JP2015512360A - Pallet and pallet system - Google Patents

Abstract

The pallet system (50b) is formed from a pallet (10) and a plurality of panels (54a, 54b, 54c, 54t and 56). The pallet (10) has a base (12) configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet (10) to be raised and lowered. The panels (54a, 54b, 54c, 54t and 56) are connected to each other and connected to the pallet (10) so that the panels can be moved between a closed arrangement and an open arrangement. In the closed configuration, the panel can surround and house at least one article on the pallet (10). In the open arrangement, one of the panels is positioned to provide an opening, allowing articles to enter and exit on the pallet (10) through the opening in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet (10). It is supposed to be. [Selection] Figure 20b

Description

  A pallet and pallet system are disclosed. Pallets and pallet systems can be used to store and transport articles, particularly articles that contain or contain hazardous waste. In an alternative application, the pallet system can be used as a point-of-sale (POS) goods transport, storage and display system.

  Articles containing or containing hazardous waste can be stored and transported on pallets. The pallet can take the form of a conventional wooden pallet or a bundled pallet made of plastic material. Occasionally toxic liquids can escape from items on the pallet. Also, articles may fall from the pallet when the pallet is being lifted or transported. This can also lead to leakage of hazardous waste.

  Reference to the above background art does not constitute an admission that the technical form is part of general knowledge common to those skilled in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the pallet system disclosed herein.

In a first aspect, a pallet is disclosed, the pallet comprising:
A base configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be raised and lowered through the base, the base receiving a liquid dropped into the pallet into the drain, and a support overlapping the receiver And a lattice.

  In one embodiment, the pallet is configured to support the grid and form a cavity in a receptacle below the grid.

  In one embodiment, an absorbent pad is disposed in the cavity.

  In one embodiment, the absorbent pad comprises a material that has the property of neutralizing the action of the liquid.

  In one embodiment, the support grid is removably engaged within the base.

In a second aspect, a pallet system is disclosed, the pallet system comprising:
A pallet having a base, the base configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be lifted and lowered through the base;
A plurality of panels connected to each other and connected to the pallet, wherein the panel is enclosed so that it can enclose and house at least one article on the pallet, and the flat is moved so that the panel falls flat and overlaps the pallet A plurality of panels adapted to be moved between the pack arrangements;
including.

In a third aspect, a pallet system is disclosed, the pallet system comprising:
A pallet having a base, the base configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be lifted and lowered through the base;
A plurality of panels connected to each other and connected to the pallet, wherein the panel surrounds and houses at least one article on the pallet, and one of the panels provides an opening So that the panel can be moved between an open arrangement that is positioned and allowed to enter and exit the pallet through the opening in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet With multiple panels,
including.

  In one embodiment, the pallet is an embankment pallet. This is a pallet that can include a base having a receptacle into which liquid falling on the pallet is drained.

  In one embodiment, when the panel is in an open configuration, one panel is positioned above it to be substantially parallel to the second panel.

  In one embodiment, when the panel is in an open configuration, one panel is placed over it so that it is substantially parallel to the third panel.

  In one embodiment, at least three of the panels are pivotally connected to each other about mutually parallel pivot axes.

  In one embodiment, two of the at least three panels include one panel and a second panel.

  In one embodiment, a further one of the at least three panels includes a third panel.

  In one embodiment, when in the closed configuration, the panels collectively form an enclosure extending around and on the pallet.

  In one embodiment, when in the closed configuration, the panels collectively form an enclosure extending around and on the pallet, one panel being parallel to the third panel and the second The panel extends away from the pallet and onto the pallet.

  In one embodiment, the plurality of panels includes a fourth panel and a fifth panel, each pivotally connected to the pallet.

  In one embodiment, the panels are arranged to form a weatherproof enclosure when in a closed arrangement, substantially preventing liquid from entering the pallet.

  In one embodiment, the base includes a receptacle through which liquid dropped on the pallet is drained, the pallet having a support grid overlying the receptacle and an absorbent pad disposed in the receptacle.

  In one embodiment, the panels are further arranged so that they can be moved into a stack arrangement, where it is possible to carry items in and out of the pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet. One of the panels is positioned to provide an opening, the one panel being behind another panel when viewed in a direction from the opening to the pallet, and the pallet of the second pallet system is placed on the pallet Can be stacked on the system.

  In one embodiment, at least one of the panels has a continuous surface that prevents liquid from passing through the panel.

