U.S. patent application number 15/089148 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for billet support fingers for palletization.
The applicant listed for this patent is United Technologies Corporation. Invention is credited to Claude A. Hutchings, Nicholas Venero.
Application Number | 20170283113 15/089148 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58464192 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170283113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Venero; Nicholas ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
BILLET SUPPORT FINGERS FOR PALLETIZATION
Abstract
A support assembly includes a pallet table having an upper
surface. A plurality of support members are configured to pass
through a pallet positioned on the upper surface of the pallet
table. Each support member includes a receiving surface that
defines a portion of a channel extending across the support
members.
Inventors: |
Venero; Nicholas; (Clinton,
NY) ; Hutchings; Claude A.; (Sauquoit, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United Technologies Corporation |
Hartford |
CT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58464192 |
Appl. No.: |
15/089148 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00815
20130101; B65D 2519/00796 20130101; B65D 19/38 20130101; B65G
1/0442 20130101; B65D 19/02 20130101; B21J 13/10 20130101; B65D
2519/00805 20130101; B65D 19/44 20130101; B21C 47/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38; B65D 19/44 20060101 B65D019/44; B65D 19/02 20060101
B65D019/02 |
Claims
1. A support assembly comprising: a pallet; a pallet table having
an upper surface; and a plurality of support members connected to
and extending upwards from the upper surface of the pallet table,
wherein the plurality of support members are configured to pass
through the pallet when the pallet is positioned on the upper
surface of the pallet table such that the plurality of support
members extend above the pallet, wherein the plurality of support
members are attached to a support element configured to raise and
lower the support members relative to the pallet table, wherein the
support element includes an actuator selected from the group
consisting of a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, a
hydraulic actuator, and a mechanical actuator, wherein each support
member includes a receiving surface that defines a portion of a
channel extending across the support members, wherein the plurality
of support members are configured to absorb and attenuate a shock
of a sharp load spike of a part being dropped onto the plurality of
support members, and wherein the plurality of support members are
positioned to receive the part above the pallet such that the part
does not come into contact with the pallet.
2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of support members extends upwards from the upper surface of the
table in a direction parallel to a first plane that is orthogonal
to a second plane, wherein the upper surface of the table upon
which the support members extend from is parallel to the second
plane.
3. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
support members consists of 2 to 6 support members.
4. The support assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality
of slots in the pallet, the plurality of slots with a spacing
configuration that corresponds to locations of the support
members.
5. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the pallet further
comprises: a first opening and a second opening in the pallet which
are shaped to receive fork elements of a powered industrial
vehicle, wherein the first opening and the second opening are
aligned with at least one space between the support members.
6. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of support members comprises: a damping article along a top edge of
each of the plurality of support members.
7. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a
shape selected from the group consisting of v-shaped, curved,
hexagonal, and square.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. A method of supporting a part, the method comprising: placing a
pallet onto an upper surface of a pallet table with a plurality of
support members, wherein the plurality of support members is
connected to and extends upwards from the upper surface of the
pallet table, wherein the plurality of support members are
configured to pass through the pallet such that the plurality of
support members extend above the pallet, wherein the plurality of
support members are attached to a support element configured to
raise and lower the support members relative to the pallet table,
wherein the support element includes an actuator selected from the
group consisting of a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, a
hydraulic actuator, and a mechanical actuator, wherein each support
member includes a receiving surface that defines a portion of a
channel extending across the support members, wherein the plurality
of support members are configured to absorb and attenuate a shock
of a sharp load spike of a part being dropped onto the plurality of
support members, and wherein the plurality of support members are
positioned to receive the part above the pallet such that the part
does not come into contact with the pallet; dropping the part onto
the support elements; and receiving the part with the plurality of
support members such that a shock load of the part is absorbed with
the of plurality support members and such that the part does not
come into contact with the pallet.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: landing the part on
damping articles positioned on the plurality of support members;
cushioning the dropped part with the damping articles; attenuating
the shock load of the part throughout the pallet table and into a
frame supporting the pallet table, and positioning a portion of the
part in a channel at least partially defined by receiving surfaces
formed on each of the plurality of support members.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: raising the pallet;
touching the pallet to the part; lifting the part off of the
plurality of support members with the pallet; and withdrawing the
pallet from the plurality of support members.
