CA1114755A - Pallet - Google Patents
PalletInfo
- Publication number
- CA1114755A CA1114755A CA326,438A CA326438A CA1114755A CA 1114755 A CA1114755 A CA 1114755A CA 326438 A CA326438 A CA 326438A CA 1114755 A CA1114755 A CA 1114755A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- splines
- pallet
- boards
- platform
- parallel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Abstract
PALLET
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fabricated pallet free of exposed fasteners on the surface, its upper and lower platforms being specially interconnected with a first set of symmetrical parallel splines and a second set of symmetrical transverse splines, the splines having flanged edges embedded into the inside portions of the platforms. The splines are specially arranged to define lifting tine-receiving passages.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fabricated pallet free of exposed fasteners on the surface, its upper and lower platforms being specially interconnected with a first set of symmetrical parallel splines and a second set of symmetrical transverse splines, the splines having flanged edges embedded into the inside portions of the platforms. The splines are specially arranged to define lifting tine-receiving passages.
Description
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to pallets, and more particularly to fabricated load-bearing pallets.
Transport and storage pallets are usually fabricated of wood, although some special use pallets are made of polymeric or metal construction. The common pallets in use are typically square in configur-ation and fabricated from boards. Each pallet has an upper platform and a lower platform, each platform made of a series of boards or a board sheet.
The two platforms are spaced from each other by intermediate wood ribs, usually of "two-by-four" stock to which the platforms are attached by fasteners, typically nails or staples. Even this simple construction is fairly costly and heavy, but one of the most significant disadvantages is the tendency for the nails or other fasteners to work loose and protrude, causing puncture and damage to containers of products carried thereon.
This causes damage to goods, difficulty in handling, costly clean up, higher return rates, and with foodstuffs, spoilage and/or contamination.
Still, these problems are tolerated because of the unavailability of a reasonably priced practical alternative.
A common use of pallets is in automated warehousing systems wherein pallets loaded with containers are automatically stored in bins or bays. The bins have an overall configuration slightly larger than that of the pallet when loaded with containers. For instance, the width of the bin may exceed the width of the standard pallet by only one or two inches.
The loaded pallets are placed in the bin by means of automated forklifts or the like. In the event that the pallet configuration has become distorted so that the upper and lower platforms are skewed relative to each other, which is referred to as racking in the industry, the pallet will no ! longer fit into the bin. If the pallet has racked and can no longer be placed in the bln when loaded with containers, the automated warehousing system will shut down untîl the problem can be remedied. It is important, thus, to provide a pallet which will maintain its configuration so as to not rack or become distorted. The problem with conventional wooden pallets is that there is a tendency for the joints which secure the girders to the boards to become weakened due to handling of the pallet. Weakening of the joint will allow the pallet configuration to become distorted or racked and thus no longer be usable in a storage warehousing operation.
The pallet here described has a rigid joint structure preventing racking or distortion of the pallet configuration during use and has no exposed fasteners, is capable of manufacture at a lower cost than the standard pallet now in use, and is considerably lighter in weight without sacrificing strength. The pallet includes upper and lower platforms, the upper platforms formed of a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart boards all of which lie in a common plane. The boards are arranged parallel to and spaced above the lower platform so that each board of the upper platform has an upper load support surface and a lower inner surface.
The upper and lower platforms are interconnected by flanged splines, the flanges of which are embedded into the inner portions of the platforms - and not exposed. A first set of elongated spaced parallel splines extend in one dimension, symmetrical with the center of the pallet. The elongated parallel splines which are embedded in the boards of the upper platform serve to interconnect the boards to the lower platform and maintain the parallel spacing between the upper and lower platforms and further maintain the lateral spacing between the parallel boards of the upper platform. A second set of shorter parallel splines extend in a second dimension transverse to the first set, symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of the pallet in that dimension. The second, shorter splines which extend transverse to the elongate splines interconnect the boards of the upper and lower platforms to maintain the . . . :
. , . . : - ' ' . ' ' ' ~
spacing therebetween. ~ccordingly, the first and second splines provide a secure connection between the parallel boards of the upper and lower platforms and between the upper and lower platforms themselves so as to provide a three dimensional rigidity to the pallet structure.
