U.S. patent application number 14/390876 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for pallet and pallet system.
The applicant listed for this patent is STP Used Battery Recyclers Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Earl Fenton Goddard.
Application Number | 20150027917 14/390876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46614182 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027917 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goddard; Earl Fenton |
January 29, 2015 |
PALLET AND PALLET SYSTEM
Abstract
A pallet system (50b) is formed from a pallet (10) and a
plurality of panels (54a, 54b, 54c, 54t and 56). The pallet (10)
has a base (12) configured to receive members of a lifting
apparatus to enable lifting of the pallet (10). The panels (54a,
54b, 54c, 54t and 56) are coupled to each other and the pallet (10)
to enable the panels to be moved between a closed configuration and
an open configuration. In the closed configuration the panels can
surround and contain one or more articles on the pallet (10). In
the open configuration one of the panels is positioned to provide
an opening to enable transfer of an article through the opening
onto or off of the pallet (10) in a direction substantially
parallel to a plane of the pallet (10).
Inventors: |
Goddard; Earl Fenton; (Como,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STP Used Battery Recyclers Pty Ltd |
Bentley |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
46614182 |
Appl. No.: |
14/390876 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
March 26, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2013/000311 |
371 Date: |
October 6, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/12 20130101;
B65D 2519/00532 20130101; B65D 19/18 20130101; B65D 2519/00184
20130101; B65D 2519/00293 20130101; B65D 81/265 20130101; B65D
2519/00805 20130101; B65D 2519/00422 20130101; B65D 2519/00711
20130101; B65D 2519/00268 20130101; B65D 2519/00069 20130101; B65D
2519/00338 20130101; B65D 2519/008 20130101; B65D 2519/00318
20130101; B65D 2519/00034 20130101; B65D 2519/00174 20130101; B65D
2519/00273 20130101; B65D 2519/00512 20130101; B65D 2519/00721
20130101; B65D 2519/00199 20130101; B65D 2519/00288 20130101; B65D
2519/00592 20130101; B65D 2519/00925 20130101; B65D 2519/0096
20130101; B65D 2519/00208 20130101; B65D 2519/00646 20130101; B65D
2519/00502 20130101; B65D 2519/00024 20130101; B65D 2519/00308
20130101; B65D 2519/00641 20130101; B65D 2519/00875 20130101; B65D
19/06 20130101; B65D 2519/00164 20130101; B65D 2519/00407 20130101;
B65D 19/38 20130101; B65D 2519/00059 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/386 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/06 20060101
B65D019/06; B65D 19/38 20060101 B65D019/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 4, 2012 |
AU |
2012100420 |
Claims
1. A pallet system comprising: a pallet having a base configured to
receive members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be
lifted by the base; and a plurality of panels coupled to each other
and to the pallet in a manner to enable the panels to be moved
between a closed configuration which the panels are positioned to
surround and contain one or more articles supported on the pallet,
and a flat pack configuration in which the panels are moved to lay
flat and overlie the pallet.
2. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein: the panels are
configured to be moved to an open configuration where a first of
the panels is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer
of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in a
direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet.
3. The pallet system according to claim 2 wherein when the panels
are in the open configuration the first panel is arranged to lie
substantially parallel with and above a second of the panels.
4. The pallet system according to claim 3 wherein when the panels
are in the open configuration the first panel is arranged to lie
substantially parallel with and overlie a third of the panels.
5. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein at least three of
the panels are pivotally coupled together about mutually parallel
pivot axes.
6-7. (canceled)
8. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein when in the
closed configuration the panels collectively form an enclosure that
extends about and over the pallet.
9. The pallet system according to claim 4 wherein when in the
closed configuration the panels collectively form an enclosure that
extends about and over the pallet, wherein the first panel is
parallel with the third panel and the second panel is spaced from
extends over the pallet.
10. The pallet system according to claim 9 wherein the plurality of
panels comprises a fourth panel and a fifth panel each of which is
pivotally coupled to the pallet.
11. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein the panels are
arranged to form a weatherproof enclosure when in the closed
configuration to substantially prevent ingress of liquid onto the
pallet.
12. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein the base
comprises: a receptacle in which liquid falling onto the pallet
drains.
13. The pallet system according to claim 1 wherein the panels are
further configured to be moved to a stack configuration wherein the
first panel is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer
of an article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in
direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet and
wherein the first panel is behind another of the panels when viewed
in a direction from the opening toward the pallet wherein a pallet
of a second pallet system can be stacked on the pallet system.
14-18. (canceled)
19. A pallet system comprising: a pallet having a base configured
to receive members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be
lifted by the base; and a plurality of panels coupled to each other
and the pallet, the panels being configurable in a plurality of
relative juxtapositions without decoupling from the pallet, and
wherein in one configuration the panels together with the pallet
form an enclosed space in which articles supported on the pallet
can be located.