13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: lowering the
support members relative to pallet table with actuators connected
to the support members such that the support members are withdrawn
from the pallet; touching the part to the pallet; and removing the
pallet with the part from the pallet table.
14. A pallet table for receiving a pallet, the pallet table
comprising: an upper surface; a plurality of support members
connected to and extending upwards from the upper surface of the
pallet table, wherein the plurality of support members are
configured to pass through the pallet positioned on the upper
surface of the pallet table such that the plurality of support
elements extend above the pallet, wherein each support member
includes a receiving surface, wherein the plurality of support
members are configured to absorb and attenuate a shock of a sharp
load spike of a part being dropped onto the plurality of support
members, and wherein the plurality of support members are
positioned to receive the part above the pallet such that the part
does not come into contact with the pallet; a first exterior
support member; a second exterior support member positioned a
distance of 3 to 39 inches (7.62 to 99.06 centimeters) from the
first exterior support member; and a portion of a channel defined
by the receiving surfaces of the plurality of support members,
wherein the channel extends across the support members.
15. The pallet table of claim 14, the pallet further comprising: a
plurality of slots in the pallet, the plurality of slots with a
spacing configuration that corresponds to locations of the support
members; and a first opening and a second opening in the pallet
which are shaped to receive fork elements of a powered industrial
vehicle, wherein the first opening and the second opening are
aligned with a space between the support members.
16. (canceled)
17. The pallet table of claim 14, wherein the support members are
attached to a support element configured to raise and lower the
support members relative to the pallet table.
18. The pallet table of claim 17, wherein the support element
includes an actuator selected from the group consisting of a
pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, a hydraulic actuator,
and a mechanical actuator.
19. The pallet table of claim 17, wherein the support element
includes an actuator configured to produce a motion of the support
members, wherein the motion is selected from the group consisting
of linear, rotary, and oscillatory.
20. The pallet table of claim 14, wherein the channel includes a
shape selected from the group consisting of v-shaped, curved,
hexagonal, and square.
21. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the support element
comprises a solid state, fluid friction, pneumatic, dry friction,
hysteresis, internal resistance, inertial resistance,
hydro-pneumatic suspension, electrorheological fluid, or magnetic
field variation shock absorber.
22. The pallet table of claim 17, wherein the support element
comprises a solid state, fluid friction, pneumatic, dry friction,
hysteresis, internal resistance, inertial resistance,
hydro-pneumatic suspension, electrorheological fluid, or magnetic
field variation shock absorber.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to automated
material handling, and more particularly to a method and assembly
for automated material handling of heavy objects.
[0002] In automated material handling, parts can cause sharp load
spikes as the parts are moved, rolled, or dropped into positions
along an assembly or manufacturing line. In order to be able to
absorb sharp load spikes from parts when the parts are dropped onto
pallets, engineers must use pallets that are overly robust, very
heavy, and that require a large number of fabrication steps.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, a support assembly includes a pallet table
having an upper surface. A plurality of support members are
configured to pass through a pallet positioned on the upper surface
of the pallet table. Each support member includes a receiving
surface that defines a portion of a channel extending across the
support members.
[0004] In another aspect, a method of supporting a part includes
placing a pallet onto a pallet table with a plurality of support
members such that the plurality of support members extends through
the pallet. The plurality of support members receive the part such
that a shock load of the part is absorbed with the of plurality
support members.