In order to provide for four way entry of a forklift into the pallet, the elongate splines can be provided with a pair of lifting passages to allow the tines of the forklift to extend therethrough.
To further rigidify the pallet structure, the elongate splines can have an H-shaped configuration formed by two back-to-back splines.
This provides added strength to the elongate splines and further maintains the connection between the adjacent parallel boards and the upper and low-er platforms.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described having references to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a pallet embodying this invention;
Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the pallet in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view taken on plane III-III of Fig. 1, showing a double spline;
Fig. 4 is an elevational view taken on plane IV-IV bf Fig. 1, showing a single spline;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a modified form of pallet, Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the pallet in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a side elevational, fragmentary view of a portion of a pallet having the spline and a plank of a platform interconnected by a special connector;
Fig. 8 is a perspective fragmentary view of the pallet portion in Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on plane IX-IX of Fig. 8.
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Referring now to Figs. 1-4, the pallet 10 there depicted includes a first plurality of coplanar planks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, collectively forming an upper deck platform 12 which has an exposed upper load supporting surface and a lower inner surface. Each of the planks 12a-12d is laterally spaced from the next and parallel thereto. Parallel to this -upper platform and the individual planks forming it is a second series of planks 16a-16d forming a lower platform 16. These planks 16a-16d are also spaced apart from and parallel to the adjacent plank. Platform 16 has .:
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1 a lower floor-engaging surface and an upper inner surface.
Interconnecting the upper and lower platforms is a first plurality of parallel splines and a second plurality of parallel splines. More specifically, the first plurality of splines 18a, 18b and 18c are elongated and extend from one edge to the opposite edge of the basically square pallet. These splines have flanges at their upper and lower edges, with the flanges and adjacent vertical portions of the splines being affixedly embedded into the upper and lower platforms, particularly into the wooden planks in the version shown in Figs. 1-4. These flanges extend through the inner surfaces of the upper and lower platforms, but terminate short of the outer exposed surfaces. Thus, the upper load support surface of the upper platform is free of fasteners, as is the bottom surface of the lower platform.
The splines may optionally be double, i.e. two back-to-back splines having flanges extending in opposite directions as depicted in Fig. 3. Each spline is made of metal such as steel or aluminum. In some instances the splines could conceivably be made of other materials. The splines are preferably about O.Q25 to 0.100 inches in thickness.
The planks are made of any suitable material, but usually wood, whether such be solid wood or a composite such as plywood, wood composition or chipboard, with or without polymeric covering and/or reinforcing.
; Splines 18a, 18b and 18c are parallel to each other, spaced from each other, and symmetrically arranged relative to the vertical center plane of the pallet that is parallel to the splines. The central spline here is on such central plane. Thus, the splines form a pair of symmet-rically arranged lifting tine-receiving openings 20 that . , . " , . - , :
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straddle the center plane, for handling the pallet as with a lift truck.
The elongate splines 18 are arranged to interconnect the upper platform to the lower platform and the boards thereof to maintain the parallel spacing between the platforms. The splines also are perpendicular to the length of the boards 12a-12d so that the boards are joined to a common spline so as to maintain the parallel and lateral spacing therebetween. In this way, the elongate splines maintain the three-dimensional configuration of the pallet as well as maintain the boards of each platform in a generally square configuration.
The second set or plurality of splines extend transverse to the first set, being parallel to each other and spaced apart in symmetrical fashion relative to the central plane of the pallet which is parallel to the second plurality of splines. These splines 22a-22h are shorter than the first set of splines, extending from the opposite edge portions of the pallet toward the first set, but terminating short thereof. This second set of splines may be single as shown by spline 22h in Fig. 4, or alternatively may be double as at 18b in Fig. 3. The second plurality of splines 22a-22h also maintain the parallel spacing between the upper and lower platforms. Additionally, these splines secure the upper board to the lower board of each platform so that each board is held relative to the opposite plane in a vertical as well as in a lateral sense. The transverse arrangement of the second set of splines relative to the elongate splines provides a three-dimensional rigidity to the pallet structure which prevents racking or skewing of the pallet platforms rela-tive to each other as well as displacement of the individual boards of the platforms. Since each board of the platform is maintained in a three dimensional rigidity, it cannot be easily displaced for disengaged from the splines which is a common problem with other pallets. Since the board itself cannot be displaced in an easy fashion, the overall pallet 4~
configuration is maintained so that the pallet can be used in automatic warehousing systems and the like wherein the pallet must be inserted into a space having a dimension only slightly larger than that of the pallet itself.
