WO2022229924A2

WO2022229924A2 - Improvements of pallet modules, and toggle latch with integrated safety feature

Info

Publication number: WO2022229924A2
Application number: PCT/IB2022/054003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew REALI; Masoud TALEBI AMIRI
Original assignee: Ponera Group Sagl
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-03
Also published as: WO2022229924A3

Abstract

There is in particular described a pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, The pallet module (10) comprises a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100). The pallet module (10) further comprises first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101, 102), as well as first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104), which jointly form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000). The pallet module (10) further comprises a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100), first and second securing elements (51, 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101, 102), and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104). The first to fourth securing elements (51-54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000). Positioning notches (110A, 120A) are formed along a side edge of each of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120), and positioning protrusions (130A, 140A) are formed within the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) for cooperation with the positioning notches (110A, 120A) of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly (1000). Each positioning notch (110A, 120A) exhibits a V-shape with an opening angle of substantially 90° and angled side edges extending at 45° with respect to the edge of the relevant lateral flange (110, 120). Each position protrusion exhibits a corresponding V-shape with an angle of substantially 90°.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS OF PALLET MODULES.

AND TOGGLE LATCH WITH INTEGRATED SAFETY FEATURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to modular pallet architectures (or systems) and more specifically to various improvements of pallet modules that can be physically interconnected to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules. The present invention also relates to a toggle latch that can in particular be used for securing multiple pallet modules one with the other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 in the name of the present Applicant, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, disclose a modular pallet architecture allowing formation of nested pallet assemblies of varying sizes using a set of individual pallet modules of different dimensions, including e.g. a unit-size pallet module, a medium-size pallet module and a large-size pallet module. In one embodiment, all pallet modules may especially exhibit a generally square shape, the medium-size pallet module and large-size pallet module each having a size that is an integer multiple of the size of the unit-size pallet module. Further embodiments are contemplated and disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various improvements of the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 form the subject-matter of the present invention. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet module the features of which are recited in claim 1 , namely, a pallet module configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; - a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and third and fourth securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, wherein the first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly, wherein the first to fourth securing elements form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly, wherein positioning notches are formed along a side edge of each of the first and second lateral flanges, and wherein positioning protrusions are formed within the first and second lateral grooves for cooperation with the positioning notches of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly.

According to this first aspect of the invention, each positioning notch exhibits a V-shape with an opening angle of substantially 90° and angled side edges extending at 45° with respect to the edge of the relevant lateral flange, and each positioning protrusion exhibits a corresponding V-shape with an angle of substantially 90°. By way of preference, the pallet module further comprises a diagonal reinforcing rib provided at a corner between the third and fourth lateral sides and extending at 45° with respect to the third and fourth lateral sides, which diagonal reinforcing rib connects upper and lower portions of the main structural body where the first and second lateral grooves are formed to reinforce and prevent spreading of the relevant corner of the pallet module under load. Furthermore, the first and second lateral flanges are separated, at a corner between the first and second lateral sides, by a cut-out to accommodate for the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib. These last features are in effect implementable independently of the first aspect of the invention as recited in claim 1 and form another aspect of the invention. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is accordingly provided a pallet module the features of which are recited in independent claim 3, namely, a pallet module configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; - first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and - third and fourth securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, wherein the first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly, and wherein the first to fourth securing elements form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly.

According to this second aspect of the invention, the pallet module further comprises a diagonal reinforcing rib provided at a corner between the third and fourth lateral sides and extending at 45° with respect to the third and fourth lateral sides, which diagonal reinforcing rib connects upper and lower portions of the main structural body where the first and second lateral grooves are formed to reinforce and prevent spreading of the relevant corner of the pallet module under load. Furthermore, the first and second lateral flanges are separated, at a corner between the first and second lateral sides, by a cut-out to accommodate for the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib.

By way of preference, each of the first and second lateral flanges exhibits a slightly trapezoidal cross-section, with an upper or lower surface being slightly inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, which features are applicable to both of the aforementioned first and second aspects of the invention.

These last features are in effect also implementable independently of the first and second aspects of the invention as recited in independent claims 1 and 3, and likewise form another aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is accordingly provided a pallet module the features of which are recited in independent claim 5, namely, a pallet module configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and third and fourth securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, wherein the first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly, and wherein the first to fourth securing elements form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly. According to this third aspect of the invention, each of the first and second lateral flanges exhibits a slightly trapezoidal cross-section, with an upper or lower surface being slightly inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

By way of preference, an angle of inclination of the upper or lower surface of the first and second lateral flanges with respect to the horizontal plane is of the order of 1⁰ or only a few degrees.

