ES2363267T3 - PALETTE PROTECTION. - Google Patents

Abstract

A protection to protect the sides of a pallet in which goods or a group of goods can be stacked placed on a support surface, the protection comprising: a plurality of modular protection sections (1; 94), each section being attachable to an adjacent section to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of a pallet or grouping of goods; each of the protection sections having a complementary portion (120, 122; 160, 162) of a joint (30; 96; 144; 210) to couple the sections to each other; characterized in that each modular protection section (1; 94) has a substantially wedge or triangular cross-sectional shape to increase the stability of the protection section.

Description

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a protection for a pallet or a grouping of goods placed on the ground or other support surface without a pallet, and it relates in particular to a pallet protection having an increased stability, as well as to a pallet protection with posters that can be changed.

Description of Related Technique

A vane protection that is modular and adjustable is illustrated in US Patent No. 6,408,768. The unveiled pallet protection is mounted around a pallet on which the goods for sale or exhibition are stacked or around a grouping of goods placed on the floor or other support surface and can be adjusted to the size of the pallet, in addition to be mounted on one or more pallets placed adjacently in a group.

Palletized goods are usually shown for sale to customers of a commercial establishment. The exhibition of the merchandise for sale in this way is convenient for commercial establishments or for operators since a large quantity of merchandise can be easily transported from a storage area using a pallet truck or forklift and are placed with discretion around a Store without further manipulation or organization of merchandise. This type of product marketing is convenient for store operators but sometimes produces unpleasant effects and poses risks to its customers. US Patent No. 5,408,768 described above shows a pallet protection that can be arranged around the bottom of the pallet to create a pleasant visual effect, quickly and economically and also to protect customers from injury. produced by the exposed part of the pallet and protect the goods against storage carts and shopping carts, which leads to trips and falls on spilled or damaged goods and unsavable merchandise. Pallet protection is arranged around the pallet or merchandise and can be adjusted to the size of the pallet or merchandise area.

It is often convenient for retailers to display products in bulk, placed on a pallet, for example, in a aisle of a store, especially a store or liquidation store (outlet). In fact, there are a number of retail establishments that operate on the basis of bulk sales, in which the goods are transported and are normally displayed in palletized units. In this way, the retailer can obtain cost benefits since it can replace items such as a complete pallet that can be transported from a storage area with a pallet truck or forklift and is placed in the desired retail area without having to manipulate the individual parts . Pallets that contain merchandise for sale are often stored in the same retail area on storage shelves that are accessible through forklifts that run continuously while customers shop. Pallet protections also protect the merchandise on these shelves, forming a linear barrier between the edge of the pallet and the sales surface, creating a pleasant visual effect, but side panels are needed to keep them in position.

As in the case of stores and retail stores that store palletized goods, there are often dangers associated with allowing public access to bulk products stored in palletized units. For example, pallets are often made of unfinished wood with jagged edges that can trap clothing or cause abrasions to reckless customers. As a consequence, pallet protection can protect customers from damage, while producing a pleasant visual effect to improve the customer's shopping experience in the retail establishment.

A problem with existing pallet protections is that they can be unstable, particularly if the pallet protection sections are connected to each other in a line to protect a series of pallets arranged in a line. The present invention provides a solution to this problem, by providing a wedge or triangular vane protection that is stable, even when protecting a line of vanes arranged in adjacent positions.

Another problem with existing pallet protection designs is that they do not contain any means that provide indications of goods or services that are not molded permanent graphics or pressure-sensitive labels that are offered by the retailer, distributor, manufacturer or other third party. related to the establishment of retail trade, or the merchandise arranged in the protected palette. Interchangeable signage can incorporate items for sale, prices or focus on seasonal or promotional campaigns.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved modular protection for a pallet (or a modular protection to protect a grouping of goods arranged on a support surface, such as the floor, without a pallet) that has a wedge or triangular design in cross section, which increases the stability of the protection, in particular when a plurality of modular protections protect a series of pallets or merchandise arranged in a line.