The short side splines 22a-22h also help to prevent a pallet from being lifted when an adjacent pallet is lifted such as occurs when a board from an adjacent pallet becomes hooked under the upper platform of the pallet. Although the short spline cannot totally eliminate this problem since it is spaced from the edges of the platform, it does reduce the area into which a board of an adjacent pallet may engage and cause accidental lifting or displacement of the pallet.
The composite pallet assembly formed of these components is lighter in weight, for an equivalent strength, relative to the all wood pallet which it replaces. The pallet may be hoisted by lifting tines entering either end. Additionally, it is possible to enable the pallet to be lifted from either of the remaining two sides by providing openings 19a and l9b (shown in phantom in ~ig. 2) through each of the first plural-ity of splines 18a, 18b and 18c, to allow lifting tines to enter. These openings are aligned with the tine-receiving passages between the second set of splines and are symmetrical with respect to the pallet center plane parallel to these splines.
The transverse reinforcing splines may be of materials noted above relative to the first plurality of splines.
The assembly is formed by forcing the individual splines lengthwise into the upper and lower planks. This may be done as with a machine of the type set forth in U.S. Patent 3,751,794. Preferably the splines are inserted - 5a -_.
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1 rapidly enough to momentarily increase the temperature adjacent the splines due to frictional heat and thereby cause the splines to be bonded into position by fusion of the residue in the wood or the binder in chipboard or the like.
An alternative construction is depicted in Figs. 5 and 6 wherein the upper and lower platforms 12' and 16' are each formed of a continuous or unitary piece of material, preferably wood such as plywood, wood composition, chipboard and/or polymeric materials. Again, the first plurality of splines 18' extend parallel to each other the entire dimen-sion of the pallet, being symmetrically spaced relative to a vertical plane extending through the centerline of the pallet parallel to the splines. The central spline lies on this plane. Also, the second set of splines 22' extend transversely to the first set, parallel to each other, symmetrically spaced relative to a vertical plane extending through the pallet perpendicular to the first set and parallel to the second set. To enable the pallet to be four-way instead of two-way, i.e. to be lifted from any of four directions instead of two, optional openings shown in phantom at 19' are provided (~ig. 6) through the first set of splines in alignment with the tine-receiving passages of the second set of splines.
Slight modifications can be made in the particular illustrative structures depicted as exemplary of the in-vention, without departing from the concept presented.
These include for example variations in the number of splines, thickness thereof, length thereof, and the like. --In Figures 7-9 is depicted an assembly which assembles the splines to the planks in a special fashion.
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1 This assembly is particularly advantageous for repairing pallets to which a replacement spline is to be attached, or to reattach a spline which has been pulled loose out of a plank. This uses a special connector 30 that interconnects the splines and a plank of a platform.
Specifically, in Figs. 7-9 is shown how the upper flange of a spline can be reattached to a plank fror,l which it was removed. Preferably, a portion of the plank is routed out where the flange of the spline had been embedded, forming a groove 32 (Fig. 9) in the plank 112a of the pallet 110. The flanged end of the spline fits in this groove.
The connector has a flat portion 30a that lies against the outer surface of the plank, terminating in teeth or serra-tions 30b that project normal to portion 30a to be pounded into the surface of the plank. The other end of portion 30a bends down around the end of the plank where it is bifur-cated into a pair of spaced, adjacent, spline straddling portions 30c. These can be secured to the spline by a conventional crimping tool that deforms a barb 30d from portions 30c and piercing spline 122. Thus, repair of the pallets can be readily achieved. These connectors can also be employed on splines that are embedded in the plank too, to further rigidify the connection, if desired, as for example where a spline becomes somewhat loose in the plank.
Although this illustrative connector is shown on the end of a plank of the platform, it could be used as readily on the side edge of the plank or platform, as will be easily understood.
