U.S. patent application number 12/088757 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for pallet having reinforcing members and movable covers for access openings for rollers.
This patent application is currently assigned to EDENSHORE PTY LTD. Invention is credited to Ian Charles Boon.
Application Number | 20080250986 12/088757 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37942213 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080250986 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boon; Ian Charles |
October 16, 2008 |
Pallet Having Reinforcing Members and Movable Covers for Access
Openings for Rollers
Abstract
A pallet has a generally planar weight bearing floor of
generally square or rectangular plan, at least two reinforcing
parallel members extending transversely beneath the floor at
locations on opposite sides of and generally parallel to a line
bisecting the floor, the reinforcing parallel members providing a
box section. The pallet also has an opening for two of the at least
two reinforcing parallel members provided in the vicinity of an
edge of the pallet to allow access of a tyne of a forklift into the
box section, and locomotion means beneath the floor extending to a
level below the box section, the locomotion means adapted to
facilitate movement of the pallet over a surface.
Inventors: |
Boon; Ian Charles;
(Victoria, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600, 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
EDENSHORE PTY LTD
Braeside (Victoria)
AU
|
Family ID: |
37942213 |
Appl. No.: |
12/088757 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
October 10, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU06/01480 |
371 Date: |
March 31, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/53.1 ;
108/51.11; 108/57.15; 108/57.32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 88/129 20130101;
B65D 88/005 20130101; B65D 88/022 20130101; B65D 88/123 20130101;
B65D 90/18 20130101; B65D 90/006 20130101; B65D 2590/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/53.1 ;
108/51.11; 108/57.15; 108/57.32 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/42 20060101
B65D019/42; B65D 19/38 20060101 B65D019/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 13, 2005 |
AU |
2005905638 |
Claims
1. A pallet comprising, a generally planar weight bearing floor of
generally square or rectangular plan, at least two reinforcing
parallel members extending transversely beneath the floor at
locations on opposite sides of and generally parallel to a line
bisecting the floor, the reinforcing parallel members providing a
box section, an opening for two of the at least two reinforcing
parallel members provided in the vicinity of an edge of the pallet
to allow access of a tyne of a forklift into the box section, and
locomotion means beneath the floor extending to a level below the
box section, the locomotion means being adapted to facilitate
movement of the pallet over a surface.
2. The pallet according to claim 1 having a length between 5,800 mm
and 5,900 mm and a breadth between 2,300 mm and 2,400 mm.
3. The pallet according to claim 2 wherein the floor comprises
sheet steel having a stippled surface.
4. The pallet according to claim 1 wherein the locomotion means
comprise a plurality of rollers mounted beneath the floor, the axes
of rotation of the rollers being generally parallel to the line
bisecting the floor.
5. The pallet according to claim 4 wherein there are at least six
rollers.
6. The pallet according to claim 4 wherein the floor comprises an
access opening above each roller.
7. The pallet according to claim 6 comprising a removable cover for
each access opening.
8. The pallet according to claim 6 wherein the access openings are
arranged to receive rollers of an identical pallet stacked
thereon.
9. The pallet according to claim 1 comprising a reinforcing
perimeter beam provided along each of the four edges of the
pallet.
10. The pallet according to claim 9 wherein the perimeter beam
comprises at least one of a channel shaped member, an L-shaped
member and a box section.
11. The pallet according to claim 9 comprising additional pairs of
access openings for receiving the tynes of a forklift.
12. The pallet according to claim 1 comprising an alignment wheel
mounted at each of the four corners of the pallet, each alignment
wheel extending beyond the corners of the pallet and being
rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane of the
floor.
13. The pallet according to claim 1 comprising adjustable
positioning means for adjusting the length of the pallet so that it
is located substantially in abutment with opposite walls of a
shipping container.
14. The pallet according to claim 1 comprising a foldable towing
assembly provided at one end of the pallet.
15. The pallet according to claim 14 wherein the towing assembly
comprises a pair of draw bars foldable into registry with the one
end of the pallet.
16. The pallet according to claim 1 comprising four wall panels
attachable about the perimeter of the pallet.
17. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a pallet construction. In a
particular non-limiting aspect it relates to a mobile pallet which
is particularly suitable for the loading of shipping
containers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It has been known to use pallets for loading and unloading
shipping containers as the pallets can be prestacked prior to
loading into a container and can be unstacked after removal from
the container. This is a far more efficient mode of operation than
the alternative of loading goods directly into a sea freight
container as the goods need to be stacked one by one through an
access opening of the container, a time consuming and labour
intensive operation. The inspection of containers loaded using
pallets is for the same reason a far simpler job than the
inspection of containers carrying individually packed goods.