20. The panel system according to claim 19 wherein a first of the
panels is coupled to other panels in a manner to enable the first
panel to form a gate or door that can be moved from a closed
position that prevents access into the enclosed space and an open
position in which the first panel is disposed above another of the
panels and opens to enclosed spaced to enable transfer of an
article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in a
direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet.
21. The panel system according to claim 1 wherein each panel is
pivotally coupled to at least one of: (a) another panel; and (b)
the pallet.
22. The pallet system according to claim 19 wherein the base
comprises: a receptacle in which liquid falling onto the pallet
drains.
23. The pallet system according claim 12 wherein the pallet
comprises a support grate overlying the receptacle.
24. The pallet system according claim 23 comprising an absorbent
pad disposed in the receptacle.
25. The pallet system according claim 22 wherein the pallet
comprises a support grate overlying the receptacle.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] A pallet and pallet system are disclosed. The pallet and
pallet system may be used to store and transport articles and in
particular, but not exclusively, articles comprising or containing
hazardous waste. In an alternate application the pallet system may
use as a point of sale goods transport, storage and display
system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Articles comprising or containing hazardous waste may be
stored and transported on pallets. The pallets may be in the form
of traditional wooden pallets, or bunded pallets made from plastics
material. At times hazardous liquid leaks from the articles on the
pallet. Also an article may fall from a pallet when being lifted or
transported. This can also result in the leakage of hazardous
waste.
[0003] The above references to the background art do not constitute
an admission that the art forms are part of the common general
knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above
references are also not intended to limit the application of the
pallet system as disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In a first aspect there is disclosed a pallet comprising:
[0005] a base configured to receive members of a lifting apparatus
enabling the pallet to be lifted by the base, the base having a
receptacle into which liquid falling onto the pallet drains and a
support grate overlying the receptacle.
[0006] In one embodiment the pallet is configured to support the
grate to form a void in the receptacle below the grate.
[0007] In one embodiment an absorbent pad disposed in the void.
[0008] In one embodiment the absorbent pad comprises a material
having properties to neutralize action of the liquid.
[0009] In one embodiment the support grate is demountably engaged
in the base.
[0010] In a second aspect there is disclosed a pallet system
comprising: [0011] a pallet having a base configured to receive
members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by
the base; and [0012] a plurality of panels coupled to each other
and the pallet in a manner to enable the panels be moved between a
closed configuration where the panels can surround and contain one
or more articles supported on the pallet, and a flat pack
configuration the panels are moved to lay flat and overlie the
pallet.
[0013] In a third aspect there is disclosed a pallet system
comprising: [0014] a pallet having a base configured to receive
members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by
the base; and, [0015] a plurality of panels coupled to each other
and the pallet in a manner to enable the panels be moved between a
closed configuration where the panels can surround and contain one
or more articles on the pallet, and an open configuration where one
of the panels is positioned to provide an opening to enable
transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of the
pallet in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the
pallet.
[0016] In one embodiment the pallet is a bunded pallet. This is the
pallet may comprise a base having a receptacle into which liquid
falling onto the pallet drains.
[0017] In one embodiment when the panels are in the open
configuration the one panel is arranged to lie substantially
parallel with and above a second of the panels.
[0018] In one embodiment when the panels are in the open
configuration the one panel is arranged to lie substantially
parallel with and overlie a third of the panels.
[0019] In one embodiment at least three of the panels are pivotally
coupled together about mutually parallel pivot axes.
[0020] In one embodiment two of the at least three panels comprise
the one panel and the second panel.
[0021] In one embodiment a further one of the at least three panels
comprises the third panel.
[0022] In one embodiment when in the closed configuration the
panels collectively form an enclosure that extends about and over
the pallet.
[0023] In one embodiment when in the closed configuration the
panels collectively form an enclosure that extends about and over
the pallet, wherein the one panel is parallel with the third panel
and the second panel is spaced from extends over the pallet.
[0024] In one embodiment the plurality of panels comprises a fourth
panel and a fifth panel each of which is pivotally coupled to the
pallet.
[0025] In one embodiment the panels are arranged to form a
weatherproof enclosure when in the closed configuration to
substantially prevent ingress of liquid onto the pallet.
[0026] In one embodiment the base comprises: a receptacle in which
liquid falling onto the pallet drains, and wherein the pallet has a
support grate overlying the receptacle; and, an absorbent pad
disposed in the receptacle.
[0027] In one embodiment the panels are further arranged to enable
them to be moved to a stack configuration wherein the one panel is
positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer of an article
through the opening onto or off of the pallet in direction
substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet and wherein the one
panel is behind another of the panels when viewed in a direction
from the opening toward the pallet wherein a pallet of a second
pallet system can be stacked on the pallet system.
