EP2196401B1 - Palette with feet with reinforced tubing - Google Patents

Abstract

The pallet (7) has four angular pallet feet (11), two cross beams (8,9) and two longitudinal faces (3). The tubular elements are arranged in the pallet feet such that a longitudinal axis runs in a direction of force. A longitudinal rod and two pallet feet are formed from a continuous angular pipe with an internal lying round pipe. The angular pipe has two recesses. The pallet is made up of recycling cardboard or paper. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a pallet.

Description

The present invention relates to a pallet according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a pallet is from the WO 2008/1448 54 A known. Furthermore, from the US-A-5934202 known to arrange tubular elements in the pallet feet so that their longitudinal axis extends in the direction of the force to be supported.

Other pallets are for example from the EP 1 614 632 B1 known. There is disclosed to make supporting structures for pallets with feet of a square tube. This is achieved by partially cutting and folding a square tube whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the ground. This then results in the unfolded areas structures that are used as pallet feet. However, in the EP 1 614 632 B1 not only the respective feet called pallet feet, but the entire construction consisting of the struts and the actual feet is called Palettenfuß.

The in the EP 1 614 632 B1 However, pallets disclosed have the disadvantage that their construction requires considerable effort. Furthermore, they have particular small dimensions, especially in the range of 400 mm to 800 mm edge length, the disadvantage that sufficient rigidity is only guaranteed if the dimension of the actual feet is chosen so that a (symmetrical) retracting with pallet truck, the width of the usual dimensions of about 540 mm not possible. This considerably complicates the handling.

Other known from the prior art pallet solutions, such as the CHEP range has a corresponding disadvantage. These pallets can only be used in the dimensions mentioned with pallet trucks so that the pallet truck is moved asymmetrically into the pallet. This not only complicates the handling but also brings with it the risk of tipping the pallet and the goods located thereon.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a range of wound (recycled) cardboard and / or paper (layers), can be moved into the symmetrical with conventional pallet truck even with high stability and also with dimensions of 400-800 mm edge length and the easy to make.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present application to provide a method by which such a pallet can be produced easily and inexpensively.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, a method according to claim 12 and a use according to claim 13. The dependent claims 2-11 indicate advantageous developments.

According to the invention, the pallet according to claim 1 has at least four square pallet feet and at least two transverse struts and at least two longitudinal struts. The cross struts are connected to at least two longitudinal struts and at right angles to the longitudinal struts. Furthermore, the longitudinal struts are each connected to at least two palette feet. In addition, tubular elements are provided for stiffening, which are arranged according to the invention in the pallet feet so that their longitudinal direction extends in the direction of the force to be supported. This means that the tubular elements, too if their diameter should be greater than their length, with their longitudinal axis, ie the axis which runs along the cavity, in the direction of the force to be supported. The force to be carried is directed from the pallet support surface vertically in the direction of the horizontal bottom on which the pallet stands. In addition, the pallet according to the invention has at least two base plates which are fastened exclusively to the pallet feet and in each case connect at least two pallet feet to one another.

According to the invention, one longitudinal strut and two pallet feet each form one unit. Such a unit is achieved by using a continuous tube with at least one inner round tube, which has two recesses and one 90 ° bend in the region of the recesses. As a result, a basic rigidity between longitudinal struts and pallet feet is already given without further connection measures, which increases the load and the rigidity. However, other stiffening or connection measures, such as further bonding, are conceivable. Furthermore, the production surprisingly can be significantly simplified by the use of such an angular tube with recesses and kinks.

Such a construction makes it possible to produce pallets of wound (recycled) cardboard and / or paper (s) simply and inexpensively and at the same time to enable high loads, while at the same time being possible, even in dimensions ranging from 400 mm to 800 mm Insert edge length into the pallet with a standard pallet truck. This offers considerable advantages in handling. Furthermore, the pallet according to the invention is modular in structure, so that just a few basic elements pallets of different dimensions can be made without having to accept losses in terms of handling or Trakraft.