The present invention also provides a modular protection with replaceable signaling mounted on portions of the protection walls. The placement of the signaling allows the protection to be expandable or foldable without having to adjust the signaling. The signage may be related to the products around which the protection is placed, or it may inform the customer about other complementary products or discounts from manufacturers, distributors or other third parties. Advantageously, the protection has an inclined front face to easily see the posters and is wedge-shaped or triangular in cross-section to increase stability.

Pallet protections also protect the merchandise on the storage shelves by forming a linear barrier along the edge of the pallet facing the sales surface. This barrier is created with one or more modular pallet protection sections and can be placed in the form of a recess adjacent to the shelving struts (vertical posts of the merchandise shelves) in front of the pallet, supporting the ends of the pallet protection against shelving struts. The pallet protection sections can be independent or can be fixed to the struts of the shelf. The pallet protection sections can also be coupled together behind the shelving struts inside the area of the ship formed by the shelves, whereby the pallet protection is between the struts and the pallets that are arranged in linear shape oriented to the sales surface, or coupled outside the struts of the shelf, forming a continuous linear barrier that covers both the struts of the shelf and the faces of the pallet. These can be independent or connected to the struts.

Also, sometimes pallets are placed on extreme islets and in this way the included items are offered for sale. In this application the three sides of the pallet protection are used to cover the faces of the extreme and lateral islets of the pallet or the poster, thus achieving the same benefits: a pleasant final appearance, the protection of the merchandise that is shows, protection against injuries related to exposed pallets and spills of damaged goods, and a quick and cheap method of displaying. Due to the wedge shape and robust corners, three modular panels can be placed independently around the end, or they can be fixed to the palette, exposure base or extreme islet.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pallet protection panel with a signaling according to an unclaimed embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the view in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing a signaling fixing mechanism;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of several mounted pallet protection panels, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of several pallet protection panels mounted in a modular form with a straight line connection;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pallet protection panel with signage in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that is not claimed;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the pallet protection panel in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a close view illustrating a retention mechanism for signaling, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of several mounted pallet protection panels, according to a

claimed embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a set of pallet protection panels according to the embodiment of figure 9, with a straight line connection;

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of connection parts of the embodiment of Figure

9; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connection components according to the embodiment of figure 9;

Figure 13 is an extreme perspective view of an extension according to the embodiment of Figure 9;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a pallet protection assembly according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a pallet protection assembly with a straight line extension,

according to the embodiment of figure 14;

Figure 16 is an exploded view of a joint for pallet protection according to the embodiment of figure 14; Figure 17 is an exploded view of the two pallet protection sections that can be

connect, according to the embodiment of figure 14;

Figure 18 is a close perspective view of a signaling accessory, in accordance with the embodiment of

figure 14;

Figures 19-22 show another embodiment of a vane guard;

Figures 23 and 24 show another additional embodiment;

Figures 25-26 show yet another embodiment;

Figure 27 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment;

Figure 28 shows the embodiment of Figure 27 showing that the signaling has been removed;

Figure 29 shows the embodiment of Figures 27 and 28 arranged in a straight line connection;

Figure 30 shows the details of the corner connection of this embodiment;

Figure 31 shows the details of the corner joint section in an exploded view;

Figure 32 shows the details of how the pallet protection sections fit into the connection in

straight line; Figure 33 shows the straight line connection of Figure 32, in an exploded view; Figure 34 shows the ends of two telescopic vane protection sections; Figure 35 shows the ends of the two telescopic vane protection sections coupled to each other.

other;

Figure 36 shows an embodiment of a portion of a retention mechanism for maintaining the sections of

telescopic adjustable vane protection to a desired length;

Figure 37 is a view showing a portion of the retention mechanism;

Figure 38 shows a single paddle protected by a paddle shield according to this embodiment;

Figure 39 shows a plurality of vanes protected by the vane protection of this embodiment;

Figure 40 shows how the signaling slides inside slots of the protection section of

pallets; Figure 41 shows details of the sliding signaling;

5

10

fifteen

twenty

25

30

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40

Four. Five

fifty

Figure 42 shows details of the sliding signaling;

Figure 43 shows a further embodiment of pallet protection according to the present invention;