Other variations in the novel concept are also conceivable, the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
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15 ~4~
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In a further embodiment of the invention the splines can include an L-shaped channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the spline. The L-shaped channel configuration also serves to rigidify the elongate splines. An elongate wooden stringer may extend through the channel which allows repair of the pallet by nailing a replacement board to the elongate strînger. The wooden stringer also serves to add strength to the pallet structure. Additionally, in this embodiment the tines of the forklift engage the stringer or channel as opposed to directly engaging the boards of the pallet so as to spread out the lifting load and decrease wear and tear on the pallet.
In the specific description which follows, reference will further be made to the drawings in which:
Figure 10 is a side view of a pallet further embodying the invention;
Figure 11 is a view taken along lines XI-XI of Figure 10;
and Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pallet of Figure 10.
In Figures 10-12, the elongate spline 18" includes a channel-like extension 150 having a leg 152 perpendicular to the elongate spline and terminating in a distal portion 154 parallel to the elongate spline.
The L-shaped extension 150 provides added rigidity to the elongate spline.
The distal leg 154 of the spline 18" is not embedded in the boards 12a-12d.
When the elongate splines 18" are provided with tine-receiving passages l9a and l9b, the tlnes of the forklift engage the channel portion 150 of the spline 18" as opposed to directly engaging the boards 12a and 12d of the pallet. In this way, the lifting load is spread equally amongst the boards along the length of the channel 150 so as to avoid undue stresses which may~
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distort or damage the pallet. The channel 150 can be formed by a stamping operation so that the channel 150 extends over a portion of the spline 18.
The splines are stamped in a manner so that the area stamped to form the tine-receiving openings are bent into the channel configuration. As shown in Figure 12, the channel 150 portion of the spline 18" may include an elongate wooden stringer 160 inserted through the length thereof. The stringer 160 adds strength to the pallet structure and also provides a means for repairing the pallet in the event that one of the boards should disengage from the spline 18". In this regard, the under surface of the board is adjacent the stringer 160 so that the pallet may be repaired by gluing, stapling, nailing or otherwise securing the board to the stringer 160.
Slight modifications can be made in the particular illustrative structures depicted without departing from the inventive concepts presented.
These include, forexample, variations in the number of splines, their thickness thereof, and length and the like, the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
'' _.~,~ .
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to pallets, and more particularly to fabricated load-bearing pallets.
Transport and storage pallets are usually fabricated of wood, although some special use pallets are made of polymeric or metal construction. The common pallets in use are typically square in configur-ation and fabricated from boards. Each pallet has an upper platform and a lower platform, each platform made of a series of boards or a board sheet.
The two platforms are spaced from each other by intermediate wood ribs, usually of "two-by-four" stock to which the platforms are attached by fasteners, typically nails or staples. Even this simple construction is fairly costly and heavy, but one of the most significant disadvantages is the tendency for the nails or other fasteners to work loose and protrude, causing puncture and damage to containers of products carried thereon.
This causes damage to goods, difficulty in handling, costly clean up, higher return rates, and with foodstuffs, spoilage and/or contamination.
Still, these problems are tolerated because of the unavailability of a reasonably priced practical alternative.
A common use of pallets is in automated warehousing systems wherein pallets loaded with containers are automatically stored in bins or bays. The bins have an overall configuration slightly larger than that of the pallet when loaded with containers. For instance, the width of the bin may exceed the width of the standard pallet by only one or two inches.
The loaded pallets are placed in the bin by means of automated forklifts or the like. In the event that the pallet configuration has become distorted so that the upper and lower platforms are skewed relative to each other, which is referred to as racking in the industry, the pallet will no ! longer fit into the bin. If the pallet has racked and can no longer be placed in the bln when loaded with containers, the automated warehousing system will shut down untîl the problem can be remedied. It is important, thus, to provide a pallet which will maintain its configuration so as to not rack or become distorted. The problem with conventional wooden pallets is that there is a tendency for the joints which secure the girders to the boards to become weakened due to handling of the pallet. Weakening of the joint will allow the pallet configuration to become distorted or racked and thus no longer be usable in a storage warehousing operation.
