U.S. patent application number 12/865124 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for steel pallet.
Invention is credited to Hi Man Lee.
Application Number | 20110005436 12/865124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40912961 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110005436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Hi Man |
January 13, 2011 |
STEEL PALLET
Abstract
A steel pallet is disclosed. Separate upper and lower plates are
placed to contact each other and are coupled through bending to
produce an integrated structure, so that high durability, high
strength, and lightness of the steel pallet are realized, thus
allowing the steel pallet to be rapidly and conveniently
transported or stored using a forklift of a forklift truck. The
steel pallet includes a main body formed by coupling separate upper
and lower plates with each other, and a leg secured to an underside
of the main body.
Inventors: |
Lee; Hi Man;
(Gyeongsangbuk-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Hershkovitz & Associates, LLC
2845 Duke Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
40912961 |
Appl. No.: |
12/865124 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 29, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2008/001774 |
371 Date: |
July 28, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/57.32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/0051 20130101;
B65D 2519/00338 20130101; B65D 2519/00059 20130101; B65D 2519/00562
20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D 2519/00293 20130101; B65D
2519/00835 20130101; B65D 2519/00024 20130101; B65D 2519/00308
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/57.32 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 1, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0010873 |
Claims
1. A steel pallet, comprising: a main body formed by coupling
separate upper and lower plates with each other; and a leg secured
to an underside of the main body.
2. The steel pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper and
lower plates of the main body are coupled to each other through
bending.
3. The steel pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper and
lower plates of the main body are coupled to each other through
welding.
4. The steel pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper plate
of the main body is open at a bottom thereof, thus defining a first
space such that the lower plate is fitted into the upper plate, the
upper plate is bent toward the first space at a plurality of
locations, thus defining a plurality of first locking holes, with a
first extension part provided in each of the first locking holes to
form a step, and a plurality of first support holes is provided
between the first locking holes.
5. The steel pallet according to claim 1, wherein. the lower plate
of the main body is open at a top thereof, thus defining a second
space, the lower plate is bent toward the second space at a
plurality of locations, thus defining a plurality of second locking
holes to correspond to the first locking holes, with a second
extension part provided in each of the second locking holes to form
a step, and a plurality of second support holes is provided between
the second locking holes to correspond to the first support holes
in the upper plate.
6. The steel pallet according to claim 4, wherein one of the first
and second extension parts provided in the first and second locking
holes is larger than a remaining one of the first and second
extension parts.
7. The steel pallet according to claim 5, wherein the first and
second extension parts provided in the first and second locking
holes have the same length.
8. The steel pallet according to claim 4, wherein each of the first
support holes formed in the upper plate is smaller than a
corresponding second support hole formed in the lower plate.
9. The steel pallet according to claim 8, wherein an edge of each
of the first and second support holes is inclined downwards.
10. The steel pallet according to claim 9, wherein the leg is
fastened to each of the first and second support holes in the upper
and lower plates through force fitting, the leg has a space
therein, each of the first support holes is positioned inside the
leg, and each of the second support holes is positioned outside the
leg.
11. The steel pallet according to claim 10, wherein an edge of each
of the second support holes, supporting the leg, is bent towards
the second space.
12. The steel pallet according to claim 10, wherein an edge of each
of the second support holes, supporting the leg, is bent
downwards.
13. The steel pallet according to claim 1, further comprising: an
anti-slip unit for preventing goods from slipping from the upper
plate of the main body.
14. The steel pallet according to claim 13, wherein the anti-slip
unit comprises a plurality of anti-slip protuberances which
protrude from edges of a top of the upper plate.
15. The steel pallet according to claim 5, wherein each of the
first support holes formed in the upper plate is smaller than a
corresponding second support hole formed in the lower plate.
16. The steel pallet according to claim 15, wherein an edge of each
of the first and second support holes is inclined downwards.
17. The steel pallet according to claim 16, wherein the leg is
fastened to each of the first and second support holes in the upper
and lower plates through force fitting, the leg has a space
therein, each of the first support holes is positioned inside the
leg, and each of the second support holes is positioned outside the
leg.
18. The steel pallet according to claim 10, wherein an edge of each
of the second support holes, supporting the leg, is bent towards
the second space.
