Loading pallet

• US 7,987,796 B2
• Filed: 07/10/2006
• Issued: 08/02/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CrossBorder Technologies AB
• Original Assignee: CrossBorder Technologies AB
• Inventors: Nilsson, Lennart, Nordstrom, Claes
• Primary Examiner(s): Tran; Hanh V
• Application Number:
  US11/995,258
• Publication Number:
  US 20090000524A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,849 Days
• Field of Search: 108/53.1, 108/53.3, 108 5717- 5718, 108 5721- 5722, 108/57.24, 108/57.29, 108/57.32, 108/51.1, 108/56.1, 108/56.3, 108/55.1, 206/386, 206/600
• US Class Current: 108/53.3
• 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

A loading pallet includes first bars (2) and second bars (3) arranged essentially parallel with each other, The first bars (2) are arranged essentially in a single plane (8) and the second bars (3) include upper parts (9) arranged essentially in the plane (8) and downwardly directed parts (10) directed downwards relative to the plane (8). Third bars (4) are arranged transverse to the first bars (2) and second bars (3), lie under the plane (8), and are connected to the first bars (2) and 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) from the loading pallet (1) 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 structure (17) can be introduced into the spaces for lifting loading pallets (1).

Claims

1. A loading pallet comprising:

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) include portions arranged essentially in a single plane (8),

the second bars (3) include portions of upper parts (9) arranged essentially in the plane (8) and downwardly directed parts (10) directed downwards relative to the plane (8),

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

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

the third bars (4) are arranged on the loading pallet (1) such that when the loading pallet (1) is stacked onto the loading pallet (1) that is located below, the third bars (4) make contact with the first bars (2) in the 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 spaces (22) between stacked loading pallets (1) allows lifting means (17) for lifting loading pallets (1) to be introduced into the spaces (22).

2. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly directed parts (10) form spaces (14 or 20) into which lifting means (17) are introduced and which help to define the 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 20) that help to define the spaces (22) between two loading pallets (1) stacked on top of each other, and

one of two lifting means (17) is introduced into each space (14 or 20).

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

5. The loading pallet according to claim 2, wherein the spaces (20) formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) are arranged between downwardly directed parts (10) and also between two third bars (4) arranged between downwardly directed parts (10).

6. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the height (h5) of the third bars (4) and the downwardly directed parts (10) are configured such that the downwardly directed parts (10) of an upper loading pallet (1) interact with upwardly open spaces (14) formed by the downwardly directed parts (10) of the loading pallet (1) that is located below the upper loading pallet (1) when the loading pallets (1) are stacked on top of each other to counteract the loading pallets (1) becoming stuck to each other by wedging when they are stacked.

7. The loading pallet according to claim 1, further comprising fourth bars (5) which include portions that lie essentially in the plane (8) of the loading pallet (1), 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, lower parts (12) of the downwardly directed parts (10) of the loading pallet (1) lie essentially in the same plane as a plane (8) of a third loading pallet (1) located below the loading pallet (1) in which the first (2), second (3) and third (4) bars lie.

9. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the first, second, and third bars (2, 3, 4) have a principally U-shaped cross-section with a central part (23) and legs (24, 25) that emanate from the central part (23).

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

at least one of the first bars (2) and the upper parts (9) of the second bars (3) are arranged with their central parts (23) lying above the plane (8) and their legs (24, 25) directed downwards, and

the legs (24, 25) include flanges (26) that lie essentially in the plane (8) and connect the first bars (2) and the second bars (3) with the third bars (4).

11. The loading pallet according to claim 10, wherein the first bars (2) include upwardly directed flange parts (27) that extend upwards from the 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 their legs (24, 25) directed upwards, and

the legs (24, 25) include flanges (28, 29) that lie essentially in the plane (8) and connect 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) include 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) and the second bars (3) through hollow rivets (31).

15. The loading pallet according to claim 14, wherein the hollow rivets (31) are riveted through parts of the bars (2-4) that do not have holes.

16. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein the bars (2-4) include metal material.

17. The loading pallet according to claim 1, wherein each loading pallet (1) includes 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) include lower parts (12) through which the downwardly directed parts (10) make contact with a base (13), and

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

21. The loading pallet according to claim 20, the layers or elements are protective layers or protective elements (32) arranged on the lower parts (12) and including aluminum attached by riveting (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)

that supports the third bar (4) arranged between the two downwardly directed parts (10) when the third bar is placed under load from above.

24. The loading pallet according to claim 23, further comprising fourth bars (5) which have principally a U-shape with a central part (23) and legs (24, 25) that emanate from the central part (23) 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) that includes metal material is placed onto the loading pallet (1).

