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WO2007123421A1 - Plastic pallet platform and base with mating sets of posts - Google Patents

Plastic pallet platform and base with mating sets of posts Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007123421A1
WO2007123421A1 PCT/NZ2007/000080 NZ2007000080W WO2007123421A1 WO 2007123421 A1 WO2007123421 A1 WO 2007123421A1 NZ 2007000080 W NZ2007000080 W NZ 2007000080W WO 2007123421 A1 WO2007123421 A1 WO 2007123421A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
posts
face
pallet
sheet
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2007/000080
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lloyd Andrew Seeney
Original Assignee
Algen Holdings Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Algen Holdings Limited filed Critical Algen Holdings Limited
Publication of WO2007123421A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007123421A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/001—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0012—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00343—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00562—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00567—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an improved pallet.
  • a pallet is generally constructed so that goods can be stacked on the pallet to enable the goods to be stored or transported from one location to another.
  • a necessary feature of a pallet is that it can be readily lifted and moved from one location to another particularly when the pallet is loaded with goods to be transported or stacked.
  • a pallet is generally formed so that pallet can be lifted by the forks of a typical fork lift vehicle so the pallet and its load can be lifted and transported to another location.
  • An other desirable features of a pallet is that it is constructed of a plastic material which will provide the features of strength, the ability to be simply cleaned and which is also cost effective in its manufacture.
  • pallets formed wholly or predominately of a plastic material are well known, they are generally manufactured from a number of separate parts which must be assembled and which therefore increases the cost of the manufacture of the pallet.
  • US Patent specification 5,391 ,251 discloses a pallet formed of a pair of plastic sheets with the sheets being fused together to form a pallet.
  • One sheet has a series of pin assemblies and the second sheet has a series of grooves which correspond to the pin assemblies. The material of the pin assemblies is then fused to the grooves in the second sheet.
  • US Patent specification 5,404,829 discloses another form of plastic pallet which has an upper load receiving surface and a lower base which are interconnected by leg structures.
  • US Patent specification 5,546,872 (Young) discloses a plastic pallet having a top section and a bottom section joined by nut and bolt fasteners to provide interconnecting channels to channel water in any direction.
  • US Patent specification discloses a plastic panel having identical top and bottom sections which are joined by mating stepped components. The components are joined by bolts and nuts.
  • US Patent specification 5,791 ,262 discloses a plastic pallet having an upper surface and opposing support sides.
  • the pallet also includes a reinforcing channel and a reinforcing bar.
  • US Patent specification 5,794,544 discloses a plastic pallet having an upper face which forms a platform, a lower face and a number of hollow legs joining the platform and the base.
  • US Patent specification 5,806,436 (Weichenrieder) discloses a plastic pallet having an upper side and a lower side formed by two basic components connected to each other.
  • US Patent specification 5,845,588 discloses a plastic pallet having structural components each of which includes a deck in the form of a sheet having longitudinal and transverse sides and runner components fastened to the deck.
  • US Patent specification 5,996,508 discloses a plastic pallet formed of a single sheet having bosses of varying sizes and depths formed in the sheet in a manner that is non-symmetrical to any axis of the deck.
  • the load surface is joined to the base member by electromagnetic bonding of the pillars to the grooves.
  • one form of the invention may be said to comprise a pallet composed of a formable plastic material including:
  • a platform having a first face and a second face
  • a base having a first face and second face
  • each post of the first set of posts having a foot which is spaced from the first face of the platform and each post of the second set of posts have a foot which is spaced from the first face of the base,
  • the location of the posts in the platform and in base being such that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base, the feet of the first set of posts can align with and contact the feet of the second set of posts,
  • the construction being that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base so the feet of the first set of posts contacts the feet of the second set of posts, the protrusion in each post of the first set of posts will engage in the cavities of the second set of posts.
  • first and second set of posts are of substantially the same shape and size.
  • the posts are in the form of truncated cones.