  In one embodiment, at least one of the panels is made of a plastic material.

  In one embodiment, at least one of the panels includes a metal frame.

  In one embodiment of the third aspect, the panel is further arranged so that the panel can be moved so that the panel falls into a flat pack arrangement that lies flat on the pallet and overlies the pallet.

  In one embodiment, when in a flat pack arrangement, the one panel is at the top.

In a fourth aspect, a pallet system is disclosed, the pallet system comprising:
A pallet having a base, the base configured to receive a member of the lifting device that allows the pallet to be raised and lowered through the base, and a plurality of panels connected to each other and connected to the pallet; The panel can be placed in a plurality of relative juxtaposed positions without being separated from the pallet, and in one arrangement, the panel can be closed with the pallet so that articles supported on the pallet can be placed therein. Create a space.

  In one embodiment, the first panel is coupled to other panels so that the first panel can form a gate or door, and the gate or door prevents access into the enclosed space. From the closed position, the first panel can be placed over another panel to open the closed space and allow the loading and unloading of articles onto the pallet through the opening in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet. It can be moved to the open position.

  In one embodiment of each of the second to fourth aspects or any aspect, each panel is pivotally connected to at least one of (a) another panel and (b) a pallet. Is done.

In a fifth aspect, a pallet system is disclosed, the pallet system comprising:
A pallet having a base, the base configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be lifted and lowered through the base;
A fence that includes a plurality of panels and is removably connected to a pallet, wherein the fence can extend around the entire circumference of the pallet, and the article can be taken in and out of the pallet. And an open state in which one of the panels is positioned to provide an opening in the fence to allow for.

  In one embodiment, the pallet includes at least one recess for receiving a fence.

  In one embodiment, the at least one recess includes a plurality of holes and the fence includes a plurality of elements configured to seat in the holes.

  In one embodiment, one panel is arranged to engage and release the remaining panels to close or open the opening by relative movement in a plane parallel to the gate plane.

  In one embodiment, one panel is arranged to connect with the second panel in a raised position relative to the second panel when the fence is in the open state.

  In one embodiment, the second panel faces the opening when the fence is in the open state.

  In one embodiment, one panel is responsible for at least one load limit on the pallet or an indication regarding the safe handling of items on the pallet.

  In one embodiment, the inward facing surface of the fence includes an electrically insulating material.

  In one embodiment, the plurality of panels are pivotally connected to each other.

  In one embodiment, the base includes at least one groove configured to receive the forklift truck at least once.

  In one embodiment, the base includes a receptacle into which liquid that falls into a fenced area on the pallet is drained, and the pallet includes a support grid that overlays the receptacle.

  While there are other optional configurations that may fall within the scope of the pallet system described in the Summary of the Invention, specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is the exploded view which looked at one embodiment of the pallet from the top. It is the exploded view which looked at the pallet shown by FIG. 1 from the bottom. It is sectional drawing of a pallet. 1 is a schematic illustration of an absorbent pad that can be incorporated into a pallet. It is the schematic which showed the 1st Embodiment of the pallet system incorporating the pallet and fence of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3 in the state which decomposed | disassembled. FIG. 6 is a diagram in the middle of the process of connecting the fence to the pallet of the pallet system shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pallet system showing a fence gate connectable at two different locations. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a pallet system in a closed configuration; FIG. 9 illustrates the pallet system of FIG. 8 in a partially open configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates the pallet system of FIG. 8 in an open or display configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates the pallet system of FIG. 8 in a partially closed or flat pack state. FIG. 9 shows the pallet system of FIG. 8 progressing further towards a flat pack arrangement but not yet in a flat pack arrangement. FIG. 9 illustrates the pallet system of FIG. 8 in a flat pack arrangement. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a pallet system in a closed configuration. It is a perspective view of the pallet integrated in the pallet system of FIG. FIG. 15 shows a view of one of the panels incorporated in the pallet system of FIG. 14 from the inside. FIG. 15 shows a view of the same panel of the pallet system of FIG. 14 from the outside. FIG. 16b shows an end view of a portion of the panel shown in FIG. 16a. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a back panel incorporated in the pallet system of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an upper panel incorporated in the pallet system of FIG. 14. It is a perspective view of the front panel integrated in the pallet system of FIG. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. The rearrangement of the panels of the pallet system shown in FIG. 14 is shown in order from a closed arrangement to a flat pack arrangement. Fig. 15 shows a plurality of pallet systems in a flat pack arrangement of the type shown in Fig. 14 stacked on top of each other.

  FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a pallet 10. The pallet 10 in this embodiment is an embankment pallet and includes a base 12 having a receptacle 14 into which liquid falling on the pallet 10 can be discharged. In this embodiment, the base 12 has a generally rectangular configuration and is provided with four side portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “side portions 16”). As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner surfaces 18 a to 18 d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “inner surface 18”) of the side portion 16 are formed so as to be thin at an intermediate height. Forming a ledge 20 extending around the entire circumference of the receiver. A liquid impervious flat wall 22 extends at right angles to the side 16 throughout and forms the bottom wall of the receptacle 14. Thus, the receptacle is defined by the inner surface 18 and the wall 22 of the side 16.

  A lattice 24 having a matrix of openings 26 is removably supported within the base 12 by sitting on the ledge 20. When the grid 24 is seated on the ledge 20, the upper surface 30 of the grid 24 is flush with the upper surface 32 of the side 16.

  A reinforcing rib 34 is formed integrally with the surface of the wall 22 outside the receptacle 14. A plurality (9 in this example) of leg portions 36 are formed integrally with the matrix of ribs 34 and depending therefrom. The legs 36 themselves are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix pattern. Furthermore, the legs 36 are spaced from each other so that a groove 38 is created therebetween. The groove 38 is configured such that it can be lifted through the pallet 10. For example, this can be accomplished by inserting or otherwise placing the forks of the forklift truck into respective parallel grooves 38.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the inner surface 18 of the corner portion 40 of the base 12 extends obliquely to form respective oblique surfaces 42. In this embodiment, a recess in the form of a hole 44 is formed in each corner portion 40 between the oblique surface 42 and the adjacent side portion 16 of the corner portion 40. However, in alternative embodiments described later in this specification, the recess 44 is not necessary and therefore not provided.

  As the grid 24 sits on the ledge 20, a cavity 46 is created between the wall 22 and the underside of the opposing grid 24. The cavity 46 corresponds to the space bounded by the wall 22, the inner surface 18, and the oblique surface 42 up to the ledge 20. An absorbent mat or pad 48 can optionally be provided to substantially fill the cavity 46. The pad 48 is made of a material that can be accommodated by absorbing the liquid drained into the receptacle 14. Therefore, if the pallet 10 falls or is held at an angle inclined with respect to the horizontal, the liquid in the receptacle 14 absorbed by the pad 48 will be held in the pad 48, and therefore There is no overflow from the pallet 10. In some embodiments, the pad 48 contains or includes a material that can neutralize the adverse or undesirable properties of the liquid that may be drained into the receptacle 14. For example, if the pallet 10 is used to transport a lead acid battery, the pad 48 may contain chemicals that neutralize battery acid that may overflow from the battery into the receiver 14.

  FIGS. 5-7 show four removably connectable panels with the pallet 10, namely, a left panel 54a, a back panel 54b, and a right panel 54c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “panel 54”). 8 illustrates a basic embodiment of the pallet system 50 including a further panel 56 (shown in FIG. 7) that can function as a gate or door. Panels 54 are pivotally connected to each other and can be folded or pivoted to overlap each other to form a flat pack for shipping purposes. Each panel 54 has a length approximately equal to the length of the side 16 of the pallet 10. Panel 54 is provided with a depending foot or pin 58 that is configured and arranged to seat or otherwise engage within hole 44. In this example, the central panel 54 b is formed with two feet 58, while the opposing panels 54 a and 54 c are each formed with one foot 58.

  Each panel 54 and panel 56 includes an outer frame 55 configured with an inverted “U” shape with the bottom extending straight. The free end of the frame 55 forms a leg 58. Two spaced flat cross members 57 extend across the outer frame 55. A slat 59 extends vertically across the cross member 55 to the outer frame 55. In one embodiment, outer frame 55, cross member 57 and slat 59 are made of a metal such as, but not limited to, aluminum.