26. The loading pallet according to claim 25, wherein the pallet collar (33) includes 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) is arranged on the loading pallet (1) to prevent the pallet collar (33) from sliding off the loading pallet (1).

27. The loading pallet according to claim 26, wherein the gripping sections (38) are 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) formed by pressure from the wall material of the side walls (34-37) 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), the tabs (41, 43) forming tube-shaped parts that grip a shaft (45) to allow rotation between the tabs (41, 43) and the shaft (45).

31. The loading pallet according to claim 25, wherein a cover (46) that includes metal material is placed onto the pallet collar (33).

32. The loading pallet according to claim 31, wherein the cover (46) includes edges (47) that extend out over the side walls (34-37) of a pallet collar (33) onto which the cover (46) is placed to prevent water and objects from penetrating a loading space (48) inside the pallet collar (33).

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

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

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

36. The loading pallet according to claim 35, wherein at least one (52) of the upwardly directed parts (50-52) includes a hole (54) into which fingers are placed in order to grip and lift the cover (46).

37. The loading pallet according to claim 30, wherein the cover (46) is placed onto a loading pallet (1) to close a space (48) in a pallet collar (33) placed onto the loading pallet (1).

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

a pallet collar (33) placed onto the loading pallet (1) is at least one of folded down, folded together, and folded away such that its minimum height (h7) is significantly smaller than its maximum height (h6).

39. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein the pallet collar (33) is at least one of folded down, folded together, and folded away when it is arranged on the loading pallet (1).

40. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein the pallet collar (33) is at least one of folded down, folded together, and folded away when a cover (46) is arranged on the pallet collar (33).

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

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

the ends (58, 59) being folded inwards relative to the sides (62, 63), and

the sides (62, 63) being folded at the centre after the ends (58, 59) are folded in to place the parts of the ends (58, 59) and the sides (62, 63) in proximity to each other.

42. The loading pallet according to claim 38, wherein the pallet collar (33) includes ends and sides (66-69) of elastic material folded towards each other and 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) 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) placed on the corner pillars (70) is supported by the corner pillars such that the corner pillars (70) remain vertical.

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

the pallet collar (33) includes four side walls (34-37) connected to each other at the corners through joints (40) having 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

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

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

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

parts of the loading pallet (1) include support parts (71) to provide support for the shaft (45) when the pallet collar (33) is arranged on the loading pallet (1).

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

each joint (40) includes a shaft (45) having 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) introduced into a hole (77) in one part of the loading pallet (1) and also into a hole (78) in a supporting piece (71) on the loading pallet (1),

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

the lower (72) and the upper (73) shaft parts are connected to each other and introduced into tabs (41, 43) on the sides of the pallet collar (33).

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

the lower collar (74) of the lower part (72) of the shaft contacts a lower edge of the pallet collar (33) and the upper collar (75) of the upper part (73) of the shaft contacts an upper edge of the pallet collar (33), and

the shaft parts (72, 73) screw together to draw the shaft parts (72, 73) together while the 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) includes sides (66-69) that have double walls of elastic material,

gas is present at a pressure greater than atmospheric in the space between the walls, or that a gas other than air is present, or both, and

a control arrangement monitors 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 damage to the walls.

50. The loading pallet according to claim 49, wherein the elastic walls of the pallet collar (33) are 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) includes Kevlar.

53. A loading pallet according to claim 1 further comprising at least one transponder (56) in order to either receive or transmit radio signals, or both,

the transponder being located at a distance from the metal bars (2-5) of the loading pallet (1) in order to prevent the metal bars (2-5) 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 an RFID type.

55. The loading pallet according to claim 54, wherein the transponder (56) is of an active type 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) includes a net (57) that prevents objects from falling down between gaps between the bars (2, 3, 4) and prevents objects or animals, or both, from penetrating upwards through the gaps.

58. An arrangement to allow the placement of loading pallets (1) according to claim 1 in a store (82) originally intended for the storage of loading pallets (83) of another type, whereby a control arrangement (85) determines whether the size of parts (86) of the loading pallets (83) match a predetermined value before allowing the loading pallets (83) to be placed into the store (82), wherein:

the loading pallets (1) are placed in pallet support units (87) with the same size and shape as the parts (86) of the loading pallets (83) to allow the placement of the loading pallets (1) into the store, and

the control unit (85) determines either the size of the parts (86) of the loading pallets (83) or the size of equivalent parts (86) of the pallet support units (87) of the loading pallet (1).

59. The arrangement according to claim 58, wherein the pallet support units (87) includes metal material.

60. The arrangement according to claim 58, wherein the pallet support units (87) includes plastic material.

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