WO2012012363A2 - Metallic pallet with improved corner construction - Google Patents

Metallic pallet with improved corner construction Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012012363A2
WO2012012363A2 PCT/US2011/044432 US2011044432W WO2012012363A2 WO 2012012363 A2 WO2012012363 A2 WO 2012012363A2 US 2011044432 W US2011044432 W US 2011044432W WO 2012012363 A2 WO2012012363 A2 WO 2012012363A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pallet
corner
frame member
bottom frame
corner piece
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/044432
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012012363A3 (en
Inventor
Ayyakannu Mani
Original Assignee
Alx Pallet Systems, Llc
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 Alx Pallet Systems, Llc filed Critical Alx Pallet Systems, Llc
Priority to CA2805429A priority Critical patent/CA2805429A1/en
Priority to KR1020137003345A priority patent/KR20130094299A/en
Priority to JP2013520791A priority patent/JP2013530900A/en
Priority to BR112013001348A priority patent/BR112013001348A2/en
Priority to AU2011279801A priority patent/AU2011279801A1/en
Priority to MX2013000710A priority patent/MX2013000710A/en
Publication of WO2012012363A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012012363A2/en
Publication of WO2012012363A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012012363A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0053Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0077Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0089Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0093Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0095Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces 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
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/38Details or accessories
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D25/00Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/20External fittings
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/067Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
    • G06K19/07Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2203/00Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/10Transponders
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00014Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00024Metal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00049Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00059Metal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00084Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00094Metal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00223Materials for the corner elements or corner frames
    • B65D2519/00233Metal
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00293Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00368Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
    • B65D2519/00373Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547Connections
    • B65D2519/00552Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557Structures 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
    • B65D2519/00562Structures 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
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736Details
    • B65D2519/0098Dismountable elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to horizontally supported planar surfaces such as industrial platforms having a support surface provided with supporting means whereby a load may be supported relatively close to a floor and having means to receive handling means beneath said surface or load and wherein the support surfaces are made of metal.
  • Pallets are commonly used to support and transport bundled objects or loads in applications like that shown in Figure 1.
  • pallets have been constructed from wood members assembled together.
  • wooden pallets are subject to many drawbacks, including a relatively short lifespan, chemical contamination, insect infestation, and fire hazard, to name a few.
  • pallets have been constructed from plastic materials which can be more durable than wood and are typically insect resistant, however are still subject to chemical contamination, fire hazards and other shortcomings.
  • additives can be used to make a plastic pallet more fire retardant, such additives are costly and generally disfavored in situations where food handling is required.
  • There is a desire within the material handling industry to identify new materials suitable for manufacturing cargo carrying pallets which will provide superior functionality at a cost competitive price with other options.
  • pallet constructions representative of prior art teachings may be found in US Patent No. 5,367,960 to Schleicher granted November 29, 1994, US Patent No. 5,522,325 to Knauer granted June 4, 1996, US 2002/0078863 to Marr et al. published June 27, 2002 and US 2005/0178299 to Rasmussen et al. published August 18, 2005.
  • the pallets include a top deck or load engaging surface which may be composed of parallel top slats or decking attached to a surrounding frame made from plastic or wood.
  • a metallic pallet is provided of the type for supporting objects for storage and transport.
  • the pallet comprises a generally planar top side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners.
  • the top side includes four elongated outer top frame members.
  • the top side also includes a plurality of decking members arranged parallel to one another and parallel to two of the outer frame members.
  • a generally planar bottom side is provided having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners.
  • the bottom side includes four elongated outer bottom frame members. The bottom side is disposed below the top side so that its corners are vertically aligned with the corners of the top side in corresponding pairs.
  • each corner piece extends between a respective aligned pair of corners of the top and bottom sides.
  • the corner pieces each interrupt the generally planar top and bottom sides such that the top and bottom sides do not overlie the corner pieces.
  • Each the corner piece comprises a pair of adjoining perpendicular back walls in direct abutting contact with the top and bottom sides.
  • Each corner piece further comprises an upper plate and a lower plate respectively affixed to the back walls.
  • the upper plate is generally planar with the top side
  • the lower plate is generally planar with the bottom side.
  • Each corner piece includes a separately formed cover. The cover is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls and the upper and lower plates.
  • the subject invention is distinguished from prior art designs by providing a unique corner construction that is robust and easily manufactured.
  • This design which represents a departure from prior art techniques, increases the ability of a metallic pallet to resist damage caused by undesirable impact forces to the corners, which thereby favorably extends the service life and hence cost benefit of a metallic pallet.
  • Figure 1 is an environmental view showing a pallet constructed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention utilized to support cargo and poised for transport via a common forklift vehicle;
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the subject pallet
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the pallet according to Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a top view of the subject pallet
  • Figure 5 is a bottom view of the subject pallet
  • Figure 6 is an end view of the subject pallet
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 7-7 in Figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exterior spacer block taken generally along lines 8-8 in Figure 6;
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a corner piece according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is an exploded view of the corner piece of Figure 9;
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 11-11 of Figure 9;
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover for the corner piece of Figure 10;
  • Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating tracking capabilities for the subject pallet when configured to include an RFID tag
  • Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first alternative corner piece construction
  • Figure 15 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a second alternative corner piece in partially exploded fashion and including an optional RFID tag in the hollow space therein;
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third alternative corner piece design.
  • a pallet constructed in accordance with embodiments of this invention is generally shown at 20.
