U.S. patent application number 16/686157 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-20 for product transportation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is CleanPal Holdco, LP. Invention is credited to Amihay Cohen, Gideon Feiner.
Application Number | 20210147112 16/686157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004519700 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-20 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210147112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Amihay ; et
al. |
May 20, 2021 |
PRODUCT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for transporting
products including a pallet consisting of a deck having an upper
surface and a pattern of recesses formed in the upper surface
including sets of recesses deployed for receiving a footprint of a
layer of crates. A stacking element for deploying on the upper
edges of the layer of crates consisting of a board including a
surface, and a pattern of recesses formed in the surface including
sets of recesses for receiving the upper edges of the layer
crates.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Amihay; (Migdal
Ha'Emek, IL) ; Feiner; Gideon; (Ramat Hasharon,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CleanPal Holdco, LP |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004519700 |
Appl. No.: |
16/686157 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00338
20130101; B65D 2519/00835 20130101; B65D 2519/00268 20130101; B65D
2519/0094 20130101; B65D 19/004 20130101; B65D 19/44 20130101; G06K
19/0723 20130101; B65D 2519/00815 20130101; B65D 2519/00288
20130101; B65D 2519/00308 20130101; B65D 2519/008 20130101; B65D
2519/00318 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/44 20060101
B65D019/44; B65D 19/00 20060101 B65D019/00; G06K 19/07 20060101
G06K019/07 |
Claims
1. A pallet for transporting products comprising: a deck comprising
a top end and a bottom end opposite from the top end, wherein the
top end comprises an upper surface; a first plurality of recesses
defined in the upper surface and extending in a first direction; a
second plurality of recesses defined in the upper surface and
extending in a second direction that is transverse to the first
direction, wherein: each recess of the second plurality of recesses
intersects each recess of the first plurality of recesses; each
recess of the first plurality of recesses and of the second
plurality of recesses comprises a bottom recess surface; the first
plurality of recesses and the second plurality of recesses are
recessed in the upper surface of the deck such that the bottom
recess surfaces are between the top end and the bottom end; for
both the first plurality of recesses and the second plurality of
recesses, a distance between a first pair of adjacent grooves is
different from a distance between a second pair of adjacent
grooves; and at least some of the first plurality of recesses and
at least some of the second plurality of recesses form patterns of
recesses, the pattern of recesses comprising at least two of: a) a
first pattern configured to receive a footprint of 6 crates
substantially covering said deck and arranged in a 2.times.3 array,
b) a second pattern set of recesses deployed for receiving
configured to receive a footprint of 5 crates substantially
covering said deck and arranged in a 5-per-layer configuration, or;
and c) a third pattern set of recesses deployed for receiving
configured to receive 4 crates in a 2.times.2 array; a plurality of
legs extending downwards from said deck; and, a plurality of
sockets formed in said deck, each socket of said plurality of
sockets being positioned and shaped to receive a corresponding leg
of another identical pallet to allow nesting of the pallet.
2. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said pallet includes all three
patterns.
3. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
alignment projections projecting upwards from said upper surface
along at least two outer edges of said deck, each of said at least
two outer edges having two halves, two of said alignment
projections being deployed symmetrically within each of said halves
of each of said at least two outer edges.
4. The pallet of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of sockets
includes a central projection extending towards said upper
surface.
5. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the deck further comprises a
plurality of apertures extending through the deck from the top end
to the bottom end.
6. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said deck includes a plurality of
indentations in the external edges of said deck deployed for
receiving a binding element.
7. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said deck includes at least one
friction enhancing portion positioned on the bottom side of said
deck.
8. The pallet of claim 7, wherein said friction enhancing portion
is formed from an elastomeric material.
9. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag or computer chip integrated with the
pallet.
10. A transportation system comprising the pallet of claim 1,
wherein said system further includes: a stacking element
comprising: a board including a surface for deploying on the upper
edges of a layer of crates; and, a pattern of recesses formed in
said surface, said pattern of recesses comprising at least two of:
a) a first pattern configured to receive upper edges of 6 crates
arranged in a 2.times.3 array; b) a second pattern configured to
receive upper edges of 5 crates arranged in a 5-per-layer
configuration; and, c) a third pattern configured to receive upper
edges of 4 crates arranged in a 2.times.2 array.