Due to the floor slabs according to the invention, which are preferably fastened near the bottom of the pallet feet, it is possible to significantly increase the load capacity and the rigidity of the pallet without significantly increasing the material expenditure or the weight. This prevents kinking of the pallet feet. It is particularly advantageous, the bottom plates of pressed and glued (Recycling) Form cardboard and / or paper layers. Preferably, the bottom plates are used as separate parts and fastened by simple means, for example by gluing, to the pallet feet. Advantageously, the floor panels are arranged so that they do not obstruct the retraction with a lift truck or only slightly.

Advantageously, all pallet feet are connected by bottom plates each with at least one other Palettenfuß according to claim 2. By such a measure, the rigidity of the pallet feet, especially against buckling can be significantly increased. For this reason it makes sense to stiffen all pallet feet in such a way. By connecting to each other can be prevented so that individual pallet feet buckle under high load or slight lateral load.

It when the floor panels are arranged so that they are parallel to the longitudinal and / or transverse struts and perpendicular to this course in the longitudinal direction so in terms of their width have an extent that does not exceed the corresponding extent of a Palettenfußes is particularly advantageous. Such a restriction of the width leaves sufficient space under the pallet to bring the rollers of the lift trucks, which are moved into the pallet, into contact with the ground. It does not matter that the dimensions of the floor panels exactly match the dimensions of the pallet feet. Rather, it is necessary that sufficient open areas in the bottom area of the pallet are present in order to use the rollers of the truck as intended.

In particular, it is therefore advantageous if according to claim 4, the bottom plates have a maximum height of 5 mm. Such a maximum height is easily implemented in the described pressed and glued (recycled) cardboard and / or paper layers and hinders the retraction with pallet trucks only insignificantly. It can further be ensured that the edges of the floor panels are rounded, so that the rollers of the truck as simple as possible can drive over them.

Advantageously, the recesses are introduced so that at least in a minimal area of the recess, in particular only on one line, only one wall of the square pipe remains. By such a configuration, a particularly high stability can be achieved.

Preferably, the longitudinal struts and the pallet feet according to claim 5, a contact plane, which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tubular elements by 20 ° - 70 °, in particular 45 °. The shape of the contact plane, which may be formed by individual edges or contours, is usually determined by the shape of the recesses. For a power transmission particularly advantageous is an inclination of this plane with respect to the longitudinal direction of the tubular elements of 45 °. Preferably, the inclination is chosen so that the contact surface, in particular in the outer palette feet, extends so that it rises towards an outer side of the pallet. Depending on the application, however, inclinations of 20 ° - 70 ° may prove advantageous.

A pallet according to the invention preferably has at least two pallet double feet composed of two angular pallet feet connected to each other. By using such pallet double feet, which are preferably glued together at the contact surface, it is possible to assemble the pallets on simple basic blocks and so to achieve modular different pallet sizes. Furthermore, it is thereby possible to easily increase the rigidity and the load capacity of the pallet.

A further increase in rigidity and load capacity can be achieved if, according to claim 7, at least one transverse strut has at least one tab which is connected to at least one pallet base, in particular at least one pallet double foot. Such a connection is conceivable in numerous configurations and by numerous connecting means. For example, such a tab of a transverse strut may be bent down by 90 ° and connected by gluing to a pallet double foot. Such a tab in a transverse strut can be achieved by using square tubes as a cross strut, for example, in that incisions or recesses are made in the cross strut, so that a tab, which can possibly be folded over, arises.

A preferred embodiment of a pallet according to the invention comprises according to claim 8 eight pallet feet, four of which are connected to two pallet double feet. Preferably, such a pallet has a length of 600 mm and a width of 400 mm. The individual pallet feet are preferably arranged at the corners of the pallets and preferably the pallet double feet are arranged centrally on the longer side of the pallet.

Preferably, such a pallet according to claim 9, two floor panels, each connecting two feet and two pallet double feet together. Preferably, these floor panels extend along the longer side of the pallet.

Such an embodiment according to claim 8 and / or 9 has the advantage that even with the small standard size 400 mm x 600 mm symmetrical retraction with a pallet truck is possible and at the same time a load capacity of up to 2 tons can be realized.

