Loading Pallet

• US 20090000524A1
• Filed: 07/10/2006
• Published: 01/01/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CrossBorder Technologies AB
• Original Assignee: CrossBorder Technologies AB
• Inventors: Nilsson, Lennart, Nordstrom, Claes
• Granted Patent: US 7,987,796 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 108/53.500
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/0095 and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/12 Collapsible pallets
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00024 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00059 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00129 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00164 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00199 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00273 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00293 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00298 skeleton type
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00323 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00333 contact surface having a stringer-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00338 contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00407 on the load supporting surface
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00412 on the base surface
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00422 on the walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00437 on the load supporting surface
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00497 whereby at least one side wall is made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00502 whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00527 : Hollow walls
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00557 : without separate auxiliary elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00562 : chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00572 : with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00582 : structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00592 : by means of hinges
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00641 : Structures intended to be disassembled
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00646 : by means of hinges
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00711 : removable lid or covers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0084 : Separated elements, e.g. including in-moulded elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00895 : and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0091 : whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0094 : nestable
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00965 : when loaded

Abstract

The present invention concerns a loading pallet that demonstrates first bars (2) and second bars (3) arranged essentially parallel with each other, whereby the first bars (2) are arranged essentially in a single plane (8) and the second bars (3) demonstrate upper parts (9) that are arranged essentially in the said plane (8) and downwardly directed parts (10) that are directed downwards relative to the said plane (8). Third bars (4) are arranged transverse relative to the first bars (2) and second bars (3); they lie under the said plane (8), and they are connected to the first bars (2) and to the upper parts (9) of the second bars (3). The loading pallet (1) can be stacked onto a corresponding loading pallet (1), whereby the third bars (4) can make contact with such bars (2) as those included in the said plane (8) from the loading pallet (1) that is located below. The height (h5) of the third bars (4) is such that the height of the spaces between stacked loading pallets (1) is such that lifting means (17) can be introduced into the said spaces for lifting loading pallets (1).

Claims

1. A loading pallet, wherein:

it demonstrates at least first, second and third bars (2, 3 and 4),

the first bars (2) and the second bars (3) are arranged essentially parallel with each other,

the first bars (2) are arranged essentially in a single plane (8),

the second bars (3) demonstrate upper parts (9) that are arranged essentially in the said plane (8) and downwardly directed parts (10) that are directed downwards relative to the said plane (8),

the third bars (4) are arranged transverse relative to the first bars (2) and second bars (3), that they lie under the said plane (8), and that they are connected to the first bars (2) and to the upper parts (9) of the second bars (3),

the loading pallet (1) can be stacked onto a corresponding loading pallet (1), whereby downwardly directed parts (10) of one loading pallet (1) can be caused to protrude downwards into the upwardly open spaces (14) that are formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) of a loading pallet (1) that is located below,

the third bars (4) are so arranged on a loading pallet (1) that these bars, when the said loading pallet (1) is stacked onto a loading pallet (1) that is located below, make contact with such bars (2) as those included in the said plane (8) from the loading pallet (1) that is located below, and

the height (h5) of the third bars (4) is such that the height of the spaces (22) between stacked loading pallets (1) is such that lifting means (17) for lifting loading pallets (1) can be introduced into the said spaces (22).

2. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly directed parts (10) form spaces (14 or 19) into which lifting means (17) can be introduced and that are enclosed by the said spaces (22) between different loading pallets (1) stacked on top of each other.

3. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein:

two downwardly directed parts (10) form two spaces (14 or 19) that are enclosed by the spaces (22) between two loading pallets (1) stacked on top of each other, and

one of two lifting means (17) can be introduced into each said space (14 or 19).

4. The loading pallet according to claim 2, wherein the spaces (14) that are formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) are arranged in the said downwardly directed parts (10).

5. The loading pallet according to claim 2, wherein the spaces (19) that are formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) are arranged between downwardly directed parts (10) and preferably also between two third bars (4) that are arranged between downwardly directed parts (10).

6. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the height (h5) of the third bars (4) has been so selected, and the downwardly directed parts (10) have been so designed, that the downwardly directed parts (10) of an upper loading pallet (1) interact with play with spaces (14) that are upwardly open, formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) of a loading pallet (1) that is located below the upper loading pallet (1) when the loading pallets (1) have been stacked on top of each other in order to counteract that the loading pallets (1) become stuck to each other by wedging when they are stacked.

7. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the fourth bars (5) lie essentially in the said plane (8) of the loading pallet (1) and are arranged essentially parallel with the first bars (2) and the second bars (3), and extend as side bars along opposite sides of the loading pallet (1).

8. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly directed parts (10) are so arranged that, when loading pallets (1) are stacked on top of each other, the lower parts (12) of the downwardly directed parts (10) of a loading pallet (1) lie essentially in the same plane as such a plane (8) of a third loading pallet (1) located below the said loading pallet (1), in which the said first (2), second (3) and third (4) bars lie.

9. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the said first, second, third and possibly also fourth bars (2, 3, 4 and possibly also 5) demonstrate in cross-section a principally U-shaped basic shape with a central parts (23) and legs (24, 25) that emanate from this central part.

10. The loading pallet according to claim 9, wherein:

at least one of the first bars (2) and the second bars (3) are arranged with their central parts (23) lying above the said plane (8) and with their legs (24, 25) directed downwards, and

the legs (24, 25) demonstrate flanges (26) that lie principally in the said plane (8) and through which the first bars (2) and the second bars (3) are connected with the third bars (4).

11. The loading pallet according to claim 10, wherein the first bars (2) demonstrate upwardly directed flange parts (27) that extend upwards to the said plane (8).

12. The loading pallet according to claim 9, wherein:

the third bars (4) are arranged with their central parts (23) lying at the lowest point and with their legs (24, 25) directed upwards, and

the legs (24, 25) demonstrate flanges (28, 29) that lie principally in the said plane (8) and are connected through the third bars (4) with the first bars (2) and the second bars (3).

13. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the bars (2-4) demonstrate inwardly folded edge parts (30).

14. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the third bars (4) are connected with the first bars (2), the second bars (3), and, where relevant, the fourth bars (5) through hollow rivets (31).

15. The loading pallet according to claim 14, wherein the hollow rivets (31) are applied by being riveted through parts of the bars (2-5) that do not have holes.

16. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the bars (2-5) consist of metal material, preferably of galvanised galvanized metal material.

17. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein each loading pallet (1) demonstrates four first bars (2) and three second bars (3), and in that two first bars (2) are arranged between two second bars (3).

18. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein each second bar (3) has two downwardly directed parts (10).

19. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein each second bar (3) has three downwardly directed parts (10).

20. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein:

the downwardly directed parts (10) of the second bars (3) demonstrate lower parts (12) through which it is intended that the downwardly directed parts (10) should make contact with a base (13), and

layers or elements (32) are arranged on the said lower parts (12) that counteract the sliding of the loading pallet (1) on the base (13).

21. The loading pallet according to claim 20, wherein a protective layer or a protective element (32) is arranged on the said lower parts (12), that it preferably consists of or demonstrates aluminum, and that it is preferably attached by riveting, preferably by hollow rivets (31).

22. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein at least one third bar (4) is arranged between two downwardly directed parts (10) of the second bars (3).

23. The loading pallet according to claim 22, wherein:

each one of the two downwardly directed parts (10) of the second bars (3) has a support section (55), and

these support sections (55) are arranged such that they support the third bar (4) arranged between the said two downwardly directed parts (10) when this third bar is placed under load from above.

24. The loading pallet according to claim 23, wherein:

the fourth bars (5) demonstrate principally a U-shape with a central part (23) and legs (24, 25) that emanate from this central part and a flange (28 and 29) that emanates from each leg (24 and 25), and

each flange (28 and 29) makes contact with one of the support sections (55).

25. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein at least one pallet collar (33) can be placed onto the loading pallet (1) and in that the pallet collar (33) consists preferably of metal material.

26. The loading pallet according to claim 25, wherein the pallet collar (33) demonstrates side walls (34-37) with gripping sections (38) that grip around the bars (2-5) of the loading pallet (1) when the pallet collar (33) has been arranged on the loading pallet (1) in order to prevent the pallet collar (33) sliding off from the loading pallet (1).

