U.S. patent application number 10/736760 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for pallet frame assembly.
Invention is credited to Branam, Joe Harry.
Application Number | 20050132937 10/736760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34677239 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050132937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Branam, Joe Harry |
June 23, 2005 |
Pallet frame assembly
Abstract
A pallet frame assembly is designed to support and retain
various loads with the interior of a commercial aircraft. Moreover,
the pallet assembly maintains those loads in a manner which
facilitates the removable but secure attachment of a load retaining
cover or the like structure in overlying relation to the freight
mounted on the base of the pallet. More specifically, the pallet
frame assembly comprises a base formed preferably, but not
necessarily, of a solid sheet of high strength, light weight
material, such as, for example, metal. The base is connectable with
a track assembly which forms a frame. The track assembly preferably
comprises a plurality of track segments, and four segments are used
for a pallet having a rectangular or square shape. Each of the
track segments might also be formed of a light weight, high
strength metal, or other suitable material. Each track segment
terminates in a manner to abut another track segment in a
perpendicular relationship, and each further comprises a channel to
accept a substantially L-shaped bracket which is riveted, or
otherwise securely fastened, to the adjoining track segments. Each
track segment is configured to have an extended inner edge over
which the interior of the bracket has a corresponding extension
which overlaps the edge and thus secures each track segment
together when the bracket is affixed to the respective segments.
The track segment also has a channel near its outer edge into which
a depending flange from the bracket is inserted. In this
configuration the bracket securely fastens both the outer and inner
edges of the track assembly once it is riveted in place.
Inventors: |
Branam, Joe Harry; (Miami
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard S. Ross, Esq.
#3070
4801 S. University Dr.
Ft. Lauderdale
FL
33328
US
|
Family ID: |
34677239 |
Appl. No.: |
10/736760 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/55.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/0002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/055.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/38 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pallet frame assembly comprising: a base, a plurality of track
segments forming a track assembly, and a corner bracket for
securing said track segments together to form said track assembly,
said bracket having a substantially L shape formed by two legs each
having a rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top, whereby at
least one flange depends from one rear edge substantially
perpendicular to the top, and whereby at least one flange depends
from one forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, said
bracket further comprising an interior having in part an extension
of said top such that the length of said top along said extension
is greater than the length of said top section having no
extension.
2. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said track segments
comprise four in number for forming a square or rectangular track
assembly, said track assembly being secured together by a plurality
of corner brackets.
3. A pallet frame assembly of claim 2, wherein said corner brackets
number four.
4. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said bracket further
comprises at least one aperture for receiving a fastening
device.
5. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said fastening
device comprises a rivet.
6. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said track segments
further comprise a channel for receiving the said flange depending
from the said forward edge.
7. A pallet frame assembly of claim 6, wherein said extension of
said bracket rests on top of a narrowed portion of said
channel.
8. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein two flanges depend
from the rear edge of the legs.
9. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein two flanges depend
from the forward edge of the legs.
10. A pallet frame assembly of claim 8, wherein each of said track
segments is further defined by an outer periphery and terminating
in an end having a slot that is dimensioned to receive the said
flanges when two track segments are adjoined.
11. A pallet frame assembly of claim 1, wherein said base
terminates with edges that are matably securely fitted within the
recess of the inner edge of said track assembly.
12. A frame assembly comprising: a plurality of track segments
forming a track assembly, and corner brackets for securing the
track segment corners to form the track assembly, said brackets
having a substantially L shape formed by two legs each having a
rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top, whereby at least
one flange depends from one rear edge substantially perpendicular
to the top, and whereby at least one flange depends from one
forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, said bracket
further comprising an interior having in part an extension of said
top such that the length of said top along said extension is
greater than the length of said top section having no
extension.
13. A bracket having a substantially L shape formed by two legs
each having a rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top,
whereby a flange depends from each rear edge substantially
perpendicular to the top, and whereby at least a flange depends
from each forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, such
that said flange depending from said forward edge is shorter than
said flange depending from said rear edge, said bracket further
comprising an interior having in part an extension of said top such
that the length of said top along said extension is greater than
the length of said top section having no extension.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a pallet frame assembly.
More specifically, the present invention is directed toward a
pallet frame assembly having reinforced corners.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] During recent years, there as been a significantly large
increase in the amount of freight or cargo transported by
commercial airlines. While it has long been common practice to
include the transport of freight on airlines, which are primarily
directed to passenger service, there has been a significant
increase in the airline industry of companies dedicated entirely to
the transport of freight as opposed to passengers. A major
contributing factor to this increase in the transport of air
freight is the proliferation of air freight services which are
directed to the express delivery of packages of all sizes,
throughout the United States and overseas. Such express delivery
services are offered not only by the U.S. Postal Service, but by
private companies. All of the larger delivery companies, of the
type set forth above and of standard commercial cargo, maintain an
entire fleet of commercial aircraft wherein the individual
airplanes have their interiors configured structurally to
facilitate carrying the maximum freight or cargo.