  Panels 54 and 56 can be connected to each other and connected to the pallet, the panel being capable of enclosing and containing at least one article on the pallet, and one of the panels providing an opening. So that the panel can be moved between an open arrangement that is positioned and adapted to allow an article to be taken in and out of the pallet through the opening in a direction substantially parallel to the pallet plane It has become. In the closed arrangement, the panel 56 is coupled between the panel 54a and the panel 54c. The open arrangement is shown in FIG. 7, with the panel 56 being moved above it so that it is parallel to the panel 54b, allowing the article to be placed on or removed from the pallet 10. Part 60 is formed.

  Two aligned sleeves 62 are provided on the side of each panel 54a and 54c remote from the panel 54b. The sleeve 62 can be substantially aligned with the end of the adjacent cross member 57. One sleeve 64 is provided on both sides of the panel 54b at positions near both ends of the uppermost cross member.

  Two depending upper fingers 66 and lower fingers 68 are each secured to each side of the panel 56. The fingers can engage the sleeves of the panels 54a and 54c to close the opening 60. In this configuration, the panels 54 and 56 together form a fence 52 that extends (ie, surrounds) the entire circumference of the pallet 10. This prevents items from falling on the pallet 10 from the pallet 10 that could otherwise occur when the pallet 10 is transported, lifted, or otherwise moved.

  When it is desired to load or unload items from the pallet system 50, the opening 60 can be created by moving the panel 56 off the sleeve 62 and the panel 56 can be moved to the finger. By placing 66 in the sleeve 64, it can be reconnected or engaged with the panel 54b. This can be done by lifting the panel 56 relative to the other panel 54 in the panel plane and then lowering it. When the panel 56 is engaged with the sleeve 64, it is lifted relative to the remaining panel 54 and can act as a sign or can carry some other sign. For example, the panel 56 may be provided with signs, indicia or symbols 59 to provide information regarding load limits on the pallet 10 or safe handling of items on the pallet 10. The sign, indication or symbol 59 may include a hazardous waste warning.

  The inwardly facing surface 70 of the panels 54 and 56 can include an electrically insulating sheet 72 made of a plastic material. Providing an electrically insulating material is particularly beneficial when the system 50 is used for lead acid battery recovery and transportation. In this regard, when the battery tilts or falls for some reason and the terminal is pressed against the sheet 72, a short circuit of the terminal is prevented.

  8-13 illustrate a second embodiment of the pallet system 50a. In describing the pallet system 50a, the same reference numerals used in connection with the description of the pallet system 50 are used to indicate features having the same or similar functions.

  The pallet system 50a is very similar in structure and operation to the pallet system 50, with the notable difference that the pallet system 50a has an additional top panel 54t between the panel 56 and the back panel 54b. In other words, each of the panels 54 and 56 is connected to at least one of the other panels or the pallet 10. For example, the panel 56 is connected to the panel 54 t, the panel 54 c is connected to the pallet 10, the panel 54 b is pivotally connected to the pallet 10 and the panel 54 t, and the panel 54 a is connected to the pallet 10. Similar to the pallet system 50, in the pallet system 50 a, each panel 54, 56 is made of a metal frame and can have an insulating sheet 72. The pallet 10 of this embodiment is not necessary, but can include the grid 24 or pads 48 of the system 50 if desired. In this embodiment, if the pallet system 50a is used for waste management purposes and the waste may contain or contain liquids, the pallet 10 will remove some liquid that may leak or overflow. It is illustrated as a dike-type pallet so that it can be accommodated in quantity. However, if the pallet system 50a is used for or as a POS device, the pallet 10 need not be a dike pallet. In that case, rather, a non-dyke type or a normal pallet can be used.

  As in the first embodiment, in the case of the pallet system 50a, the panels 54 and 56 can be rearranged in a plurality of relative juxtaposition positions. One of these juxtaposed positions corresponds to a panel in a closed arrangement in which the panels 54, 56 can enclose and house at least one article on the pallet 10. This arrangement is shown in FIG. As can be readily appreciated, in this arrangement, the upper panel 54t extends over the pallet 10 and above each of the other panels 54a, 54b, 54c and 56. This is different from the pallet system 50 where there is no equivalent top panel. Thus, in the pallet system 50a, the panels 54, 56 together with the pallet 10 form a closed space when the panels are in a closed configuration.

  Panels 54a, 54b and 54c are each pivotally connected to pallet 10. In this embodiment, the pivot connection is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 that connect a plurality of upstanding posts 80 formed or attached to each corner of the pallet 10 and each panel to the posts 80. This is due to the respective pivots / pins 84a, 84b, 84c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pivot / pins 84”). Panel 54t is pivotally connected to panel 54b along one side and pivotally connected to panel 56 on the other side.