[0005] In yet another aspect, a pallet table includes an upper
surface. A plurality of support members are configured to pass
through a pallet positioned on the upper surface of the pallet
table. Each support member includes a receiving surface. The
plurality of support members extend vertically from and
orthogonally to the upper surface of the table. A portion of a
channel is defined by the receiving surfaces of the plurality of
support members. The channel extends across the support
members.
[0006] The present summary is provided only by way of example, and
not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be
appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure,
including the entire text, claims and accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method of moving a part.
[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a support
assembly with support members and a pallet shown in a first
position.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the support assembly with
support members and the pallet shown in a second position.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
support assembly with support members shown as panels.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
support assembly with support members shown as rods.
[0012] FIG. 5A is a side view of another embodiment of a support
assembly with support members shown in a first position.
[0013] FIG. 5B is a side view of the support assembly with support
members shown in a second position.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of using a pallet table
with support members.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another embodiment of a method of
using a pallet table with support members.
[0016] While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of
the present invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the
invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be
understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be
devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope
and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not
be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present
invention may include features, steps and/or components not
specifically shown in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of method 100 of moving a part. Method
100 includes steps 102-118. Step 102 includes cutting the part from
a source of stock material. The part can be cut from extruded metal
powder that has been processed into a cylinder, for instance. In
one embodiment, the metal powder extrusion can be 8 inches to 11
inches (20.32 centimeters to 27.94 centimeters) in diameter, and
can include nickel or other types of metallic material. The part
can be cut into a length of 4 to 40 inches (10.16 to 101.6
centimeters).
[0018] Step 104 includes placing the part onto a conveyor. The
conveyor can include a belt, track, gravity, spiral, vibrating,
flexible, pneumatic, lineshaft roller, chain, screw, or another
type of conveyor. Step 106 includes pushing the part off of the
conveyor. The part can be pushed off of the conveyor with a static
guide member or with an actuating member.
[0019] Step 108 includes dropping the part onto a receiving table.
The part can be dropped from a height of approximately 6 inches
(15.24 centimeters) above the receiving table. Step 110 includes
applying a first process to the part. The first process can include
any number of manufacturing and/or processing steps such as
casting, molding, forming, stamping, machining, cutting,
separating, joining, heating, hardening, softening, polishing,
deburring, cleaning, cataloging, storing, or other types of
manufacturing or processing steps. Step 112 includes moving the
part with a powered industrial vehicle. Step 114 includes applying
a second process to the part. Step 116 includes moving the part
with the powered industrial vehicle. Step 118 includes loading the
part onto a transport.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of support assembly 200 with
support members 202 and pallet 204 shown in a first position. FIG.
2B is a perspective view of support assembly 200 with support
members 202 and pallet 204 shown in a second position. The second
position of pallet 204 includes a position that is elevated from
pallet table 206 after pallet 204 has been withdrawn from support
members 202. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 2A,
support members 202 can include five individual support members
202. In other non-limiting embodiments, support members 202 can
include any number of individual support members 202. The present
disclosure is not limited to including the foregoing exemplary
types or configurations of support members 202.
[0021] Support members 202 are attached to pallet table 206 along
upper surface 208 of pallet table 206. Frame 210 holds pallet table
206 in an elevated position and provides stable connection points
to the ground or floor for support assembly 200. Pallet table 206
and frame 210 are welded together, but can be also attached through
other chemical or mechanical means. Pallet table 206 and frame 210
can be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or
carbon steel. Pallet table 206 and frame 210 can also include shock
absorbing features (not shown in FIG. 2A or 2B) such as solid
state, fluid friction, pneumatic, dry friction, hysteresis,
internal resistance, inertial resistance, hydro-pneumatic
suspension, electrorheological fluid, or magnetic field variation
shock absorbers or other types of resilient articles such as
springs configured to absorb or damp shock loads experienced by
pallet table 206, frame 210, and/or support members 202. The
present disclosure is not limited to including the foregoing
exemplary types or configurations of pallet table 206 and/or frame
210.