  • Standard pallet dimensions are given as 48 inches x 40 inches x 5.6 inches, however the specific dimensional properties of the pallet 20 are subject to alteration to suit any given application.
  • the pallet 20 includes a generally planar top side, generally indicated at 22.
  • the top side 22 establishes a generally horizontal surface for supporting objects such as cargo for storage and transport.
  • the top side 22 is elevated above the floor or other supporting structure so that the tines of a forklift 24 ( Figure 1) can be inserted under the top side 22 in the customary fashion.
  • the top side 22 has a substantially rectangular configuration as suggested by the dimensions suggested above, however this is subject to variation depending upon design choice.
  • the top side 22 defines four corners which, in the preferred embodiment, are represented by notches 26.
  • the top side 22 also includes four elongated outer top frame members comprised of two long rails 28 and two short rails 30.
  • the long 28 and short 30 rails are arranged about the perimeter of the top side 22 and extend each into the notches 26 thus establishing a generally rectangular shape for the top side 22.
  • the long 28 and short 30 rails are preferably made from extruded aluminum having any desirable and suitable cross-sectional shape such as, for example, shown in the cross-section of Figure 7.
  • a plurality (seven in the examples shown) of decking members 32 are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the two short rails 30 with generally equal spacing therebetween.
  • the decking members 32 are preferably made from an extruded aluminum material and may have a cross-sectional like that shown for example in Figure 7.
  • Each decking member 32 is welded at its ends to the inside edge of the two long rails 28.
  • the top side 22 in one embodiment further includes a backbone 34 disposed directly underneath each of the decking members 32.
  • the backbone member 34 perhaps best seen in Figures 3 and 7, extends parallel to the two long rails 28 to provide mid-span support for the top side 22 for increased weight bearing capacity for the pallet 20.
  • the pallet 20 is shown including a generally planar bottom side 40.
  • the bottom side 40 like the top side 22, also has a substantially rectangular configuration having corners defined by notches 42.
  • the outer dimensional properties of the bottom side 40 are substantially identical to that of the top side 22 so that the notches 26, 42 can be directly aligned one over the other.
  • the bottom side 40 also includes four elongated outer frame members comprised of long 44 and short 46 rails.
  • the short rails 46 of the bottom side 40 are generally congruent with the short rails 30 of the top side 22, and likewise the long rails 44 of the bottom side are generally congruent with the long rails 28 of the top side 22.
  • the rails 44, 46 of the bottom side 40 are significantly wider (measured laterally) than their long 28 and short 30 rail counterparts of the top side 22.
  • the long 44 and short 46 rails of the bottom side 40 may, in one embodiment, directly connect to one another at their terminal ends via a truncated miter joint 40.
  • This miter joint 48 may be welded to provide direct fixed connection between the long 44 and short 46 rails.
  • the bottom side 40 further includes a first inner bottom frame member 50 and a second inner bottom frame member 52.
  • the second inner bottom frame member 52 perpendicularly bisects the first inner bottom frame member 50 at a bottom intersection joint 54 which may be welded to secure the frame members 50, 52 to one another. Additionally, the terminal ends of each of the first 50 and second 52 inner bottom frame members may be attached at their respective ends to the inner edges of the long 44 and short 46 rails such as by welding to establish a strong matrix or skeletal construction.
  • corner pieces 56 Each extend between a respective aligned pair of corners of the top 22 and bottom 40 sides as represented by their respective notches 26, 42.
  • the corner pieces 56 fit into each of the notches 26, 42 and are there securely attached such as by welding so as to rigidly join the top side 22 to the bottom side 40 via the corner pieces 56.
  • the corner pieces 56 are set into the notches 26, 42, it may be seen that the corner pieces 56 each interrupt the generally planar top 22 and bottom 40 sides so that the top 22 and bottom 40 sides do not overlie the corner pieces 56.
  • corner impacts to the pallet 20 may be absorbed entirely by deformation of the hollow corner pieces 56 without distorting the planar configurations of the top 22 and bottom 40 sides.
  • FIG. 9-12 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the corner pieces 56 designed for optimal performance, low cost, ease of construction, as well as the ability to safely contain an RFID tag 58 or other tracking features.
  • Figure 10 is an exploded view of the corner piece 56.
  • the corner piece 56 shown here comprises a cast aluminum body establishing perpendicular back walls 60 in direct abutting contact with the top 22 and bottom 40 sides.
  • Upper and lower plates 62 connect the upper and lower ends of the back walls 60 into a somewhat box-like structure.
  • the upper plate 62 is generally planar with the top side 22 and the lower plate 62 is generally planar with the bottom side 40 thereby contributing to the load carrying capacity.
  • a cover 64 is formed separately from the back walls 60, and preferably made from a non-metallic materials such as plastic or hard rubber in an injection molding process. The cover 64 is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls 60 and the upper and lower plates 62 to provide a solid, secure exposed area for the corner piece 56.
  • the cover 64 includes an outer edge 66 establishing the leading or terminal corner for the pallet 20, which is expected to receive the initial and most frequent impacts during rough handling of the pallet 20.
  • the material composition selected for the cover 64 should therefore be impact resistant and durable yet somewhat resilient.
  • the corner pieces 56 may further include internal webbing 70 formed integrally with the back walls 60 and plates 62 during the casting process for both strength and controlling deformation.