27. The loading pallet according to claim 26, wherein the gripping sections (38) are designed to be integral with the relevant side wall (34-37).

28. The loading pallet according to claim 26, wherein the side walls (34-37) have longitudinal reinforcement ridges (39) that have been formed by pressure from the wall material of the side walls (34-37), preferably by rolling the wall material.

29. The loading pallet according to claim 25, wherein the side walls (34-37) of the pallet collar (33) are connected by joints with each other through hinges (40).

30. The loading pallet according to claim 29, wherein the hinge (40) is formed by tabs (41, 43) from neighboring side walls (34-37) of the pallet collar (33) forming tube-shaped parts, which parts grip a shaft (45) in a manner that allows rotation.

31. The loading pallet according to claim 25, wherein a cover (46) can be placed onto the pallet collar (33), and in that the cover (46) consists preferably of metal material.

32. The loading pallet according to claim 31, wherein the cover (46) demonstrates edges (47) that extend out over the side walls (34-37) of a pallet collar (33) onto which the cover (46) can be placed in such a manner that water and objects are prevented from penetrating a loading space (48) inside the pallet collar (33).

33. The loading pallet according to claim 31, wherein the cover (46) is designed such that it allows another loading pallet (1) to be placed on top of it.

34. The loading pallet according to claim 33, wherein the cover (46) demonstrates slide preventers (49) in order to prevent the sliding off of a loading pallet (1) placed onto it.

35. The loading pallet according to claim 34, wherein the said slide preventers (49) demonstrate three upwardly directed parts (50-52) that form a channel (53), into which downwardly directed parts (10) of a loading pallet (1) that has been placed on the cover (46) may be placed.

36. The loading pallet according to claim 35, wherein at least one (52) of the upwardly directed parts (50-52) demonstrates a hole (54) into which fingers may be placed in order to be able to grip the cover (46) when this is to be lifted.

37. The loading pallet according to claim 30, wherein it is possible to place the cover (46) onto a loading pallet (1) in order to form the bottom of a space (48) in a pallet collar (33) that has been placed onto the cover (46).

38. A loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein:

a pallet collar (33) can be placed onto the loading pallet (1), and

it is possible to fold it down, fold together, or fold away the pallet collar (33) such that its minimum height (h7) is significantly smaller than its maximum height (h6).

39. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein it is possible to told it down, fold together, or fold away the pallet collar (33) when it is arranged on the loading pallet (1).

40. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein it is possible to fold it down, fold together, or fold away the pallet collar (33) when a cover (46) is arranged on the pallet collar (33).

41. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein:

the pallet collar (33) demonstrates two ends (58, 59) and two sides (62, 63),

it is possible to fold the ends (58, 59) inwards relative to the sides (62, 63), and

it is possible to fold the sides (62, 63) at the centre after the ends (58, 59) have been folded in, whereby the parts of the ends (58, 59) and of the sides (62, 63) can be 5 placed in proximity to each other.

42. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein the pallet collar (33) demonstrates ends and sides (66-69) of elastic material that can be folded towards each other and that can be laid down on the loading pallet (1) such that the pallet collar (33) achieves a minimum height (h7) that is significantly smaller than its maximum height(h6).

43. The loading pallet according to claim 42, wherein:

the walls (66-69) of the pallet collar (33) are maintained upright by four corner pillars (70) that are attached to the loading pallet (1), and

the corner pillars (70) are removed from the loading pallet (1) or folded down relative to it.

44. The loading pallet according to claim 43, wherein a cover (46) is placed onto the said corner pillars (70), to be supported by these corner pillars and such that it allows the corner pillars (70) to remain in the vertical position.

45. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein:

the pallet collar (33) demonstrates four side walls (34-37) that are connected to each other at the corners through joints (40), which joints have the form of hinges that allow the side walls (34-37) to be folded together in order to reduce the height of the pallet collar (33), and

it is possible to remove the pallet collar (33) from the loading pallet (1) in order 25 to fold it together.

