two locking devices 20. If so desired, the locking device 20 may take some other form than a locking bolt 26.

When a pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 in the version depicted is to be folded together, the first step (from the state according to Fig. 9 or 21 ) is to lift the whole pallet surround or pallet superstructure so that its lower edge becomes free of the groove or recess 7. To this end, the respective locking bolt 26 has to be pushed upwards (from the state according to Fig. 13) along a first substantially vertical and substantially straight portion of the long hole or the hollow 21. Thereafter the pivotable short sides 8a, 8b are pivoted inwards and the two halves of the respective short sides are moved towards one another (Fig. 10) and caused to abut against one another (Fig. 1 1 ). Finally, the folded pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 can be folded down towards, and caused to rest on, the load surface 2 of the loading pallet 1 (Fig. 12). The respective locking bolt 26 has then to be pushed further along a substantially arcuate second portion of the long hole or the hollow 21 and to and along a substantially horizontal third portion thereof (Fig. 14). After this folding together of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure 8 and its folding down to abutment against the load surface 2, the pallet surround or pallet superstructure serves as a bottom for the loading pallet 1 .

The loading pallet version according to Fig. 23 has a lower edge 28 running largely round the upper element 3 of the loading pallet 1 . This lower edge 28 indicates together with a suitable cover (not depicted) whether there is a folded pallet surround or pallet superstructure under the cover.

An alternative version of the loading pallet 1 according to Figs. 1 -14 is illustrated in Figs. 15-22. In addition inter alia to the spacers 4 being different and even replacing the profiles 1 1 which have bearing surfaces 6, as described above, the loading pallet version according to Figs. 15-22 differs from the loading pallet version according to Figs. 1 -14 in that the profiles 9 constituting the load surface 2 are for example six in number, four of them being middle profiles 9a and two being side profiles 9b. In addition, among profiles 10 for holding together the profiles 9 which constitute the load surface there are a middle profile 10b and two side profiles 10a, and there are four reinforcing profiles 10c which run in pairs in line with one another and each run across two of the middle profiles 9a (see in particular Figs. 16 and 18).

It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that, beyond what is indicated above, the loading pallet according to the present invention can be modified and altered within the scope of the claims set out below without departing from the idea and objects of the invention. Thus the number, shape, size and positioning of the constituent parts of the loading pallet may vary within the scope of the claims, as also the version and size of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure. Pallet superstructure may for example also mean a container of a suitable kind, e.g. a so-called flight container ("unit load device", ULD). As previously indicated, the choice of materials for the various parts may also vary. The loading pallet according to the present invention is with advantage also so configured that it can be read off by and hence handled in automatic storage facilities for loading pallets. The various loading pallet elements are fastened to one another in any suitable manner. The various metal profiles for the loading pallet may for example be riveted firmly to one another and may also have mutually corresponding recesses and protrusions for optimum durability and strength at the connections between the profiles and hence throughout the loading pallet structure.

Claims

Claims:

1. A loading pallet comprising at least one upper element (3) which constitutes a load surface (2) and which has spacers (4) disposed on its underside, characterised in that at least one encircling groove or recess (7) for placing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) in is provided in and/or at the upper element (3) which constitute a load surface (2).

2. A loading pallet according to claim 1 , characterised in that the groove or recess

(7) in and/or at the upper element (3) runs substantially peripherally round, and delineates, the load surface (2).

3. A loading pallet according to claim 1 or 2, in which the upper element (3) of the loading pallet (1 ) comprises loading pallet elements (9) which run in substantially the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet, constitute the load surface (2) and have on their underside loading pallet elements (10) running in substantially the transverse or longitudinal direction of the loading pallet in order to hold together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface at least at their end portions,

characterised

in that the groove or recess (7) for placing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure

(8) in is configured in and/or at the loading pallet elements (9) which constitute the load surface (2).

4. A loading pallet according to claim 3, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2) and the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) are so configured that they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

5. A loading pallet comprising at least one upper element (3) which constitutes at least one load surface (2) and has spacers (4) disposed on its underside, and at least one lower element (5) which joins the spacers together at opposite ends of them and which has at least one bearing surface (6) for placing the loading pallet (1) on a substrate, characterised in that at least one groove or recess (7) for placing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) in is provided in and/or at the upper element (3) constituting a load surface (2).