Figure 44 shows the vane protection of Figure 43 in a straight line connection;

Figure 45 shows the signaling removed from the embodiment of Figure 44;

Figure 46 shows the details of the articulation between the sections of the protection palette in a 90 ° configuration;

Figure 47 shows the joint in an exploded view;

Figure 48 shows the joint in a straight line connection;

Figure 49 shows the articulation of a straight line connection in an exploded view;

Figure 50 shows an example of a retention mechanism of this embodiment;

Figure 51 shows additional details of the retention mechanism, and

Figure 52, comprising Figures 52A to 52I, shows three embodiments of a protection section fixed to a strut of a merchandise shelf.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Referring now to Figures 1-5, a section of a pallet protection with signaling is generally illustrated as a pallet protection panel 10. Panel 10 includes a modular pallet protection section 12 and a signaling 14. Section 12 is part of a modular panel construction, shown in Figures 4 and 5 as modules 40. Modules 40 include sliding elements 42 which they are interlocked with a complementary articulation section 16 of section 12. The articulation section may comprise a complementary recess in one section and a projection in the other section, for example as shown in the articulation sections shown in the figure 11, in relation to a different embodiment, in which a projection in section 122 is interlocked with a recess in section 120. It is noted that these sections can be interlocked either in a straight line (to protect multiple pallets in one row) or 90º to surround a corner of the palette. The sliding sections 42 are displaced in and out of the opening 18 at one end of the section 12 opposite to the articulation section 16. According to this arrangement, the modules 40 can be expanded or contracted to accommodate a variety of sizes of pallets around which they are placed.

The signaling 14 in each section 12 is visible from the outside of the pallet protection and the pallet arrangement. Each section of module 40 may contain a different poster for advertising, information or aesthetic appeal. The content of signaling 14 is typically visible from all angles at which modules 40 are visible. The signaling 14 can also include information on the content of the products stored in the pallet around which the modules 40 are arranged. For example, it sometimes happens that the products in boxes stacked in a pallet are not easily identifiable outside of the boxes. Therefore, a customer wishing to select the desired products in a palette would need other indications regarding the contents of the boxes to ensure correct identification and selection. The signaling 14 may include descriptions of the products arranged in boxes in the pallet, in addition to additional information relating to the goods, such as, for example, prices, sizes of individual packages in the boxes, special features, promotions and the like.

It is possible that signaling 14 may be transported with pallets of merchandise to be exhibited and sold in a pallet format or may be placed in the store by the merchant or by the manufacturer's representatives. At the retail location, signage 14 is placed in sections 12 to identify the products and any special features provided with the products. When items are sold, signage 14 may be replaced with new or additional signage provided, for example, by the manufacturer or retailer to communicate additional improvements or sales.

Referring now to Figure 3, a section cut out of section 12 and of signaling 14 are shown slightly apart from each other. Signaling 14 includes an appendix 30 to secure signaling 14 to section 12. Section 12 includes a notch 32 formed to receive appendix 30 of signaling 14, and retaining signaling 14 in a flat, frontal recess of section 12 As shown in Figure 2, a number of appendages 30 are provided in the signaling 14 so that they are mounted in the coupling notches 32 in section 12. It should be evident that, although it is shown that the signaling 14 has a size and forms approximately the same as those of the flat recess in section 12, the device should not be considered limited for this reason. For example, the signaling 14 may have a greater width for the same length, so that the signaling 14 curves outwardly from the section 12 in the form of an arc or cylinder section. In addition, a number of notches 32 may be provided in section 12 to allow a signaling number 14 to be accommodated in a single section 12. However, it is preferred that the signaling 14 be essentially shaped and sized with respect to the flat recess in section 12, so that it can receive support from section 12 and obtain a certain level of resistance to impacts or other external forces that could otherwise damage signaling 14.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, it should be apparent that the signaling 14 can be made flexible so that it extends around a corner of the assembled modules 40, or so that it extends through a joint of assembled modules 40, of so that the signaling 14 can be provided as a long tape-shaped component that is simply fixed to the sections 12 in the different modules 40. In this case, the signaling 14 is provided with a loose material to allow the modules 40 to be expand slidingly without having to remove the signaling 14. It should also be apparent that the signaling 14 can have a texture or a three-dimensional appearance or feel.