[0005] The loading of air freight within the cargo compartment of
an aircraft typically involves the use of pallets, available in a
variety of different sizes, which are disposed in the aircraft and
are otherwise designed to support and retain cargo thereon. A
primary benefit to the use of such pallets is the ability to load a
large volume of smaller items at one time, after they have been
pre-loaded on the pallet at a remote location. Moreover, the pallet
functions to maintain the items securely and uniformly retained on
the aircraft. In particular, the supported load is typically
maintained in its intended position on the pallet by means of some
type of retaining cover or structure specifically designed to allow
the maximum load to be placed on each pallet, while at the same
time, assuring that the loaded cargo will not shift or be
inadvertently displaced from the pallet during take-offs, landings
or during the actual in-flight maneuvers of the aircraft.
[0006] It is of course widely known that the "balancing" of any
load carried by aircraft, whether the load is comprised of a
plurality of passengers, freight or a combination of both, is of
primary importance for the safe and efficient operation of the
aircraft. Any inadvertent shifting of the load or other significant
redistribution of weight within the aircraft during flight, such as
would be the result of inadvertent displacement of cargo or freight
from its supported position on a pallet, could result in dangerous,
unsafe flight conditions and threaten the safety of the aircraft,
as well as the lives of the flight personnel and/or passengers.
[0007] In order to avoid any inadvertent displacement of air cargo
or freight of the type set forth above, the aforementioned retainer
structures or covers overlying the freight are removably but
securely connected to the ballet base, in a manner which would
normally prevent such displacement. Pallet structures of known or
conventional design typically include a track, extending along at
least a portion of the periphery thereof, which is specifically
structured to securely fasten the retaining covers In their
intended, overlying position, relative to the load or freight
mounted on the pallet base. Due to the importance of eliminating
any possibility of weight shift due to inadvertent displacement of
freight or cargo within the interior of an aircraft, regulatory
agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
regularly and thoroughly examine the structural integrity of the
pallet structures used to support and retain freight loads within
an aircraft as discussed above.
[0008] One problem consistently found during such examinations is
the failure of a significant number of pallet assemblies because
the aforementioned retaining tracks have a tendency to become at
least partially separated from the based of the pallet.
Conventional of known pallet design and construction normally
involves the use of closely spaced rivets or other applicable
fasteners extending along the length and width of the track
assembly and serving to securely anchor the track assembly to the
base of the pallet. The aforementioned regular inspections all to
often determine that the rivets become loosened or displaced,
because of the tremendous stress or force placed thereon by the
attached retaining covers during normal flight conditions.
Moreover, the requirements of the regulatory agencies are so strict
that even if only a small number of fasteners fail, the entire
pallet must be taken off-line until repaired.
[0009] While some of the aforementioned problems were addressed in
part, in the patent issued to the inventors herein, in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,308,642, to Branam et al., still yet other problems persist.
For example, while the invention taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,642
successfully eliminated the need for fasteners such as rivets, and
the pallet disclosed therein works well for cargo loads of moderate
weight, corner fatigue of the pallet track assemblies might result
for pallets loaded with significant weight of cargo.
[0010] Therefore, there is a recognized need for a significant
improvement in the design and structure of a pallet assembly
designed to support and retain heavy loads of freight or cargo in a
stable manner on the interior of aircraft or other vehicles. Such
an improved pallet frame assembly should be structured to
eliminate, as much as possible, the inadvertent and/or partial
detachment of a track assembly by minimizing the use of rivets or
other fasteners that are susceptible to failure. In addition, such
an improved pallet frame assembly should be designed to facilitate
the assembly and manufacture of the various components associated
with the pallet frame assembly in a manner that will prevent
separation or partial detachment of the track assemblies at their
corners, and thus increase the security and stability of the pallet
pursuant to FAA guidelines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed toward a pallet frame
assembly of the type primarily, but not exclusively, designed to
support and retain various loads with the interior of a commercial
aircraft. Moreover, the pallet assembly maintains those loads in a
manner which facilitates the removable but secure attachment of a
load retaining cover or the like structure in overlying relation to
the freight mounted on the base of the pallet.
[0012] More specifically, the pallet frame assembly of the present
invention comprises a base formed preferably, but not necessarily,
of a solid sheet of high strength, light weight material, such as,
for example, metal. The base is connectable with a track assembly
which forms a frame. The track assembly preferably comprises a
plurality of track segments, and four segments are used for a
pallet having a rectangular or square shape. Each of the track
segments might also be formed of a light weight, high strength
metal, or other suitable material. Each track segment terminates in
a manner to abut another track segment in a perpendicular
relationship, and each further comprises a channel to accept a
substantially L-shaped bracket which is riveted, or otherwise
securely fastened to the adjoining track segments. Each track
segment is configured to have an extended inward edge over which
the interior of the bracket has a corresponding extension which
overlaps the edge and thus secures each track segment together when
the bracket is affixed to the respective segments. The track
segment also has a channel near its outer edge into which a
depending flange from the bracket is inserted. In this
configuration the bracket securely fastens both the outer and inner
edges of the track assembly once it is riveted in place. The
resulting structure provides a pallet frame assembly with
reinforced corner edges.