[0022] Support members 202 extend vertically from and orthogonal to
upper surface 208 of pallet table 206. In some non-limiting
embodiments, support members 202 can be formed from the same
material as pallet table 206 and can be metallic and can include a
material such as stainless steel or carbon steel. Support members
202 can be welded to upper surface 208 of pallet table 206.
However, in alternative embodiments, support members 202 can be
attached to upper surface 208 through other attachment means, such
as mechanical or chemical attachment. Support members 202 can each
include receiving surfaces 212 located on a respective top edge of
each support member 202. Receiving surfaces 212 can define a
portion of channel 213 extending across support members 202. In
other words, channel 213 is at least partially defined by receiving
surfaces 212 formed on each of the plurality of support members
202. In some non-limiting embodiments, receiving surfaces 212 can
define channel 213 such that a shape of channel 213 includes a
curved, hexagonal, square, or other geometric shape including at
least one local minimum along a surface of the channel such as a
V-shape with an angle of approximately 90 degrees as shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B. The present disclosure is not limited to including the
foregoing exemplary types or configurations of receiving surfaces
212.
[0023] Support members 202 can each also include one or more
damping articles 214 at each receiving surface 212 along the top
edge of each support member 202. A material used for damping
articles 214 can include polyoxymethylene, polyamide, polyethylene,
wood, or other materials useful for absorbing an impact. Damping
articles 214 cushion part 232 (shown in phantom) dropped onto
support members 202. Damping articles 214 can be attached to
support members 202 by mechanical, chemical, or adhesive
attachment. Examples of attachment for damping articles 214 to
support members can include welding, gluing, pressure sensitive
adhesive, fasteners, nut and bolt arrangement, and other types of
common attachments means. The present disclosure is not limited to
including the foregoing exemplary types or configurations of
damping articles 214.
[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments, support assembly 200 can
include one or more individual support members 202, for example, in
some non-limiting embodiments, support assembly 200 includes
between two and six individual support members. Support members 202
can be positioned on upper surface 208, and as such can be aligned
along upper surface 208. Further, in various embodiments, support
members 202 can be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced on upper
surface 208. For example, first exterior support member 216 can be
positioned a distance of 3 to 39 inches (7.62 to 99.06 centimeters)
from second exterior support member 218 along upper surface 208,
with optional additional support members 202 located between first
and second exterior support members 216 and 218.
[0025] Pallet 204 is removably placed onto pallet table 206. Pallet
204 includes slots 220, first opening 222, and second opening 224.
Slots 220 include a spacing configuration that corresponds to the
locations of support members 202. Support members 202 insert
through slots 220 and extend through major surface 228 of pallet
204. First opening 222 and second opening 224 are configured to
receive lifting arms of a powered industrial vehicle such as fork
elements of a forklift. First opening 222 and second opening 224
are aligned with one or more spaces between support members 202.
The alignment of first and second openings 222 & 224 with the
one or more spaces between support members 202 allows the powered
industrial vehicle lifting arms to insert through first and second
openings 222 & 224 and into the one or more spaces between
support members 202.
[0026] During a manufacturing process, support assembly 200 can be
used to receive part 232 (shown in phantom). Typically, part 232 is
dropped onto pallet 204 with pallet 204 absorbing the shock load of
part 232. Because support members 202 extend through pallet 204,
when part 232 is dropped onto support assembly 200, the shock load
from part 232 being dropped is absorbed by support members 202 and
not by pallet 204. The shock load absorbed by support members 202
is attenuated throughout pallet table 206, into frame 210, and into
a surface that frame 210 is resting on such as the ground or a
floor. Support members 202 absorb and attenuate the shock of sharp
load spikes experienced as part 232 is dropped onto support
assembly 200 and allow for less material to be used to produce
corresponding pallet 204 to transport part 232. Instead of building
an overly-resilient pallet that can be very heavy (from 500 to 200
lbs. (226.8 to 90.7 kilograms)) and require a large number of
fabrication steps, support members 202 can be made strong enough to
absorb the shock load from part 232 while reducing the weight of
pallet 204. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the
weight of pallet 204 may be reduced down to less than 25 lbs. (11.3
kilograms) to provide human handling capability.