6. A loading pallet according to claim 5, characterised in that groove or recess (7) in and/or at the upper element (3) runs peripherally round, and delineates, the load surface

(2).

7. A loading pallet according to claim 5 or 6,

in which the upper element (3) of the loading pallet (1 ) comprises loading pallet elements (9) which run in substantially the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet, constitute the load surface (2) and have on their underside loading pallet elements (10) running in substantially the transverse or longitudinal direction of the loading pallet in order to hold together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface at least at their end portions, and

in which the lower element (5) of the loading pallet takes the form of loading pallet elements (11) running in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and each having at least one bearing surface (6),

characterised

in that the groove or recess (7) for placing a pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) in is provided in and/or at the loading pallet elements (9) which constitute the load surface (2).

8. A loading pallet according to claim 7, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2), the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface, and the loading pallet elements (11) which have bearing surfaces (6), all take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) are so configured that they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

9. A loading pallet according to claim 4 or 8, characterised in that said groove or recess (7) is provided by groove-forming or recess-forming bending of the respective profile (9) constituting the load surface (2).

10. A loading pallet according to claim 9, characterised in that said bending is substantially U-shaped.

11. A loading pallet according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that said bending is provided at the short sides or the long and short sides of the respective profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2).

12. A loading pallet according to claim 11 ,

in which the load surface (2) is quadrilateral, as also the groove or recess (7), characterised

in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) comprise at least one middle profile (9a) and at least two side profiles (9b),

that two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess (7) take the form of groove portions or recess portions at least at the long side of the respective side profile (9b) which faces away from the load surface (2), and

that the other two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess (7) take the form of groove portions or recess portions at all the short sides of the profiles (9a, 9b) constituting the load surface (2).

13. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 9-12, characterised in that said bending is so configured that in a direction outwards from the load surface (2) the profile (9) is double-walled with spacing between the wall portions.

14. A loading pallet according to claim 3, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2) and the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) and the profiles (10) for holding together the profiles constituting the load surface are so configured that they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

15. A loading pallet according to claim 7, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2), the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface, and the loading pallet elements (11) which have bearing surfaces (6), all take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) and the profiles (10) for holding together the profiles constituting the load surface are so configured that they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

16. A loading pallet according to claim 14 or 15,

in which the load surface is quadrilateral, as also the groove or recess (7),

characterised

that the profiles (10) for holding together the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) comprise at least one middle profile (10b) and at least two side profiles (10a),

that two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess (7) take the form of groove portions or recess portions at least at the long side facing away from the load surface (2) on the respective side profile (9b) among the profiles (9a, 9b) constituting the load surface, and that the other two mutually opposite sides of the groove or recess (7) take the form of groove portions or recess portions at least at the long side facing away from the load surface (2), on the respective side profile (10a) among the profiles (10a, 10b) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface.

17. A loading pallet according to claim 16, characterised in that said groove or recess (7) is provided by groove-forming or recess-forming bending of said side profiles (9b) among the profiles (9a, 9b) constituting the load surface (2), and of said side profiles (10a) among the profiles (10a, 10b) for holding together the profiles constituting the load surface.

18. A loading pallet according to claim 17, characterised in that said bending is substantially U-shaped.

19. A loading pallet according to claim 17 or 18, characterised in that said bending is so configured that in a direction outwards from the load surface (2) the respective side profiles (9b, 10a) are double-walled with spacing between the wall portions.

20. A loading pallet according to claim 3, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2) and the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) are so configured that together with an edge profile (13) running round the loading pallet (1) they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

21. A loading pallet according to claim 7, in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2), the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface, and the loading pallet elements (11) which have bearing surfaces (6), all take the form of metal profiles, characterised in that the profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) are so configured that together with an edge profile (13) running round the loading pallet (1) they wholly or partly delineate said groove or recess (7).

22. A loading pallet according to claim 20 or 21 , characterised in that said groove or recess (7) is provided by substantially L-shaped bending of the respective profiles (9) constituting the load surface (2) and of said edge profile (13).

23. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the groove or recess (7) has at least one bracket (19) for a locking device (20) for anchoring the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) in said groove or recess (7).

24. A loading pallet according to claim 23, characterised in that the groove or recess (7) has at least two brackets (19) so disposed as to delineate between them a side of the groove or recess.