19. The steel pallet according to claim 10, wherein an edge of each
of the second support holes, supporting the leg, is bent downwards.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to steel pallets,
and more particularly, to a steel pallet, in which separate upper
and lower plates are placed to contact each other and are coupled
through bending to produce an integrated structure, so that high
durability, high strength, and lightness of the steel pallet are
realized, thus allowing the steel pallet to be rapidly and
conveniently transported or stored using a forklift of a forklift
truck.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As scientific technique has rapidly developed together with
the development of industrial society, the mass production of
products has been generalized through factory automation. Thereby,
the quantity of goods that must be transported has rapidly
increased, and thus the number of warehouses has considerably
increased and the automation of distribution has been widely
adopted.
[0003] Due to such a change, freight is transported generally using
a forklift truck in a variety of industrial fields. In order to
more rapidly transport heavy freight, the freight is loaded onto a
pallet having a predetermined shape so that the freight is loaded
into or unloaded from a storage compartment of a transporting
vehicle.
[0004] Thus, even when one desires to store the freight in a
warehouse or the like, the freight is generally loaded on the
pallet.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a general wood pallet. The pallet
includes a plurality of upper plate members 1 and middle plate
members 2, which are arranged at predetermined intervals and meet
at right angles. A plurality of spacer blocks 4 is provided under
the middle plate members 2, has a predetermined height to allow a
fork lift (not shown) of a forklift truck to be inserted into the
pallet, and is supported by lower plate members 3. They are
integrally coupled to each other using nails 5.
[0006] However, the wood pallet is problematic in that the strength
is low because of its properties, so that the wood pallet may be
easily broken when it collides with an external object during the
use of the wood pallet, and thus the lifespan of the wood pallet is
short, and it is very complicated to repair the wood pallet when it
is broken. Further, the wood pallet is problematic in that
exhausted pallets must be discarded whole, thus wasting natural
resources and causing environmental pollution.
[0007] Thus, in recent years, in order to overcome the problems of
the wood pallet, a pallet made of a synthetic resin material has
been proposed and used. However, the pallet made of the synthetic
resin material is problematic in that it is produced as an
integrated structure using a mold, so that the pallet is relatively
heavy and is easily deformed, and in addition, when the pallet is
deformed, the pallet must be replaced with a new one.
[0008] Further, in order to overcome the problems of the pallet
made of the synthetic resin material, a steel pallet has been
proposed and used.
[0009] Since the conventional steel pallet comprises many elements,
the elements must be individually fastened using fastening means,
such as bolts, so as to complete the pallet. Thus, the conventional
steel pallet manufactured in this way is problematic in that a long
manufacturing time is required, the manufacturing cost is
increased, and the weight of the steel pallet is high, so that it
is difficult to handle, and high transportation costs are
incurred.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an
effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an
object of the present invention is to provide a steel pallet, in
which separate upper and lower plates contact each other and are
coupled to each other through bending, thus producing a light steel
pallet, so that it is easy to handle, the steel pallet is resistant
to fire, and the steel pallet can be hygienically managed and
stored.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
steel pallet, in which upper and lower plates are individually
manufactured through pressing, and thereafter, are integrated with
each other by bending contact parts of the upper and lower plates,
so that the steel pallet has high durability and increased
strength, and has no sharp corners, thus preventing goods loaded
onto the pallet from being broken, and ensuring a worker's
safety.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
steel pallet, in which anti-slip protuberances are provided on the
top of the pallet, thus preventing goods loaded on the pallet from
slipping from the pallet when the goods are loaded onto or unloaded
from the pallet or are transported.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
steel pallet, in which the lightness of the pallet is achieved,
thus reducing distribution costs due to reduction in the
unnecessary weight of loaded goods.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a steel pallet, in which joined parts of upper and lower plates do
not protrude to the outside, thus providing a clean and good
appearance and having high quality.
Technical Solution
[0015] In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention
provides a steel pallet, including a main body formed by coupling
separate upper and lower plates with each other, and a leg secured
to an underside of the main body.
[0016] The upper and lower plates of the main body are coupled to
each other through bending.
[0017] Further, the upper and lower plates of the main body are
coupled to each other through welding.