Upper and lower side surfaces of the first and second lateral flanges may advantageously be structured surfaces with ribs and valleys, the ribs preferably extending diagonally, which features are applicable to each of the aforementioned first to third aspects of the invention. Preferably, the pallet module further comprises reinforcing rod elements extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body and of the first and second lateral flanges, the reinforcing rod elements extending diagonally through the main structural body and the first and second lateral flanges.

These last features are in effect similarly implementable independently of the first to third aspects of the invention as recited in independent claims 1 , 3 and 5, and likewise form another aspect of the invention. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is accordingly provided a pallet module the features of which are recited in independent claim 9, namely, a pallet module configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules, comprising: - a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and third and fourth securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, wherein the first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly, wherein the first to fourth securing elements form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly, and wherein the pallet module further comprises reinforcing rod elements extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body and of the first and second lateral flanges.

According to this fourth aspect of the invention, the reinforcing rod elements extend diagonally through the main structural body and the first and second lateral flanges.

By way of preference, the first to fourth securing elements are first to fourth toggle latch components that are provided on the upper side of the main structural body at least partly within corresponding recesses formed below an upper surface of the upper side of the main structural body, and the first and second toggle latch components are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly to form releasable toggle latches, which features are applicable to each of the aforementioned first to fourth aspects of the invention. In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, a safety element is further provided to prevent accidental release of each toggle latch. These features form yet another aspect of the invention that is applicable independently of the aforementioned first to fourth aspects of the invention as recited in independent claims 1, 3, 5 and 9. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is accordingly provided a pallet module the features of which are recited in independent claim 12, namely, a pallet module configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; - first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and - third and fourth securing elements arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides, wherein the first and second lateral flanges and the first and second lateral grooves form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly, wherein the first to fourth securing elements form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly, wherein the first to fourth securing elements are first to fourth toggle latch components that are provided on the upper side of the main structural body at least partly within corresponding recesses formed below an upper surface of the upper side of the main structural body, and wherein the first and second toggle latch components are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly to form releasable toggle latches.

According to this fifth aspect of the invention, the pallet module further comprises a safety element to prevent accidental release of each toggle latch.

By way of preference, each of the first and second toggle latch components comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section, and each of the third and fourth toggle latch components consists of a catch element comprising a catch section. More specifically, in this context, the safety element may especially consist of an elastically deformable element projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module, which elastically deformable element is positioned to cooperate with an axial end of the moveable latch section, the elastically deformable element being provided with a central aperture that is dimensioned to receive the axial end of the moveable latch section. This elastically deformable element can take a default position in which the axial end of the moveable latch section is received through the central aperture, thereby locking the moveable latch section. Furthermore, the elastically deformable element is configured to deflect from the default position to allow the axial end of the moveable latch section to respectively engage with or be manually released from the central aperture. In this latter context, the elastically deformable element may be attached to a same attachment element as used to secure the first, respectively second toggle latch component to the pallet module.

The aforementioned latch element may especially be manually actuatable and further comprise a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the latch element.

In accordance with another embodiment, each of the first and second toggle latch components comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section and a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the latch element, each of the third and fourth toggle latch components consisting of a catch element comprising a catch section. In accordance with this other embodiment, the safety element consists of releasable retaining member configured to hold the handle section in a locking position. In this context, the releasable retaining member may in particular comprise a pair of elastically deformable retaining elements projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module, which elastically deformable elements are positioned to cooperate with an inner portion of the handle section. By way of preference, the elastically deformable retaining elements are each provided with a wedge-shaped retaining structure configured to cause deflection of the elastically deformable retaining elements from a default position upon moving the handle section to the locking position and return of the elastically deformable retaining elements to the default position upon the handle section reaching the locking position, thereby holding the handle section in the locking position, the handle section being releasable from the locking position by pressing the elastically deformable retaining elements towards each other. There is also claimed a toggle latch the features of which are recited in independent claim 20, namely, a toggle latch for releasably securing two cooperating parts one to the other, comprising a first toggle latch component designed to be attached to a first one of the two cooperating parts and a second toggle latch component designed to be attached to a second one of the two cooperating parts and configured to selectively cooperate with the first toggle latch component to secure or release the two cooperating parts, wherein the first toggle latch component comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section, and wherein the second toggle latch component consists of a catch element comprising a catch section cooperating with the moveable latch section.