[0028] In one embodiment at least one of the panels has a
continuous surface to prevent liquid from passing through the
panel.
[0029] In one embodiment at least one of the panels is made of a
plastics material.
[0030] In one embodiment at least one of the panels comprises a
metal frame.
[0031] In one embodiment of the third aspect the panels are further
arranged to enable them to be moved to a flat pack configuration
where the panels lay flat on and overlie the pallet.
[0032] In one embodiment when in the flat pack configuration the
one panel is uppermost.
[0033] In a fourth aspect there is disclosed a pallet system
comprising: [0034] a pallet having a base configured to receive
members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by
the base; and a plurality of panels coupled to each other and the
pallet, the panels being configurable in a plurality of relative
juxtapositions without decoupling from the pallet, and wherein in
one configuration the panels together with the pallet form an
enclosed space in which articles supported on the pallet can be
located.
[0035] In one embodiment a first of the panels is coupled to other
panels in a manner to enable the first panel to form a gate or door
that can be moved from a closed position that prevents access into
the enclosed space and an open position in which the first panel is
disposed above another of the panels and opens to enclosed spaced
to enable transfer of an article through the opening onto or off of
the pallet in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the
pallet.
[0036] In one embodiment of each or any of the second to fourth
aspects each panel is pivotally coupled to at least one of: (a)
another panel; and (b) the pallet.
[0037] In a fifth aspect there is disclosed a pallet system
comprising: [0038] a pallet having a base configured to receive
members of a lifting apparatus enabling the pallet to be lifted by
the base; and, [0039] a fence demountably connectable to the pallet
the fence comprising a plurality of panels, the fence having a
closed state where the fence is able to extend wholly about a
periphery of the pallet, and an open state where one of the panels
is positioned to provide an opening in the fence to enable transfer
of an article through the opening onto or off the pallet.
[0040] In one embodiment the pallet comprises one or more recesses
for receiving the fence.
[0041] In one embodiment the one or more recesses comprise a
plurality of holes and the fence comprises a plurality of elements
configured to seat in the holes.
[0042] In one embodiment the one panel is arranged to engage and
disengage remaining panels to close or open the opening by relative
motion in a plane parallel to a plane of the gate.
[0043] In one embodiment the one panel is arranged to connect to a
second panel in a position elevated with respect to the second
panel when the fence is in the open state.
[0044] In one embodiment the second panel is opposite the opening
when the fence is in the open state.
[0045] In one embodiment the one panel carries indicia relating to
one or more of loading limits of the pallet or safe handling of
articles on the pallet.
[0046] In one embodiment an inwardly facing surface of the fence
comprises an electrically insulating material.
[0047] In one embodiment the plurality of panels are pivotally
coupled to each other.
[0048] In one embodiment the base comprises one or more of channels
configured to receive one or more times of a forklift truck.
[0049] In one embodiment the base comprises a receptacle in which
liquid falling onto the pallet in an area surrounded by the fence
drains, and wherein the pallet includes a support grate overlying
the receptacle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the
scope of the pallet system as set forth in the Summary, specific
embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0051] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the pallet
from the top;
[0052] FIG. 2 is an exploded view from the bottom of the pallet
shown in FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 3 is a section view of the pallet;
[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an absorbent pad
which may be incorporated in the pallet;
[0055] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment
of a pallet system incorporating a pallet of the type shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and a fence in a disassembled state;
[0056] FIG. 6 is a representation of the pallet system shown in
FIG. 5 with the fence in the process of being coupled to the
pallet;
[0057] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the pallet system
illustrating a gate of the fence connectable in two different
positions;
[0058] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment
of a pallet system in the closed configuration;
[0059] FIG. 9 depicts a pallet system of FIG. 8 in a partially open
configuration;
[0060] FIG. 10 depicts a pallet system of FIG. 8 in the open or
display configuration;
[0061] FIG. 11 depicts a pallet system of FIG. 8 in a partially
closed or flat pack condition;
[0062] FIG. 12 depicts the pallet system of FIG. 8 further
progressed toward but not in the flat pack configuration;
[0063] FIG. 13 depicts a pallet system of FIG. 8 in the flat pack
configuration;
[0064] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
pallet system in a closed configuration;
[0065] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pallet incorporated in
the pallet system of FIG. 14;
[0066] FIG. 16a depicts an inside view of one of the panels
incorporated in the panel system of FIG. 14;
[0067] FIG. 16b depicts an outside view of the same panel of the
pallet system of FIG. 14;
[0068] FIG. 16c is an end view of a portion of the panel shown in
FIG. 16a;
[0069] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a back panel incorporated
in the pallet system of FIG. 14;
[0070] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a top panel incorporated in
the panel system of FIG. 14;
[0071] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a front panel incorporated
in the pallet system of FIG. 14;
[0072] FIGS. 20a-20f depict in sequence the reconfiguration of the
panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 moving from a closed
configuration to a flat pack configuration; and,
[0073] FIG. 20g depicts a plurality of panel systems of the type
shown in FIG. 14 in the flat pack configuration and stacked on top
of each other.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0074] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a pallet 10. The pallet
10 in this embodiment is a bunded pallet and comprises a base 12
having a receptacle 14 into which liquid falling onto the pallet 10
can drain. The base 12 in this embodiment is of a generally
rectangular configuration and is provided with four sides 16a, 16b,
16c and 16d (hereinafter referred to in general as "sides 16"). As
seen clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the inner surfaces 18a-18d
(hereinafter referred to in general as "inner surfaces 18") of the
sides 16 are formed, at mid-height level, with a reduction of
thickness to form a ledge 20 which extends wholly about receptacle
14. A planar liquid impervious wall 22 extends across and
perpendicular to the sides 16 to form a bottom wall of the
receptacle 14. Thus the receptacle is defined by the inner surfaces
18 of the sides 16 and the wall 22.