25. A loading pallet according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that each bracket (19) comprises a flange or the like with an at least partly arcuate long hole or arcuate hollow (21) in the flange (19).

26. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 8, 15 and 21 , characterised in that the profiles (11) which have bearing surfaces (6) are each provided with at least two bearing surface portions (6a) running in the longitudinal direction of the profile and at least one recess (6b) running in the longitudinal direction of the profile between said bearing surface portions to accommodate at least one fixing means (14) for releasable connection of said profile to a spacer (4) and, via the spacer, to a profile (9) constituting a load surface (2) and to a profile (10) for holding together the profiles constituting the load surface.

27. A loading pallet according to claim 26, characterised in that at least one friction pad (17) is disposed in the recess (6b) in at least one of the profiles (11) which have bearing surfaces (6).

28. A loading pallet according to claim 27, characterised in that said friction pad (17) is detachably disposed in the recess (6b) by said fixing means (14).

29. A loading pallet according to claim 27 or 28, characterised in that the friction pad (17) has a slide surface (18) which cooperates with the bearing surface portions (6a) of the respective profile (11) which has a bearing surface (6), in order to absorb the weight of the loading pallet (1), and which is configured to prevent or counteract sliding movements of the loading pallet.

30. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 27-29,

characterised

in that the profiles (11) which have bearing surfaces (6) comprise at least one middle profile (11 b) and at least two side profiles (11a), and

that at least the side profiles (11a) each have at least one friction pad (17) disposed at their respective end portion.

31. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each spacer (4) is releasably connected to the upper element (3) of the loading pallet (1) or to both the upper element (3) and the lower element (5) of the loading pallet.

32. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that each spacer (4) comprises at least one metal element bent to a substantially endless shape, its length being substantially equal to the circumference of the spacer and its width being substantially equal to the height of the spacer.

33. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that at least one load-absorbing reinforcement (27) is disposed in and/or on the load surface

(2).

34. A loading pallet according to claim 33, in which the load surface (2), like the groove or recess (7), is quadrilateral, characterised in that a load-absorbing reinforcement (27) is disposed at each corner of the load surface (2), within the groove or recess (7).

35. A loading pallet according to claim 34, in which a spacer (4) is disposed or configured at each corner of the load surface (2), characterised in that the respective load- absorbing reinforcement takes the form of a reinforcing element (27) which is disposed on top of the spacer (4) situated at the corner and which has connecting portions for connecting it to a profile (9b) constituting a load surface (2) and to a profile (10a) for holding together profiles constituting the load surface.

36. A loading pallet according to claim 35, characterised in that the reinforcing element (27) is detachably fastened to the spacer (4) by a fixing means (14) for releasable connection of the spacer to said profile (9b) constituting the load surface (2) and to said holding-together profile (10a).

37. A profile according to any one of claims 33-36, characterised in that the load- absorbing reinforcement (27) has a portion (27a) which delineates at least a portion (7a) of the groove or recess (7).

38. A loading pallet according to claim 37, characterised in that each load- absorbing reinforcement (27) has a portion (27a) which delineates at least a corner portion (7a) of the groove or recess (7).

39. A loading pallet according to claim 38, characterised in that the load-absorbing reinforcement (27) is chamfered on at least the side of its portion (27a) delineating the corner portion (7a) of the groove or recess (7) which faces away from the corner.

40. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) can be folded together.

41. A loading pallet according to claim 40, characterised in that the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) comprises a number of sides corresponding to the sides of a load surface (2) and mutually connected to one another by hinges (22) for folding together of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure.

42. A loading pallet according to claim 41 ,

in which the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) is quadrilateral,

characterised

in that at least two mutually opposite sides (8a, 8b) of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) are pivotable.

43. A loading pallet according to claim 42, characterised in that said two pivotable sides (8a, 8b) are pivotable at the middle.

44. A loading pallet according to claim 42 or 43, characterised in that said two pivotable sides (8a, 8b) are pivotable by means of spring-loaded hinges (23) which in an unloaded state keep said sides in a deployed state.

45. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 42-44, characterised in that at least one of the sides of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) takes the form of a framework with wall portions situated between the elements of the framework.

46. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 41-45, characterised in that at least one of the sides (8a, 8c) of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) has a hinged hatch or down-foldable portion (25a, 25c).

47. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 41-46, characterised in that at least one of the sides (8d) of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) can be locked in the groove or recess (7) in and/or at the load surface (2).