Furthermore, the toggle latch further comprises a safety element to prevent accidental release of the toggle latch.

By way of preference, the safety element consists of an elastically deformable element projecting substantially vertically from a surface of the first one of the two cooperating parts, which elastically deformable element is positioned to cooperate with an axial end of the moveable latch section, the elastically deformable element being provided with a central aperture that is dimensioned to receive the axial end of the moveable latch section. This elastically deformable element can take a default position in which the axial end of the moveable latch section is received through the central aperture, thereby locking the moveable latch section. Furthermore, the elastically deformable element is configured to deflect from the default position to allow the axial end of the moveable latch section to respectively engage with or be released from the central aperture.

The elastically deformable element may be attached to a same attachment element as used to secure the first toggle latch component to the first one of the two cooperating parts.

Additionally, the latch element may be manually actuatable and further comprise a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the latch element.

In accordance with another embodiment of the toggle latch, the first toggle latch component further comprises a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the latch element, and the safety element consists of releasable retaining member configured to hold the handle section in a locking position. The releasable retaining member may in particular comprise a pair of elastically deformable retaining elements projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the first one of the two cooperating parts, which elastically deformable elements are positioned to cooperate with an inner portion of the handle section. By way of preference, the elastically deformable retaining elements are each provided with a wedge-shaped retaining structure configured to cause deflection of the elastically deformable retaining elements from a default position upon moving the handle section to the locking position and return of the elastically deformable retaining elements to the default position upon the handle section reaching the locking position, thereby holding the handle section in the locking position, the handle section being releasable from the locking position by pressing the elastically deformable retaining elements towards each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a pallet module, seen from an upper angle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 1B is a perspective view of the pallet module of Figure 1A seen from a lower angle;

Figure 1C is a top view of the pallet module of Figures 1A-B;

Figure 1 D is an enlarged view of a portion of the top view of Figure 1 C;

Figure 1E is a bottom view of the pallet module of Figures 1A-D; Figure 1F is a side view of the pallet module of Figures 1A-E;

Figure 1 G is an enlarged view of a portion of the side view of Figure 1 F;

Figure 1 FI is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pallet module of Figures 1 A-G with an upper portion of the pallet module cut out to reveal part of the inner structure of the pallet module; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a releasable toggle latch as preferably used for securing two adjacent pallet modules one to the other; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a partial assembly of four pallet modules as shown in Figures 1A-H

Figure 4 is a photographic illustration of a pallet assembly formed of nine unit-size pallet modules as shown in Figures 1 A-H that are assembled in a 3 x 3 configuration;

Figure 5 is a photographic illustration of part of the pallet assembly of Figure 4 carrying a load that is secured to the pallet assembly by means of securing straps;

Figures 6A-F are photographic illustrations of an embodiment of an improved toggle latch in accordance with a further aspect of the invention; and

Figure 7 is a photographic illustration of another embodiment of an improved toggle latch in accordance with the further aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Improvements of the pallet modules will be described with reference to Figures 1A-H to 6A-F. The expressions “pallet module’’ and “pallet assembly” as used herein are understood to refer to self-supporting platforms configured to allow the handling and transportation of goods, as used in particular for freight logistics, warehousing, transport and/or shipment purposes. Other similar purposes may also come into consideration, including e.g. intralogistics, namely the logistical handling of goods within the walls of a production or distribution center. More specifically, a pallet assembly according to the invention is built of multiple pallet modules which are nested within and interlock with one another to form a platform that is adapted in particular to support and allow transport and shipment of goods or equipment, be it by ground, sea or air transportation. A pallet module incorporating a variety of design changes and improvements over the known pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 is shown in Figures 1A-H, which pallet module is generally designated by reference numeral 10. The pallet module 10 is here depicted, for the sake of illustration, as a unit- size pallet module generally exhibiting a square shape. It will be understood however that the relevant design changes and improvements discussed hereafter are applicable irrespective of the actual dimensions and/or shape of the pallet module. Relevant considerations and principles already discussed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 are transposable to the pallet module disclosed herein. In a manner similar to the pallet modules discussed in International (PCT)

Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , pallet module 10 includes: a main structural body 100 exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 100A with first to fourth lateral sides 101-104 extending between upper and lower sides 100B, 100C of the main structural body 100; first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 extending outwardly from the peripheral border 100A of the main structural body 100 along the first and second lateral sides 101 , 102; first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 extending inwardly from the peripheral border 100A of the main structural body 100 along the third and fourth lateral sides 103, 104; a foot structure 90 disposed on the lower side 100C of the main structural body 100; first and second securing elements 51 , 52 arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides 101 , 102; and third and fourth securing elements 53, 54 arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides 103, 104.