[0075] A grate 24 having a matrix of openings 26 is demountably
supported in the base 12 by sitting on the ledge 20. When the grate
24 is seated on the ledge 20, upper surface 30 of the grate 24 lies
flush with an upper surface 32 of the sides 16.
[0076] Strengthening ribs 34 are formed integrally with a surface
of the wall 22 outside of the receptacle 14. A plurality (in this
instance nine) legs 36 are formed integrally with and depend from
the matrix of ribs 34. The legs 36 themselves are arranged in a
3.times.3 matrix like pattern. Further, the legs 36 are mutually
spaced apart to create channels 38 there between. The channels 38
are configured to enable the pallets 10 to be lifted by the base.
For example this may be achieved by inserting or otherwise placing
the tines of a forklift truck into respective parallel channels
38.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 1, the inner surfaces 18 at corners
40 of the base 12 extend diagonally to form respective diagonal
surfaces 42. In this embodiment recesses in the form of holes 44
are formed at each corner 40 between the diagonal surface 42 and
the adjacent sides 16 of that corner 40. However in alternate
embodiments described later in the specification the recesses 44
are not required and thus not provided.
[0078] When the grate 24 is seated on the ledge 20 a void 46 is
created between the wall 22 and a facing underside of the grate 24.
The void 46 corresponds to the space bound by the wall 22, inner
surfaces 18 and diagonal surfaces 42 up to the ledge 20. An
absorbent mat or pad 48 can be optionally provided to substantially
fill the void 46. The pad 48 is made of a material which is able
absorb and thereby contain liquid which drains into the receptacle
14. Thus, if the pallet 10 is dropped or held at an angle inclined
to the horizontal, liquid in receptacle 22 which is absorbed by the
pad 48 will be retained within the pad 48 and thus does not spill
from the pallet 10. In some embodiments the pad 48 comprises or
includes a material which is able to neutralize adverse effects or
undesirable characteristics of liquid which may drain into
receptacle 22. For example, when the pallet 10 is used to carry
lead acid batteries, the pad 48 may contain a chemical to
neutralize battery acid which may spill from the batteries into the
receptacle 22.
[0079] FIGS. 5-7 depict a basic embodiment of a pallet system 50
which comprises the pallet 10 together four demountably connectable
panels namely: left hand panel 54a; back panel 54b; right hand
panel 54c (hereinafter referred to in general as "panels 54") and a
further panel 56 which can act as a gate or door (shown in FIG. 7).
The panels 54 are pivotally coupled together so that they can be
folded or pivoted onto each other to form a flat pack for
transportation purposes. Each of the panels 54 is of a length
substantially equal to a length of a side 16 of the pallet 10. The
panels 54 are provided with depending feet or pins 58 which are
configured and located so as to seat in or otherwise engage the
holes 44. In this instance, a middle panel 54b is formed with two
feet 58 while opposite panels 54a and 54c are each with one foot
58.
[0080] Each panel 54 and the panel 56 comprise an outer frame 55 in
the configuration of an inverted "U" with a straight and elongated
bottom. Free ends of the frame 55 form the legs 58. Two spaced
apart flat cross members 57 extend across the outer frame 55. A
slat 59 extends perpendicular to and across the cross members 57
and to the outer frame 55. In one embodiment the outer frame 55,
cross members 57 and slat 59 are made from a metal such as but not
limited to aluminum.
[0081] The panels 54 and 56 can be coupled to each other and the
pallet in a manner to enable the panels be moved between a closed
configuration where the panels can surround and contain one or more
articles on the pallet, and an open configuration where one of the
panels is positioned to provide an opening to enable transfer of an
article through the opening onto or off of the pallet in a
direction substantially parallel to a plane of the pallet. In the
closed configuration the panel 56 is coupled between the panels 54a
and 54c. The open configuration is shown in FIG. 7, where the panel
56 is moved to lie parallel with and above the back panel 54b to
form an opening 60 to allow article to be placed on or taken from
the pallet 10.