[0003] Whilst pallets are an effective means of improving the
efficiency of loading and unloading shipping containers, the
current pallet designs still leave considerable room for
improvement.
[0004] For example, it would be desirable to improve the mobility
of pallets to assist with the loading and unloading operation.
[0005] Furthermore, when pallets are not in use, it would be
desirable if they were to be constructed in such a fashion that
they may be stacked on atop the other in a stable
configuration.
[0006] Ideally, the pallets should be lightweight and should be
constructed so as to fit snugly and readily into a shipping
container.
[0007] Additionally, the pallets should be movable using
conventional forklifts and should be constructed so as to allow
them to be held securely within the shipping container.
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a pallet
construction which addresses one or more of the aforesaid desirable
requirements.
SUMMARY
[0009] The invention provides in one aspect a pallet comprising a
generally planar weight bearing floor of generally square or
rectangular plan having a length dimension and a breadth dimension,
at least two reinforcing parallel members extending transversely
beneath the floor at locations on opposite sides of and parallel to
a line bisecting the floor, the reinforcing parallel members
providing a box section, an opening for two of the at least two
reinforcing parallel members provided in the vicinity of an edge of
the pallet to allow access of a tyne of a forklift into the box
section, and locomotion means beneath the floor extending to a
level below the box section, the locomotion means being adapted to
facilitate movement of the pallet over a surface.
[0010] The weight bearing floor may comprise metal. It may comprise
sheet steel. It may comprise aluminium. It may include antifriction
means. The antifriction means may comprise profiling of the upper
surface of the floor. It may comprise stippling.
[0011] Suitably the pallet is of such dimensions that it can fit
snugly within a standard shipping container. Thus in one
configuration, it may have an overall length in the form in which
it is being loaded of about 5,800 mm to 5,900 mm. Similarly, it may
typically have an overall breadth of about 2,300 mm to 2,400 mm.
More specifically, it may have a length between 5,810 mm and 5,850
mm and a breadth between 2,290 mm and 2,320 mm.
[0012] The at least two reinforcing parallel members may have a
channel shape which when joined to the underneath of the floor
forms the box section. Alternatively, the at least two reinforcing
parallel members may of themselves comprise a box section.
[0013] Openings for the at least two parallel reinforcing members
may be provided on both opposed edges of the pallet so as to allow
access from both ends of the at least two parallel reinforcing
members.
[0014] In addition to the at least two parallel reinforcing
members, there may be provided one or more complementary
reinforcing members extending generally at right angles to the
parallel reinforcing members beneath the floor. In a particularly
preferred form of the invention, there will be two such
complementary reinforcing members. The complementary members may
similarly be provided with an opening at each end to allow access
of a tyne of a forklift. The complementary reinforcing members may
similarly form a box section.
[0015] The locomotion means may comprise a plurality of rollers
mounted beneath the floor. Suitably, the rollers extend below the
level of the reinforcing members. Their axes of rotation may be
generally parallel to the line bisecting the floor. There may be
six or more rollers. In one embodiment there may be ten
rollers.
[0016] The floor may be provided with access openings immediately
above each of the rollers. Each of the access openings may be
provided with a cover. The cover may be movable so as to allow it
to be moved substantially clear of the access opening. By providing
access openings for each of the rollers, it may be possible to
stack a plurality of pallets according to the invention with
rollers from an upper pallet registering with the access openings
of a lower pallet to form a stable stack.
[0017] One or more perimeter reinforcing beams may be provided at
the edge of the pallet. Suitably each of the four edges of the
pallet is provided with a reinforcing perimeter beam. The perimeter
beam may comprise a channel shaped metal member. Alternatively, it
may comprise an L-shaped member. A portion of the perimeter beam
may comprise a box section.
[0018] The pallet may be provided with additional access openings
through the perimeter beams. The additional access openings may not
necessarily be associated with the reinforcing members. The purpose
of having additional access openings may be to allow access to
tynes of a smaller forklift for moving the pallet when it is
unloaded. Thus, the additional access openings may be located
closer to each other than the access openings for the reinforcing
members. This is because the access openings for the reinforcing
members are provided for the tynes of a larger and more powerful
forklift truck which may be used to lift the pallet when it is
fully loaded.
[0019] One or more corners of the pallet may be provided with
alignment wheels to facilitate movement of the pallet into a
shipping container. Most suitably, each of the four corners is
provided with an alignment wheel. Each of the alignment wheels may
be rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane of
the floor.