The first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 form a first part of a mating system that is configured to allow nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another (as shown e.g. in Figures 3 and 4). The first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 are in effect configured to cooperate and mate with the first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 of another pallet module (be it an identical pallet module or another, compatible pallet module), which form another corresponding part of the relevant mating system. In a manner similar to the securing system contemplated in the context of

International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1, the first to fourth securing elements 51-54 are preferably formed of first to fourth toggle latch components that are provided on the upper side 100B of the main structural body 100 at least partly within corresponding recesses 151 -154 formed below the upper surface of the upper side 100B of the main structural body 100. Other types of securing elements could be contemplated, but the use of toggle latch components 51 -54 as shown constitutes a particularly simple and robust solution.

The main structural body 100 of the unit-size pallet module 10 here exhibits a square shape. Other, compatible pallet modules may exhibit a larger size, especially twice and four times the unit length of the unit-size pallet module 10, it being understood that the number of securing elements 51-54 along each side increases as a function of the increase in dimensions of the pallet module, namely from one per side for the unit-size pallet module 10, to two per side for a double size pallet module, and four per side for a quadruple-size pallet module, etc..

The first and second toggle latch components 51 , 52 are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components 53, 54, respectively, of another similar pallet module of the nested pallet assembly, to form releasable toggle latches 500 as shown in Figure 2 (see also Figure 3), allowing each pallet module to be secured to or released from another pallet module of the assortment. Each toggle latch component 51, 52 comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section 510 that extends outwardly to cooperate with the toggle latch component 53, 54 of another pallet module, each toggle latch component 53, 54 consisting here of a catch element comprising a catch section 550. The latch element is manually actuatable and further comprises a handle section 520 that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section 510 to allow manual actuation of the latch element. Each releasable toggle latch 500 is thus formed of two connectable or disconnectable components, one being provided on one pallet module of the pallet assembly, and the other on the other, adjacent pallet module of the pallet assembly.

The foot structure 90 here preferably consists of a fixed foot structure comprising one or more foot elements 91 that are made integral with the main structural body 100. Advantageously, the main structural body 100 is structured to exhibit one or more corresponding depressions on the upper side 100B allowing stacking of multiple pallet modules one on top of the other.

The aforementioned modular pallet architecture provides unprecedented benefits, especially in terms of freight logistics and environmental sustainability. In particular, the underlying structure and concept of the aforementioned modular pallet structure is simple, yet provides substantial flexibility in the pallet assemblies that can be built on the basis of the relevant assortment of pallet modules. The dimensions and structure of the relevant pallet modules can be selected to boost efficiency and ease of use. The pallet modules can be assembled (and disassembled) very easily and quickly, and the dimensions thereof can be optimized to ensure that substantially all of the available shipment space can be exploited, thereby drastically reducing waste as well as packaging and shipment costs. In addition, the pallet modules are designed to be reused many times, thereby ensuring greater sustainability and reducing carbon footprint as a result compared to existing pallet solutions.

As shown in Figures 1A-H, pallet module 10 preferably includes a number of through-holes 190 that are provided in the main structural body 100 of the pallet module 10 at various locations of the main structural body 100 to provide a greater number of possibilities to secure load on the resulting pallet assembly. One or both ends of the through-holes 190 may be shaped as hexagonal depressions (also visible e.g. in Figure 6A) to accommodate a corresponding hexagonal nut for fixation of e.g. vertical struts or posts to the pallet module 10.

Through-holes 195 are likewise provided in the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 next to positioning notches 110A, 120A formed along the side edge of the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120.

Compared to the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , positioning notches 110A, 120A have a larger “V” shape, with the opening angle of each positioning notch 110A, 120A being of substantially 90° as shown in Figure 1 D. Each side of the “V” accordingly extends at 45° with respect to the edge of the relevant flange 110, 120. The corresponding protrusions 130A, 140A formed within the first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 (visible in Figures 1 F and 1 H) are likewise shaped as “V”-shaped protrusions with an angle of 90°. This provides for the ability to assemble pallet modules from different angles, especially at relevant corners of the pallet assembly. Thanks to this arrangement, as schematically illustrated by Figure 3, a pallet module 10 can especially be inserted into or extracted from a corner of a pallet assembly 1000. This constitutes one particularly advantageous improvement over the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