Referring now to Figures 6-8, a second embodiment is illustrated in which the same numbers represent the same elements as those of the previous embodiment. According to this embodiment, a section 64 is similar in all respects to the section 12 described previously, with the exception of the signaling configuration. Section 64 includes retention appendages 62 to retain a signal 60, shown in a rectangular size and shape. According to this embodiment, the signaling 60 does not need to be specially configured with appendices, but can have a size and shape approximately equal to those of the flat recess of section 64 and is properly retained by the appendices 62. It must be It is clear that any number of appendices 62 can be provided to retain signaling 60 in section 64. As a consequence, signaling 60 does not have to be precisely shaped or sized to accommodate the flat recess in section 64. In addition, If the signaling 60 extends through several modules, including sections 64, the need for slack to allow sliding expansion of the vane protection is greatly reduced. That is, a flexible material for signaling 60 can be provided to allow signaling 60 to wrap around corners or in modular joints, at the same time that it is mounted tightly to the surface of the pallet guard and is sliding within the flat recess below the appendices 62.

Signaling 14 and 60 may comprise any type of material suitable for posters, including metal, plastic, cardboard, textiles, or any other type of material that can be retained in sections 12 and 64. In addition,

or alternatively, signaling 14 and 60 can be secured in place with fixing devices such as glue, screws, rivets, nails and the like. Signals 14 and 60 are designed to be removable and replaceable, but substantially non-permanent fasteners can be used to secure signals 14 and 60.

As noted previously, signaling 60 is preferably a flat rectangle to allow flat recess in section 64 to support signaling 60. However, signaling 60 may be larger than flat recess in section 64, so that it sticks out or has a three-dimensional character. In this way, the existing information on the signaling 60 can be arranged to be more easily observed by the buyer or the viewer.

Referring now to Figures 9-13, an embodiment of a vane guard according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the extruded or molded sections 90 are sliding in the molded panels 92, to form the paddle protection module 94. The modules 94 are connected in a joint 96 to form a 90 ° corner for arrangement around a corner of a vane. Alternatively, the two sections 120 and 122 (see Figure 11) in the joint 96 can be connected in line at 180 ° to extend the protection of vanes over multiple in-line vanes. In this embodiment, sections 90 and 92 are made in the form of a wedge or triangular in cross-section, which increases the stability of the paddle protection, in particular when the paddle protection sections are coupled with each other in line to protect a plurality of linearly arranged vanes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the signaling 98 is slidable inside the section 90, as more clearly illustrated in Figure 13. In Figure 13, two retention rails 132 are shaped to form channels 130 that cooperate with an edge. of signaling 98 to retain signaling 98 in section 90. Signaling 98 can be installed in section 90 by sliding into channels 130 from one end of section 90. Alternatively, signaling 98 is flexible and installed in the section 90 by placing an edge on a channel 130, slightly deforming the signaling 98 so that it arches outwardly separating from the section 90, and then placing the other edge of the signaling 98 inside the other channel 130.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, the assembly of two modules 94 in a 90 ° ratio is illustrated. A connector 120 is mounted in a section 90 so as to fit a complementary connector 122 which is provided as an integral part. of the panel 92. The arrangement of the connectors 120, 122 in collaboration provides a 90 ° angle connection for the joint of the blade guard 96.

An extended straight line connection like the one illustrated in Figure 10 is obtained by orienting section 90 with connector 120 in line with panel 92. Connectors 120, 122 cooperate in this configuration to maintain an in-line relationship. between two panels 92. As a consequence, sections 90 provide a housing for the retaining connector 120, as well as for the receiving panel 92 in a sliding relationship to provide expansion of each paddle protection module 94.