  • the feet of the first set of posts are joined to the feet of the second set of posts by mechanical means.
  • the mechanical means comprising nuts and bolts passing through the respective feet in the posts.
  • the platform is attached to the base by adhering the feet of the first set of posts to the feet of the second set of posts.
  • the invention comprises a method of forming a plastic pallet which consists of; a platform joined to and spaced apart from a base by a plurality of posts extending from the platform and the base, wherein a plurality of dies shaped to form the posts are located on a sub frame, a sheet of thermoplastic material having a first face and a second face is softened and located proximate to the dies on the sub frame, bringing the sheet of thermoplastic material and the dies together to enable the dies to partly penetrate the sheet to form posts in the sheet, each post having an opening to one face of the sheet and a foot which extends away from the second face of the sheet, allowing the sheet to cool and removing the sheet from the location of the dies and the sub frame locating two of the sheets so formed so the foot of the posts on a first sheet will contact the foot of the posts on a second sheet and joining the feet of the posts to form the completed pallet.
  • the dies are in two sets, the first set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a projection to form a protrusion in the foot of the post in a first sheet and the second set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a cavity to form a cavity in the foot of each post in a second sheet.
  • the dies are substantially in the form of truncated cones.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred form of the pallet.
  • Figure 2 is an elevational view of one end of the pallet illustrated in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an elevational view of one side of the pallet illustrated in Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is an elevational view of the component parts of the pallet prior to assembly.
  • the pallet includes a platform 1 and a base member 2.
  • the platform 1 and the base member 2 are both constructed from a tough rigid mouldable plastic material.
  • the pallet illustrated is of a rectangular construction, but it can be square or any other suitable shape as is known in the art.
  • the base 2 of the pallet is formed with a set of posts 3 and as illustrated more particularly in Figure 4, the posts extend away from the face 2a of the base.
  • Each of the posts 3 has a foot 3a which lies substantially parallel to the face 2a of the base.
  • the platform 1 also includes a set of posts 6 and as illustrated in Figure 4 the posts extend away from the face 1a of the platform.
  • Each of the posts 6 has a foot 6a which lies substantially parallel to the face 1a of the platform.
  • the location of the first set of posts mirrors the location of the second set of posts, so that when the platform 1 and the base 2 are positioned as illustrated in Figure 4, the feet 3a of the first set of posts 3 will align with the feet 6a of the second set of posts 6.
  • the foot 3a of each of one set of posts 3 has a protrusion 7 and the foot 6a of the second set of posts 6 has a cavity 8.
  • the respective protrusions 7 and cavities 8 are preferably formed so that when the platform and the base are mated together as illustrated, the protrusions 7 will register with the cavities 8 to enable the platform and the base to be interlocked together to form the pallet illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
  • posts 3 and 6 are illustrated in the drawings as being in the shape of truncated cones, it is to be understood that the particular shape of the posts can be altered and the shape chosen to suit the particular circumstances.
  • the posts 3 and 6 are joined together by any suitable means.
  • One preferred means of permanently joining the platform to the base is by applying adhesive to the contacting feet of the posts.
  • Other methods of permanently joining the platform and the base can be employed such as by, but not limited to, a mechanical joining such as bolts and nuts, or by riveting and the like.
  • the platform and the base can also be permanently joined such as by fusion, heat welding and the like.
  • the platform 1 and the base 2 each comprise a sheet of an appropriate mouldable, preferably thermoplastic material.
  • the posts 6 in the platform 1 and posts 3 in the base 2 can be formed by suitable dies which in a preferred form of the invention are supported on a sub frame in a manner that the positioning of the dies can be changed on the sub frame to suit both the physical size of the sheet and the desired location of the posts.
  • the preferred method of manufacture consists in firstly positioning the dies on sub frames, heating a sheet of thermoplastic material to soften it, passing the sheet over the sets of dies on the sub frames to enable the dies to contact the sheet and to partly penetrate the sheet to form the posts in the sheet, allowing the sheet to cool and then removing the completed, formed sheet.