Visible in Figures 1B, 1F and 1 H, is a diagonal reinforcing rib 135 extending at 45° with respect to the side edges, where the first and second lateral grooves 130, 140 normally join. This diagonal reinforcing rib 135 connects upper and lower portions of the main structural body 100 where the lateral grooves 130, 140 are formed to reinforce and prevent spreading of the relevant corner of the pallet module 10 under load. On the opposite corner of the pallet module 10, where the first and second lateral sides 101 , 102 join, the first and second lateral flanges 110, 120 are separated by a corresponding cut-out 115 to accommodate for the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib 135. This constitutes another particularly advantageous improvement over the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

As shown in Figure 1G, the first lateral flange 110 (the same applying to the second lateral flange 120) is preferably configured to exhibit a slightly trapezoidal cross-section. More specifically, the upper surface 110a (and/or lower surface) of the lateral flange 110 is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane to facilitate insertion of the lateral flange 110 inside the associated lateral groove. The angle of inclination of the upper surface 110a (or of the lower surface as the case may be) with respect to the horizontal plane is of the order of 1 ° or only a few degrees. This constitutes yet another particularly advantageous improvement over the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

Also generally visible in Figures 1 A-E and 1 H is the fact that the upper and lower side surfaces of the lateral flanges 110, 120 are preferably not solid, continuous surfaces, but structured surfaces with ribs and valleys, much like the upper and lower sides 100B, 100C of the main structural body 100. The ribs may especially extend diagonally as shown.

Also visible in Figures 1C-1 E and 1 H are reinforcing rod elements 161 , 162 that preferably extend diagonally between the upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body 100 and of the lateral flanges 110, 120, rather than longitudinally. This constitutes a further particularly advantageous improvement over the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1. Figure 4 is a photographic illustration of a pallet assembly 1000 formed of nine unit-size pallet modules 10 of the type shown in Figures 1A-H that are assembled in a 3 x 3 configuration. Due to the presence of the aforementioned cut-out 115, corresponding slots are formed along the relevant lateral sides of the pallet assembly, where the lateral flanges 110, 120 are formed. These slots can conveniently be exploited for allowing passage of securing straps as depicted in the photographic illustration of Figure 5. In this way, tension generated by the securing straps is not transferred to the relevant lateral flange, but to the main structural body of the relevant pallet modules. This constitutes another particularly advantageous improvement over the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

Figures 6A-F are photographic illustrations of an improved toggle latch, designated by reference sign 500^*, in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The toggle latch 500^* is similar to the toggle latch 500 shown e.g. in Figure 2, with the difference residing in the provision of a safety element to secure the toggle latch 500^* in the closed position and avoid accidental release of the toggle latch. As shown in Figures 6A-F, this safety element may especially consist of a simple elastically deformable element 530 (made e.g. of metal) projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module, which elastically deformable element 530 is provided with a central aperture that is dimensioned to cooperate with an axial end 515 of the moveable latch section 510. The elastically deformable element 530 can conveniently be attached to the same attachment element 525 as used to secure the latch element 51 , resp. 52, to the pallet module.

Figures 6A-B show the toggle latch 500* in a released state, the axial end 515 of the moveable latch section 510 being pulled out of engagement with the elastically deformable element 530. Upon moving the handle section 520 to the locking position, as shown by Figures 6C-E, the axial end 515 of the moveable latch section 510 is pressed against the elastically deformable element 530 which deflects (Figures 6C and 6D) up to a point where the axial end 515 faces and is allowed to enter the central aperture formed in the elastically deformable element 530 (Figure 6E). At this point, the elastically deformable element 530 returns to its default position, preventing movement of the axial end 515 of the moveable latch section 510 away from the locking position shown in Figure 6E. Release of the toggle latch is performed by the simple pressure of a finger onto the elastically deformable element 530 (Figure 6F) to release the axial end 515, allowing the handle section 520 to be raised from the locking position.