In the embodiments of Figs. 9-13, the signaling 98 is presented at an angle or inclination with respect to the vertical, so that a content of the signaling 98 can be easily read from several locations, including when the protection modules 94 of pallets are placed on the floor. As with the previous pallet protection embodiments, the signaling 98 can be made to extend around a joint 96 and is received in another section 90 to form a tape-shaped poster. The signaling 98 can also be done in three dimensions, and can be composed of multiple panels that are independent and individually removable or locatable. In addition, all pallet protection components according to this embodiment can be of any type of material, including signaling 98, although plastic is preferred

or resin material for durability and ease of use.

Other advantages of the wedge or triangular design include that the lower part of the pallet protection sections, by virtue of their wedge shape, extend more outwardly than the upper part of the pallet protection sections, providing thus the free space between shopping carts and storage carts (whose chassis or wheels hit the pallet protections) and the goods stacked on the pallet. In addition, because the pallet protections extend beyond the pallet, it is possible to allow greater overhang of the merchandise in the pallet over the pallet protection, due to its wedge-shaped design.

Referring now to Figures 14-18, another embodiment of a paddle shield according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a section 140 carries a signaling 146 to show it at an angle to the observer. A panel 142 is shaped to be mounted and slid into section 140 to provide an extensible fit in one dimension of the pallet protection device. Section 140 and panel 142 each have a complementary connector 160, 162, respectively, which cooperate with section 140 and panel 142 together in a pivotal relationship. The connectors 160, 162 cooperate to form a pivotal assembly 144 which allows section 140 and panel 142 to have an angular relationship of the order of 90 ° to 180 ° (corner connection with straight line connection). Both straight line and corner relationships for articulation 144 are illustrated in Figure 15. Signaling 146 may be fixed to section 140 with appendages 180 that fit in notches 182 to secure the long edges of signaling 146 to section 140. The relationship between appendices 180 and notches 182 is similar to that described in the first embodiment of Figures 1-5 and will not be repeated here. See Figure 18. In addition, other signaling maintenance mechanisms may be employed, such as rail sliding, which will be explained later in the present specification. However, it should be evident that the signaling 146 can be made so that it extends around a corner that includes the articulation 144 of the paddle shield according to the fourth embodiment, so that the signaling 146 is retained for more than a section 140.

Figures 19-22 show another embodiment of a paddle guard according to the invention. Figure 19 shows the vane protection comprising the modular pallet protection sections 1, comprising two sections 20 and a middle section 10. The modular sections 1 are coupled by a pivoting joint section 20, which is shown in more detail in Figures 21 and 22. Figure 20 shows the vane protection that extends around a plurality of vanes, so that one of the articulation sections 30 is pivoted to an in-line position. Figure 21 shows the details of the pallet protection sections showing how each modular section 1 has a telescopic sliding inner member 10 that slides inside of at least one of the two adjacent outer members 20, so that can adjust on one side of the palette. A hinge 25 is provided, which is articulated in an articulation section 30 that is slidable inside the two adjacent members 20. The corner can rotate at an angle of 90 ° as shown in Figure 22 (straight line to corner of connection).

Figure 20 shows that multiple vanes can be accommodated by setting the angle of the corner section in a straight line configuration.

Figures 23 and 24 show another embodiment that employs a live or molded flexible hinge 25A in the corner to accommodate the corner angle. Figure 24 shows that the live hinge can be arranged straight to accommodate multiple vanes arranged in positions adjacent to each other.

Figures 25 and 26 show a third embodiment having a separate fixed corner piece 30B that fits or slides inside the adjacent straight sections 1B. Straight sections 1B perform a telescopic movement to the required length. If it is desired to have pallet protection arranged on multiple adjacent pallets, the straight side sections fit or slide into each other to extend around multiple adjacent pallets. The members 20B have portions 20C (Figure 26) in which the corner members 30B fit or slide. The corner pieces are only used in the corners in this embodiment.

In these embodiments, the inner members 10 may be fixed to, or be separated from (and slidable in) an adjacent member 20, 20A, 20B.

Figures 27-42 show yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 27 shows two sections of vane protection module, each comprising two sections 200 and 202 connected by a corner section 210. The telescopic section 202 slides in each of the sections 200.