  To move the panel from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the panel 54t is pivoted upward about the pivot on the panel 54b side, effectively lifting the panel 56 from the pallet 10. A state in the middle of the panel moving from the closed arrangement to the open arrangement is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows the panel in an open configuration. At this time, the panel 56 overlaps the panel 54t and is parallel to both the panel 54t and the panel 54b. Further, the panel 56 is disposed above the panel 54b. An indication or symbol is also attached to the insulating sheet 72 on the panel 56 to function as the indicator 59. In this case, the sign 59 carries both advertising material and a safety warning. When the panels 54 and 56 are in the arrangement shown in FIG. 10, articles such as batteries can be loaded on the pallet 10 by front loading. That is, the operator can easily move the battery in and out of the pallet 10 by moving the battery in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet 10.

  FIGS. 11 to 13 show how the panels are continuously moved to a pack position where all the panels fall flat and overlap on the pallet 10. The movement of the panel to the flat pack position can be accomplished by first pivoting the panels 54a and 54c one after the other and stacking on the pallet 10. Next, the panel 54t (together with the overlapping panels 56) is pivoted toward the pallet 10 and forward of the panel 54b. This is shown in FIG. (In an alternative scenario not shown, the panel 54t can be pivoted with the overlapping panel 56 away from the pallet 10 in a direction away from the pallet 10.) Finally, the panel 54b is pivoted forward. The pallet 10 and the already folded panels 54a and 54c are stacked. At this time, the panels 54, 56 and, in effect, the pallet system 50 are in a flat pack position.

  Panels 54a, 54b and 54c are pivotally connected to respective posts 80 at respective heights and at respective pivots and pins 84 so that panels 54 and 56 can be laid flat. Specifically, in this embodiment, the panel 54a is pivotally connected to the column 80 by a pivot pin 84a (see FIG. 10) located near the pallet 10. The panel 54b is pivotally connected to the column 80 by a pivot / pin 84b in a plane parallel to the pallet 10 at a distance. The panel 54c is connected to the column 80 by pivots and pins 84c in a plane parallel to the pallet 10 and between the pins 84a and 84b. The flat pack arrangement shown in FIG. 13 can be achieved by folding or tilting the panel 54 by folding or tilting and flattening the panel 54 in the order in which the vertical distance from the pivot pin 84 to the pallet 10 increases. Can be formed. Most specifically, panel 54 is folded in the order of panel 54a, then panel 54c, and finally panel 54b.

  The pin 84b displaced so that the vertical distance from the panel 10 is maximized is, however, disposed inside the uppermost end 86 of the column 80. Accordingly, the sheet 88 is formed inside the column 80 when the panels 54, 56 are in the flat-tilted arrangement shown in FIG. The seat 88 can receive the bottom of the corner foot 36 of another pallet system 50a to facilitate stacking of the pallet system 50a.

The pallet system 50a is also provided with a plurality of catches or latches that allow the panels 54, 56 to releasably engage with each other in various relative juxtaposed positions. In one example, the latch / catch can be arranged to allow engagement and release by elastic snap action. FIG. 11 shows one form of the latch 90 provided on the panel 54b as an example. The latch 90 includes a hook-like structure that can be elastically spring-opened and then closed around the sides of the panels 54a and 54c. The exact structure and operation of the latch / catch is not an important aspect of the pallet system 50. Any type of latch / catch is sufficient that allows releasable engagement of the panel. The latch / catch is arranged to allow the panels 54, 56 to engage at least in the following arrangement.
(A) The closed arrangement shown in FIG. 8 where the panel 54b engages the panels 54a and 54c and the panel 56 engages the panels 54a and 54c. In addition, a stop 92 is provided on the post 80 to seat the lower corner of the panel 56 when in the closed configuration.
(B) The open or display position shown in FIG. 10 where each of the panels 54a, 54b and 54c is upright and the panel 56 is parallel to and above the panel 54b.
(C) An unloading or dumping arrangement in which each of the panels 54a, 54b and 54c is upright and both panels 54t and 56 are folded parallel to each other behind the panel 54b (in this arrangement, the pallet system 50a is Can be lifted with a forklift truck and tilted so that the items on the pallet 10 can be dumped)
(D) Flat pack arrangement with panels 54, 56 in a folded arrangement as shown in FIG.