A further advantageous embodiment according to claim 10 is to provide 12 pallet feet, six of which are connected to three pallet double feet, and 5 to 10 cross struts. Such a pallet preferably has a length of 600 mm and a width of 800 mm. The individual pallet feet are advantageously arranged at the corners and in the middle of the short sides. The pallet double feet are located advantageously in the middle of the pallet and in the middle of the two long sides. By such an arrangement, even with the small standard size 800 mm x 600 mm symmetrical retraction with a pallet truck with high load capacity of the pallet can be realized.

Advantageously, such a pallet on three floor panels, each connecting two feet and two pallet double feet together. Advantageously, the bottom plates run along the longer sides and parallel to the center of the pallet.

The object is also achieved by a method according to claim 12, wherein in the production of a pallet at least two square pipe with at least one inner tube, in particular round tube, each provided with two recesses and the square tubes in the region of the recesses by 90 ° and the kinked, terminal areas form at least four of the pallet feet and are formed by the central region at least two of the longitudinal struts. By such a method in which a square pipe is provided with at least one inner stiffening tube with two recesses and then simply kinked and possibly glued, a production is very simple and inexpensive and material-saving possible. The recesses can be introduced in different forms. They can also cut or divide the inner tube.

A pallet produced by such a method may advantageously have any features of claims 1 to 11. The respective implementation in the process results for the skilled person in a simple manner forcibly from the above statements.

The object is also achieved by an inventive use according to claim 13, in which at least two square tubes with at least one inner tube, in particular round tube, for producing a pallet with at least four square pallet feet and at least two transverse struts and at least two longitudinal struts, wherein the Cross struts are connected to at least two longitudinal struts and perpendicular to the longitudinal struts and wherein the longitudinal struts are each connected to at least two pallet feet and wherein tubular elements are provided for stiffening. The square tubes are used in such a way that they are each provided with two recesses and are bent by 90 ° in the area of the recesses. Then the kinked, terminal areas form at least four of the pallet feet and the middle areas at least two of the longitudinal struts. By using such square pipes with recesses and internal pipes that are bent and possibly glued or otherwise connected, it is possible to easily design and produce a range of different dimensions, which makes it possible with a lift truck symmetrical retract and record high payloads. Advantageously, the square tubes or the pallet to be produced may have any features of claims 1 to 13. The embodiments and advantages will be apparent to the person skilled in the art immediately and forcibly from the above statements.

Further advantages and possible embodiments, to which the invention is by no means limited, will be described by way of example with reference to the following, purely schematic and sketchy drawings.

Fig. 1

Vierkantrohr mit Aussparungen in unterschiedlichen Ansichten sowie geknicktes Vierkantrohr;

Fig. 2

verschiedene Ansichten eines Vierkantrohres mit Aussparungen;

Fig. 3

verschiedene Ansichten einer Palette;

Fig. 4

verschiedene Ansichten einer Palette mit Kantenlänge 400 x 600 mm; und

Fig. 5

verschiedene Ansichten einer Palette mit Kantenlängen von 600 x 800 mm.

Showing:

Fig. 1

Square tube with cut-outs in different views as well as a bent square tube;

Fig. 2

different views of a square tube with recesses;

Fig. 3

different views of a pallet;

Fig. 4

different views of a pallet with edge length 400 x 600 mm; and

Fig. 5

different views of a pallet with edge lengths of 600 x 800 mm.

Fig. 1 shows in the left area two views of a square tube 1 with inside round tubes 4 and recesses 5. In the original state, in which the Square tube 1 still had no recesses 5, the round tubes 4 were continuous. The subsequently introduced recesses 5 have been produced by milling and / or cuts that parts of the round tubes 4 have been removed. Through the recesses 5, the square tube 1 is divided into three different areas. These areas later form a longitudinal strut 3 and two pallet feet 11.

This configuration, which arises after buckling, is in the right half of Fig. 1 shown. Evident is a bent square tube 2, which has two pallet feet 11 and a longitudinal strut 3. Both in the pallet feet 11 and in the longitudinal strut 3 round tubes 4 are provided. It is particularly important that the round tubes 4 are aligned in the pallet feet 11 with its longitudinal axis in the direction of the acting force.