  • the dies to form the posts in the base will be of a different formation to those that will form the posts in the platform to thereby enable the generation of the cavity or the protrusion in the foot of each post as appropriate.
  • the thickness of the sheet is arranged so that after formation, the wall of each post maintains sufficient strength to minimise premature crushing of the posts when the pallet is carrying a load.
  • the sheets can therefore be formed either of a constant thickness or can have a varying thickness to ensure the area that will be formed into the posts has sufficient thickness to attain this requirement.
  • fork lift gaps 9 are formed between the platform 1 and the base 2 and by appropriately locating the posts 3 and 6 it is possible to provide the pallet with a four way lifting ability.
  • the particular construction as described herein provides a pallet which is simple to manufacture.
  • the pallet while being very strong is lightweight, simple to construct and because it is composed essentially of two parts, it is very simple to clean.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)

Abstract

A plastic pallet formed of a platform and a base. A set of posts with feet extend from one face of the platform and a corresponding set of posts with feet extend from one face of the base. The sets of posts are oriented so the base and the platform can be positioned to enable the feet of the posts to contact and be joined together to form the completed pallet. The feet of one set of the posts have protrusions which will engage in cavities formed in the feet of the second set of posts.

Description

TITLE
PLASTIC PALLET PLATFORM AND BASE WITH MATING SETS OF POSTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an improved pallet.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
A pallet is generally constructed so that goods can be stacked on the pallet to enable the goods to be stored or transported from one location to another. A necessary feature of a pallet is that it can be readily lifted and moved from one location to another particularly when the pallet is loaded with goods to be transported or stacked. A pallet is generally formed so that pallet can be lifted by the forks of a typical fork lift vehicle so the pallet and its load can be lifted and transported to another location.
An other desirable features of a pallet is that it is constructed of a plastic material which will provide the features of strength, the ability to be simply cleaned and which is also cost effective in its manufacture.
While pallets formed wholly or predominately of a plastic material are well known, they are generally manufactured from a number of separate parts which must be assembled and which therefore increases the cost of the manufacture of the pallet.
PRIOR ART
US Patent specification 5,391 ,251 (Shuert) discloses a pallet formed of a pair of plastic sheets with the sheets being fused together to form a pallet. One sheet has a series of pin assemblies and the second sheet has a series of grooves which correspond to the pin assemblies. The material of the pin assemblies is then fused to the grooves in the second sheet. US Patent specification 5,404,829 (Shuert) discloses another form of plastic pallet which has an upper load receiving surface and a lower base which are interconnected by leg structures.
US Patent specification 5,417,167 (Sadr) discloses a pallet composed of plastic stringers and deck boards which are joined by interlocking components.
US Patent specification 5,440,998 (Morgan) discloses a plastic pallet which is composed of stringers which join top and bottom longitudinal members.
US Patent specification 5,546,872 (Young) discloses a plastic pallet having a top section and a bottom section joined by nut and bolt fasteners to provide interconnecting channels to channel water in any direction.
US Patent specification (Barber) discloses a plastic panel having identical top and bottom sections which are joined by mating stepped components. The components are joined by bolts and nuts.
US Patent specification 5,791 ,262 (Knight) discloses a plastic pallet having an upper surface and opposing support sides. The pallet also includes a reinforcing channel and a reinforcing bar.
US Patent specification 5,794,544 (Shuert) discloses a plastic pallet having an upper face which forms a platform, a lower face and a number of hollow legs joining the platform and the base.
US Patent specification 5,806,436 (Weichenrieder) discloses a plastic pallet having an upper side and a lower side formed by two basic components connected to each other.
US Patent specification 5,845,588 (Gronnevik) discloses a plastic pallet having structural components each of which includes a deck in the form of a sheet having longitudinal and transverse sides and runner components fastened to the deck.
US Patent specification 5,922,269 (Gronnevik) discloses a plastic pallet having a deck with legs which are integrated with the deck along its sides.
US Patent specification 5,996,508 (Constantino) discloses a plastic pallet formed of a single sheet having bosses of varying sizes and depths formed in the sheet in a manner that is non-symmetrical to any axis of the deck.
US Patent specification 6,173,657 (Espejo) discloses a plastic pallet having a flat load surface and a number of pillars depending from the load surface and which are shaped to conform to grooves in a plastic base member.
The load surface is joined to the base member by electromagnetic bonding of the pillars to the grooves.
US Patent specification 6,263,807 (Fox) discloses a plastic pallet having a number of plastic pallet sections which have interlocking elements defined by the side walls of the pallet.
US Patent specification 6,938,558 (Peres) discloses a two part plastic pallet composed of slats which lock onto support stringers by a dovetail arrangement.
It is apparent that known plastic pallets are composed of complicated components which require assembly after the component parts have been manufactured. Because of the complicated shape and construction of the component parts this results in the cost of manufacture and production being considerably higher than desirable.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved pallet which is formed predominantly of plastic materials which is simple to construct, strong and light weight and which is capable of being lifted by the forks of a fork lift vehicle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved method of construction of a plastic pallet that does not require the use of complicated dies to produce the pallet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly one form of the invention may be said to comprise a pallet composed of a formable plastic material including:
a platform having a first face and a second face,
a base having a first face and second face,
two sets of spaced apart posts, the first set of posts being formed in the first face of the platform and the second set being formed in the first face of the base, each post of the first set of posts having a foot which is spaced from the first face of the platform and each post of the second set of posts have a foot which is spaced from the first face of the base,
the location of the posts in the platform and in base being such that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base, the feet of the first set of posts can align with and contact the feet of the second set of posts,
a protrusion in the foot of each of the first set of posts which extends outwardly from the foot and a cavity in the foot of each of the second set of posts which extends inwardly of the foot,
the construction being that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base so the feet of the first set of posts contacts the feet of the second set of posts, the protrusion in each post of the first set of posts will engage in the cavities of the second set of posts.
Preferably the first and second set of posts are of substantially the same shape and size.
Preferably the posts are in the form of truncated cones.
Preferably the feet of the first set of posts are joined to the feet of the second set of posts by mechanical means.
Preferably the mechanical means comprising nuts and bolts passing through the respective feet in the posts.
Preferably the platform is attached to the base by adhering the feet of the first set of posts to the feet of the second set of posts.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of forming a plastic pallet which consists of; a platform joined to and spaced apart from a base by a plurality of posts extending from the platform and the base, wherein a plurality of dies shaped to form the posts are located on a sub frame, a sheet of thermoplastic material having a first face and a second face is softened and located proximate to the dies on the sub frame, bringing the sheet of thermoplastic material and the dies together to enable the dies to partly penetrate the sheet to form posts in the sheet, each post having an opening to one face of the sheet and a foot which extends away from the second face of the sheet, allowing the sheet to cool and removing the sheet from the location of the dies and the sub frame locating two of the sheets so formed so the foot of the posts on a first sheet will contact the foot of the posts on a second sheet and joining the feet of the posts to form the completed pallet.
Preferably the dies are in two sets, the first set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a projection to form a protrusion in the foot of the post in a first sheet and the second set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a cavity to form a cavity in the foot of each post in a second sheet.
Preferably the dies are substantially in the form of truncated cones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A highly preferred form of the invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred form of the pallet.
Figure 2 is an elevational view of one end of the pallet illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an elevational view of one side of the pallet illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an elevational view of the component parts of the pallet prior to assembly.
BEST MODE OF PERFORMING THE INVENTION
As illustrated in the drawings, the pallet includes a platform 1 and a base member 2. The platform 1 and the base member 2 are both constructed from a tough rigid mouldable plastic material. The pallet illustrated is of a rectangular construction, but it can be square or any other suitable shape as is known in the art. The base 2 of the pallet is formed with a set of posts 3 and as illustrated more particularly in Figure 4, the posts extend away from the face 2a of the base. Each of the posts 3 has a foot 3a which lies substantially parallel to the face 2a of the base.
The platform 1 also includes a set of posts 6 and as illustrated in Figure 4 the posts extend away from the face 1a of the platform. Each of the posts 6 has a foot 6a which lies substantially parallel to the face 1a of the platform.
Al illustrated, the location of the first set of posts mirrors the location of the second set of posts, so that when the platform 1 and the base 2 are positioned as illustrated in Figure 4, the feet 3a of the first set of posts 3 will align with the feet 6a of the second set of posts 6.
In a highly preferred form, the foot 3a of each of one set of posts 3 has a protrusion 7 and the foot 6a of the second set of posts 6 has a cavity 8. The respective protrusions 7 and cavities 8 are preferably formed so that when the platform and the base are mated together as illustrated, the protrusions 7 will register with the cavities 8 to enable the platform and the base to be interlocked together to form the pallet illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
While the posts 3 and 6 are illustrated in the drawings as being in the shape of truncated cones, it is to be understood that the particular shape of the posts can be altered and the shape chosen to suit the particular circumstances.
When the platform 1 and the base 2 have been joined, the posts 3 and 6 are joined together by any suitable means. One preferred means of permanently joining the platform to the base is by applying adhesive to the contacting feet of the posts. Other methods of permanently joining the platform and the base can be employed such as by, but not limited to, a mechanical joining such as bolts and nuts, or by riveting and the like. The platform and the base can also be permanently joined such as by fusion, heat welding and the like. In a highly preferred form of construction of the pallet, the platform 1 and the base 2 each comprise a sheet of an appropriate mouldable, preferably thermoplastic material. The posts 6 in the platform 1 and posts 3 in the base 2 can be formed by suitable dies which in a preferred form of the invention are supported on a sub frame in a manner that the positioning of the dies can be changed on the sub frame to suit both the physical size of the sheet and the desired location of the posts.
The preferred method of manufacture consists in firstly positioning the dies on sub frames, heating a sheet of thermoplastic material to soften it, passing the sheet over the sets of dies on the sub frames to enable the dies to contact the sheet and to partly penetrate the sheet to form the posts in the sheet, allowing the sheet to cool and then removing the completed, formed sheet. It will be understood that the dies to form the posts in the base will be of a different formation to those that will form the posts in the platform to thereby enable the generation of the cavity or the protrusion in the foot of each post as appropriate.
The thickness of the sheet is arranged so that after formation, the wall of each post maintains sufficient strength to minimise premature crushing of the posts when the pallet is carrying a load. The sheets can therefore be formed either of a constant thickness or can have a varying thickness to ensure the area that will be formed into the posts has sufficient thickness to attain this requirement.
Because of the particular configuration of the pallet as illustrated, fork lift gaps 9 are formed between the platform 1 and the base 2 and by appropriately locating the posts 3 and 6 it is possible to provide the pallet with a four way lifting ability.
The particular construction as described herein provides a pallet which is simple to manufacture. In addition, the pallet while being very strong is lightweight, simple to construct and because it is composed essentially of two parts, it is very simple to clean.
Having described preferred methods of putting the invention into effect, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, that modifications and amendments to various features and items can be effected and yet still come within the general concept of the invention. It is to be understood that all such modifications and amendments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pallet composed of a formable plastic material including:
a platform having a first face and a second face,
a base having a first face and second face,
two sets of spaced apart posts, the first set of posts being formed in the first face of the platform and the second set being formed in the first face of the base, each post of the first set of posts having a foot which is spaced from the first face of the platform and each post of the second set of posts have a foot which is spaced from the first face of the base,
the location of the posts in the platform and in base being such that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base, the feet of the first set of posts can align with and contact the feet of the second set of posts,
a protrusion in the foot of each of the first set of posts which extends outwardly from the foot and a cavity in the foot of each of the second set of posts which extends inwardly of the foot,
the construction being that when the first face of the platform is aligned with the first face of the base so the feet of the first set of posts contacts the feet of the second set of posts, the protrusion in each post of the first set of posts will engage in the cavities of the second set of posts.