11. A stacking element comprising: a board comprising a first
surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface,
wherein the first surface is configured to receive upper edges of a
layer of crates; a first plurality of recesses defined in the first
surface and extending in a first direction; a second plurality of
recesses defined in the first surface and extending in a second
direction that is transverse to the first direction, wherein: each
recess of the second plurality of recesses intersects each recess
of the first plurality of recesses; each recess of the first
plurality of recesses and of the second plurality of recesses
comprises a bottom recess surface; the first plurality of recesses
and the second plurality of recesses are recessed in the first
surface such that the bottom recess surfaces are between the first
surface and the second surface; and for both the first plurality of
recesses and the second plurality of recesses, a distance between a
first pair of adjacent grooves is different from a distance between
a second pair of adjacent grooves; and at least some of the first
plurality of recesses and at least some of the second plurality of
recesses form patterns of recesses in the first surface, the
pattern of recesses comprising at least two sets of recesses
selected for the group consisting of: a) a first pattern configured
to receive upper edges of 6 crates arranged in a 2.times.3 array;
b) a second pattern configured to receive upper edges of 5 crates
arranged in a 5-per-layer configuration; and, c) a third pattern
configured to receive upper edges of 4 crates arranged in 2.times.2
array.
12. The stacking element of claim 11, wherein said stacking element
includes all three patterns.
13. The stacking element of claim 11, further comprising at least
one engagement feature configured to engage with features on the
upper edges of said layer of crates.
14. The stacking element of claim 13 wherein, said at least one
engagement feature is a projection positioned on the second
surface.
15. The stacking element of claim 13 wherein, said at least one
engagement feature is an indentation positioned on the second
surface.
16. The stacking element of claim 11, further comprising at least
one engagement feature positioned on the first surface or the
second surface, said at least one engagement feature configured to
engage with features on a corresponding stacking element.
17. The stacking element of claim 16 wherein, said at least one
engagement feature is a projection.
18. The stacking element of claim 16 wherein, said at least one
engagement is an indentation.
19. The stacking element of claim 11 wherein, said first surface
includes a plurality of reinforced regions configured to
accommodate the legs of a pallet positioned on top of the stacking
element.
20. A transportation system comprising the stacking element of
claim 11 wherein, said system further includes: a pallet for
transporting products including: a deck having an upper surface;
and, a plurality of legs extending downwards from said deck.
21. The transportation system of claim 20, wherein said stacking
element includes a plurality of reinforced regions configured to
accommodate the legs of said pallet positioned on top of said
stacking element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to products and goods
transportation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Transportation concerns the movement of products from a
source such as a plant, factory, farm, or workshop to a destination
such as a warehouse, distribution center, customer, or retail
store. The most common transport structure used to transfer
products or goods is a pallet or a skid.
[0003] A pallet or a skid is a flat horizontal transport structure,
which supports products or goods while being lifted by material
handling equipment such as a forklift, a pallet jack, an erect
crane and the like. A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit
load which allows handling and storage efficiencies. Goods or
shipping containers are often placed on the pallet secured with
strapping, stretch wrap or shrink wrap and shipped.
[0004] While pallets are made of different materials such as
plastic, metal, paper, etc. the majority of pallets are made of
wood.
[0005] Wooden pallets, though vastly used, harbor several
deficiencies, for example, significant storage space requirement,
worker safety risks (nails, splinters, etc.), consumption of
natural resource, material handling equipment damages, and food
safety hazards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a products transportation
system including a pallet with handling and storage efficiencies,
different crates suitable for transporting different products, and
a stacking element for products protection and safe nesting.
[0007] Thus, according to an embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a pallet for transporting products comprising: a
deck having an upper surface; a pattern of recesses formed in the
upper surface, the pattern of recesses comprising at least two of:
a first set of recesses deployed for receiving a footprint of 6
crates substantially covering the deck and arranged in a 2.times.3
array, a second set of recesses deployed for receiving a footprint
of 5 crates substantially covering the deck and arranged in a
5-per-layer configuration; and a third set of recesses deployed for
receiving 4 crates in a 2.times.2 array. a plurality of legs
extending downwards from the deck; and, a plurality of sockets
formed in the deck, each socket of the plurality of sockets being
positioned and shaped to receive a corresponding leg of another
identical pallet to allow nesting of the pallet.
[0008] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the pallet includes all three of the sets of
recesses.
[0009] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the pallet further comprising a plurality of
alignment projections projecting upwards from the upper surface
along at least two outer edges of the deck, each of the at least
two outer edges having two halves, two of the alignment projections
being deployed symmetrically within each of the halves of each of
the at least two outer edges.