Figure 7 is a photographic illustration of another embodiment of an improved toggle latch, designated by reference sign 500’, in accordance with the other aspect of the invention, the toggle latch 500’ being shown in a locking position. The toggle latch 500’ is similar to the toggle latch 500 shown e g. in Figure 2, with the difference residing in the provision of a safety element to secure the toggle latch 500’ in the closed position and avoid accidental release thereof. As shown in Figure 7, this safety element here consists of a releasable retaining member 530’ (preferably made of polymer) that is configured to hold the handle section 520 in the locking position. In the illustrated example, this function is achieved by the provision of a pair of elastically deformable retaining elements 530a’ projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module, which elastically deformable elements 530a’ are positioned to cooperate with an inner portion of the handle section 520 as shown. More specifically, the elastically deformable retaining elements 530a’ are each provided with a wedge-shaped retaining structure 530b’ designed to cooperate with the inner portion of the handle section 520. The wedge-shaped retaining structures 530b’ are configured to cause deflection of the elastically deformable retaining elements 530a’ from a default position upon moving the handle section 520 to the locking position and return of the elastically deformable retaining elements 530a’ to the default position upon the handle section 520 reaching the locking position, as shown in Figure 7, thereby holding the handle section 520 in the locking position. The handle section 520 can be released from the locking position by pressing the elastically deformable retaining elements 530a’ towards each other. In other embodiments, a single elastically deformable element could be contemplated for cooperation with e.g. a terminal end of the handle section 520.

The aforementioned toggle latch with integrated safety feature (be it the toggle latch of Figures 6A-E or the toggle latch of Figure 7) constitutes a particularly advantageous improvement over the toggle latch used in the context of the pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

The aforementioned improvements may be implemented independently of one another. Especially, the improvements relating to the shape of the positioning notches 110A, 120A and the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib 135 and cut out 115 may be implemented independently of the use of toggle latches as described herein and any other suitable type of securing elements could be used.

Similarly, the toggle latch with integrated safety feature described herein constitutes an improvement over the known toggle latches that could in effect be applied in an entirely different context.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

10 (unit-size) pallet module

100 main structural body of pallet module 10

100A generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 100

100B upper side of main structural body 100

100C lower side of main structural body 100

101 first lateral side of main structural body 100

102 second lateral side of main structural body 100

103 third lateral side of main structural body 100

104 fourth lateral side of main structural body 100 110 first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 100A of main structural body 100, along first lateral side 101

110a upper, inclined surface of first lateral flange 110 110A positioning notch formed along an outer edge of first lateral flange 110

115 cut-out separating first and second lateral flanges 110, 120

120 second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 100A of main structural body 100, along second lateral side 102

120A positioning notch formed along an outer edge of second lateral flange 120

130 first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 100A of main structural body 100, along third lateral side 103

130A protrusion formed within first lateral groove 130

135 diagonal reinforcing rib separating first and second lateral grooves 130, 140

140 second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 100A of main structural body 100, along fourth lateral side 104

140A protrusion formed within second lateral groove 140 151 recess accommodating first toggle latch component 51 152 recess accommodating second toggle latch component 52

153 recess accommodating third toggle latch component 53

154 recess accommodating third toggle latch component 54 161 diagonal reinforcing rod element 162 diagonal reinforcing rod element 190 through-holes extending from upper side 100B to lower side 100C through main structural body 100

195 through-holes extending through first and second lateral flanges

110 120

51 securing element(s) / first toggle latch component(s) arranged in the vicinity of the first lateral side 101 / latch element(s)

52 securing element(s) / second toggle latch component(s) arranged in the vicinity of the second lateral side 102 / latch element(s) 53 securing element(s) / third toggle latch component(s) arranged in the vicinity of the third lateral side 103 / catch element(s)

54 securing element(s) / fourth toggle latch component(s) arranged in the vicinity of the fourth lateral side 104 / catch element(s) 500 releasable toggle latch

500* releasable toggle latch (with safety feature) 510 moveable latch section of latch element 51 , resp. 52 515 axial end of moveable latch section 510 520 handle section mechanically linked to moveable latch section 510 525 attachment element

530 elastically deformable element projecting from surface of the pallet module / safety element

530’ releasable retaining member configured to hold handle section 520 in a locking position / safety element 530a’ pair of elastically deformable retaining elements forming part of releasable retaining member 530’

530b’ wedge-shaped retaining structure formed on each elastically deformable retaining element 530a’

550 catch section of catch element 53, 54 90 foot structure

91 foot element

Claims

1. A pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); - first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104); a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100); - first and second securing elements (51 , 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) and the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein the first to fourth securing elements (51 -54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein positioning notches (110A, 120A) are formed along a side edge of each of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120), and wherein positioning protrusions (130A, 140A) are formed within the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) for cooperation with the positioning notches (110A, 120A) of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly (1000), characterized in that each positioning notch (110A, 120A) exhibits a V- shape with an opening angle of substantially 90° and angled side edges extending at 45° with respect to the edge of the relevant lateral flange (110, 120), and in that each positioning protrusion (130A, 140A) exhibits a corresponding V-shape with an angle of substantially 90°.