Fig. 2 also shows a square tube 1 with recesses 5. The recesses 5 are here, however, not introduced at right angles, but form a V. By this configuration, a particularly stable bent square tube 2 can be generated.

For this reason, preferably cut square tubes 1 are used, as shown in the following examples.

Fig. 3 shows different views of a pallet 7 of two kinked square tubes 2. This pallet has four pallet feet 11 and two longitudinal struts 3. The two bent square tubes 2 are connected by cross struts 8, 9. In this case, two transverse struts 8, 9 terminal cross struts 8. Such terminal cross struts are preferably designed so that they partially enclose the pallet feet on the outside and there are connected to these pallet feet 11. Such a compound is preferably achieved by bonding. The middle cross member 9 has terminal tabs, which rest on top of the longitudinal struts 3 and are connected there.

The pallet shown has an edge dimension of 400 mm x 300 mm. The cross struts 8, 9 have inside round tubes. This further increases the stability. Also shown in Fig. 3 two floor panels 6, each connecting two pallet feet 11 together and thus further increase the stability and rigidity and carrying capacity of the pallet 11. It can also be seen that in the central area of the pallet sufficiently open areas are provided in the floor so that pallet wheels can be placed there.

The bottom plates 6 are connected to the pallet feet 11 each by bonding. They are kept so flat that they can be easily driven over them with a pallet truck.

Fig. 4 again shows a palette in different views. This palette is unlike in Fig. 3 shown pallet but composed of four kinked square tubes 2. Accordingly, it has eight pallet feet 11, four of which are glued together to form two pallet double feet 12. The bottom plates 6 each connect four pallet feet 1 1, of which two are combined to form a pallet pedestal 12. The pallet shown has five transverse struts 8, 9, two of which are terminal transverse struts 8 and are formed so as to be secured laterally to the four individual pallet feet 11. The cross struts 8, 9 are otherwise fastened with tabs on the longitudinal struts 3. Furthermore, the middle of the cross braces 9 tabs 10, which are bent down and attached to the pallet double feet 12. The cross struts 8, 9 are formed of square tubes and have inside round tubes. The tabs 10 and the tabs with which the cross struts rest on the longitudinal struts 3 are formed by cutting out square tube. The shown palette in Fig. 4 has edge lengths of 400 x 600 mm. In this case, the longitudinal struts 3 extend over a length of 600 mm. Due to the selected configuration, it is possible to use conventional pallet trucks which have a fork width of more than 500 mm, to retract the pallet symmetrically from the longitudinal side. In the middle of the pallet in the bottom between the bottom plates 6 so much open area is provided that the wheels of the truck can easily drive on the ground.

Also Fig. 5 shows a pallet according to the invention, in which, however, constructed of six bent square tubes 2. Accordingly, it has twelve pallet feet 11, six of which are combined into three pallet double feet 12. The resulting three longitudinal strut strands, here consisting of two longitudinal struts 3 are connected by transverse struts 8, 9 with each other. In this case, a cross strut 8, 9 each connects two longitudinal strands strands. However, it is also possible the cross struts 8, 9 form so that they connect more than two longitudinal strands strands with each other. However, then the modularity of the structure is limited.

Also to be seen are the tabs 10, with which the central cross braces are also attached to the pallet double feet 12. To further stiffen and increase the load capacity, the pallet shown on three floor panels 6, each connecting four pallet feet 11 together, of which two are combined to form a pallet double foot 12. The pallet shown here has an edge length of 600 x 800 mm, wherein the bottom plates 6 have a length of 600 mm. Such a configuration makes it possible to drive symmetrically into the pallet from all four sides with a standard pallet truck. In this case, there are sufficiently large openings in the region of the bottom between the base plates 6 in order to be able to place the wheels of the lifting carriages on the floor.