Figure 28 shows how the signaling is retained in a section 200. Preferably, as shown in Figures 40-42, the signaling 204 slides in the channels 206 provided in the lower and upper part of the paddle protection section 200 triangular or wedge

Figure 29 shows two modular sections, each comprising a telescopic section 200 and 202 arranged in an in-line configuration. When the modular sections are arranged in the online configuration, the corner section 210 is removed and the section 202 is engaged in a final complementary relationship of the section 200 or is left alone in an online configuration.

Figure 30 shows the corner section 210 connected to a section 202 and a section 200 to form a 90 ° curve. As shown in more detail in Figure 31, section 210 includes a projection section 212 that is slidably received in a triangular shaped channel 214 of section 202. Similarly, a projection section 216 (identical to the section projection 212) of section 200 is received in a corresponding triangular recess or channel 218 (identical to the channel or recess 214) of corner section 210.

Figure 32 shows how sections 200 and 202 join to make a straight line connection. Channel 214 is adapted to slide over projection 216 to keep sections 200 and 202 in an in-line connection. This is shown in an exploded view in Figure 33. Section 210 is not used when an online connection is made or when pallet protection is used as a linear barrier to protect items stored in a shelf.

Figures 34 and 35 show how section 202 performs a telescopic movement in section 200. Preferably, a projection 220 is provided at the bottom of section 202 which has a lip 222 that fits over a bridge 224 provided at the bottom of section 200. As shown, in order to save material, the bottom of sections 200 and 202 are preferably open, with the exception of bridge sections 224. In addition, the back surface of section 200 and / or 202 pallet protection (surfaces oriented towards the pallet) can be made open to save material, or it can be made substantially open, with members similar to the bridge such as member 224 provided for strength and stiffness at spaced intervals.

Figures 36 and 37 show that a retaining means can be provided to keep sections 200 and 202 in a semi-fixed position adjustable with respect to each other. As shown, the retention mechanism may include a small projection 230 in the form of a button on the upper face of section 202 which is applied to one of a plurality of recesses 240 arranged at the bottom of the upper part of section 200 , shown in Figure 37.

Figure 38 shows this embodiment of pallet protection around a single pallet.

Figure 39 shows this embodiment of the vane protection arranged around a plurality of vanes.

Figures 43-51 show yet another embodiment of pallet protection according to the present invention. In this embodiment, each modular vane protection section includes a first section 300 and a section 302 that performs a telescopic movement within section 300. An articulation section 310 is provided that connects each modular section to the adjacent modular section. This articulation section 310 comprises end portions of complementary sections 302 and 300 and which can be arranged either at 90 ° or in a straight-line configuration as shown in Figure 43.

Figure 44 shows two modular sections, each comprising sections 300 and 302 arranged in a straight line configuration.

Figure 45 shows the signaling 304 removed from one of the modular pallet protection sections. Signaling 304 may be maintained in the pallet protection section in the same manner as described in any of the other embodiments.

Figure 46 shows section 302, coupled to an adjacent section 300 by means of joint 310. As shown in Figure 47, section 302 includes a projection member 340 having a vertically oriented projection 342 that is received in a recess 344 of a projection section 346 projecting from a section 300. Members 340 and 346 may be coupled to each other in a 90 ° corner arrangement shown in Figures 46 and 47, or in configurations in Straight line shown in Figure 48 and Figure 49. Figure 49 shows an exploded view of the joint arranged in a straight line configuration.

Figure 50 shows another embodiment of a retention mechanism that can be used with any of the various embodiments described and that can be used with the embodiment described with reference to Figures 43-51. As shown, the retention mechanism includes two horizontally extending members 350 and 352, each provided with a plurality of notches 360, 362, respectively. When the telescopic member 302 is received in the member 300, the notches 362 receive, depending on the adjustment of the members 300 and 302, an edge 372 of a vertically aligned fin 371 and the notches 360 receive a vertically aligned edge 370 of the fin 371 .

Figure 51 shows the retention mechanism when the members 300 and 302 are telescopically folded together, showing how the fin 371 is received in the respective pairs of the notches 360, 362 to effect a retention adjustment of the two members 300 and 302 with what members 300 and 302 can be adjusted in a retained manner with the desired length.