[0020] A pair of extendible draw bars may be provided at one end of
the pallet to assist with towing. They may be mounted on a
perimeter beam. They may be mounted via universal joints. The draw
bars may be constructed so as to be foldable into registry with the
perimeter beam.
[0021] The corners of the pallet may also comprise components which
may be secured to the tray of a truck or other type of transporter
as is known in the art.
[0022] Furthermore, one or more of the rollers may be fitted with
brake mechanisms to prevent the pallets moving after they have been
properly positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the rollers may
be retractable so as to move them away from a weight bearing
surface allowing the pallet perimeter beam and reinforcing members
to sit directly on the ground.
[0023] The pallet may also incorporate positioning means to abut an
end of the pallet against the wall of a shipping container.
[0024] The positioning means may be adjustable. The positioning
means may comprise a screw threaded shaft co-operable with a screw
threaded socket provided at the end of the pallet.
[0025] The pallet may include tie down means to assist with tying
down goods loaded on the pallet. The tie down means may comprise
any one or more of a rotatable drum and ratchet mechanism
associated therewith, chain dogging bars, or tie rings.
[0026] One or more rotatable drum and ratchet mechanisms may be
located on one or more of the perimeter beams. Each of the
rotatable drums may be associated with a webbing slot provided in
the floor. Suitably there are at least two rotatable drums and
ratchet mechanisms provided on opposite longitudinal sides of the
pallet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0027] FIG. 1 shows in isometric view of a pallet according to the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged fragmentary view of a forward
corner of the pallet of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 3 shows an isometric underneath view of the pallet of
FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 4 shows an elevational view lengthwise along the pallet
of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 5 shows an elevational view breadthwise of the pallet
of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a fragmentary view of a stack of four pallets;
and
[0033] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a loaded pallet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0034] The various elements identified by numerals in the drawings
are listed in the following integer list.
Integer List
TABLE-US-00001 [0035] Integer List 1 Pallet 3 Floor 4 Stippling 5
Perimeter beam 6 Corner casting 7 Side casting 9 Transverse beam 10
Longitudinal beam 12 Tyne opening 13 Tyne opening 15 Tyne opening
17 Roller 18 Cover 19 Access opening 20 Corner roller 22 Rotatable
drum 23 Ratchet mechanism 24 Holes 25 Webbing slot 29 Tie ring 30
Chain dogging bar 32 Draw bar 33 Universal joint 34 Adjustable
positioners 35 Slots 38 Panel 40 Web 42 Tie
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 of the drawings, there is shown a
pallet generally designated 1 constructed in accordance with the
invention.
[0037] The pallet includes a floor 3 of sheet material. Typically
the floor may comprise a sheet of metal such as steel or aluminium.
However, depending on the application other forms of flooring such
as plastic or wood may be suitable.
[0038] The floor is provided with an antifriction surface in the
form of stippling 4 comprising a number of raised features on the
surface of the floor.
[0039] The floor is reinforced with perimeter beams 5 which are
provided on the lengthwise and breadthwise sides of the pallet
beneath the floor and aligned with the edges of the floor.
[0040] Typically, the perimeter beams may comprise a channel shaped
or L-shaped metal member secured beneath the floor. Parts of the
perimeter beams may have a front panel welded thereto to form a box
section. Where the perimeter beams are L-shaped, the front panel
may be joined along the edge of the floor to the perimeter beam to
form the box section. This may be desirable when extra strength is
required.
[0041] Corner castings 6 are provided at each corner of the
rectangular pallet. These may be of a form known in the art in that
they have an opening provided on their bottom surface to allow
access for a locking member projecting upwardly from the tray of a
truck or other vehicle to lock the pallet onto the vehicle.
[0042] A number of additional side castings 7 which perform a
similar function are located attached to the perimeter beam in the
manner illustrated.
[0043] As is shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the underneath of the
pallet is provided with two transverse beams 9 and two longitudinal
beams 10 which intersect and provide additional reinforcement
beneath the floor. Both the transverse and longitudinal beams are
arranged so that they form a box section. In this respect, they may
of themselves be in the form of metal box sections or, they may be
channel shaped components which form a box section with the bottom
of the floor when welded or secured in any other manner
thereto.
[0044] Each of the box section beams extends to a respective
perimeter beam on opposed sides of the pallet. The perimeter beams
include tyne openings 12 for the tynes of a large scale forklift
truck. The tyne openings 12 appear on the opposed ends of both the
transverse and longitudinal beams. The tyne opening allow the tynes
to penetrate into the box section beams. The beams provide the
reinforcement required to enable the loaded pallet to be lifted by
the tynes of a large size forklift truck. Tyne openings 13 are
provided for access by the tynes of a smaller forklift when the
pallet is unloaded.