[0018] The upper plate of the main body is open at a bottom
thereof, thus defining a first space such that the lower plate is
fitted into the upper plate, the upper plate is bent toward the
first space at a plurality of locations, thus defining a plurality
of first locking holes, with a first extension part provided in
each of the first locking holes to form a step, and a plurality of
first support holes is provided between the first locking
holes.
[0019] Further, the lower plate of the main body is open at a top
thereof, thus defining a second space, the lower plate is bent
toward the second space at a plurality of locations, thus defining
a plurality of second locking holes to correspond to the first
locking holes, with a second extension part provided in each of the
second locking holes to form a step, and a plurality of second
support holes is provided between the second locking holes to
correspond to the first support holes in the upper plate.
[0020] One of the first and second extension parts provided in the
first and second locking holes is larger than a remaining one of
the first and second extension parts.
[0021] The first and second extension parts provided in the first
and second locking holes have the same length.
[0022] Further, each of the first support holes formed in the upper
plate is smaller than a corresponding second support hole formed in
the lower plate.
[0023] An edge of each of the first and second support holes is
inclined downwards.
[0024] The leg is fastened to each of the first and second support
holes in the upper and lower plates through force fitting, the leg
has a space therein, each of the first support holes is positioned
inside the leg, and each of the second support holes is positioned
outside the leg.
[0025] An edge of each of the second support holes, supporting the
leg, is bent towards the second space.
[0026] An edge of each of the second support holes, supporting the
leg, is bent downwards.
[0027] The steel pallet further includes an anti-slip unit for
preventing goods from slipping from the upper plate of the main
body.
[0028] The anti-slip unit includes a plurality of anti-slip
protuberances which protrude from edges of a top of the upper
plate.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0029] As described above, the steel pallet according to the
present invention is advantageous in that, first, separate upper
and lower plates contact each other and are coupled to each other
through bending, thus producing a light steel pallet having a space
therein, so that it is easy to handle, the steel pallet is
resistant to fire, and it is easy to wash, so that the steel pallet
can be hygienically managed and stored.
[0030] Second, the steel pallet according to the present invention
is advantageous in that upper and lower plates are produced to have
prominences and depressions through pressing, and contact parts of
the upper and lower plates are coupled to each other through
bending to form an integrated structure, so that the steel pallet
has high durability and increased strength, and has no sharp
corners, thus preventing goods loaded onto the pallet from being
broken, and ensuring a worker's safety.
[0031] Third, the steel pallet according to the present invention
is advantageous in that anti-slip protuberances are provided on the
top of the pallet, thus preventing goods loaded on the pallet from
slipping from the pallet when the goods are loaded onto or unloaded
from the pallet or are transported.
[0032] Fourth, the steel pallet according to the present invention
is advantageous in that the lightness of the pallet is achieved,
thus reducing distribution costs due to reduction in the
unnecessary weight of loaded goods.
[0033] Fifth, the steel pallet according to the present invention
is advantageous in that joined parts of upper and lower plates do
not protrude to the outside, thus providing a clean and good
appearance and having high quality.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
pallet;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a front sectional view illustrating the steel
pallet according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the steel pallet
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating portion A of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating portion B of FIG. 2;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0041] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE
[0042] Hereinbelow, a steel pallet of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3
is a front sectional view illustrating the steel pallet according
to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan
view illustrating the steel pallet according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating
portion A of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a view illustrating portion B of
FIG. 2.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the steel pallet 100 according to
the present invention is produced through sheet metal working using
a thin rectangular plate, and is provided with a main body 110,
which comprises separate upper and lower plates 112a and 112b. The
upper plate and the lower plate 112b are in contact with each other
and correspond to each other, and are bent to have a space
therebetween, thus forming the main body.
[0045] Here, the upper plate 112a of the main body 110 has side
surfaces 116a. One edge of each side surface is bent downwards,
thus defining a first space 114a such that the lower portion of the
upper plate is open. The upper plate is bent towards the first
space 114a at a plurality of locations, thus defining a plurality
of first locking holes 118a which are arranged at regular intervals
in longitudinal and lateral directions.
[0046] Further, a first extension part 119a is stepped in each
first locking hole 118a in such a way as to extend inwards.
[0047] Preferably, each first locking hole 118a has a circular
shape. However, the first locking hole may have various shapes,
such as a square, a hexagon, or an octagon.