  • the cover 64 may include notches 92 for receiving or engaging with the outer edges of the webbing 70 which, as shown in Figure 10, is formed as three vertical ribs and one horizontal rib.
  • the upper and lower plates 62 are also formed with chamfers 94.
  • the outer edge 66 of the cover 64 is configured with short extensions to directly engage the chamfers 94 as perhaps best shown in Figure 11.
  • the cover 64 and cast aluminum components become mechanically interlocked so that the corner pieces 56 may absorb and partially collapse in response to impact forces without stressing the top 22 or bottom 40 sides and thereby helping to maintain their planar nature for an extended service life of the pallet 20.
  • the hollow corner pieces 56 resist infiltration by liquids or other unwanted substances.
  • a small RFID tag 58 may be sealed inside one or more of the corner pieces 56 to provide pallet 20 locating and tracking capabilities.
  • An adhesive may be used to anchor and seal the RFID tag 58 inside the corner piece 56.
  • the RFID tag 58 may be securely stationed in a pocket or receptacle formed integrally with or subsequently attached to the inside of the corner piece 56. In this way, the RFID tag 58 can be contained in a protected enclosure so as to provide long term service life and functionality for purposes of tracking the pallet 20.
  • the RFID tag 58 is preferably retained in a position spaced as far as possible from each of the back walls 60 where welding occurs during attachment to the top 22 and bottom 40 sides. This will help protect the RFID tag 58 from damage due to excessive heat that occurs during welding operations. Conversely, the RFID tag 58 is also located as far as possible from the outer edge 66 where the majority of deformation is expected to occur in use. This will help protect the RFID tag 58 from damage for a longer service life.
  • FIG 13 shows an exemplary, highly schematic method by which the RFID tag 58 may be used to triangulate the position of a pallet 20 which has been lost or possibly stolen.
  • the exact position of a pallet 20 with respect to a digital map 76 can be determined.
  • the map 76 may be specific to a particular warehouse or manufacturing facility, or used more generally to track pallets 20 which may be stolen or misplaced in a much wider geographic area. Additional functionality may be incorporated into the RFID tag 58 according to known techniques.
  • the pallet 20 is shown including a plurality of extruded aluminum spacer blocks 78, 80.
  • Each spacer block 78, 80 extends perpendicularly between the top 22 and bottom 40 sides for holding the top 22 and bottom 40 sides in generally parallel spaced and aligned relation to one another so that the notched corners 26, 42 remain vertically aligned and so that the corresponding pairs of long 28, 44 and short 30, 46 rails remain aligned.
  • the spacer blocks 78, 80 increase the weight force loading with which the pallet 20 is capable of supporting.
  • Each spacer block 78, 80 may include at least one internal web.
  • Four spacer blocks 78 comprise exterior spacer blocks 70 arranged about the outer periphery of the pallet 20. Two exterior spacer blocks 78 extend between the respective pairs of long rails 28, 44, whereas another two exterior spacer blocks 78 extend between opposing short rails 30, 46.
  • These exterior spacer blocks 78 are preferably made from extruded aluminum materials and welded in place.
  • the exterior spacer blocks 78 have a generally D- shaped profile when viewed in cross-section.
  • This D-shaped profile includes an outer convex portion 82 that is oriented outwardly from the pallet 20.
  • the convex portions 82 of the exterior spacer blocks 78 face outwardly and so that if contacted by the tines of a forklift 24, they will gently direct the tines to the side usually with little to no damage.
  • at least one spacer block 80 comprises an interior spacer block 80 disposed for direct contact between the backbone 34 and bottom inner section joint 54 to provide column strength in the center of the pallet 20.
  • the interior spacer block 80 may have a generally rectangular profile in cross-section.
  • the interior spacer block 80 is also preferably made from extruded aluminum material and securely welded in place at each end.
  • Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a first alternative embodiment of the corner piece 156, wherein like or corresponding parts are indicated with reference numerals offset by 100.
  • the back walls 160 are formed of extruded aluminum and the upper and lower plates 162 are made from stamped aluminum sheet stock then subsequently affixed to the back walls 160 by welding or by other suitable fixation technique.
  • the upper plate 162 is generally planar with the top side 22 and the lower plate 162 is generally planar with the bottom side 40.
  • the cover 164 in this example is formed integrally with the back walls 160 during the extrusion process. The cover 164 is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls 160 and the upper and lower plates 162 to provide a solid, secure exposed area for the corner piece 156.
  • the cover 164 includes an outer edge 166 establishing the leading or terminal corner for the pallet 20.
  • Generous deformation grooves 168 may be formed in the cover 164 laterally on either side of the outer edge 166 to provide controlled collapse in the event of impact.
  • the corner pieces 156 may further include internal webbing 170 formed integrally during the extrusion process to join the cover 164 and back walls 160 for both strength and controlling deformation.
  • the corner pieces 156 are designed to absorb and deform when impacted without upsetting the top 22 or bottom 40 sides.
  • the upper and lower plates 162 provide an enclosed space, i.e., hollow, in the corner pieces 56 to resist infiltration by liquids or other unwanted substances.
  • Each plate 162 may include a small hole 172 aligned over an intersection point 174 of the webbing 170. During the assembly process, the plates 162 are positioned over the extruded body section with the holes 172 providing a convenient location through which to place a small tack weld to the webbing 170 and thereby secure
  • Figure 15 shows a second alternative embodiment of the corner piece 256, wherein like or corresponding parts are indicated with reference numerals offset by 200.