46. The loading pallet according to claim 45, wherein:

each joint (40) has a shaft (45) that adopts an essentially vertical position when the pallet collar (33) is arranged on the loading pallet (1), and

parts of the loading pallet (1) demonstrate support parts (71) in order to provide support for the shaft (45) when the pallet collar (33) has been arranged on the loading pallet (1).

47. The loading pallet according to claim 45, wherein:

each joint (40) demonstrates a shaft (45) that demonstrates two shaft parts (72, 73), a lower shaft part (72) that has a lower collar (74) and an upper shaft part (73) that has an upper collar (75),

the lower shaft part (72) has a downwardly directed end peg (76) that it is intended should be introduced into a hole (77) in one part of the loading pallet (1) and preferably also into a hole (78) in a supporting piece (71) on this,

the upper shaft part (73) has a hole (79) that it is intended should allow the introduction of an end peg (76) of a lower shaft part (72) into a joint that is located on a pallet collar (33) that is to be placed on top of another pallet collar (33), and

it is possible to introduce the lower (72) and the upper (73) shaft parts into tabs (41, 43) on the sides of the pallet collar (33), and that it is possible to connect the lower (72) and the upper (73) shaft parts with each other.

48. The loading pallet according to claim 46, wherein:

it is possible to make contact between the lower collar (74) of the lower part (72) of the shaft and a lower edge of the pallet collar (33), and that it is possible to make contact between the upper collar (75) of the upper part (73) of the shaft and an upper edge of the pallet collar (33), and

it is possible to screw together the shaft parts (72, 73), whereby these are drawn together, while their lower (74) and upper (75) collars draw together different parts of the sides of the pallet collar (33).

49. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein:

the pallet collar (33) demonstrates sides (66-69) that demonstrate double walls of elastic material,

gas is present at a pressure greater than atmospheric in the space between the walls, or that a gas of another type than air, such as argon, is present, or both, and

a control arrangement is arranged in order to monitor at least one of the pressure of the gas in the space and changes in the composition of the gas in order to check whether the walls leak, as a result of, for example, damage to these walls.

50. The loading pallet according to claim 49, wherein the elastic walls of the pallet collar (33) can be laid onto the loading pallet (1).

51. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein at least parts of the sides of the pallet collar (33) are transparent.

52. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein at least a part of the sides of the pallet collar (33) consists of or demonstrates Kevlar.

53. A loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein:

it demonstrates at least one transponder (56) in order to either receive or transmit radio signals, or both, and

the transponder is located at a distance from the metal bars (2-5) of the loading pallet (1) in order to prevent these from interfering with the radio signals to or from the transponder (56).

54. The loading pallet according to claim 53, wherein the transponder (56) is of AFID type.

55. The loading pallet according to claim 54, wherein the transponder (56) is of a active type that is powered by an integral power supply.

56. The loading pallet according to claim 54, wherein the transponder (56) is of a passive type that lacks an integral power supply.

57. A loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein:

the loading pallet (1) demonstrates a net (57) or similar that prevents objects from being able to fall down between gaps between the bars (2, 3, 4) and prevents objects or animals, or both, from being able to penetrate upwards through these gaps.

58. An arrangement to allow the placement of loading pallets (1) according to claim 1 in a store (82) that originally was intended for the storage of loading pallets (83) of another type, whereby a control arrangement (85) is arranged to determine whether the size, for example the width and the length of parts (86) of the loading pallets (83) of the said other type, are those that have been predetermined before these loading pallets (83) are placed into the store (82), wherein:

pallet support units (87) with the same size and possibly with also the same shape as the said parts (86) of the loading pallets (83) of the said other type allow the placement of the first-mentioned loading pallets (1) into the store, and

either the control unit (85) determines the size of the said parts (86) of the said loading pallets (83) of another type or the size of equivalent parts (86) of the pallet support units (87) with the loading pallet (1) placed onto these units and these sizes agree, it arrives at the same monitoring result.

59. The arrangement according to claim 58, wherein the said pallet support units (87) consist of or demonstrate metal material.

60. The arrangement according to claim 58, wherein the said pallet support units (87) consist of or demonstrate plastic material.

61. The arrangement according to claim 58, wherein the said loading pallets (83) of another type are loading pallets of wood.

62-64. -64. (canceled)