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 2B, each of support members 202
extends upwards from upper surface 208 of pallet table 206 in a
direction parallel to first plane P.sub.1 that is orthogonal to
second plane P.sub.2 such that upper surface 208 of pallet table
206 upon which support members 202 extend from is parallel to
second plane P.sub.2. Having support members 202 being orthogonal
to upper surface 208 of pallet table 206 helps to prevent support
members 202 from buckling or tipping sideways when part 232 comes
into contact with support members 202. The orthogonal orientation
between support members 202 and upper surface 208 of pallet table
206 also allows for vertical placement and withdrawal of pallet 204
from pallet table 206. In FIGS. 2A & 2B, support members 202
and upper surface 208 are shown as having a planar shape, however
in other embodiments support members 202 and upper surface 208 can
include non-planar shapes and configurations.
[0028] Once pallet 204 has been withdrawn from support members 202,
pallet 204 with or without part 232 positioned on pallet 204 can be
moved onto the next step in a manufacturing process.
[0029] Distance D defines a distance between first exterior support
member 216 and second exterior support member 218. In some
non-limiting embodiments, distance D is a distance of 3 to 39
inches (7.62 to 99.06 centimeters). In a non-limiting embodiment,
with distance D including a distance 39 inches (99.06 centimeters),
support members 202 can support part 232 with a length of up to
approximately 40 inches (101.6 centimeters) or greater. In another
non-limiting embodiment, a distance between any one of support
members 202 to any other one of support members 202 can include a
minimum distance of 3 inches (7.62 centimeters), such that support
members 202 could support part 232 with a length of approximately 4
inches (10.16 centimeters). Distance D can be set to a distance
that will allow all or some of support members 202 to catch part
232 as part 232 is dropped onto support assembly 200. In one
non-limiting embodiment, support members 202 can be positioned such
that at least two support members 202 will support part 232.
Spacing between consecutive support members 202 can include
distances suitable for equal displacement of the shock load from
part 232 based upon a mass, width, circumference, size, and/or
length of part 232. The present disclosure is not limited to
including the foregoing exemplary types or configurations of
distance D or any distance between any of support members 202.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of support assembly 300 with
support members 302 in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one non-limiting embodiment, support members
302 can be positioned such that support members 302 include panels
334 which are split into first row 336 and second row 338. First
row 336 and second row 338 of panels 334 can be separated by gap
340. Gap 340 can be set to a distance that will allow all or some
of support members 302 to catch a part as the part is dropped onto
support assembly 300. In one non-limiting embodiment, support
members 302 can be positioned such that at least two support
members 302 will support a part. The distance of gap 340 can
include distances suitable for equal displacement of the shock load
from the part based upon a mass, width, circumference, size, and/or
length of the part. Additionally, the shapes, sizes, and quantity
of panels 334 can be selected to account for parts with varying
shapes such as those including swept surfaces, curves, castings,
etc. The present disclosure is not limited to including the
foregoing exemplary types or configurations of support members 302,
panels 334, or gap 340.
[0031] Support members 302 can each include receiving surfaces 312
located on a respective top edge of each support member 302.
Receiving surfaces 312 can define a portion of channel 313
extending across support members 302. In other words, channel 313
is at least partially defined by receiving surfaces 312 formed on
each of the plurality of support members 302. In some non-limiting
embodiments, receiving surfaces 312 can define channel 313 such
that a shape of channel 313 includes a curved, hexagonal, square,
or other geometric shape such as a curved shaped as shown in FIG.