[0045] It is to be noted that the tyne openings 13 and also the
tyne openings 15 are located at equal distances of either side of
an imaginary line bisecting the length or breadth of the
pallet.
[0046] The tyne openings 13 are closer together than the openings
12 and there is no requirement for reinforcement by beams as these
openings are only to be used when the pallet is to be lifted in the
unloaded state.
[0047] The tyne openings 15 provided at opposed ends of the pallet
communicate with the longitudinal beams 10 and provide
reinforcement locations whereby the pallet may be lifted with a
crane-like device incorporating tynes. These tyne openings 15 may
also be used when the loaded pallet is pushed into a shipping
container using the rollers 17 for mobility.
[0048] In the drawings, it can be seen that there are ten rollers
17 arranged so that they project beneath the level of the perimeter
beam and the transverse and longitudinal beams.
[0049] Each of the rollers 17 lies beneath an opening in the floor
3 with a cover 18 closing off the opening.
[0050] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 1, the cover one on one
of the rollers proximate a forward corner is movable to expose a
roller 17 and the opening beneath which it fits. The cover shown in
dotted lines may be movable using means such as slide channels
provided underneath the floor, hinges or any other suitable method
of removing the cover.
[0051] When placed over the openings for the rollers 17, the covers
18 can act to prevent accidental injury which might otherwise be
sustained by a workman stepping into one of the openings. It is a
simple matter to use the access opening 19 to gain purchase on the
cover 18 and to move it to a position away from the opening as is
indicated by the dotted line so as to expose the opening above the
roller. This provides a location for a corresponding roller from
another pallet stacked on top of this pallet in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 6 ie. the rollers come in registry with the
openings when the covers have been removed. This allows the pallets
to sit flat one on top of the other with the rollers fitting into
the openings and prevents relative movement between the pallets in
the stack thereby providing a stable stack. As an additional
safeguard, one or more of the rollers may be provided with a brake
mechanism which can be applied when the pallet has formed part of
the stack or has been moved into a shipping container.
[0052] To assist movement of the pallet into a shipping container,
it is provided with four corner rollers 20 mounted above the corner
castings, the corner rollers being rotatable about an axis
perpendicular to the plane of the floor.
[0053] Rotatable drums 22 with ratchet mechanisms 23 as are known
in the art are provided in the longitudinally extending perimeter
beams 5. One end of the rotatable drum is provided with a round
member having a series of holes 24. The holes may be used in
association with an elongate bar to turn the drum and hence tighten
or loosen webbing 40 which may be wound around the drum.
[0054] The webbing may pass through the webbing slot 25 as is shown
in FIG. 7 to hold down articles loaded on the pallet. Whilst the
drawings show five drums for webbing on opposed longitudinal sides
of the pallet, it is to be appreciated that more or fewer such
rotatable drums with webbing may be used depending on the
requirements of a user. However, typically it is to be anticipated
that between two and ten such drum and webbing mechanisms may be
used for each lengthwise side of a pallet.
[0055] To assist with tying articles on the pallet, a number of tie
rings 29 and chain dogging bars 30 are also provided at various
locations around the floor 3 as is known in the art.
[0056] A pair of draw bars 32, each joined to the end perimeter
beam 5 by a universal joint 33 are provided at the forward end of
the pallet. The draw bars 32 are foldable towards each other so
that they lie flat within the front perimeter beam 25 when they are
not in use.
[0057] Adjustable positioners 34 are also provided at the front
perimeter beam. These may be used to locate the pallet within a
shipping container by abutment against a wall or to assist with a
transport vehicle. The positioners 34 may be provided with a screw
threaded shaft co-operable with screw threaded sockets provided at
the end of the pallet.
[0058] A number of slots 35 are provided around the pallet floor
proximate the perimeter. These slots are positioned so as to
receive tabs of panels 38 which may be used to erect a wall around
the perimeter of the pallet. The panels may be designed so that
they may be mounted one atop the other to form a double height
wall. They also may have edge joining means to join adjacent panels
for forming the full wall as is known in the art. The panels may be
erected after items have been located on the shipping container and
tied down with webs 40 and ties 42 and optionally dogging chains
(not shown).
[0059] Whilst the above description includes the preferred
embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many
variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be
introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts
previously described without departing from the essential features
or the spirit or ambit of the invention.
[0060] It will be also understood that where the word "comprise",
and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", are used in
this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use
is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features
but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature
or features.
[0061] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of
suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge in Australia.
* * * * *