[0010] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, each of the plurality of sockets includes a
central projection extending towards the upper surface.
[0011] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the upper surface includes a plurality of
apertures.
[0012] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the deck includes a plurality of indentations in
the external edges of the deck deployed for receiving a binding
element.
[0013] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the deck includes at least one friction
enhancing portion positioned on the bottom side of the deck.
[0014] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the friction enhancing portion is formed from an
elastomeric material.
[0015] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the pallet further comprising a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag or computer chip integrated with the
pallet.
[0016] There is also provided according to the teachings of an
embodiment of the present invention, a transportation system
comprising the pallet according to an embodiment of the present
invention, wherein the system further includes: a stacking element
comprising: a board including a surface for deploying on the upper
edges of a layer of crates; and, a pattern of recesses formed in
the surface, the pattern of recesses comprising at least two of: a
first set of recesses deployed for receiving the upper edges of 6
crates arranged in a 2.times.3 array; a second set of recesses
deployed for receiving the upper edges of 5 crates arranged in a
5-per-layer configuration; and, a third set of recesses deployed
for receiving the upper edges of 4 crates arranged in a 2.times.2
array.
[0017] There is also provided according to the teachings of an
embodiment of the present invention, a stacking element comprising:
a board including a surface for deploying on the upper edges of a
layer of crates; and, a pattern of recesses formed in the surface,
the pattern of recesses comprising at least two sets of recesses
selected for the group consisting of: a first set of recesses
deployed for receiving the upper edges of 6 crates arranged in a
2.times.3 array; a second set of recesses deployed for receiving
the upper edges of 5 crates arranged in a 5-per-layer
configuration; and, a third set of recesses deployed for receiving
the upper edges of 4 crates arranged in 2.times.2 array.
[0018] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the stacking element includes all three of the
sets of recesses.
[0019] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the stacking element further comprising at least
one engagement feature modified to engage with features on the
upper edges of the layer of crates.
[0020] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the at least one engagement feature is a
projection positioned on the bottom side of the surface, the
projection configured for engaging with at least one indentation on
the upper edges of walls of at least one crate for fastening the
stacking element to the top side of the at least one crate.
[0021] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the at least one engagement feature is an
indentation positioned on the bottom side of the surface, the
indentation configured for engaging with at least one projection on
the upper edges of walls of at least one crate for fastening the
stacking element to the top side of the at least one crate.
[0022] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the stacking element further comprising at least
one engagement feature positioned on the bottom or top side of the
surface, the at least one engagement feature is modified to engage
with features on the top or bottom of a corresponding stacking
element.
[0023] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the at least one engagement feature is a
projection complementary to at least one indentation on the top or
bottom side of a corresponding stacking element, so as to stack the
corresponding stacking element with the stacking element.
[0024] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the at least one engagement is an indentation
complementary to at least one projection on the top or bottom side
of a corresponding stacking element, so as to receive the
corresponding projection of the corresponding stacking element for
stacking the corresponding stacking element with the stacking
element.
[0025] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, the surface includes a plurality of reinforced
regions to accommodate the legs of a pallet positioned on top of
the stacking element.
[0026] There is also provided according to the teachings of an
embodiment of the present invention, a transportation system
comprising a stacking element according to an embodiment of the
present invention, wherein, the system further includes: a pallet
for transporting products including: a deck having an upper
surface; and, a plurality of legs extending downwards from the
deck.
[0027] According to further features of an embodiment of the
present invention, stacking element includes a plurality of
reinforced regions to accommodate the legs of the pallet positioned
on top of the stacking element.
[0028] Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the
invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or
testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or
materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent
specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,
the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are
not intended to be necessarily limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention are herein
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in
detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of
example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments
of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the
drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments
of the invention may be practiced.
[0030] Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like
reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like
components. In the drawings:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a pallet according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2A is a top view of crates arranged in a 2.times.2
array on top of a pallet according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of a crate positioned on top
of a pallet according to the embodiment of FIG. 2A;
[0034] FIG. 3A is a top view of crates arranged in a 2.times.3
array on top of a pallet according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 3B is a cross-section view of a crate positioned on top
of a pallet according to the embodiment of FIG. 3A;
[0036] FIG. 4A is a top view of crates arranged in a 5-per-layer
configuration on top of a pallet according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4B is a cross-section view of a crate positioned on top
of a pallet according to the embodiment of FIG. 4A;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the pallet of FIG. 1A;
[0039] FIG. 6A is a top view of a stacking element according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 6B is a side view of the stacking element of FIG.