  Figures 14 to 20g show further embodiments of the pallet system 50b and its components. In a broad sense, the pallet system 50b differs from the pallet system 50a in the physical structure and arrangement of the panels 54, 56 and the pallet 10. However, the function and operation of the pallet system 50b and its components are substantially the same as in the pallet system 50a. The pallet 10 in the pallet system 50b can include the grid 24 or pads 48 of the system 50 if desired but not required. Further, as described in connection with system 50a, pallet 10 in system 50b is shown as a levee pallet, but pallet 10 is typically used when used for purposes where waste material contamination is not an issue. Of pallets.

  Each panel 54, 56 of the pallet system 50b is formed with a continuous surface to prevent liquid from passing through the panel. Conveniently, this can be achieved by forming each panel 54, 56 from a plastic material. Further, the panels 54, 56 and the pallet 10 are formed such that when they are in a closed configuration, they together define a space that is substantially closed and also substantially weather resistant. This arises from the relatively tight fit of the edges of the panels 54 and 56 when in the closed configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 15 in detail, the pallet 10 has the same general configuration as the pallet 10 of the pallet systems 50 and 50a of the first and second embodiments and functions in the same manner. However, in the pallet 10 of the system 50b, the heights of the walls 16a to 16d are staggered, and the integrated hinge portions 96a, 96b, and 96c (hereinafter collectively referred to as “hinge portion 96”). It is different that is provided. Specifically, with respect to the vertical height from the inner wall 22 of the pallet 10, the wall 16d is the shortest, followed by the walls 16c, 16a, and 16b being the highest. It is only the walls 16a, 16b and 16c that comprise or somehow include a hinge portion 96. The hinge portion 96 is formed at the uppermost end of each wall. Therefore, the hinge portions 96a, 96b, and 96c also have different heights from the wall 22. This is equivalent to the difference in the height of the pivot / pin 84 in the pallet system 50a.

  In one further variation, the internal ledge 20 is not formed on the pallet 10 of the system 50b. Rather, in this embodiment, a grid (not shown) equivalent to the grid 24 is simply placed on the wall 22 and inside the wall 16.

  Figures 16a and 16b show the panel 54c of the pallet system 50b from inside and outside, respectively. Panel 54c is made of a plastic material and has a flat and continuous outer surface 100. Along the bottom edge of the panel 54c is an integral hinge portion 102c configured to cooperate with the hinge portion 96c to form a hinge joint. The hinge joint is completed by inserting a pin (not shown) that connects the hinge portion 96c to the hinge portion 102c, which provides a pivot axis. Another edge 104 of panel 54c is formed with a tongue 106 configured to seat inside a side lip 108c (shown in FIG. 17) of panel 54b. The inner surface 110 of the panel 54c is formed with a square matrix of reinforcing ribs 112.

  As an optional feature shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 c, a positioning lip 113 can be provided on the outermost peripheral rib 115. The lip 113 extends in the plane of the panel 54c, but terminates before reaching the outermost edge of the panel 54c. Further, the lip 113 is spaced from the inside of the outer surface 100 to form a gap 117. Panels 54t and 56 are provided with similar, downwardly projecting lip or actually full-length lips that are constructed and arranged to slide behind lip 113 into gap 117 when moved to the closed position. Can do. This has the effect of pulling the panels inward if the panels 54c (and the panel 54a when the lip 113 is provided) may have been bent slightly outward when in the open configuration.

  Although not shown in detail, the panel 54a has a mirror image structure of the panel 54c.

  FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the panel 54b. The panel 54b is provided with a hinge portion 114b along the lower edge and a hinge portion 116b along the upper edge. Lips 108a and 108c protrude from the plane of panel 54b along two sides that do not include hinges 114b and 116b. In the assembled pallet system 50b, the hinge portion 114b fits with the hinge portion 96b to form a continuous piano hinge. The hinge is completed by providing at least one elongated pin that forms a pivot axis and connects the hinge portions 96b and 114b. Both the inner surface and the outer surface of the panel 54b are formed as a continuous flat surface. The inner surface 118 of the panel 54b can be used to carry a sign or other display, such as a sign similar to the sign 91 shown in FIG. The lip 108a overlaps the tongues of the panel 54a similar to the tongues 106 of the panel 54c when the panel 54a is raised.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the upper panel 54t as viewed from above. Panel 54t is made of a plastic material and is formed to have a continuous flat outer surface 120. The inner surface or the inner side of the panel 54t has the same structure as the surface 110 of the panel 54c. Opposing edges of the panel 54t are formed to have hinges 122b and 124, respectively. The hinge portion 122b is connected to the hinge portion 116b to form a piano hinge, which is completed by providing pivots and pins that engage the hinge portions 116b and 122b. The hinge portion 124 on the panel 54t is connected to the hinge portion 126 (see FIG. 19) of the panel 56, and similarly forms a piano hinge that is completed by providing at least one pivot / pin.

  FIG. 14 shows the pallet system 50b with the panels 54 and 56 moved to a closed position with the pallet 10 to define a closed space. Due to the physical nature and placement of the panels 54, 56, the pallet system 50b is substantially weatherproof so that articles held in the pallet system 50b are substantially free from the external environment when in the closed configuration. Protected.

  20a to 20f show the panel rearrangement in sequence from the closed position to the open or display position shown in FIG. 20b and then to the flat pack position shown in FIG. 20f. A series of movements of the panel 54 moving through these positions are as follows. In FIG. 20a, it is shown that the panel is first moved from the closed position to a partially open position that pivots panel 54t upward or clockwise relative to panel 54b. As a result, the panel 56 is lifted from the pallet 10 and actually pivots counterclockwise with respect to the panel 54t.

  FIG. 20b shows the panels 54, 56 in the open or display position, where the panel 54t is pivoted 90 ° parallel to the panel 54b, and the panel 56 is 90 ° relative to the panel 54t. It pivots and overlaps the panel 54t. Further, in this arrangement, the panel 56 is arranged above the panel 54b, so that the signboard on the panel 56 can be seen. Panels 54t and 56 are held in this arrangement without external force by an integral latch or catch as in the case of pallet system 50a.

  FIG. 20c shows panels 56 and 54t pivoting together around panel 54b in a clockwise direction. This pivoting is blocked when panels 54t and 56 are parallel to panel 54b. Although this particular arrangement is not shown, it can correspond to the unloading arrangement of the pallet system 50b. In the unloading arrangement, the articles held on the pallet 10 are made larger by placing their forks in the grooves 38 between the legs 38 using, for example, a forklift that can lift the pallet system 50b. It can be dumped in a waste container. Subsequent manipulation of the fork and forklift truck can facilitate tilting the pallet system 50b and simply dropping items stored thereon by the action of gravity.

  FIG. 20d shows the continuation of the process of moving the panels 54, 56 to a flat collapsed configuration. Here, the panel 54c is pivoted inward so as to lie on the pallet 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20e, the panel 54a pivots inward to overlap the panel 54c and the pallet 10 below it. Finally, as shown in FIG. 20f, the panel 54b pivots forward to overlap the panel 54a.

  In minor modifications, as shown in FIG. 20f, the panel 56 is provided with a plurality of shallow recesses 130 shaped and positioned to receive the legs 36 of the pallet system 50b in a flat pack arrangement overlaid thereon. Can do. This facilitates stacking of pallet systems with a flat pack arrangement as shown in FIG. 20g. Further, the recess also allows stacking of the pallet system 50b in a closed configuration that can fill the pallet system 50b with articles.

  Although many specific embodiments have been described, it should be recognized that the pallet and pallet system can be embodied in many other forms. For example, the panels 54, 56 and indeed the pallet 10 can be made of materials other than metallic materials and plastics. For example, these components can be made of composite materials including glass fiber reinforced plastic composites. The sheet 72 in the pallet system 50a may be configured to completely cover this rather than leaving a gap for each panel frame 55 as currently shown in FIGS. it can. The pallet system can also be used for a variety of purposes including storage and transportation of articles containing hazardous liquids, but can also be used as a POS device. For example, the pallet system 50 can be used to hold commonly sold products such as compressed gas bottles or water bottles at a service station (ie, a gas station). During service station operation, the pallet system 50 and, more specifically, each panel, can be viewed so that the customer can view the contents of the pallet and access the items held therein. It can be moved to an open or exhibition arrangement. The supplier can also easily replenish the pallet system 50 during this arrangement. When the service station is not open, the pallet system 50 can be moved to a closed configuration to prevent access to the contents. When using the pallet system 50a or 50b for this purpose, a locking system may be provided which allows the pallet system 50a, 50b to be permanently locked, for example by means of a hammer and / or padlock.