  • a simplified version of the corner piece 256 includes a less sophisticated separate cover 264 which may be secured in position to a cast aluminum back wall 260 and upper/lower plate 262 construction.
  • a single horizontal web 70 and optional intersecting vertical web may be formed therein to improve crush resistance.
  • An RFID tag 58 can be placed inside the hollow corner piece 256 and secured with a suitable adhesive or by other means as described previously.
  • Figure 16 shows yet another alternative construction for a corner piece 356, with like or corresponding parts being identified with similar reference numbers offset by 300.
  • the corner piece 356 is made from cast aluminum and omits the cover altogether so as to present an open cellular hollow corner for the pallet. In all other respects, the corner piece 356 functions similarly to that described above.
  • the foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)

Abstract

A metallic pallet (20) having generally planar top (22) and bottom (40) sides. Corner pieces (56) join the top (22) and bottom (40) sides and provide controlled deformation in the event of corner impacts. Spacer block (78, 80) function as risers to establish a space between top (22) and bottom (40) sides for receiving forklift tines (24). The top side (22) is formed in a rectangular formation with long (28) and short (30) rails establishing a perimeter for a plurality of decking members (32) which are welded at their ends to one another and to the corner pieces (56). Each corner piece (56) includes a separately formed plastic cover (64). The inside of the cover (64) may include vertical notches (92) for engaging vertical ribs (70) formed by structural webbing inside the corner piece (56). The outer edge (66) of the cover may include an outer corner section configured to directly engage a chamfer (94) in the metallic body of the corner piece (56). An RFID tag (58) may be located in a hollow corner piece (56) for tracking purposes.

Description

METALLIC PALLET WITH IMPROVED CORNER CONSTRUCTION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 61/365,409 filed July 19, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to horizontally supported planar surfaces such as industrial platforms having a support surface provided with supporting means whereby a load may be supported relatively close to a floor and having means to receive handling means beneath said surface or load and wherein the support surfaces are made of metal.
Related Art
[0003] Pallets are commonly used to support and transport bundled objects or loads in applications like that shown in Figure 1. Traditionally, pallets have been constructed from wood members assembled together. However, wooden pallets are subject to many drawbacks, including a relatively short lifespan, chemical contamination, insect infestation, and fire hazard, to name a few. More recently, pallets have been constructed from plastic materials which can be more durable than wood and are typically insect resistant, however are still subject to chemical contamination, fire hazards and other shortcomings. While additives can be used to make a plastic pallet more fire retardant, such additives are costly and generally disfavored in situations where food handling is required. There is a desire within the material handling industry to identify new materials suitable for manufacturing cargo carrying pallets which will provide superior functionality at a cost competitive price with other options.
[0004] Some examples of pallet constructions representative of prior art teachings may be found in US Patent No. 5,367,960 to Schleicher granted November 29, 1994, US Patent No. 5,522,325 to Knauer granted June 4, 1996, US 2002/0078863 to Marr et al. published June 27, 2002 and US 2005/0178299 to Rasmussen et al. published August 18, 2005. These examples of prior art illustrate various approaches in mixed forms of construction which include at least some metallic components. In these examples, the pallets include a top deck or load engaging surface which may be composed of parallel top slats or decking attached to a surrounding frame made from plastic or wood.
[0005] One drawback found in prior art constructions relates to the general lack of strength of the pallet in terms of resisting damage due to rough handling. Excessive damage most typically manifests when a pallet experiences a laterally applied force to one of its corners. This may occur during transport such as when a forklift is moving a pallet, or when the pallet is stationary but some object collides with it. It will be appreciated that metallic pallets are substantially more expensive to manufacture than wooden pallets. The cost proposition for a metallic pallet therefore only becomes favorable when the metallic pallet can enjoy a substantially longer service life than the typical wooden pallet or other available alternatives. Accordingly, constructing a metallic pallet that has the ability to withstand rough handling and other stressful conditions is imperative to the business proposition for such objects.
[0006] Accordingly, metallic pallets have inherent benefits and are being increasingly accepted within an industry accustomed to utilizing cheap wooden pallets. Nevertheless, there remains opportunity to further improve pallet designs and constructions with the objectives to reduce severe damage resulting from corner impacts, and thus to enhance service life.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A metallic pallet is provided of the type for supporting objects for storage and transport.
The pallet comprises a generally planar top side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners. The top side includes four elongated outer top frame members. The top side also includes a plurality of decking members arranged parallel to one another and parallel to two of the outer frame members. A generally planar bottom side is provided having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners. The bottom side includes four elongated outer bottom frame members. The bottom side is disposed below the top side so that its corners are vertically aligned with the corners of the top side in corresponding pairs.
Likewise, the outer top and outer bottom frame members are arranged in opposing pairs. Four generally hollow corner pieces are provided. Each corner piece extends between a respective aligned pair of corners of the top and bottom sides. The corner pieces each interrupt the generally planar top and bottom sides such that the top and bottom sides do not overlie the corner pieces. Each the corner piece comprises a pair of adjoining perpendicular back walls in direct abutting contact with the top and bottom sides. Each corner piece further comprises an upper plate and a lower plate respectively affixed to the back walls. The upper plate is generally planar with the top side, and the lower plate is generally planar with the bottom side. Each corner piece includes a separately formed cover. The cover is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls and the upper and lower plates.