[0013] These and other features of the present invention will
become more clear when the drawings as well as the detailed
description are read together.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] For a more complete understanding of the nature of the
present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an assembled pallet frame
assembly of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded plan view of a corner section of the
track assembly of an assembled pallet frame of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the track assembly of an
assembled pallet frame of the present invention taken at line 3-3
of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the track assembly and
corner bracket of an assembled pallet frame of the present
invention taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the corner bracket of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the corner bracket of
the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the corner bracket of the
present invention taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 5; and
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the corner bracket of the
present invention taken at line 8-8 of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] As shown in the accompanying figures, the present invention
is directed towards a pallet frame assembly 10. The pallet frame
assembly 10 is of the type that is capable of supporting and
retaining a load, in the form of freight or cargo, and more
particularly, is preferably configured to be securely disposed
within the interior cargo compartment of an aircraft.
[0024] More specifically, the pallet frame assembly 10 comprises a
base 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. The base preferably, but not
necessarily, is formed from a solid, one-piece construction. The
base may be made of any light weight, high strength material such
as metal. The base 12 terminates with edges 14 that are matably
fitted within the recess 16 of the inner edge of the track assembly
20. While there are other well known methods for securely fastening
a base member to a track assembly of a pallet, this method
disclosed herein, and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,642 works
well for the intended purpose without the need or use of fasteners
such as rivets.
[0025] More specifically, the track assembly 20 comprises at least
one, but preferably a plurality of track segments 22 shown in
mounted or assembled form on the pallet frame assembly 10 in FIG. 1
and shown in detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Each of the one or more
track segments 22 comprises an elongated configuration, preferably
corresponding in length to the base edge 14 of base 12 to which it
is attached. Each segment 22 preferably comprises an at least
partially hollow interior portion where, as preferred, the track
segments are made of an extruded metal. However, if desired, each
track segment need not have an interior hollow portion, if reduced
weight of the overall pallet frame assembly 10 is not at issue.
Additionally, the individual track segments 22 may also be defined
by a channel 24. The channel 24, which is preferably, but not
necessarily a single continuous structure, includes a channel
interior 26 which communicates directly with a plurality of spaced
apart apertures 28, as best shown in FIG. 2. Each of the apertures
28 are separated by a narrowed portion 30 having a lesser
transverse dimension than the diameter or equivalent transverse
dimension of the apertures 28. The channel 24 is structured,
dimensioned and configured to accommodate the removable but fixed
retention of a connector or other structure secured to and/or
associated with a load retaining structure, such as a net or straps
(not shown) which, as detailed above, is maintained in a covering,
retaining relation to any load supported on the base 12 in the
conventional fashion. As can be appreciated, the apertures 28
and/or other structure at which the load retaining structure is
secured may include a variety of different configurations, and may
be defined only at fixed securement points rather than as a
continuous elongate structure. Still, however, the channel interior
26 which defines each portion or all of the channel 24 fastening
points also preferably extends through the end of the track segment
22.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2A, the track segment 22 is further defined
as terminating in ends 40 and having an outer periphery 42 and an
inner periphery 44. At each end on the outer periphery 42 of the
track segment 22 is a slot 44 into which a bracket 50 is
inserted.
[0027] The bracket 50 is employed to secure adjoining track
segments 22 together at the corner 52 of the pallet frame assembly
10; in this regard, four brackets 50 are used to secure four track
segments 22 to form a square or rectangular shaped pallet frame
assembly 10. As more fully shown in FIGS. 5-8, the bracket is
generally L shaped, and formed of a light weight, high strength
material such as metal. A plurality of apertures 54 are
interspersed on each leg 56 and 56' of the bracket 50 for insertion
thereof of an equal number of rivets 57 that are used to secure the
track segments 22 together, and to secure the bracket 50 to the
track segments 22 to form the pallet frame assembly 10. It is
preferred that four apertures 54 and four rivets 57 are used to
secure the bracket 50 to the track segments 22. A flange 58 and 58"
depends from the rear edge of each leg 56 and 56', respectively, at
substantially a ninety degree, or substantially perpendicular, bend
relative to the top 60 of the bracket 50. These legs, 56 and 56',
are configured to fit within the slots 46 of the track segments 22.
The interior of the bracket has a lip or extension 62 and 62' of
top 60 such that the length of the top 60 along the extensions 62
and 62' is greater than the length of the top 60 where there are no
extensions 62 and 62'. Moreover, flanges 64 and 64' are disposed on
the forward edge of each leg 56 and 56', respectively. Flanges 64
and 64' depend from the top 60 of bracket 50 at substantially
ninety degrees, or substantially perpendicular, relative to the top
60. Flanges 64 and 64' have a length shorter than the length of
flanges 58 and 58', but they are sufficient in length such that
when bracket 50 is placed onto the track segments 22, the flanges
64 and 64' fit within the channel 24 and the extensions 62 and 62'
rest on top of the narrowed channel portion 30 to secure two
adjacent track segments 22 together.
[0028] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *