MXPA97008119A - Tarima apila - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stackable pallet comprising: a rectangular flat base member having a first end, a second end, and two opposite sides; friction reduction means extending downwardly from said adjacent base member; its second end: a pair of spaced apart elongated beams extending down the base member between its first and second ends, said base member being supported on the elongated beams, and a handle member pivotally secured to said base member adjacent to the first end, said handle member being adapted to be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein said handle member is bent over the upper part of the base member, to an operative position wherein the base member extends upwardly from the member of base, said handle member has a width, which is less than the distance between the beams, so when said member of m Anija is in the inoperative position, it can be adjusted between the beams of a similarly constructed platform stacked on top of them.

Description

STACKABLE FOOT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a stackable pallet and, more particularly, to said pallet, which is adapted to be inserted in an open end of a shipping container and which can be, in compact form, stacked on the upper part of the pallet. an adjacent stage when it is not used. In order to transport a plurality of packaged items, it is common to first place the articles on the top of a pallet or article support pallet, which includes a substantially flat supporting surface. It is required that said pallets comply with the L.S. O. promulgated by the International Standards Organization. The patent of E.U.A. 4,834,000 shows an example of this type of platform. Once the pallet is loaded, it is pushed or dragged into a shipping container that will be carried by a truck, boat, train or plane. Said pallets are typically rather large and are adapted to withstand loads of several tons. Accordingly, specialized loading vehicles are used, for example, PLS trucks (pallet loading and unloading system), either to push or drag the loaded pallet to a loading area of the boarding vehicle or container.

Existing article support platforms usually include a pair of opposite end walls. The patents of E.U.A. Nos. 4,099,640; 4,162,737; 4,355,732; 4,638,744; 4,911,318; 4,964,349; 5,275,301; 5,398,832; 5,494,182 describe examples of said platforms. It is desirable that the end walls of the article support platforms be placed in a collapsed condition after the articles are discharged therefrom, so that a plurality of platforms can be stacked on top of each other. The stacking of the platforms is important for convenient storage and transportation of the same. In order to place a platform of the type described above in the collapsed condition, the end walls are typically bent inwardly so that they rest on the upper part of the flat support surface of the platform. Accordingly, when a similarly flattened platform is stacked on top of an adjacent flattened platform, the end walls of the lower platform frequently interfere with the proper alignment of the upper platform, which is positioned on top of it. Another problem that typically arises when a plurality of flat platforms are stacked on top of another, whether or not they have extreme walls, is that they can not be easily fastened together. This makes the transportation of batteries difficult.

Furthermore, a stack containing a plurality of platforms is very heavy and annoying for transportation. However, the stack typically does not include means for allowing a conventional PLS truck to easily engage the stack, so that it can be pushed or dragged to a desired location.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. It is an object of this invention to provide a pallet, which can be efficiently stacked on top of adjacent pallets when not in use. It is a further object of the invention to provide a pallet, which includes a handle member pivotally attached to one end of the pallet to facilitate transportation thereof by means of a conventional PLS truck. It is another object of the invention to provide a pallet, which complies with the l.S. O. established by the International Standards Organization. In accordance with illustrative embodiments, which demonstrate aspects and advantages of the present invention, a stackable pallet is provided, which comprises a rectangular flat base member.

The base member has two opposite ends and two opposite sides. Extending toward one end of the base member is a depression, which is defined by two side edges and a transverse edge. A pair of smooth curved members extend downward from the opposite end of the base member. A pair of separate elongate beams extend downwardly from the base member between the ends thereof. A handle member is pivotally secured to the base member between the side edges of the depression. The handle member is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is bent over the top of the base member, into an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the handle member. base. Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the purpose of illustrating the invention, a form is shown in the accompanying drawings, which is currently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instruments shown. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stackable pallet constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the present invention showing the handle member in the straight position; Figure 3 is an end view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an end view taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is an end view showing two pallets on top of another; Figure 9 is a perspective view, showing a loaded pallet being inserted in a shipping container; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a stack of pallets being inserted into a shipping container: DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to designate similar elements, a stackable pallet constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated in FIG. generally as 10. The stackable pallet 10 includes a rectangular flat base member 12. The base member has a first end 14, a second end 16, and two opposite sides 18 and 20. Extending toward the first end 14 of the base member 12 is a depression 22. The depression 22 is defined by two side edges 24 and 26 and a transverse edge 28. The base member 12 has a length of about 568 cm, a width of 230 cm, and a height of 12.5 cm. Sliding pads in the form of smooth curved segments and 32 extend downward from the bottom of the base member 12 adjacent the second end 16 thereof (Figure 6). Each sliding pad is positioned adjacent a different side of the sides 18 and 20 of the base member 12. The curved segments or sliding pads facilitate sliding of the pallet when the first end 14 of the base member 12 is raised through a PLS truck conventional and transported through a surface such as the floor of a shipping container as will be described later. Although the use of sliding pads is preferred in conjunction with the present invention, it should be readily apparent that conventional roller means can also be used in place of the sliding pads. The purpose of the sliding pads or roller means is to reduce the friction between the second end 16 of the pallet 10 and the floor of the container or other supporting surface, as the platform is moved by the PLS truck. A pair of elongated steel beams or joists 36 and 38 extend downwardly from the bottom of the base member between the first and second ends thereof (Figures 4 and 5). The elongate beams are equally spaced on both sides of a longitudinal center line of the base member and are preferably positioned approximately 90 mm apart from one another. The base member 12 is supported on the elongated beams 36 and 38 The end of each of the beams located adjacent the second end 16 of the base member 12, is preferably curved, so that when the first end 14 is raised by a PLS truck and the weight of the platform is placed on the curved segments 30 and 32, the beams do not contact the ground or interfere with the transportation of the platform. In the preferred embodiment, each of the elongated beams has two openings 40, 42, and 44, 46, respectively, therein. The opening 40 in the beam 36 is preferably aligned with the opening 44 of the beam 38, and the opening 42 is preferably aligned with the opening 46. Such alignment of the opening allows that the pallet is easily lifted by a forklift truck Specifically, each forklift tooth is passed through the aligned openings, so that the forklift can raise the platform In the preferred embodiment, two legs 48 and 49 are provided, each of which extends from one of the different sides 18 and 20 of the base member 12 adjacent to the first end 14 thereof (Figure 1). curved segments 30, 32, legs 48, 49 and elongated beams 36, 38 extend downwardly from the base member at an equivalent distance in order to sufficiently support base member 12 on a support surface. handle 50 is secured to the first adjacent end 14 of base member 12, as will be explained below. Handle member 50 includes a pair of converging arms 52 and 54 The converging ends of the arms are joined through a curved connecting segment Fastened to the base member 12, adjacent to each of the side edges 24 and 26 of the depression 22, are bracket supports 58 and 60. A pair of L-shaped brackets 62 and 64 are provided, each of which qua it is pivotally secured to one of the corresponding bracket supports through a pivot pin (not shown). Each of the free ends of the handle member 50 is secured to one of the corresponding L-shaped bracket members. The brackets L-shaped 62 and 64 allow the handle member 50 to be moved from an inoperative bent position, wherein said handle member 50 is bent over the upper part of the base member 12 (Figure 1), to an operative straight position. , wherein the handle member 50 extends upwardly from the base member 12 (Figure 2). It should be noted that the distance that the elongate beams extend downwardly from the bottom of the base member is greater than the thickness of the handle member in order to allow the pallets to be stacked, in compact form, on the upper part of the base. another, as will be explained later. If desired, locking means may be provided to releasably lock the handle member 50 in the straight position. The locking means may be in the form of a sliding pin 70 or the like, which cooperates with an opening in the bracket 64. Two spaced apart eyes, 78 and 80, are pivotally secured to the second end 16 of the base member 12. The small eyes they are adapted to move from a straight configuration, where they extend upwardly from the base member, to a bent configuration, where they extend downwardly from the base member (Figure 6). A pin 84 extends downward from the curved support member 30 and a pin 86 extends outwardly from the curved support member 32. When the eye 78 s placed in the bent configuration, the pin 84 projects through it. Similarly, when the eye 80 is placed in the bent configuration, the pin 86 projects therethrough. Two additional eyes 88 and 90 are secured adjacent the first end 14 of the base member 12. The eyes 78, 80 and 88, 90 allow the platform to be lifted by a crane or other lifting device. Specifically, one end of a plurality of lines can be secured to each of the eyes. The other end of each of the lines can be secured to the lifting device to allow the pallet 10 to be elevated and easily transported. In order to facilitate an understanding of the principles associated with the previous device, its operation will now be briefly described. During use, handle member 50 of platform 10 is placed in its straight position (Figure 2). Afterwards, the items are loaded on top of the pallet. The articles are preferably covered and attached to the pallet. Then, the curved connection segment 56 is grasped by a fastening member 100, which is attached to a conventional PLS truck of the type known in the art (Figure 9). The first end 14 of the platform 10 is lifted by the truck PLS, so that the weight of the platform 10 is placed on the curved segments 30 and 32. The truck PLS drags the platform 10 on the support surface of the truck in a known form and is supported in order to be placed in the open end of a shipping container, as shown at 102 in Figure 9. Next, the PLS truck lowers the pallet until the curved segments 30 and 32 support on the floor of the shipping container. As the pallet is moved towards the container, the curved segments 30 and 32 slide through the floor thereof until the pallet is properly placed in the container. Obviously, the pallet is removed from the shipping container by reversing the previous procedure. Typically, a large number of pallets are used to transport items in and out of shipping containers. When pallets are not used, it is desirable to stack them on top of another, so that they do not consume the necessary floor space. The pallets are preferably stacked in the following manner. The handle member 50 * of one of the pallets 10 'is placed in its inoperative or bent position. The teeth of a forklift truck are then inserted into the two openings of the forklift truck in both of the elongated beams of the pallet 10 '. Then, the forklift truck raises the pallet and places it on top of a different pallet 10 (Figure 8). The lower pallet handle fits between the elongated beams, which extend down from the upper pallet as shown in Figure 8. The elongated beams of the upper pallet 10 'rest on the upper surface of pallet 10. The adjacent pallets 10 and 10 'lock together as follows. The eyes 78 and 80 on the second end 16 of one of the pallets 10 are placed in the straight configuration, so that each of the pins, which extend from the curved segments of the pallet 10 ', extend through of one of the corresponding eyes 78 and 89 on the lower platform 10. The first ends 14 and 14 'of the adjacent pallets can also be secured together by sliding bolts or the like. This procedure can be repeated until a stack 104 containing a desired number of pallets is obtained (Figure 10). If it is desired to transport a stack of pallets (for example, to return them to shipping), the handle member 50 of the lowermost pallet or the last 10, in the stack 104, is preferably locked in the straight position as shown in FIG. Figure 10. The handle member 50 extends upwards through depressions 22 in the penultimate platform 10", the second-to-last pallet 10 '", etc. Maintenance of the handle member 50 in its straight position provides means for the clamping member 100 of the PLS truck to hold the handle member of the pallet 10 and push or pull the entire stack to A desired site The present invention may be modalized into other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and therefore, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the above specification, since they indicate the scope d the invention.

Claims (15)

1 - . 1 - A stackable pallet comprising a rectangular flat base member having a first end, a second end, and two opposite sides, friction reduction means extending downwardly from said base member adjacent to its second end, a pair of separate elongate beams extending downwardly from the base member between its first and second ends, said base member being supported on the elongated beams, and a handle member pivotally secured to said base member adjacent to the first end, said member of handle being adapted to be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein said handle member is bent over the upper part of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the base member extends upwardly from the base member, said handle member has a width, which is less than the distance between the beams, so when said handle member is in the po inoperative, can be adjusted between the beams of a similarly constructed pallet stacked on them

2 - The stackable pallet according to claim 1, wherein the friction reduction means include a pair of smooth curved segments, each of said smooth curved segments being placed adjacent to one of the different sides of said base member. 3. The stackable pallet according to claim 1, wherein said base member has a depression extending toward the first end of the base member, said depression being defined by two side edges and a transverse edge, and wherein said member The handle is pivotally connected to said side edges. 4. The stackable pallet according to claim 3, wherein said handle member includes a pair of converging arms, each of the converging arms being pivotally secured to said base member adjacent to one of the different sides of the edges. side of the depression, said pair of arms being joined by a connection segment. 5. The stackable pallet according to claim 1, wherein each of the beams includes at least two separate openings therein. 6. The stackable pallet according to claim 1, wherein the handle member has a predetermined thickness, and wherein said elongated beams extend downwardly from the base member, at a distance, which is at least as large as the thickness of said handle member. 7. The stackable pallet according to claim 1, further including locking means for releasably locking said handle member in the operative position. 8. The stackable pallet according to claim 6, further including a pair of legs, each of said legs extending down from one of the different sides of the base member adjacent to its first end, said legs and said means extending downwardly from the base member at a distance equivalent to said distance, said beams extend downwardly therefrom. 9. A stackable pallet comprising: a rectangular flat base member having a first end, a second end and two opposite sides, said base member further having a depression extending toward the first end of the base member, said depression being defined by two lateral edges and one transverse edge; friction reduction means extending downwardly from the base member adjacent to its second end; a pair of separate elongate beams extending downwardly from the base member between the first and second ends thereof, said base member being supported on the elongate beams, and a handle member pivotally secured to the base member adjacent to the side edges of the depression, said handle member being adapted to be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein the handle member is bent over the upper part of the base member, into an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly of the base member, said base member having a width, which is smaller that the distance between said beams so that, when the handle member is in an inoperative position, it can be fixed between the beams of a similarly constructed platform stacked copper it. 10. The stackable pallet according to claim 9, wherein said friction means include a pair of smooth curved segments, placed adjacent to one of the different sides of the base member. 11. The stackable pallet according to claim 9, wherein the handle member includes a pair of converging arms, each of the converging arms being pivotally secured to the base member adjacent to one of the different sides of the edges of the arms. the depression, said pair of arms being joined by a connection segment. 12. The stackable pallet according to claim 9, wherein each of the beams includes at least two separate openings therein. 1

3 - The stackable pallet according to claim 9, wherein the base member has a predetermined thickness and wherein said elongated beams extend downwardly from the base member a distance which is as great as the thickness of said member of handle. 14. The stackable pallet according to claim 9, further including locking means for releasably locking said handle member in the operative position. fifteen - . 15 - The stackable pallet according to claim 13, further including a leg stand, each of said legs extending down from one of the different sides of the base member adjacent to its first end, said legs and said means extending down from the base member a distance equivalent to said distance said beams extend downward therefrom 16 - A stackable pallet, comprising a plurality of pallets, each of said pallets including a rectangular flat base member having a first end, a second end, and two opposite sides, said base member further has a depression extending towards a first end of the base member, said depression being defined by two side edges and a transverse edge, means for reducing friction extending downwardly from the base member adjacent said second end thereof, a pair of elongated beams spaced apart extending downwardly from the base member between its first and second ends, said base member being supported on the elongate beams, and a handle member pivotally secured to said handle member adjacent to the side edges of said depression, said member being handle being adapted to be pivoted from an inoperative position, wherein the handle member is bent over the upper part of the base member, into an operative position, wherein said handle member extends upwardly from the base member; said plurality of pallets being adapted to be placed on top of the other to form a stack having a lowermost final pallet, a penultimate pallet and an antepenultimate pallet, said handle members of the penultimate and antepenultimate pallets being placed in their inoperative position, said beams of the antepenultimate platform contacting the base member of the penultimate stage and the base member of the penultimate stage being placed between the elongated beams of the penultimate stage, said handle member of the penultimate stage being placed in said operative position and extending upwards into the depressions in the penultimate and antepenultimate pallets. 17. The stackable pallet according to claim 16, further comprising means for connecting each of the pallets to an adjacent pallet in said stack.