[0008] The subject invention is distinguished from prior art designs by providing a unique corner construction that is robust and easily manufactured. This design, which represents a departure from prior art techniques, increases the ability of a metallic pallet to resist damage caused by undesirable impact forces to the corners, which thereby favorably extends the service life and hence cost benefit of a metallic pallet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein:
[0010] Figure 1 is an environmental view showing a pallet constructed in accordance with one embodiment of this invention utilized to support cargo and poised for transport via a common forklift vehicle;
[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the subject pallet;
[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the pallet according to Figure 2;
[0013] Figure 4 is a top view of the subject pallet;
[0014] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the subject pallet;
[0015] Figure 6 is an end view of the subject pallet;
[0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 7-7 in Figure 6;
[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exterior spacer block taken generally along lines 8-8 in Figure 6; [0018] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a corner piece according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the corner piece of Figure 9;
[0020] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines 11-11 of Figure 9;
[0021] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cover for the corner piece of Figure 10;
[0022] Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating tracking capabilities for the subject pallet when configured to include an RFID tag;
[0023] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first alternative corner piece construction;
[0024] Figure 15 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a second alternative corner piece in partially exploded fashion and including an optional RFID tag in the hollow space therein; and
[0025] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third alternative corner piece design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a pallet constructed in accordance with embodiments of this invention is generally shown at 20. Standard pallet dimensions are given as 48 inches x 40 inches x 5.6 inches, however the specific dimensional properties of the pallet 20 are subject to alteration to suit any given application.
[0027] As perhaps best shown in Figures 2-7, the pallet 20 includes a generally planar top side, generally indicated at 22. The top side 22 establishes a generally horizontal surface for supporting objects such as cargo for storage and transport. The top side 22 is elevated above the floor or other supporting structure so that the tines of a forklift 24 (Figure 1) can be inserted under the top side 22 in the customary fashion. The top side 22 has a substantially rectangular configuration as suggested by the dimensions suggested above, however this is subject to variation depending upon design choice. The top side 22 defines four corners which, in the preferred embodiment, are represented by notches 26. The top side 22 also includes four elongated outer top frame members comprised of two long rails 28 and two short rails 30. The long 28 and short 30 rails are arranged about the perimeter of the top side 22 and extend each into the notches 26 thus establishing a generally rectangular shape for the top side 22. The long 28 and short 30 rails are preferably made from extruded aluminum having any desirable and suitable cross-sectional shape such as, for example, shown in the cross-section of Figure 7.
[0028] A plurality (seven in the examples shown) of decking members 32 are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the two short rails 30 with generally equal spacing therebetween. The decking members 32 are preferably made from an extruded aluminum material and may have a cross-sectional like that shown for example in Figure 7. Each decking member 32 is welded at its ends to the inside edge of the two long rails 28. The top side 22 in one embodiment further includes a backbone 34 disposed directly underneath each of the decking members 32. The backbone member 34, perhaps best seen in Figures 3 and 7, extends parallel to the two long rails 28 to provide mid-span support for the top side 22 for increased weight bearing capacity for the pallet 20.
[0029] Turning now to Figures 3 and 5, the pallet 20 is shown including a generally planar bottom side 40. The bottom side 40, like the top side 22, also has a substantially rectangular configuration having corners defined by notches 42. The outer dimensional properties of the bottom side 40 are substantially identical to that of the top side 22 so that the notches 26, 42 can be directly aligned one over the other. The bottom side 40 also includes four elongated outer frame members comprised of long 44 and short 46 rails. The short rails 46 of the bottom side 40 are generally congruent with the short rails 30 of the top side 22, and likewise the long rails 44 of the bottom side are generally congruent with the long rails 28 of the top side 22. Unlike the rails 28, 30 of the top side 22, however, in the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 7, the rails 44, 46 of the bottom side 40 are significantly wider (measured laterally) than their long 28 and short 30 rail counterparts of the top side 22. As a result, the long 44 and short 46 rails of the bottom side 40 may, in one embodiment, directly connect to one another at their terminal ends via a truncated miter joint 40. This miter joint 48 may be welded to provide direct fixed connection between the long 44 and short 46 rails. The bottom side 40 further includes a first inner bottom frame member 50 and a second inner bottom frame member 52. The second inner bottom frame member 52 perpendicularly bisects the first inner bottom frame member 50 at a bottom intersection joint 54 which may be welded to secure the frame members 50, 52 to one another. Additionally, the terminal ends of each of the first 50 and second 52 inner bottom frame members may be attached at their respective ends to the inner edges of the long 44 and short 46 rails such as by welding to establish a strong matrix or skeletal construction.
[0030] Four generally identical, hollow corner pieces are generally indicated at 56. The corner pieces 56 each extend between a respective aligned pair of corners of the top 22 and bottom 40 sides as represented by their respective notches 26, 42. In other words, the corner pieces 56 fit into each of the notches 26, 42 and are there securely attached such as by welding so as to rigidly join the top side 22 to the bottom side 40 via the corner pieces 56. Thus, because the corner pieces 56 are set into the notches 26, 42, it may be seen that the corner pieces 56 each interrupt the generally planar top 22 and bottom 40 sides so that the top 22 and bottom 40 sides do not overlie the corner pieces 56. As a result, corner impacts to the pallet 20 may be absorbed entirely by deformation of the hollow corner pieces 56 without distorting the planar configurations of the top 22 and bottom 40 sides.