48. A loading pallet according to claim 47, characterised in that the lockable side (8d) of the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) has at least one locking device (20) which makes it possible, after the pallet surround or pallet superstructure has been folded together, for it to be folded down towards the load surface (2).

49. A loading pallet according to claim 48, characterised in that the locking device

(20) comprises a locking bolt (26) supported for movement in a bracket (19) in the groove or recess (7).

50. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 41-49, characterised in that the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) can, after being folded together, serve as a bottom for the loading pallet (1) when the pallet surround or pallet superstructure is placed on the load surface (2).

51. A loading pallet according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the pallet surround or pallet superstructure (8) is made of metal.

52. A loading pallet comprising at least one upper element (3) which constitutes a load surface (2) and has spacers (4) disposed on its underside, and at least one lower element (5) which joins the spacers together at their opposite ends and which has at least one bearing surface (6) for placing the loading pallet (1) on a substrate,

in which the upper element (3) of the loading pallet (1) comprises loading pallet elements (9) running in substantially the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and constituting the load surface (2), and loading pallet elements (10) running on the underside thereof in substantially the transverse or longitudinal direction of the loading pallet in order to hold together at least at their end portions the loading pallet elements constituting the load surface,

in which the pallet's lower element (5) takes the form of loading pallet elements (11) running in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and each having at least one bearing surface (6), and

in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2), the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the loading surface, and the loading pallet elements (11) having bearing surfaces (6), all take the form of metal profiles,

characterised

in that each of the profiles (11) which have bearing surfaces (6) is provided with at least two bearing surface portions (6a) running in the longitudinal direction of the profile, and at least one recess (6b) running in the longitudinal direction of the profile between said bearing surface portions to accommodate at least one fixing means (14) for releasable connection of said profile to a spacer (4) and, via the spacer, to a profile (9) constituting a load surface (2) and to a profile (10) for holding together the profiles which constitute the load surface.

53. A loading pallet according to claim 52, characterised in that at least one friction pad (17) is disposed in said recess (6b).

54. A loading pallet according to claim 53, characterised in that said friction pad

(17) is detachably disposed in the recess (6b) by said fixing means (14).

55. A loading pallet according to claim 53 or 54, characterised in that the friction pad (17) has a slide surface (18) which cooperates with the bearing surface portions (6a) of the respective profile (1 1) having bearing surfaces (6) and which is configured to prevent or counteract sliding movements of the loading pallet (1 ).

56. A loading pallet according to any one of claims 53-55,

characterised

in that the profiles (1 1 ) which have bearing surfaces (6) comprise at least one middle profile (1 1 b) and at least two side profiles (1 1 a), and

that at least the side profiles (1 1a) each have at least one friction pad (17) disposed at their respective end portion.

57. A loading pallet comprising at least one upper element (3) which constitutes a load surface (2) and which has spacers (4) disposed on its underside, and at least one lower element (5) which joins the spacers together at their opposite ends and which has at least one bearing surface (6) for placing the loading pallet (1 ) on a substrate,

in which the pallet's lower element (5) takes the form of loading pallet elements ( 1) running in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the loading pallet and each having at least one bearing surface (6), and

in which the loading pallet elements (9) constituting the load surface (2), the loading pallet elements (10) for holding together the loading pallet elements constituting the loading surface, and the loading pallet elements (1 1) having bearing surfaces (6), all the take the form of metal profiles,

characterised

in that at least one load-absorbing reinforcement (27) is disposed in and/or on the load surface (2).

58. A loading pallet according to claim 57, in which the load surface (2) is quadrilateral, characterised in that a load-absorbing reinforcement (27) is provided at each corner of the load surface (2).

59. A loading pallet according to claim 58, in which a spacer (4) is disposed or configured at each corner of the load surface (2), characterised in that the respective load- absorbing reinforcement takes the form of a reinforcing element (27) which is disposed on top of the spacer (4) situated at the corner and which has connecting portions for connecting it to a profile (9b) constituting a load surface (2) and to a profile (10a) for holding together profiles constituting the load surface.

60. A loading pallet according to claim 59, characterised in that the reinforcing element (27) is detachably fastened to the spacer (4) by a fixing means (14) for releasable connection of the spacer to said profile (9b) constituting the load surface (2) and to said holding-together profile (10a).