2. The pallet module (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a diagonal reinforcing rib (135) provided at a corner between the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104) and extending at 45° with respect to the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), which diagonal reinforcing rib (135) connects upper and lower portions of the main structural body (100) where the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) are formed to reinforce and prevent spreading of the relevant corner of the pallet module (10) under load, wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) are separated, at a corner between the first and second lateral sides (101, 102), by a cut-out (115) to accommodate for the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib (135).

3. A pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104); - a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second securing elements (51 , 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) and the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000), and wherein the first to fourth securing elements (51 -54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000), characterized in that the pallet module (10) further comprises a diagonal reinforcing rib (135) provided at a corner between the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104) and extending at 45° with respect to the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), which diagonal reinforcing rib (135) connects upper and lower portions of the main structural body (100) where the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) are formed to reinforce and prevent spreading of the relevant corner of the pallet module (10) under load, and in that the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) are separated, at a corner between the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102), by a cut-out (115) to accommodate for the presence of the diagonal reinforcing rib (135) of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly (1000).

4. The pallet module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) exhibits a slightly trapezoidal cross-section, with an upper or lower surface (110a) being slightly inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

5. A pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104); - a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second securing elements (51 , 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) and the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000), and wherein the first to fourth securing elements (51 -54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000), characterized in that each of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) exhibits a slightly trapezoidal cross-section, with an upper or lower surface (110a) being slightly inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

6. The pallet module (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an angle of inclination of the upper or lower surface (110a) of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) with respect to the horizontal plane is of the order of 1 ° or only a few degrees.

7. The pallet module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein upper and lower side surfaces of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) are structured surfaces with ribs and valleys, the ribs preferably extending diagonally.

8. The pallet module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising reinforcing rod elements (161 , 162) extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body (100) and of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120), wherein the reinforcing rod elements (161 , 162) extend diagonally through the main structural body (100) and the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120).

9. A pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104); - a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second securing elements (51 , 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) and the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein the first to fourth securing elements (51 -54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein the pallet module (10) further comprises reinforcing rod elements (161 , 162) extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the main structural body (100) and of the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120), characterized in that the reinforcing rod elements (161 , 162) extend diagonally through the main structural body (100) and the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120).

10. The pallet module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first to fourth securing elements are first to fourth toggle latch components (51-54) that are provided on the upper side (100B) of the main structural body (100) at least partly within corresponding recesses (151-154) formed below an upper surface of the upper side (100B) of the main structural body (100), and wherein the first and second toggle latch components (51, 52) are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components (53, 54) of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly (1000) to form releasable toggle latches (500; 500*; 500’).

11. The pallet module (10) according to claim 10, further comprising a safety element (530; 530’) to prevent accidental release of each toggle latch

(500^*; 500’).

12. A pallet module (10) configured to be physically interconnectable with one or more other pallet modules to allow formation of a nested pallet assembly (1000) of multiple pallet modules, comprising: a main structural body (100) exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border (100A) with first to fourth lateral sides (101-104) extending between upper and lower sides (100B, 100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) extending outwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) extending inwardly from the peripheral border (100A) of the main structural body (100) along the third and fourth lateral sides (103; 104); - a foot structure (90) disposed on the lower side (100C) of the main structural body (100); first and second securing elements (51 , 52) arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides (101 , 102); and third and fourth securing elements (53, 54) arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides (103, 104), wherein the first and second lateral flanges (110, 120) and the first and second lateral grooves (130, 140) form part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another to form the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein the first to fourth securing elements (51 -54) form part of a securing system configured to allow interlocking of the multiple pallet modules of the nested pallet assembly (1000), wherein the first to fourth securing elements are first to fourth toggle latch components (51-54) that are provided on the upper side (100B) of the main structural body (100) at least partly within corresponding recesses (151-154) formed below an upper surface of the upper side (100B) of the main structural body (100), and wherein the first and second toggle latch components (51 , 52) are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components (53, 54) of another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly (1000) to form releasable toggle latches (500*; 500’), characterized in that the pallet module (10) further comprises a safety element (530; 530’) to prevent accidental release of each toggle latch (500^*; 500’).

13. The pallet module (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each of the first and second toggle latch components (51, 52) comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section (510), and wherein each of the third and fourth toggle latch components (53, 54) consists of a catch element comprising a catch section (550).