[0031] Various configurations for corner pieces 56 may be found by reference to the applicant's co-pending US 2010/0218705, published September 2, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon. Figures 9-12 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the corner pieces 56 designed for optimal performance, low cost, ease of construction, as well as the ability to safely contain an RFID tag 58 or other tracking features. Figure 10 is an exploded view of the corner piece 56. The corner piece 56 shown here comprises a cast aluminum body establishing perpendicular back walls 60 in direct abutting contact with the top 22 and bottom 40 sides. Upper and lower plates 62, connect the upper and lower ends of the back walls 60 into a somewhat box-like structure. As a result, the upper plate 62 is generally planar with the top side 22 and the lower plate 62 is generally planar with the bottom side 40 thereby contributing to the load carrying capacity. A cover 64 is formed separately from the back walls 60, and preferably made from a non-metallic materials such as plastic or hard rubber in an injection molding process. The cover 64 is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls 60 and the upper and lower plates 62 to provide a solid, secure exposed area for the corner piece 56. The cover 64 includes an outer edge 66 establishing the leading or terminal corner for the pallet 20, which is expected to receive the initial and most frequent impacts during rough handling of the pallet 20. The material composition selected for the cover 64 should therefore be impact resistant and durable yet somewhat resilient. [0032] The corner pieces 56 may further include internal webbing 70 formed integrally with the back walls 60 and plates 62 during the casting process for both strength and controlling deformation. The cover 64 may include notches 92 for receiving or engaging with the outer edges of the webbing 70 which, as shown in Figure 10, is formed as three vertical ribs and one horizontal rib. The upper and lower plates 62 are also formed with chamfers 94. The outer edge 66 of the cover 64 is configured with short extensions to directly engage the chamfers 94 as perhaps best shown in Figure 11. Through this design, the cover 64 and cast aluminum components become mechanically interlocked so that the corner pieces 56 may absorb and partially collapse in response to impact forces without stressing the top 22 or bottom 40 sides and thereby helping to maintain their planar nature for an extended service life of the pallet 20. The hollow corner pieces 56 resist infiltration by liquids or other unwanted substances.
[0033] As mentioned and shown in Figure 15, a small RFID tag 58 may be sealed inside one or more of the corner pieces 56 to provide pallet 20 locating and tracking capabilities. An adhesive may be used to anchor and seal the RFID tag 58 inside the corner piece 56. Alternatively, the RFID tag 58 may be securely stationed in a pocket or receptacle formed integrally with or subsequently attached to the inside of the corner piece 56. In this way, the RFID tag 58 can be contained in a protected enclosure so as to provide long term service life and functionality for purposes of tracking the pallet 20. If the RFID tag 58 is installed into a corner piece 56 prior to assembly of that corner piece 56 with the top 22 and bottom 40 sides, the RFID tag 58 is preferably retained in a position spaced as far as possible from each of the back walls 60 where welding occurs during attachment to the top 22 and bottom 40 sides. This will help protect the RFID tag 58 from damage due to excessive heat that occurs during welding operations. Conversely, the RFID tag 58 is also located as far as possible from the outer edge 66 where the majority of deformation is expected to occur in use. This will help protect the RFID tag 58 from damage for a longer service life.
[0034] Figure 13 shows an exemplary, highly schematic method by which the RFID tag 58 may be used to triangulate the position of a pallet 20 which has been lost or possibly stolen. Using known RFID technology, the exact position of a pallet 20 with respect to a digital map 76 can be determined. Of course, the map 76 may be specific to a particular warehouse or manufacturing facility, or used more generally to track pallets 20 which may be stolen or misplaced in a much wider geographic area. Additional functionality may be incorporated into the RFID tag 58 according to known techniques.
[0035] Returning to Figures 2-8, the pallet 20 is shown including a plurality of extruded aluminum spacer blocks 78, 80. Each spacer block 78, 80 extends perpendicularly between the top 22 and bottom 40 sides for holding the top 22 and bottom 40 sides in generally parallel spaced and aligned relation to one another so that the notched corners 26, 42 remain vertically aligned and so that the corresponding pairs of long 28, 44 and short 30, 46 rails remain aligned. Furthermore, the spacer blocks 78, 80 increase the weight force loading with which the pallet 20 is capable of supporting. Each spacer block 78, 80 may include at least one internal web. Four spacer blocks 78 comprise exterior spacer blocks 70 arranged about the outer periphery of the pallet 20. Two exterior spacer blocks 78 extend between the respective pairs of long rails 28, 44, whereas another two exterior spacer blocks 78 extend between opposing short rails 30, 46. These exterior spacer blocks 78 are preferably made from extruded aluminum materials and welded in place.
[0036] As perhaps best shown in Figure 8, the exterior spacer blocks 78 have a generally D- shaped profile when viewed in cross-section. This D-shaped profile includes an outer convex portion 82 that is oriented outwardly from the pallet 20. In other words, as perhaps best shown in Figures 2 and 6, the convex portions 82 of the exterior spacer blocks 78 face outwardly and so that if contacted by the tines of a forklift 24, they will gently direct the tines to the side usually with little to no damage. Preferably, although not necessarily, at least one spacer block 80 comprises an interior spacer block 80 disposed for direct contact between the backbone 34 and bottom inner section joint 54 to provide column strength in the center of the pallet 20. The interior spacer block 80 may have a generally rectangular profile in cross-section. Like the exterior spacer block 78, the interior spacer block 80 is also preferably made from extruded aluminum material and securely welded in place at each end.