  In the following claims and in the above description, the word “comprise” and “comprises” or “including” unless the context requires otherwise by explicit language or consequential implications Variations such as “comprising” are used in a generic sense, that is, identifying the presence of features mentioned in the various embodiments of the pallets and pallet systems disclosed herein, but of additional features. It does not exclude existence or addition.

Claims (24)

A pallet having a base, wherein the base is configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be lifted and lowered through the base;
A plurality of panels coupled to each other and coupled to the pallet, wherein the panel surrounds and accommodates at least one article on the pallet; and the panel falls flat and overlaps the pallet A plurality of panels adapted to be able to move the panels between a flat pack arrangement that is moved so that
Including pallet system. A pallet having a base, wherein the base is configured to receive a member of a lifting device that allows the pallet to be lifted and lowered through the base;
A plurality of panels coupled to each other and coupled to the pallet, wherein the panel surrounds and houses at least one article on the pallet; and one of the panels is an opening The panel between an open arrangement that is positioned so as to provide an article in and out of the pallet through the opening in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet. Multiple panels, which can be moved,
Including pallet system.   The said one panel is arrange | positioned above the said 2nd panel so that it may become substantially parallel with the 2nd panel of the said panels when the said panel exists in an open arrangement | positioning. Pallet system.   The pallet according to claim 3, wherein the panel is in an open arrangement, and the one panel is arranged to overlap the third panel so as to be substantially parallel to a third of the panels. system.   5. A pallet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least three of the panels are pivotally connected to each other about mutually parallel pivot axes.   The pallet system of claim 5, wherein two of the at least three panels are the one panel and the second panel.   The pallet system of claim 6, wherein a further one of the at least three panels is the third panel.   8. A pallet system according to any preceding claim, wherein when in the closed configuration, the panels collectively form an enclosure that extends around and above the pallet.   When in the closed arrangement, the panels collectively form an enclosure extending around and on the pallet, the one panel being parallel to the third panel, The pallet system of claim 7, wherein two panels extend above the pallet spaced from the pallet.   10. A pallet system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of panels includes fourth and fifth panels, each pivotally connected to the pallet.   11. The panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is arranged to form a weatherproof enclosure when in the closed configuration and substantially prevents liquid from entering the pallet. Pallet system.   The pallet system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base includes a receptacle into which liquid dropped on the pallet is discharged.   The panel is further arranged to be movable into a stack arrangement, and the opening is provided to allow entry and removal of articles on the pallet in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet. One panel is positioned and the one panel is behind another of the panels when viewed in a direction from the opening toward the pallet, and the pallet of the second pallet system is 13. A pallet system according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be stacked on a pallet system.   14. A pallet system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the panels has a continuous surface that prevents liquid from passing through the panel.   15. A pallet system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the panels is made of a plastic material.   14. A pallet system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the panels comprises a metal frame.   17. The panel according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the panel is further arranged so that the panel can be moved so that the panel falls flat on the pallet and is in a flat pack arrangement overlying the pallet. Pallet system as described in section.   18. A pallet system according to claim 17, wherein the one panel is on top when in the flat pack arrangement.   A pallet having a base, wherein the base is configured to receive a member of an elevating device that allows the pallet to be raised and lowered via the base, and a plurality of pallets connected to the pallet and connected to each other A pallet system comprising: a panel, wherein the panel can be arranged in a plurality of relative juxtaposition positions without being separated from the pallet, and in one arrangement, the panel together with the pallet and on the pallet A pallet system that forms a closed space in which a supported article can be placed.   A first panel of the panels is connected to other panels so that the first panel can form a gate or door, and the gate or door has access to the enclosed space. From the closed position, the first panel is placed above another panel to open the closed space and allow the loading and unloading of articles onto the pallet through the opening substantially parallel to the plane of the pallet. 20. A pallet system according to claim 19, wherein the pallet system is adapted to be moved to an open position that allows it to be performed in a direction.   21. A pallet system according to any preceding claim, wherein each panel is pivotally connected to at least one of (a) another panel and (b) the pallet.   The pallet system according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the base includes a receptacle into which liquid dropped on the pallet is discharged.   23. A pallet system according to claim 12 or 22, wherein the pallet includes a support grid overlying the receptacle.   24. A pallet system according to claim 23 including an absorbent pad disposed within the receptacle.

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