[0048] Further, the lower plate 112b of the main body 110 is
manufactured through sheet metal working using a sheet plate to
have the same shape as the upper plate 112a.
[0049] That is, the lower plate 112b is manufactured to have a
rectangular shape which corresponds to the upper plate 112a,
through sheet metal working using a sheet plate. Each edge of the
lower plate is bent upwards to form a side surface 116b, thus
defining a second space 114b such that the upper portion of the
lower plate is open. Here, the lower plate is formed to be smaller
than the upper plate 112a such that each side surface 116b is
fitted into the first space 114a of the upper plate and is
supported by the inner surface of each side surface 116a of the
upper plate 112a.
[0050] Of course, each side surface 116a of the upper plate 112a
may be formed to be larger than each side surface 116b of the lower
plate 112b, so that the lower plate 112b is inserted into the upper
plate 112a.
[0051] Here, the lower plate is bent toward the second space 114b
at a plurality of locations, thus defining a plurality of second
locking holes 118b which are arranged at regular intervals in
longitudinal and lateral directions.
[0052] Further, a second extension part 119b is stepped in each
second locking hole 118b in such a way as to extend inwards. The
second extension part 119b is formed to contact the first extension
part 119a of the first locking hole 118a in the upper plate 112a,
and is smaller than the first extension part 119a. One end of the
first extension part 119a is bent, thus providing a bent part 120
which surrounds the second extension part 119b in a direction from
an upper position to a lower position.
[0053] Thus, since the first extension part 119a provided in the
first locking hole 118a surrounds the second extension part 119b
provided in the second locking hole 118b using the bent part 120,
the upper plate 112a and the lower plate 112b are firmly coupled to
each other.
[0054] Further, second support holes 122b, each having rectangular
shape, are formed between the plurality of second locking holes
118b.
[0055] Preferably, the inner diameter of each second support hole
122b is larger than that of a first support hole 122a in the upper
plate 112a. Each of the first and second support holes 122a and
122b has the rectangular shape, but may have various shapes,
including a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, and an octagonal
shape.
[0056] Thus, the first and second spaces 114a and 114b are combined
with each other in the main body 110 by coupling the first and
second extension parts 119a and 119b, provided in the first and
second locking holes 118a and 118b of the upper and lower plates
112a and 112b, to each other through bending. Prominences and
depressions formed in the upper and lower plates 112a and 112b by
the spaces serve to increase the strength of the main body 110, so
that high durability and lightness of the main body 110 are
achieved.
[0057] Meanwhile, edges of the first and second support holes 122a
and 122b of the upper and lower plates 112a and 112b are inclined
inwards.
[0058] Further, legs 124 are inserted into the underside of the
lower plate 112b of the main body 110. The legs 124 are force
fitted into the second support holes 122b in the lower plate 112b
and the first support holes in the upper plate.
[0059] Here, a plurality of legs 124 is fastened to the center and
edges of the main body 110.
[0060] That is, the legs 124 are force-fitted into the first and
second support holes 122a and 122b in the upper and lower plates
112a and 112b, which are positioned in respective corners of the
underside of the rectangular main body 110, the central line of the
main body, and middle positions between neighboring corners.
[0061] Here, the number of legs 124 may be changed according to the
weight of loaded goods and the size of the main body 110.
[0062] Each leg 124 has the shape of a square pillar which has a
space therein and a through hole in the bottom thereof. The leg is
fitted into the bottom of the lower plate 112b such that each
second support hole 122b in the lower plate 112b is positioned
outside the leg 124, and each first support hole 122a in the upper
plate is positioned inside the leg 124. Due to the inclination
angles of the first and second support holes 122a and 122b, the
first support hole 122a generates an outward pressing force, and
the second support hole 122b generates an inward pressing force,
thus firmly holding the leg 124.
[0063] The through hole formed in each leg 124 is used to discharge
water from the interior of the leg 124.
[0064] Further, an anti-slip unit 130 is provided on the main body
110 so as to prevent goods from slipping from the main body when
the goods are loaded on the pallet.
[0065] Here, the anti-slip unit 130 includes a plurality of
anti-slip protuberances 132 which are provided on each edge of the
top of the upper plate 112a to be arranged in one row or two or
more rows.