The statements have shown that numerous advantages can be achieved with the solution according to the invention and that a very wide variety of configurations are possible. Those skilled in the art can easily find specific embodiments adapted to the particular task without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Square tube

2

kinked square tube

3

longitudinal strut

4

round tube

5

recess

6

baseplate

7

palette

8th

End-to-end cross struts

9

crossmember

10

flap

11

pallet

12

Palettendoppelfuß

Claims (13)

1. A pallet (7) made of wound cardboard (recycling) and/or paper(layers), including at least four angular pallet feet (11) and at least two cross braces (8, 9) and at least two longitudinal braces (3), wherein the cross braces (8, 9) are connected to at least two longitudinal braces (3) and extend vertically to the longitudinal braces (3) wherein each of the longitudinal braces (3) are connected to at least two pallet feet (11) and whereas tubular elements (4) are provided for reinforcement purposes, whereas at least two base plates (6) of (recycling) cardboard and/or paper layers, in particular pressed and glued together, are provided as separate parts which are secured exclusively to the pallet feet (11) and systematically connect at least two pallet feet together, characterised in that the tubular elements (4) are arranged in the pallet feet (11) so that, that the longitudinal axis extends in the direction of the force to be carried and, that at least systematically one longitudinal brace (3) and two pallet feet (11) consist of a continuous angular tube (1) with at least one round pipe (4) lying internally and that the angular tube presents two recesses (5) and systematically a 90 degree knick in the region of the recesses.
2. A pallet (7) according to claim 1, characterised in that all the pallet feet (11) are systematically connected to at least one other pallet foot (11) via base plates (6).
3. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the base plates (6) extend parallel to the longitudinal and/or cross braces and do not exceed the corresponding section of a pallet foot (11) vertically to said extension as regards its width.
4. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that all the base plates (6) present a maximum height of 5 mm.
5. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the longitudinal braces (3) and the pallet feet (11) present a contact plane, which is tilted by 20 degrees to 70 degrees, in particular 45 degrees, as regards the longitudinal direction of the tubular elements (4).
6. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it presents at least two pallet double feet (12) composed of two angular pallet feet (11) connected to one another.
7. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that at least one cross brace (8, 9) includes at least one tab (10), which is connected to at least one pallet foot (11), in particular at least one pallet double foot (12).
8. A pallet (7) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it presents eight pallet feet (11), four of them being connected to two pallet double feet (12), wherein the pallet (7) presents in particular a length of 600 mm and a width of 400 mm.
9. A pallet (7) according to claim 8, characterised in that it includes two base plates (6), which systematically connect together two feet and two pallet double feet (12).
10. A pallet (7) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it includes twelve pallet feet (11), six of them being connected to three pallet double feet (12), wherein the pallet (7) presents in particular a length of 600 mm and a width of 800 mm.
11. A pallet (7) according to claim 10, characterised in that it includes three base plates (6), which systematically connect together two feet and two pallet double feet (12).
12. A method of manufacture of a pallet (7), including at least four angular pallet feet (11) and at least two cross braces (8, 9) and at least two longitudinal braces (3), wherein the cross braces (8, 9) are connected to at least two longitudinal braces (3) and extend vertically to the longitudinal braces (3) and wherein each of the longitudinal braces (3) are connected to at least two pallet feet (11) and whereas tubular elements (4) are provided for reinforcement purposes, characterised in that a) at least two angular tubes (1) each fitted with at least one tube (4) lying internally, in particular a round tube, are provided systematically with two recesses (5) and b) that the angular tubes (1) are kinked by 90 degrees in the region of the recesses (5) and the snapped off terminal regions form at least four of the pallet feet (11) and at least two of the longitudinal braces (3) are formed by the middle regions.
13. An application of at least two angular tubes (1) each fitted with at least one tube (4) lying internally, in particular a round tube, for the production of a pallet (7) with at least four angular pallet feet (11) and at least two cross braces (8, 9) and at least two longitudinal braces (3), wherein the cross braces (8, 9) are connected to at least two longitudinal braces (3)and extend vertically to the longitudinal braces (3) and wherein each of the longitudinal braces (3) are connected to at least two pallet feet (11)and whereas tubular elements (4) are provided for reinforcement purposes, characterised in that the angular tubes (1) are each provided with two recesses (5) and that the angular tubes (1) are kinked by 90 degrees in the region of the recesses (5) and the bent terminal regions form at least four of the pallet feet (11) and at least two of the longitudinal braces (3) are formed by the middle regions.

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