6A;
[0041] FIG. 7 is a top front left perspective view of a system
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The present invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangement of the components
set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of
other embodiments, or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0043] The present invention provides a products and/or goods
transportation system including a pallet with handling and storage
efficiencies, different crates suitable for transporting different
products and/or goods, and a stacking element for products
protection and safe nesting.
[0044] By way of introduction, most pallets can be broadly
subdivided into two classes: generic flat pallets and
application-specific pallets. Generic flat pallets typically have a
flat deck surface which can be loaded with any desired produce or
product in any desired arrangement. Wooden pallets typically fall
into this category, as do many plastic pallets.
Application-specific pallets are pallets with surfaces that are
specially adapted to receive certain objects in certain layouts,
typically by suitable deployment of various recesses and/or
projecting features. A typically example of an application-specific
pallet is a pallet with sockets or projections for securing
shrink-wrapped multi-packs of bottles, or for anchoring a
particular layout of crates on a pallet deck.
[0045] Application-specific pallets have advantages of stabilizing
the goods on the pallet so that they are unlikely to become
dislodged during shipping, even under conditions of considerable
lateral impact and/or tilting. On the other hand, since a different
type of pallet is required for each different type of product,
handling of application-specific pallets presents major logistical
challenges and increased costs for users dealing handling product
types. In contrast, generic pallets provide maximum flexibility in
terms of logistics for pallet usage, but fail to provide the
stability offered by an application-specific pallet.
[0046] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a pallet with a deck provided with a pattern of recesses
formed in its upper surface, where the pattern of recesses includes
at least two of: a first set of recesses deployed for receiving a
footprint of 6 crates substantially covering the deck and arranged
in a 2.times.3 array, a second set of recesses deployed for
receiving a footprint of 5 crates substantially covering the deck
and arranged in a 5-per-layer configuration, and a third set of
recesses, preferably complemented by a safety lip with
strategically placed design features deployed for receiving a
2.times.2 or 4-per-layer arrangement. Most preferably, the deck
also features a plurality of alignment projections projecting
upwards from the upper surface along at least two outer edges of
the deck, with two of the alignment projections deployed
symmetrically within each half of the corresponding outer edges. By
providing these various combinations of features, it becomes
possible to achieve interengagement between features of the deck
and features of various different sizes of crates arranged in
corresponding different stacking patterns on the surface of the
deck. At the same time, since the features of interengagement are
limited to relatively shallow recesses on the upper surfaces, and
projections which are preferably limited to the outer periphery of
the deck surface, the deck preferably remains usable as a generic
pallet for additional applications, and the alignment features
preferably do not interfere with compact nesting of the pallet with
other similar pallets.
[0047] A further aspect of the present invention, useful alone or
in combination with the aforementioned pallet, is a stacking
element for deploying on top of a layer of crates which has
engagement features, similar to those described in relation to the
pallet deck surface, but modified to engage features of the upper
edges of walls of the crates, for engaging different sizes of
crates in different layouts, thereby stabilizing a stack of crates
and/or distributing the load of an additional loaded pallet which
may be stacked on top of an underlying stack of crates. Here too, a
pattern of recesses preferably accommodates an arrangement of 6
crates substantially covering the deck and arranged in a 2.times.3
array, and an arrangement of 5 crates substantially covering the
deck and arranged in a 5-per-layer configuration, as well as most
preferably also an arrangement of 4 larger crates in a 2.times.2
layout.
[0048] These and other features of certain embodiments of the
present invention will become clearer from the following
description.
[0049] "Footprint" as used herein, refers to the configuration in
which crates are positioned on top of a pallet so as to fully use
the region of the pallet.
[0050] "5-per-layer" as used herein, refers to a layout of 5
rectangular crates having a long side and a short side. The layout
includes 3 crates with their long sides adjacent and a further two
crates with their long sides running adjacent to the short sides of
the first 3 crates, such that the two crates meet at their short
sides. This layout works best with crates having a lengths ratio of
2:3 between the short and long sides.
[0051] "Substantially covering" as used herein, refers to coverage
of at least 95%, which is sufficient to be considered full use of
the pallet.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of the pallet 100.