2. The pallet as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said posts are of substantially the same shape and size.
3. The pallet as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the posts are in the form of truncated cones.
4. The pallet as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the feet of the first set of posts are joined to the feet of the second set of posts by mechanical means.
5. The pallet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mechanical means comprising nuts and bolts passing through the respective feet in the posts.
6. The pallet as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the platform is attached to the base by adhering the feet of the first set of posts to the feet of the second set of posts.
7. A method of forming a plastic pallet which consists of; a platform joined to and spaced apart from a base by a plurality of posts extending from the platform and the base, wherein a plurality of dies shaped to form the posts are located on a sub frame, a sheet of thermoplastic material having a first face and a second face is softened and located proximate to the dies on the sub frame, bringing the sheet of thermoplastic material and the dies together to enable the dies to partly penetrate the sheet to form posts in the sheet, each post having an opening to one face of the sheet and a foot which extends away from the second face of the sheet, allowing the sheet to cool and removing the sheet from the location of the dies and the sub frame locating two of the sheets so formed so the foot of the posts on a first sheet will contact the foot of the posts on a second sheet and joining the feet of the posts to form the completed pallet.
8. The pallet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dies are in two sets, the first set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a projection to form a protrusion in the foot of the post in a first sheet and the second set comprising dies of which at least one die includes a cavity to form a cavity in the foot of each post in a second sheet.
9. The pallet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dies are substantially in the form of truncated cones.
PCT/NZ2007/000080 2006-04-24 2007-04-16 Plastic pallet platform and base with mating sets of posts WO2007123421A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ54670506 2006-04-24
NZ546705 2006-04-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007123421A1 true WO2007123421A1 (en) 2007-11-01

Family

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WO (1) WO2007123421A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3680496A (en) * 1970-06-08 1972-08-01 Edward B Westlake Jr Plastic pallet
US3835792A (en) * 1971-04-05 1974-09-17 T Wharton Pallet construction
US3868915A (en) * 1971-12-29 1975-03-04 Erich Hafner Pallets
US4799433A (en) * 1987-02-06 1989-01-24 Menasha Corporation Large capacity shipping pallet assembly
EP0305082A1 (en) * 1987-08-26 1989-03-01 Wilhelm Andreas Cool Pallets
US5505141A (en) * 1995-02-24 1996-04-09 Barber; Roy W. Plastic pallet
US5546872A (en) * 1995-01-23 1996-08-20 Young; Joseph R. Plastic pallet
US6705237B2 (en) * 2000-08-24 2004-03-16 Infiltrator Systems, Inc. Plastic pallet design

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3680496A (en) * 1970-06-08 1972-08-01 Edward B Westlake Jr Plastic pallet
US3835792A (en) * 1971-04-05 1974-09-17 T Wharton Pallet construction
US3868915A (en) * 1971-12-29 1975-03-04 Erich Hafner Pallets
US4799433A (en) * 1987-02-06 1989-01-24 Menasha Corporation Large capacity shipping pallet assembly
EP0305082A1 (en) * 1987-08-26 1989-03-01 Wilhelm Andreas Cool Pallets
US5546872A (en) * 1995-01-23 1996-08-20 Young; Joseph R. Plastic pallet
US5505141A (en) * 1995-02-24 1996-04-09 Barber; Roy W. Plastic pallet
US6705237B2 (en) * 2000-08-24 2004-03-16 Infiltrator Systems, Inc. Plastic pallet design

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