14. The pallet module (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each of the first and second toggle latch components (51 , 52) comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section (510), wherein each of the third and fourth toggle latch components (53, 54) consists of a catch element comprising a catch section (550), wherein the safety element consists of an elastically deformable element (530) projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module (10), which elastically deformable element (530) is positioned to cooperate with an axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510), wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is provided with a central aperture that is dimensioned to receive the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510), wherein the elastically deformable element (530) can take a default position in which the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510) is received through the central aperture, thereby locking the moveable latch section (510), and wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is configured to deflect from the default position to allow the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510) to respectively engage with or be manually released from the central aperture.

15. The pallet module (10) according to claim 14, wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is attached to a same attachment element (525) as used to secure the first, respectively second toggle latch component (51 , 52) to the pallet module (10).

16. The pallet module (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the latch element is manually actuatable and further comprises a handle section (520) that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section (510) to allow manual actuation of the latch element.

17. The pallet module (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each of the first and second toggle latch components (51 , 52) comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section (510) and a handle section (520) that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section (510) to allow manual actuation of the latch element, wherein each of the third and fourth toggle latch components (53, 54) consists of a catch element comprising a catch section (550), and wherein the safety element consists of releasable retaining member (530’) configured to hold the handle section (520) in a locking position.

18. The pallet module (10) according to claim 17, wherein the releasable retaining member (530’) comprises a pair of elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the pallet module (10), which elastically deformable elements (530a’) are positioned to cooperate with an inner portion of the handle section (520).

19. The pallet module (10) according to claim 18, wherein the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) are each provided with a wedge-shaped retaining structure (530b’) configured to cause deflection of the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) from a default position upon moving the handle section (520) to the locking position and return of the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) to the default position upon the handle section (520) reaching the locking position, thereby holding the handle section (520) in the locking position, and wherein the handle section (520) is releasable from the locking position by pressing the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) towards each other.

20. A toggle latch (500^*; 500’) for releasably securing two cooperating parts (10) one to the other, comprising a first toggle latch component (51 ; 52) designed to be attached to a first one of the two cooperating parts (10) and a second toggle latch component (53, 54) designed to be attached to a second one of the two cooperating parts (10) and configured to selectively cooperate with the first toggle latch component (51 , 52) to secure or release the two cooperating parts (10), wherein the first toggle latch component (51; 52) comprises a latch element with a moveable latch section (510), and wherein the second toggle latch component (53; 54) consists of a catch element comprising a catch section (550) cooperating with the moveable latch section (510), characterized in that the toggle latch (500^*; 500’) further comprises a safety element (530; 530’) to prevent accidental release of the toggle latch (500^*; 500’).

21. The toggle latch (500^*) according to claim 20, wherein the safety element consists of an elastically deformable element (530) projecting substantially vertically from a surface of the first one of the two cooperating parts (10), which elastically deformable element (530) is positioned to cooperate with an axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510), wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is provided with a central aperture that is dimensioned to receive the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510), wherein the elastically deformable element (530) can take a default position in which the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510) is received through the central aperture, thereby locking the moveable latch section (510), and wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is configured to deflect from the default position to allow the axial end (515) of the moveable latch section (510) to respectively engage with or be released from the central aperture.

22. The toggle latch (500^*) according to claim 21 , wherein the elastically deformable element (530) is attached to a same attachment element (525) as used to secure the first toggle latch component (51 ; 52) to the first one of the two cooperating parts (10).

23. The toggle latch (500^*; 500’) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the latch element is manually actuatable and further comprises a handle section (520) that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section (510) to allow manual actuation of the latch element.

24. The toggle latch (500') according to claim 20, wherein the first toggle latch component (51 ; 52) further comprises a handle section (520) that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section (510) to allow manual actuation of the latch element, and wherein the safety element consists of releasable retaining member (530’) configured to hold the handle section (520) in a locking position.

25. The toggle latch (500’) according to claim 24, wherein the releasable retaining member (530’) comprises a pair of elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) projecting substantially vertically from the surface of the first one of the two cooperating parts (10), which elastically deformable elements (530a’) are positioned to cooperate with an inner portion of the handle section (520).

26. The toggle latch (500’) according to claim 25, wherein the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) are each provided with a wedge-shaped retaining structure (530b’) configured to cause deflection of the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) from a default position upon moving the handle section (520) to the locking position and return of the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) to the default position upon the handle section (520) reaching the locking position, thereby holding the handle section (520) in the locking position, and wherein the handle section (520) is releasable from the locking position by pressing the elastically deformable retaining elements (530a’) towards each other.