The pallet 100 includes a deck 102 having an upper surface 104 and
a plurality of legs 106 extending downwards from the deck 102 and
arranged at a sufficient distance from one another so as to allow
lifting of the pallet 100 from all four sides. The deck 102 further
features a plurality of sockets 108 extending into the legs 106
being positioned and shaped to receive a corresponding leg of
another identical pallet to allow nesting of the pallet. Each
socket 108 may further include, for example, a central projection
110 extending towards the upper surface 104. The central projection
110 provides an additional surface portion to the leg region to
further support and stabilize the leg area as well as to add
stiffness to it. The central projection 110 is shaped to be
complementary to the shape of a corresponding leg of another
identical pallet so as to allow nesting of the pallet.
[0053] The deck 102 further includes a plurality of alignment
projections 112 and 114 projecting upwards from the upper surface
104 along at least two outer edges of the deck 102 with two of the
alignment deployed symmetrically within each half of the
corresponding outer edges. The interengagement of the projections
112 and 114 with features such as perimeter safety rims and
indentations positioned on the bottom side of a plurality of crates
make the upper surface 104 suitable for deployment of, for example,
four crates arranged in a 2.times.2 array substantially covering
the upper surface 104 (best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B).
[0054] The deck 102 also features grommet inserts specifically
designed to integrate with the design of deck 102 to ensure
enhanced compatibility of the deck with different forms of
transport packaging, not just crates, for example, corrugate, wood
& wire, shrink wrapped items and products placed directly on
the upper surface 104.
[0055] The upper surface 104 further features a pattern of
recesses. The pattern of recesses includes, for example, a first
set of recesses 116 and a second set of recesses 118. The first set
of recesses 116, best seen in FIG. 3A, is deployed, for example,
for receiving a footprint of 6 crates, 303a-303f, substantially
covering the deck 102 and arranged in a 2.times.3 array. The crates
303a-303f are positioned, for example, in a vertical position so as
to provide full coverage of the upper surface 104. As seen in FIG.
3B, the crates 303a-303f are aligned with the dimensions of the
deck 102.
[0056] The second set of recesses 118, best seen in FIG. 4A, is
deployed, for example, for receiving a footprint of 5 crates,
404a-404e, having a long side and a short side. The crates,
404a-404e, substantially cover the deck 102 and arranged in a
5-per-layer configuration. The crates 404a-404e are positioned such
that, for example, crates 404a-404c are with their long sides
adjacent whereas crates 404d-404e are with their long sides running
adjacent to the short sides of crates 404a-404c, such that the
crates 404d-404e meet at their short sides. This layout allows full
coverage of the upper surface 104.
[0057] As best seen in FIG. 4B, the crates 404a-404e may further
include, for example, one or more inserts 406 positioned on their
bottom side, which are compatible with one or more tracks 408 which
are configured for receiving the one or more inserts 406. The
interengagement between the one or more insert 406 and the one or
more tracks 408 ensures the securement and fixation of the crates
404a-404e to the upper surface 104 and allows safe transportation
of the crates 404a-404e on top of the pallet 100.
[0058] Returning to FIG. 1, the deck 102 further contains a
plurality of apertures 117 designed to prevent the accumulation of
water and/or other fluids on the upper surface 104 or inside the
sockets 108. The plurality of apertures 117 interfere with the
continuity of the upper surface 104 and allow water and other
fluids to pass through and drain to the floor beneath the pallet
100. The lack of surface continuity prevents the accumulation of
water and/or other fluids on top of the upper surface 104. In
addition, the plurality of apertures 117 are used to eliminate
odors as they allow free passage of air which creates a constant
exchange of air that does not allow the formation of bad or
unpleasant odors. These apertures are also designed to maximize
airflow and allow products and produce loaded on to the pallet 100
that are destined for cold chain applications to reach their
required refrigeration/freezing temperature quicker than
conventional monoform pallets.
[0059] A plurality of friction pads 119 made of a friction
enhancing material, for example, an elastomeric material such as
rubber are also assembled on the upper surface 104 in order to
avoid any friction or contact damages that may occur to the upper
surface 104 by another identical pallet positioned on top it during
nesting. The plurality of friction pads 119, which are elevated
from the upper surface 104, create a space between the pallet 100
and the bottom of an identical upper pallet positioned on top. The
created space prevents any encounter or contact between the
pallets. These friction pads are also strategically placed to
increase the friction between pallet 100 and shipping crates or
containers not compatible with the interengagement deck design.