Figure 52 shows how the pallet protection section can be used to protect a merchandise shelf and in which the pallet protection section or sections can be connected to the shelving struts or to the struts with a fixing member . The pallet protection sections can be wedge-shaped or non-wedge-shaped, that is, rectangular in cross-section.

Figures 52A to C show a first embodiment comprising a sliding or fitting embodiment, in which the channel 500 of the protection section slides or fits on the struts 502. Figure 52C shows two adjustable protection sections attached to three struts 502.

Figures 52D to F show a second embodiment with bolts. The strut 502A has holes 502AA to receive the bolts.

Figures 52G to I show a third embodiment of tweezers in which the channels have hook-shaped appendages 500A that are applied and hooked on the holes in the strut to keep the protection sections in position.

As understood herein, the term "pallet protection" is used to refer to a protection to protect a pallet in which the products are stacked, as well as a protection of a group of goods stacked directly on the ground or support surface without pallet.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention should only be limited, not by the specific disclosure shown herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1. A protection to protect the sides of a pallet on which goods or a group of goods placed on a support surface can be stacked, the protection comprising: a plurality of modular protection sections (1; 94), each section being attachable to an adjacent section to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of a pallet or grouping of goods; each of the protection sections having a complementary portion (120, 122; 160, 162) of a joint (30; 96; 144; 210) to couple the sections to each other; characterized in that each modular protection section (1; 94) has a substantially wedge or triangular cross-sectional shape to increase the stability of the protection section.

2.

The protection of claim 1, wherein the complementary portions of the joint (96; 310) allow the protection sections (94) to be coupled together to form a corner or in a straight line.

3.

The protection of claim 2, wherein the complementary sections (160, 162) of the joint

(144) allow the protection section to be arranged at any angle between, and including, 90 ° and a straight line.

Four.

The protection of claim 2, wherein the complementary articulation sections comprise a projection (122) in a protection section and a recess (120) in another protection section.

5.

The protection of claim 3, wherein the complementary articulation sections comprise a pivotal connection (160, 162).

6.

The protection of claim 1, further comprising signaling (98; 146) on a surface that is oriented outward of at least one protection section.

7.

The protection of claim 1, wherein each of the modular protection sections comprises at least two telescopic members (10, 20, 20A, 20B; 90, 92, 140, 142; 200, 202; 300, 310) for allow adjustment of the length of a section of protection.

8.

The protection of claim 1, wherein the joint comprises an articulation element, coupled to adjacent protective sections, the joint comprising a living hinge (25A).

9.

The protection of claim 1, wherein the joint comprises a fixed corner section (30B; 210) that provides a 90 ° corner, the fixed corner section is removable to allow adjacent protective sections to connect to each other. in an online configuration.

10.

The protection of claim 1, wherein the modular protection sections have a rear face oriented to the pallet or to the grouping of goods, which is oriented vertically when the protection is arranged on a support surface, and a front surface that is inclined in such a way that the distance between the front and rear surfaces at the bottom is greater than the distance between the front and rear surfaces at the top.

eleven.

The protection of claim 7, further comprising a retention mechanism (230, 240; 350, 352, 360, 362) for maintaining the two telescopic members in a retained relationship when a desired length adjustment has been achieved.

12.

The protection of claim 1, wherein at least one of the protection sections has an outwardly oriented surface that has an area for receiving a removable signaling member (98; 146; 204).

13.

The protection of claim 12, wherein the area comprises a recess for receiving the signaling member.

14.

The protection of claim 13, wherein the signaling member has appendages (180) received in slots (182) in the recess to keep the signaling member in position.

fifteen.

The protection of claim 13, wherein the protection section in the recess area has appendages that overlap the signaling member to keep the signaling member in position.

16.

The protection of claim 13, wherein the protection section has channels (130) to allow the signaling to slide or be flexed to its position between the channels.

17.

The protection of claim 1, wherein at least one of said protection sections can be fixed to a merchandise rack or to the struts of a merchandise shelf.