3. The present disclosure is not limited to including the foregoing
exemplary types or configurations of receiving surfaces 312.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of support assembly 400 with
support members 402 in accordance with another embodiment of the
present disclosure. In one non-limiting embodiment, support members
402 can be positioned such that support members 402 include rods
434. A configuration of rods 434 can be set to allow all or some of
rods 434 to catch a part as the part is dropped onto support
assembly 400. In one non-limiting embodiment, rods 434 can be
positioned such that at least four rods 434 will support a part.
The configuration of rods 434 can include configurations suitable
for equal displacement of the shock load from the part based upon a
mass, width, circumference, size, and/or length of the part.
Additionally, the shapes, sizes, and quantity of rods 434 can be
selected to account for parts with varying shapes such as those
including swept surfaces, curves, castings, etc. The present
disclosure is not limited to including the foregoing exemplary
types or configurations of support members 402 or rods 434.
[0033] Support members 402 can each include receiving surfaces 412
located on a respective top edge of each support member 402.
Receiving surfaces 412 can define a portion of channel 413
extending across support members 402. In other words, channel 413
is at least partially defined by receiving surfaces 412 formed on
each of the plurality of support members 402. In some non-limiting
embodiments, receiving surfaces 412 can define channel 413 such
that a shape of channel 413 includes a curved, hexagonal, square,
or other geometric shape such as a v-shape as shown in FIG. 4. The
present disclosure is not limited to including the foregoing
exemplary types or configurations of receiving surfaces 412.
[0034] FIGS. 5A-5B show side views of an alternative configuration
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A
is a side view of support assembly 500 with support members 502
shown in a first position. FIG. 5B is a side view of support
assembly 500 with support members 502 shown in a second position.
Support members 502 are attached to support element 542. In some
non-limiting embodiments, support element 542 can include actuators
544 which are configured to raise and lower support members 502
relative to pallet table 506. Actuators 544 can include actuating
arms 546 which can be directly connected or attached to support
members 502 by mechanical or other means. In some non-limiting
embodiments, actuators 544 can specifically include linear
actuators (as shown in FIG. 5A) but can also include other any
other general type of actuator such as pneumatic, electrical,
hydraulic, or mechanical actuator which produce any linear, rotary,
or oscillatory motions. The present disclosure is not limited to
including the foregoing exemplary types or configurations of
actuators 544.
[0035] During a manufacturing process, support assembly 500 can be
used to receive part 532 with support members 502 in the first
position (as shown in FIG. 5A). When part 532 is dropped onto
support assembly 500, the shock load from part 532 being dropped is
absorbed by support members 502 and not by pallet 504. Support
members 502 absorb and attenuate the shock of sharp load spikes
experienced as part 532 is dropped onto support assembly 500. The
shock load absorbed by support members 502 is attenuated throughout
support element 542 and into a surface that support element 542 is
connected to such as the ground or a floor. In some non-limiting
embodiments, support element 542 can also include shock absorbing
features such as solid state, fluid friction, pneumatic, dry
friction, hysteresis, internal resistance, inertial resistance,
hydro-pneumatic suspension, electrorheological fluid, or magnetic
field variation shock absorbers or other types of resilient
articles such as springs configured to absorb or damp shock loads
experienced by support members 502. The present disclosure is not
limited to including the foregoing exemplary types or
configurations of support element 542.
[0036] For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, support members 502 can
occupy a first position with actuating arms 546 extended from
actuators 544. In the first position, support members 502 extend
through pallet table 506 and through pallet 504 such that support
members 502 extend above pallet 504. As part 532 is dropped onto
support assembly 500, part 532 comes into contact with and settles
onto support members 502 that are extended through pallet table 506
and through pallet 504.