[0082] Each of the panels 54a and 54c distant the panel 54b is
provided with two aligned sleeves 62. The sleeves 62 may be
generally aligned with the adjacent ends of the cross members 57. A
single sleeve 64 is provided on opposite sides of the panel 54b at
a location near opposite ends of its upper most cross member.
[0083] Two depending lower and upper fingers 66 and 68 respectively
are fixed to each side of the panel 56. The fingers can engage with
the sleeves 62 of panels 54a and 54c to close the opening 60. In
this configuration the panels 54 and 56 together form a fence 52
that extends wholly about the periphery of (i.e. surrounds) the
pallet 10. This prevents articles on the pallets 10 from falling
from the pallet as may otherwise occur when pallet 10 is being
transported, lifted or otherwise moved.
[0084] When it is desired to load articles onto or unload articles
from the pallet system 50 the panel 56 can be moved by decoupling
it from the sleeves 62 to thereby create the opening 60 and
reconnected or engaged with the panel 54b by locating the fingers
66 in the sleeves 64. This can be performed by lifting then
lowering of the panel 56 relative to the other panels 54 in a plane
of the panels. When the panel 56 is engaged with the sleeves 64 is
elevated with respect to the remaining panels 54 and can act as or
can otherwise carry a sign. For example the panel 56 can be
provided with a sign, indicia or markings 59 to provide information
regarding loading limits of the pallet 10 or safe handling of
articles on the pallet 10. The sign, indicia or markings 59 may
also include hazardous waste warnings.
[0085] Inwardly facing surfaces 70 of the panels 54 and 56 may
comprise an electrically insulating sheet 72 made from plastics
material. The provision of the electrically insulating material is
particularly beneficial when the system 50 is used for the
collection and transport of lead acid batteries. In this regard, if
a battery were to tip or to otherwise fall so that its terminals
bear against the sheet 72, the terminals would be prevented from
electrically shorting.
[0086] FIGS. 8-13 depict a second embodiment of a pallet system
50a. In describing the pallet system 50a the same reference numbers
as used in relation to the description of the pallet system 50 will
be used to denote the features that have the same or similar
function.
[0087] The pallet system 50a is very similar in structure and
operation to the pallet system 50 with the significant differences
being that in the pallet system 50a, an additional top panel 54t is
coupled between the panel 56 and the back panel 54b; and each of
the panels 54, 56 is coupled to at least either one other pallet,
or the pallet 10. For example, panel 56 is coupled to panel 54t;
panel 54c is coupled to the pallet 10, panel 54b is pivotally
coupled to the pallet 10 and to panel 54t; and panel 54a is coupled
to the pallet 10. As in the pallet system 50, in the pallet system
50a each panel 54, 56 is made of a metal frame and may carry
insulating sheets 72. The pallet 10 in this embodiment need not,
but if desired may, include the grate 24 or the pad 48 of the
system 50. In this embodiment of the pallet system 50a which is
being used for the purpose of waste management where the waste may
comprise or contain a liquid the pallet 10 is illustrated as a
bunded pallet so that it can contain a volume of liquid that may
leak or spill. However if the pallet system 50a is being used for
or as a point of sale device then the pallet 10 need not be a
bunded pallet. Rather in that instance an unbunded or regular
pallet can be used.
[0088] As in the first embodiment in the pallet system 50a, the
panels 54, 56 are reconfigurable in a plurality of relative
juxtapositions. One of these juxtapositions corresponds to the
panels being in a closed configuration where the panels 54, 56 can
surround and contain one or more articles on the pallet 10. This
configuration is shown in FIG. 8. As will be immediately apparent
in this configuration the top panel 54t extends over the pallet 10
and above each of the other panels 54a, 54b, 54c and 56. This
differs from the pallet system 50 in which there is no equivalent
top panel. Thus with the pallet system 50a, the panels 54, 56
together with the pallet 10 form an enclosed space when the panels
are in the closed configuration.
[0089] Each of panels 54a, 54b and 54c is pivotally coupled to the
pallet 10. In this embodiment the pivot coupling is by way of a
plurality of upright posts 80 formed or attached at each corner of
the pallet 10 and respective pivot pins 84a, 84b, 84c (herein after
referred to in general as "pivot pins 84") shown in FIGS. 10 and 11
that connect the respective panels to the posts 80. The panel 54t
is pivotally coupled along one side to the panel 54b; and is
pivotally coupled at an opposite side to the panel 56.