Thus, the pallets of the present invention can additionally be used
for loads that do not conform to the particular engagement patterns
of the deck, such as cardboard containers, wood & wire
containers, shrink wrapped products and product placed directly on
the pallet deck itself.
[0060] The deck 102 further features a plurality of indentations
120 in its external edges deployed symmetrically within each half
of the deck 102. The plurality of indentations 120 are used for
vertical binding of crates containing transferred products or goods
as they allow wrapping the crates deployed on the upper surface 104
with the pallet 100 as one unit using binding elements, for
example, strips, bands, tapes and a combination thereof. This
ensures the fixation of the crates containing the products or goods
to the pallet 100.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the deck 102. The bottom of deck
102 includes, for example, one or more friction enhancing portion
122 positioned, for example, diagonally in relation to the deck
102. The one or more friction enhancing portion 122 are made of an
elastomeric material such as rubber, which once in contact with,
for example, a forklift's fork prevent any movement of the pallet
100 on top of the fork to ensure safe lifting and relocation of the
pallet 100.
[0062] Tags or microchips 124, for example, passive or active tags
or computer chips, may also be assembled on the bottom of deck 102
allowing the identification and tracking of the pallet as well as
the collection of information in real-time. The tags or microchips
are, for example, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. Each
tag or microchip contains a unique ID number and data is retrieved
by an ID reader (a two-way radio transmitter-receiver) (not shown)
that sends an encoded signal to the tag. The tag then responds with
its identification and any stored information, such as stock
number, batch number, production date, etc.
[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the bottom of deck 102 may
include an electric box 126. The electric box 126 is, for example,
an active unit that provides the pallet 100 with smart pallet
properties. The electric box 126 may further feature different
sensors or batteries, for example, temperature sensors to provide
temperature measurements through an electrical signal, or onboard
batteries to power electrical, computer, or charging
components.
[0064] A further aspect of the present invention, useful alone or
in combination with the aforementioned pallet, is a stacking
element for deploying on top of a layer of crates. FIGS. 6A and 6B
are top and side views of the stacking element 200. The stacking
element 200 includes a board having a surface 202 for deploying on
top of a layer of crates (not shown) and a pattern of recesses
formed in the surface 202. The surface 202 is shaped so as to fit
closely around the periphery of the upper edges of a layer of
crates positioned below it in order to stabilize the layer of
crates and provide a complete cover to the crates and their
contents.
[0065] The pattern of recesses includes, for example, at least two
sets of recesses selected for the group consisting of a first set
of recesses deployed for receiving the upper edges of 6 crates
arranged in a 2.times.3 array, a second set of recesses deployed
for receiving the upper edges of 5 crates arranged in a 5-per-layer
configuration, and a third set of recesses deployed for receiving
the upper edges of 4 crates arranged in 2.times.2 array.
[0066] Projections 204, similar to those described in relation to
the pallet deck, and indentations 206 are found on both sides of
the stacking element 200 (FIG. 6B). Both the projections 204 and
indentations 206 are configured for engaging with projections and
indentations positioned on the upper edges of walls of the crates
such that when the stacking element 200 is positioned on top of the
crates the complementary projections and indentations engage,
allowing the fastening of the stacking element 200 to the top side
of the crates. The projections 204 and indentations 206 are
configured for engaging with different sizes of crates in different
layouts.
[0067] Projections 208 are also found on both sides of the stacking
element 200. The Projections 208 are configured for engaging with
indentations positioned on the bottom and/or top sides of an
identical stacking element, allowing nesting of two or more
stacking elements for efficient handling and storage space
saving.
[0068] The stacking element 200 further features a pattern of
reinforced regions 210 positioned on its upper side. The pattern of
reinforced regions 210 is shaped to accommodate the legs of a
pallet placed on top of the stacking element 200. The pattern of
reinforced regions 208 distributes the load of the loaded pallet
and allows the loaded pallet to be stacked on top of an underlying
stack of crates.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a top front left perspective view of the system
300. The system 300 includes a pallet 302, for example, the pallet
of FIG. 1, a stacking element 304, for example, the stacking
element of FIG. 2, and a plurality of crates deployed on top of the
pallet 302 between the pallet 302 and the stacking element 304.
[0070] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many
variations, modifications and other applications of the invention
may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the
claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described
herein.
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