[0037] Figure 14 shows an exploded view of a first alternative embodiment of the corner piece 156, wherein like or corresponding parts are indicated with reference numerals offset by 100. In this example, the back walls 160 are formed of extruded aluminum and the upper and lower plates 162 are made from stamped aluminum sheet stock then subsequently affixed to the back walls 160 by welding or by other suitable fixation technique. Once assembled, the upper plate 162 is generally planar with the top side 22 and the lower plate 162 is generally planar with the bottom side 40. The cover 164 in this example is formed integrally with the back walls 160 during the extrusion process. The cover 164 is configured to simultaneously engage the back walls 160 and the upper and lower plates 162 to provide a solid, secure exposed area for the corner piece 156. The cover 164 includes an outer edge 166 establishing the leading or terminal corner for the pallet 20. Generous deformation grooves 168 may be formed in the cover 164 laterally on either side of the outer edge 166 to provide controlled collapse in the event of impact. The corner pieces 156 may further include internal webbing 170 formed integrally during the extrusion process to join the cover 164 and back walls 160 for both strength and controlling deformation. The corner pieces 156 are designed to absorb and deform when impacted without upsetting the top 22 or bottom 40 sides. The upper and lower plates 162 provide an enclosed space, i.e., hollow, in the corner pieces 56 to resist infiltration by liquids or other unwanted substances. Each plate 162 may include a small hole 172 aligned over an intersection point 174 of the webbing 170. During the assembly process, the plates 162 are positioned over the extruded body section with the holes 172 providing a convenient location through which to place a small tack weld to the webbing 170 and thereby secure the plates 162 in position
[0038] Figure 15 shows a second alternative embodiment of the corner piece 256, wherein like or corresponding parts are indicated with reference numerals offset by 200. In this example, a simplified version of the corner piece 256 includes a less sophisticated separate cover 264 which may be secured in position to a cast aluminum back wall 260 and upper/lower plate 262 construction. A single horizontal web 70 and optional intersecting vertical web may be formed therein to improve crush resistance. An RFID tag 58 can be placed inside the hollow corner piece 256 and secured with a suitable adhesive or by other means as described previously.
[0039] Figure 16 shows yet another alternative construction for a corner piece 356, with like or corresponding parts being identified with similar reference numbers offset by 300. In this example, the corner piece 356 is made from cast aluminum and omits the cover altogether so as to present an open cellular hollow corner for the pallet. In all other respects, the corner piece 356 functions similarly to that described above. [0040] The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A metallic pallet of the type for supporting objects for storage and transport, the pallet comprising:
a generally planar top side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners, said top side including four elongated outer top frame members, said top side including a plurality of decking members arranged parallel to one another and parallel to two of said outer top frame members;
a generally planar bottom side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners, said bottom side including four elongated outer bottom frame members, said bottom side disposed below said top side such that said corners of said top side are vertically aligned over said corners of said bottom side in corresponding pairs and said outer top and outer bottom frame members are arranged in opposing pairs;
four generally hollow corner pieces, each said corner piece extending between a respective aligned pair of said corners of said top and bottom sides, said corner pieces each interrupting the generally planar top and bottom sides such that said top and bottom sides do not overlie said corner pieces; and
each said corner piece comprising a pair of adjoining perpendicular back walls in direct abutting contact with said top and bottom sides, each said corner piece further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate respectively affixed to said back walls, said upper plate generally planar with said top side, said lower plate generally planar with said bottom side, each said corner piece including a separately formed cover, said cover configured to simultaneously engage said back walls and said upper and lower plates.
2. The pallet of claim 1 , wherein said cover is fabricated from a non-metallic material.
3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein each said corner piece includes at least one vertical rib extending between said upper and lower plates.
4. The pallet of claim 3, wherein said cover includes at least one vertical notch for receiving said at least one vertical rib.
5. The pallet of claim 3, wherein each said corner piece includes at least one horizontal rib extending between said back walls and intersecting said at least one vertical rib.
6. The pallet of claim 1 , wherein each said corner piece includes a plurality of vertical ribs extending between said upper and lower plates.
7. The pallet of claim 6, wherein said cover includes a plurality of vertical notches for receiving said plurality of vertical ribs.
8. The pallet of claim 1 , wherein said upper and lower plates have respective outer edges, said outer edges of said upper and lower plates including a chamfer.
9. The pallet of claim 9, wherein said cover includes an outer corner section configured to engage said chamfers in said upper and lower plates.
10. The pallet of claim 1 , further including an RFID tag disposed in the hollow interior space of at least one of said corner pieces.
11. The pallet of claim 1 , wherein each said bottom frame member is directly connected to the next adjacent bottom frame member along a truncated miter joint,.
12. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said top includes a backbone disposed directly underneath each of said decking members.
13. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said bottom side includes a first inner bottom frame member and a second inner bottom frame member, said second inner bottom frame member perpendicularly bisecting said first inner bottom frame member at a bottom intersection joint.
14. The pallet of claim 1, further including a plurality of spacer blocks, each said spacer block extending perpendicularly between said top and bottom sides for holding said top and bottom sides in generally parallel spaced and aligned relation to one another.
15. The pallet of claim 14, wherein each said spacer block includes at least one internal web.
16. The pallet of claim 14, wherein four of said spacer blocks comprise exterior spacer blocks extending directly between two opposing said outer top and outer bottom frame members.