[0090] In order to move the panels from the closed configuration to
an open configuration, the panel 54t is pivoted upwardly about the
pivot with panel 54b so as to in effect lift the panel 56 from the
pallet 10. A transition state of the panels moving from the closed
to the open configuration is shown in FIG. 9.
[0091] FIG. 10 depicts the panels in the open configuration. Here
the panel 56 overlies the panel 54t and is parallel with both panel
54t and the panel 54b. Further, panel 56 is disposed above the
panel 54b. The insulating sheet 72 on the panel 56 also bears
indicia or markings to acts the sign 59. In this instance the sign
59 carries both advertising material and safety warnings. When the
panels 54, 56 are in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, then
articles such as batteries can be loaded onto the pallet 10 by way
of front loading. That is, a person may simply transfer a battery
onto or from the pallet 10 by moving it in a general direction
parallel to the plane of the pallet 10.
[0092] FIGS. 11-13 show the panels being progressively moved to a
flat pack position in which all of the panels are laid flat on and
overlie the pallet 10. Moving the panels to the flat pack position
may be achieved by initially pivoting the panels 54a and 54c, one
after the other inwardly to lie over the pallet 10. Next, the panel
54t (together with overlying panel 56) is pivoted toward the pallet
10 and in front of the panel 54b. This is depicted in FIG. 12. (But
in an alternative scenario which is not shown, the panel 54t
together with overlying panel 56 can be pivoted away from the
pallet 10 to behind the panel 54b.) Lastly, the panel 54b is
pivoted forward to overlie the pallet 10 and the previously folded
panels 54a and 54c. The panels 54, 56 and indeed the pallet system
50 are now in the flat pack position.
[0093] The panels 54a, 54b and 54c are pivotally coupled by their
respective pivot pins 84 at different heights to the respective
posts 80 to enable the panels 54, 56 to lay flat. In particular, in
this embodiment, panel 54a it is pivotally coupled to post 80 by
pivot pins 84a (see FIG. 10) which are located near the pallet 10.
The panel 54b is pivotally coupled by pivot pins 84b to the posts
80 in a plane parallel to and distant the pallet 10. The panel 54c
is coupled to the posts 80 by pivot pins 84c that lay in a plane
parallel to the pallet 10 and in-between the pins 84a and 84b. By
folding or laying flat the panels 54 in a sequence commensurate
with increasing vertical distance from their pivot pins 84 to the
panel 10, the panels can be folded or laid down to form the flat
pack configuration shown in FIG. 13. Most specifically the panels
54 are folded down in the order of panel 54a first, then panel 54c,
and lastly panel 54b.
[0094] The pins 84b which are displaced at the greatest vertical
distance from the panel 10 are nonetheless disposed inboard of the
upper most ends 86 of the posts 80. Therefore when the panels 54,
56 are in the lay flat configuration shown in FIG. 13, a seat 88 is
formed on an inside of the posts 80. The seats 88 can receive the
bottom of feet 36 in the corners of another pallet system 50a to
facilitate stacking of the pallet systems 50a.
[0095] The pallet system 50a is also provided with a plurality of
catches or latches that enable the panels 54, 56 to be releasably
engaged to each other in various relative juxtapositions. In one
example, the latches/catches may be arranged to enable engagement
and disengagement by way of resilient snap action. FIG. 11
illustrates as an example one form of latch 90 provided on the
panel 54b. The latches 90 comprise hook like structures that are
able to resiliently spring open and subsequently close about sides
of the panels 54a and 54c. The precise structure and operation of
the latches/catches is not a critical aspect of the pallet systems
50. Any type of latch/catch that enables the releasable engagement
of the panels will suffice. The latches/catches are arranged to
enable engagement of the panels 54, 56 in at least the following
configurations: [0096] (a) the closed configuration depicted in
FIG. 8 where the panel 54b is engaged with the panels 54a and 54c,
and the panel 56 is engaged with the panels 54a and 54c. Further,
stops 92 are provided in the posts 80 to seat bottom corners of the
panel 56 when in the closed configuration; [0097] (b) the open or
display configuration shown in FIG. 10 where each of panels 54a,
54b and 54c is upright and panel 56 is parallel with and above
panel 54b; [0098] (c) an unload or dump configuration where the
where each of panels 54a, 54b and 54c is upright and both of panels
54t and 56 are folded back behind and mutually parallel with the
panel 54b (in this configuration the pallet system 50a can be
picked up for example with a forklift truck and tipped to enable
dumping of articles on the pallet 10); and [0099] (d) a flat pack
configuration where the panels 54, 56 are in the folded down
configuration as depicted in FIG. 12.