[0037] As can be seen in FIG. 5B, support members 502 can be
lowered into a second position with actuating arms 546 retracted
into actuators 544. The second position of support members 502
includes drawing support members 502 out of and from pallet 504
causing part 532 to be lowered onto pallet 504. In some
non-limiting embodiments, moving support members 502 to the second
position includes drawing support members 502 to a position below
upper surface 508 of pallet table 506 and may eliminate a need to
remove pallet 504 from pallet table 506 with a powered industrial
vehicle. For example, such configuration can allow the use of
support assembly 500 in combination with a continuous conveyor
configuration. That is, in some non-limiting embodiments, upper
surface 508 may be part of a conveyor or other moveable surface
that can transfer or move pallet 504 supporting part 532.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of method 600 for using a support
assembly with support members. Step 602 includes placing a pallet
onto a pallet table. Step 604 includes extending the support
members through the pallet.
[0039] Receiving the part with the support members (collectively,
step 606) includes steps 608-614. Step 608 includes landing a part
on optional damping articles positioned on the support members.
Landing the part on the damping articles includes dropping the part
onto the support members and contacting the support members with
the part. Step 610 includes cushioning the dropped part with the
damping articles. Step 612 includes absorbing a shock load with the
support members from the part being dropped onto the support
members. The damping articles can also absorb part of the shock
load. The shock load absorbed by the support members can also be
transferred to a pallet table and a frame of the support assembly.
Step 614 includes positioning a portion of the part in a channel at
least partially defined by receiving surfaces formed on each of the
plurality of support members. The part is then rested on the
support members.
[0040] Raising the pallet (collectively, step 616) includes steps
618-622. A lifting mechanism, such as fork elements of a powered
industrial vehicle, is then engaged with the pallet through
openings in the pallet. The lifting mechanism can be inserted in
between support members. Step 618 includes touching the pallet to
the part. Step 620 includes lifting the part off of the plurality
of support members with the pallet. Step 622 includes withdrawing
the pallet from the support members.
[0041] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of method 700 for using a support
assembly with support members in accordance with another embodiment
of the present disclosure. Step 702 includes placing a pallet onto
a pallet table. Step 704 includes extending the support members
through the pallet.
[0042] Receiving the part with the support members (collectively,
step 706) includes steps 708-714. Step 708 includes landing a part
on damping articles positioned on the support members. Landing the
part on the damping articles includes dropping the part onto the
support members and contacting the support members with the part.
Step 710 includes cushioning the dropped part with the damping
articles. Step 712 includes absorbing a shock load from the part
being dropped onto the support members with the support members.
The damping articles can also absorb part of the shock load. The
shock load absorbed by the support members can also be transferred
to a support element configured to raise and lower the support
members relative to the pallet table. Step 714 includes positioning
a portion of the part in a channel at least partially defined by
receiving surfaces formed on each of the plurality of support
members. The part is then rested on the support members.
[0043] Step 716 includes lowering the support members relative to
pallet table with actuators connected to support members such that
the support members are withdrawn from the pallet. Step 718
includes touching the part to the pallet. Step 720 includes
removing the pallet with the part from the pallet table.
[0044] Discussion of Possible Embodiments
[0045] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] A support assembly can include a pallet table having an
upper surface. A plurality of support members can be configured to
pass through a pallet positioned on the upper surface of the pallet
table. Each support member can include a receiving surface that
defines a portion of a channel extending across the support
members.
[0047] The support assembly of the preceding paragraph can
optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or
more of the following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0048] a further embodiment of the foregoing support assembly,
wherein each of the plurality of support members can extend upwards
from the upper surface of the table in a direction parallel to a
first plane that can be orthogonal to a second plane, wherein the
upper surface of the table upon which the support members extend
from can be parallel to the second plane;
[0049] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the plurality of support members can consist of
2 to 6 support members;
[0050] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the support assembly can further comprise a
plurality of slots in the pallet, the plurality of slots can have a
spacing configuration that corresponds to locations of the support
members;
[0051] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the pallet can further include a first opening
and a second opening in the pallet which can be shaped to receive
fork elements of a powered industrial vehicle, wherein the first
opening and the second opening can be aligned with one or more
spaces between the support members;
[0052] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of support members can
further comprise a damping article along a top edge of each of the
plurality of support members;
[0053] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the channel can include a shape selected from
the group consisting of v-shaped, curved, hexagonal, and/or
square;
[0054] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the support members can be attached to a
support element that can be configured to raise and lower the
support members relative to the pallet table; and/or
[0055] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing support
assemblies, wherein the support element can include an actuator
selected from the group consisting of pneumatic, electrical,
hydraulic, and/or mechanical.