17. The pallet of claim 16, wherein said exterior spacer blocks having a generally D- shaped profile in cross-section, said D-shaped profile of said exterior spacer blocks including a convex portion oriented outwardly from said pallet.
18. The pallet of claim 14, wherein said top includes a backbone disposed directly underneath each of said decking members, wherein said bottom side includes a first inner bottom frame member and a second inner bottom frame member, said second inner bottom frame member perpendicularly bisecting said first inner bottom frame member at a bottom intersection joint, and wherein one of said spacer blocks comprises an interior spacer block, said interior spacer block extending directly between said backbone and bottom intersection joint.
19. The pallet of claim 18, wherein said interior spacer block has a generally rectangular profile in cross-section.
20. A metallic pallet of the type for supporting objects for storage and transport, the pallet comprising:
a generally planar top side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners, said top side including four elongated outer top frame members, said top side including a plurality of decking members arranged parallel to one another and parallel to two of said outer top frame members, said top including a backbone disposed directly underneath each of said decking members;
a generally planar bottom side having a substantially rectangular configuration defining four corners, said bottom side including four elongated outer bottom frame members, each said bottom frame member directly connected to the next adjacent bottom frame member along a truncated miter joint, said bottom side including a first inner bottom frame member and a second inner bottom frame member, said second inner bottom frame member perpendicularly bisecting said first inner bottom frame member at a bottom intersection joint;
a plurality of extruded aluminum spacer blocks, each said spacer block extending perpendicularly between said top and bottom sides for holding said top and bottom sides in generally parallel spaced and aligned relation to one another such that said corners of said top side are vertically aligned over said corners of said bottom side in corresponding pairs and said outer top and outer bottom frame members are arranged in opposing pairs, each said spacer block including at least one internal web, four of said spacer blocks comprising exterior spacer blocks extending directly between two opposing said outer top and outer bottom frame members, said exterior spacer blocks having a generally D-shaped profile in cross-section, said D-shaped profile of said exterior spacer blocks including a convex portion oriented outwardly from said pallet, one of said spacer blocks comprising an interior spacer block, said interior spacer block extending directly between said backbone and bottom intersection joint, said interior spacer block having a generally rectangular profile in cross-section;
four generally hollow corner pieces, each said corner piece extending between a respective aligned pair of said corners of said top and bottom sides, said corner pieces each interrupting the generally planar top and bottom sides such that said top and bottom sides do not overlie said corner pieces, at least one of said corner pieces including an RFID tag in the hollow interior space thereof; and each said corner piece comprising a pair of adjoining perpendicular back walls in direct abutting contact with said top and bottom sides, each said corner piece further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate respectively affixed to said back walls, said upper plate generally planar with said top side, said lower plate generally planar with said bottom side, at least one vertical rib disposed in each said corner piece and extending between said upper and lower plates, said upper and lower plates having respective outer edges, said outer edges of said upper and lower plates including a chamfer, each said corner piece including a cover, said cover configured to simultaneously engage said back walls and said upper and lower plates, said cover being fabricated from a non-metallic material, said cover including at least one notch for receiving said at least one vertical rib, said cover including an outer corner section configured to engage said chamfers in said upper and lower plates.
PCT/US2011/044432 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metallic pallet with improved corner construction WO2012012363A2 (en)

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CA2805429A CA2805429A1 (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metallic pallet with improved corner construction
KR1020137003345A KR20130094299A (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metallic pallet with improved corner construction
JP2013520791A JP2013530900A (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metal pallet with improved corner structure
BR112013001348A BR112013001348A2 (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 metal pallets with improved corner construction
AU2011279801A AU2011279801A1 (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metallic pallet with improved corner construction
MX2013000710A MX2013000710A (en) 2010-07-19 2011-07-19 Metallic pallet with improved corner construction.

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US61/365,409 2010-07-19

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US9776762B2 (en) * 2016-01-06 2017-10-03 Chep Technology Pty Limited Pallet with extruded composite support blocks and associated methods of making the same
JP7064385B2 (en) * 2018-05-31 2022-05-10 Ykk Ap株式会社 Pallets for building materials

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JP2003095270A (en) * 2001-07-17 2003-04-03 Japan Pallet Rental Corp Pallet with identification tag
WO2005037687A2 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Ayyakannu Mani Pallets
JP2006248745A (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Pallet reusing system, radio tag, pallet, control method and control program

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US5367960A (en) * 1992-11-02 1994-11-29 Sigrid Schleicher Four-way sheet metal pallet
JP2003095270A (en) * 2001-07-17 2003-04-03 Japan Pallet Rental Corp Pallet with identification tag
WO2005037687A2 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-28 Ayyakannu Mani Pallets
JP2006248745A (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-21 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd Pallet reusing system, radio tag, pallet, control method and control program

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107679806A (en) * 2017-10-09 2018-02-09 章军 Bucket shape becomes quadra Turnover Box and its utilizes carrier's monitoring mobile phone things system
CN107679806B (en) * 2017-10-09 2020-12-29 章军 Bucket deformation square frame turnover box and system for monitoring internet of things by utilizing mobile phone of carrier

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AU2011279801A1 (en) 2013-02-28
JP2013530900A (en) 2013-08-01
BR112013001348A2 (en) 2017-06-20
KR20130094299A (en) 2013-08-23

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