[0100] FIGS. 14-20g depict a further embodiment of a pallet system
50b and components thereof. In broad terms, the pallet system 50b
differs from the pallet system 50a by way of the physical structure
and configuration of the panels 54, 56 and the pallet 10. However
the functionality and operation of the pallet system 50b and its
component parts is in substance the same as that for the pallet
system 50a. The pallet 10 in the pallet system 50b need not, but if
desired may, include the grate 24 or the pad 48 of the system 50.
Further as described in relation to the system 50a, the pallet 10
in system 50b is shown as a bunded pallet but if used for a purpose
where containment of waste materials is not an issue the pallet 10
may be a or regular pallet.
[0101] Each of the panels 54 and 56 of the pallet system 50b is
formed with a continuous surface to prevent liquid from passing
through the panels. Conveniently, this may be achieved by forming
each of the panels 50, 56 from a plastics material. Further, the
panels 54, 56 and the pallet 10 are formed so that when in the
closed configuration together they define a substantially enclosed
space that is also substantially weatherproof. This arises from
relatively close fitting of the edges of the panels 54 and 56 when
in the closed configuration.
[0102] With specific reference to FIG. 15, the pallet 10 is of the
same general configuration and performs the same function as the
pallet 10 in the first and second embodiments of the pallet systems
50 and 50a. However the pallet 10 in the system 50b does differ by
the staggering of the heights of the walls 16a-16d and the
provision of integrated hinge portions 96a, 96b and 96c
(hereinafter referred to in general as "hinge portions 96"). In
particular, in terms of vertical height from the inner wall 22 of
the pallet 10, wall 16d is the shortest, followed by wall 16c, 16a
and 16b which is the highest. It is only the walls 16a, 16b and 16c
which comprise or otherwise contain the hinge portions 96. The
hinge portions 96 are formed at the uppermost ends of the
respective walls. Thus, the hinge portions 96a, 96b and 96c are
also staggered in height from the wall 22. This is equivalent to
the staggering in the height of the pivot pins 84 in the pallet
system 50a.
[0103] In one further variation the pallet 10 in the system 50b is
not formed with an internal ledge 20. Rather, in this embodiment a
grate (not shown) equivalent to the grate 24 is simply placed on
the wall 22 and inside of the walls 16.
[0104] FIGS. 16a and 16b depict the panel 54c of the pallet system
50b from the inside and the outside respectively. The panel 54c is
made from a plastics material and has an outer surface 100 which is
planar and continuous. Along a bottom edge of the panel 54c is an
integrated hinge portion 102c which is configured to cooperate with
the hinge portion 96c to form a hinge joint. The hinge joint is
completed by insertion of a pin (not shown) that provides a pivot
axis and couples the hinge portions 96c to the hinge portion 102c.
A further edge 104 of the panel 54c is formed with a rebate 106
that is configured to sit inside of a lateral lip 108c of the panel
54b (shown in FIG. 17). The inside surface 110 of the panel 54c is
formed with a square matrix of strengthening ribs 112.
[0105] As an optional feature which is illustrated in FIGS. 16a and
16c locating lips 113 can be provided on an outer most peripheral
rib 115. The lips 113 extend in the plane of the panel 54c but stop
short of the outer most edge of the panel 54c. Further the lips 112
are spaced from an inside of the outside surface 100 to form a gap
117. The panels 54t and 56 may be provided with similar downward
projecting lips or indeed full length lips that are configured and
positioned to slide behind the lips 113 into the gaps 117 when
being moved to the closed configuration. This has the effect of the
drawing the panel 54c (and panel 54a when provided with the lips
113) inwardly in the event they may be flexed slightly outward when
in the open configuration. It also provides additional rigidity and
stability to the pallet system 50b when in the closed
configuration.
[0106] The panel 54a is not illustrated in detail but has a
structure that is a mirror image of panel 54c.
[0107] FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of the panel 54b. The
panel 54b is provided with hinge parts 114b along a bottom edge,
and hinge parts 116b along a top edge. Lips 108a and 108c project
at right angles from the plane of the panel 54b along the two sides
that do not comprise the hinge portions 114b and 116b. In the
assembled pallet system 50b the hinge portion 114b mates with the
hinge portion 96b to form a continuous piano hinge. This hinge is
completed by the provision of one or more elongate pins which form
a pivot axis and couple the hinge portions 96b and 114b together.
Both inner and outer surfaces of the panel 54b are formed as
continuous planar surfaces. Inside surface 118 of the panel 54b may
be used to carry signage or other indicia such as for example a
sign similar to the sign 91 shown in FIG. 11. The lip 108a overlaps
a rebate in the panel 54a similar to the rebate 106 in the panel
54c when the panel 54a is folded up.