[0056] A method of supporting a part can include placing a pallet
onto a pallet table with a plurality of support members such that
the plurality of support members can extend through the pallet. The
part with the plurality of support members can be received such
that a shock load of the part can be absorbed with the of plurality
support members.
[0057] The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0058] a further embodiment of the foregoing method, wherein the
method can further comprise landing the part on damping articles
that can be positioned on the plurality of support members,
cushioning the dropped part with the damping articles, and/or
positioning a portion of the part in a channel that can at least be
partially defined by receiving surfaces formed on each of the
plurality of support members;
[0059] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the method can further comprise raising the pallet,
touching the pallet to the part, lifting the part off of the
plurality of support members with the pallet; and withdrawing the
pallet from the plurality of support members; and/or
[0060] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the method can further comprise, lowering the support
members relative to pallet table with actuators connected to
support members such that the support members can be withdrawn from
the pallet, touching the part to the pallet, and removing the
pallet with the part from the pallet table.
[0061] A pallet table can include an upper surface. A plurality of
support members can be configured to pass through a pallet
positioned on the upper surface of the pallet table. Each support
member can include a receiving surface. The plurality of support
members can extend vertically from and orthogonally to the upper
surface of the table. A portion of a channel can be defined by the
receiving surfaces of the plurality of support members. The channel
can extend across the support members.
[0062] The pallet table of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or additional
components:
[0063] a further embodiment of the foregoing pallet table, wherein
the pallet can further comprise a plurality of slots in the pallet,
the plurality of slots can have a spacing configuration that can
correspond to locations of the support members, and a first opening
and a second opening in the pallet which can be shaped to receive
fork elements of a powered industrial vehicle, wherein the first
opening and the second opening can be aligned with a space between
the support members;
[0064] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing pallet tables,
wherein the pallet table can further comprise a first exterior
support member and a second exterior support member that can be
positioned a distance of 3 to 39 inches (7.62 to 99.06 centimeters)
from the first exterior support member;
[0065] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing pallet tables,
wherein the support members can be attached to a support element
configured to raise and lower the support members relative to the
pallet table;
[0066] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing pallet tables,
wherein the support element can further comprise an actuator
selected from the group consisting of pneumatic, electrical,
hydraulic, and/or mechanical;
[0067] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing pallet tables,
wherein the channel can include a shape selected from the group
consisting of v-shaped, curved, hexagonal, and/or square;
and/or
[0068] a further embodiment of any of the foregoing pallet tables,
wherein the support element can include an actuator configured to
produce a motion of the support members, wherein the motion can be
selected from the group consisting of linear, rotary, and
oscillatory.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0070] Any relative terms or terms of degree used herein, such as
"substantially", "essentially", "generally", "approximately" and
the like, should be interpreted in accordance with and subject to
any applicable definitions or limits expressly stated herein. In
all instances, any relative terms or terms of degree used herein
should be interpreted to broadly encompass any relevant disclosed
embodiments as well as such ranges or variations as would be
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
entirety of the present disclosure, such as to encompass ordinary
manufacturing tolerance variations, incidental alignment
variations, transient alignment or shape variations induced by
thermal, torsional, tensile, compressive, or vibrational
operational conditions, and the like. Moreover, any relative terms
or terms of degree used herein should be interpreted to encompass a
range that expressly includes the designated quality,
characteristic, parameter or value, without variation, as if no
qualifying relative term or term of degree were utilized in the
given disclosure or recitation.
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