[0066] Thus, the anti-slip protuberances 132 are provided on the
top of the upper plate 112a of the main body 110, thus preventing
goods from being removed from the main body during a loading or
transporting operation, therefore allowing the goods to be safely
loaded and transported.
[0067] In the steel pallet 100 of the present invention,
constructed as described above, the upper plate and the lower plate
112b are manufactured through sheet metal working. The upper and
lower plates 112a and 112b are coupled to each other through
bending, thus being firmly secured to each other. In this case, the
spaces are defined between the contact parts of the upper and lower
plates 112a and 112b, so that the lightness of the pallet is
achieved. Further, the upper and lower plates are supported by the
first and second locking holes 118a and 118b, which are coupled to
each other through bending. Therefore, in comparison with the
conventional pallet, which is made of wood or synthetic resin, the
strength of the steel pallet is considerably increased, so that the
steel pallet can sufficiently support even heavy goods without
deformation of the pallet.
[0068] Thus, the deformation of the pallet due to the cumulative
weight of goods hardly occurs. Further, the pallet is not easily
broken or deformed by external shocks when goods are transported by
a forklift truck.
[0069] Further, the anti-slip protuberances 132 are provided on the
top of the upper plates 112a, thus preventing goods from slipping
from and falling off of the pallet when the goods loaded on the
pallet 100 are transported or carried, therefore preventing the
goods from breaking.
[0070] Meanwhile, according to the present invention, the lightness
of the pallet 100 is achieved, so that it is easy to handle, and
the pallet has high durability. Since the pallet may be washed
using water, it is possible to hygienically store and use the
pallet. Due to the reduction in the unnecessary weight of loaded
goods, specific duties are reduced, and distribution costs are also
reduced. In the event of a fire, the steel pallet is safer than a
pallet made of wood or synthetic resin. The manufacturing process
of the steel pallet is simple, so that the reduction in
manufacturing cost is realized.
[0071] Further, since the entire steel pallet 100 is made of metal,
the lifespan of the steel pallet is much longer than a pallet made
of wood or synthetic resin. Even when the exhausted pallet is
discarded, the steel pallet can be recycled. Thereby, unlike the
conventional pallet, the waste of resources and environmental
pollution are prevented.
[0072] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0073] As shown in the drawing, a steel pallet 100 of the present
invention includes a main body 110. The main body includes upper
and lower plates 112a and 112b. First and second locking holes 118a
and 118b are formed, respectively, in the upper and lower plates
112a and 112b. First and second extension parts 119a and 119b are
bent in the first and second locking holes, and are in support
contact with each other. Here, the first and second extension parts
are formed to have the same length. The contact parts of the first
and second extension parts are welded, so that the upper and lower
plates 112a and 112b are firmly coupled to each other, thus
providing the main body.
[0074] The general construction of the second embodiment remains
the same as the first embodiment, except that the upper and lower
plates 112a and 112b are coupled to each other through welding,
unlike the first embodiment, in which the upper and lower plates
are coupled to each other through bending. Thus, a description of
the general construction will be omitted herein.
[0075] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a steel pallet
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] As shown in the drawing, a second support hole 122b in a
lower plate 112b, which supports a leg 124 of a steel pallet 100,
is configured such that an edge of the second support hole is bent
downwards to surround the outer portion of the leg 124.
[0077] As such, the edge of the second support hole 122b of the
lower plate 112b, supporting the leg 124, is bent downwards, so
that a first support hole 122a is positioned inside the leg 124 to
support the upper portion of the leg, and the second support hole
122b supports the outer portion of the leg, which is spaced apart
from the upper portion of the leg 124. This construction prevents
the undesirable movement of the leg 124, in addition to more firmly
supporting the leg.
[0078] Since the general construction of the third embodiment
remains the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments, it
will not be described herein.
[0079] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0080] As described above, the present invention provides a steel
pallet. To produce the steel pallet, separate upper and lower
plates are placed to contact each other and are coupled through
bending to produce an integrated structure. Thereby, high
durability, high strength, and lightness of the steel pallet are
realized, thus allowing the steel pallet to be rapidly and
conveniently transported or stored using a forklift of a forklift
truck.
* * * * *