[0108] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view from the top of the top
panel 54t. The panel 54t is made of a plastics material and is
formed with a continuous planar outer surface 120. The inner
surface or side of panel 54t has the same structure as that of
surface 110 of panel 54c. Opposite edges of the panel 54t are
formed with hinge portions 122b and 124 respectively. The hinge
portions 122b couple with the hinge portions 116b to form a piano
hinge which is completed by the provision of pivot pins that engage
the portions 116b and 122b. The hinge portions 124 on the panel 54t
couple with hinge portions 126 (see FIG. 19) of the panel 56 to
likewise form a piano hinge which is completed by the provision of
one or more pivot pins.
[0109] FIG. 14 depicts the pallet system 50b with its panels 54 and
56 moved to the closed configuration so as together with the pallet
10 define an enclosed space. Due to the physical nature and
configuration of the panels 54, 56 the pallet system 50b is
substantially weatherproof so that articles held within the pallet
system 50b when in the closed configuration are substantially
protected from the external environment.
[0110] FIGS. 20a-20f depict in sequence the reconfiguring of the
panels from the closed position to an open or display position
shown in FIG. 20b, and subsequently to a flat pack position shown
in FIG. 20f. The sequence of motion of the panels in moving through
these positions is as follows. In FIG. 20a, the panels are shown
initially moved from the closed position to a partially open
position where the panel 54t is pivoted upwardly or in a clockwise
direction relative to the panel 54b. This results in the panel 56
being lifted from the pallet 10 and indeed also pivoting in an
anticlockwise direction relative to the panel 54t.
[0111] FIG. 20b depicts the panels 54, 56 in an open or display
position in which the panel 54t has been pivoted through 90.degree.
to lie parallel with the panel 54b, and the panel 56 has been
pivoted through 90.degree. relative to the panel 54t so as to
overlie the panel 54t. Further, in this configuration the panel 56
is disposed above the panel 54b so that the signage on the panel 56
remains visible. The panels 54t and 56 are held in this
configuration in the absence of any external applied force by way
of integrated latches or catches as in the pallet system 50a.
[0112] FIG. 20c illustrates the panels 56 and 54t being pivoted
together in a clockwise direction about the panel 54b. This
pivoting is arrested when the panels 54t and 56 lie parallel with
the panel 54b. While this specific configuration is not depicted,
this may correspond with an unload configuration of the pallet
system 50b. In the unload configuration articles held on the pallet
10 can be dumped into a larger waste receptacle by use of for
example a forklift which can lift the pallet system 50b by
placement of its tines in the channels 38 between the legs 36.
Subsequent manipulation of the forks and forklift truck can
facilitate tipping of the pallet system 50b to allow articles
stored thereon to simply fall off by action of gravity.
[0113] FIG. 20d illustrates a continuation in the process of moving
the panels 54, 56 to the lay flat configuration. Here, the panel
54c is being pivoted inwardly to lie on the pallet 10. Thereafter,
as shown in FIG. 20e, the panel 54a is pivoted inwardly to overlie
the panel 54c and the underlying pallet 10. Lastly, as shown in
FIG. 20f, the panel 54b is pivoted in a forward direction to
overlie the panel 54a.
[0114] In a minor variation, and as shown in FIG. 20f the panel 56
may be provided with a plurality of shallow recesses 130 shaped and
located to receive the legs 36 of an overlying pallet system 50b in
the flat pack configuration. This facilitates stacking of pallet
systems in the flat pack configuration as depicted in FIG. 20g.
Additionally the recesses enable stacking of pallet system 50b in
the closed configuration in which the pallet systems 50b may be
filled with articles.
[0115] Whilst a number of specific embodiments have been described,
it should be appreciated that the pallet and pallet system may be
embodied in many other forms. For example the panels 54, 56 and
indeed the pallet 10 may be made from materials other than metallic
materials and plastics. For example these components may be made
from composite materials including fiber glass reinforced plastic
composites. The sheets 72 in the pallet system 50a may be
configured to wholly overly their respective panel frames 55 rather
than to leave gaps as currently shown in FIGS. 8-13. Also, the
pallet systems may be used for a variety of purposes including for
the storage and transport of articles containing hazardous liquids
but also as point of sale devices. For example, the pallet systems
50 may be used at service (i.e. petrol) stations to hold commonly
vended products such as compressed gas bottles or water bottles.
When the service station is open, the pallet systems 50 and more
particularly their respective panels may be moved to the open or
display configuration enabling customers to visualize the contents
of the pallets and access articles held therein. Also, suppliers
can easily restock the pallet systems 50 when in this
configuration. When the service station is closed, the pallet
systems 50 may be moved to the closed configuration to prevent
access to their contents. To this end when using the pallet systems
50a or 50b they may also be provided with lock systems that enable
pallet systems 50a, 50b to be permanently locked for example by way
of a locking bar and/or padlocks.
[0116] In the claims which follow, and in the preceding
description, except where the context requires otherwise due to
express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" and
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an
inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated feature
but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in
various embodiments of the pallet and pallet system as disclosed
herein.
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