The pallet here described has a rigid joint structure preventing racking or distortion of the pallet configuration during use and has no exposed fasteners, is capable of manufacture at a lower cost than the standard pallet now in use, and is considerably lighter in weight without sacrificing strength. The pallet includes upper and lower platforms, the upper platforms formed of a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart boards all of which lie in a common plane. The boards are arranged parallel to and spaced above the lower platform so that each board of the upper platform has an upper load support surface and a lower inner surface.
The upper and lower platforms are interconnected by flanged splines, the flanges of which are embedded into the inner portions of the platforms - and not exposed. A first set of elongated spaced parallel splines extend in one dimension, symmetrical with the center of the pallet. The elongated parallel splines which are embedded in the boards of the upper platform serve to interconnect the boards to the lower platform and maintain the parallel spacing between the upper and lower platforms and further maintain the lateral spacing between the parallel boards of the upper platform. A second set of shorter parallel splines extend in a second dimension transverse to the first set, symmetrically arranged relative to the centerline of the pallet in that dimension. The second, shorter splines which extend transverse to the elongate splines interconnect the boards of the upper and lower platforms to maintain the . . . :
. , . . : - ' ' . ' ' ' ~
spacing therebetween. ~ccordingly, the first and second splines provide a secure connection between the parallel boards of the upper and lower platforms and between the upper and lower platforms themselves so as to provide a three dimensional rigidity to the pallet structure.
In order to provide for four way entry of a forklift into the pallet, the elongate splines can be provided with a pair of lifting passages to allow the tines of the forklift to extend therethrough.
To further rigidify the pallet structure, the elongate splines can have an H-shaped configuration formed by two back-to-back splines.
This provides added strength to the elongate splines and further maintains the connection between the adjacent parallel boards and the upper and low-er platforms.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described having references to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a pallet embodying this invention;
Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the pallet in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view taken on plane III-III of Fig. 1, showing a double spline;
Fig. 4 is an elevational view taken on plane IV-IV bf Fig. 1, showing a single spline;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a modified form of pallet, Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the pallet in Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a side elevational, fragmentary view of a portion of a pallet having the spline and a plank of a platform interconnected by a special connector;
Fig. 8 is a perspective fragmentary view of the pallet portion in Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on plane IX-IX of Fig. 8.
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: :
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Referring now to Figs. 1-4, the pallet 10 there depicted includes a first plurality of coplanar planks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, collectively forming an upper deck platform 12 which has an exposed upper load supporting surface and a lower inner surface. Each of the planks 12a-12d is laterally spaced from the next and parallel thereto. Parallel to this -upper platform and the individual planks forming it is a second series of planks 16a-16d forming a lower platform 16. These planks 16a-16d are also spaced apart from and parallel to the adjacent plank. Platform 16 has .:
' ' ~ .
... . . . . . . .
,' ' ' ~ '~' ' ' '' ' ' :
1 a lower floor-engaging surface and an upper inner surface.
Interconnecting the upper and lower platforms is a first plurality of parallel splines and a second plurality of parallel splines. More specifically, the first plurality of splines 18a, 18b and 18c are elongated and extend from one edge to the opposite edge of the basically square pallet. These splines have flanges at their upper and lower edges, with the flanges and adjacent vertical portions of the splines being affixedly embedded into the upper and lower platforms, particularly into the wooden planks in the version shown in Figs. 1-4. These flanges extend through the inner surfaces of the upper and lower platforms, but terminate short of the outer exposed surfaces. Thus, the upper load support surface of the upper platform is free of fasteners, as is the bottom surface of the lower platform.
The splines may optionally be double, i.e. two back-to-back splines having flanges extending in opposite directions as depicted in Fig. 3. Each spline is made of metal such as steel or aluminum. In some instances the splines could conceivably be made of other materials. The splines are preferably about O.Q25 to 0.100 inches in thickness.
The planks are made of any suitable material, but usually wood, whether such be solid wood or a composite such as plywood, wood composition or chipboard, with or without polymeric covering and/or reinforcing.
; Splines 18a, 18b and 18c are parallel to each other, spaced from each other, and symmetrically arranged relative to the vertical center plane of the pallet that is parallel to the splines. The central spline here is on such central plane. Thus, the splines form a pair of symmet-rically arranged lifting tine-receiving openings 20 that . , . " , . - , :
~L~14~
straddle the center plane, for handling the pallet as with a lift truck.
The elongate splines 18 are arranged to interconnect the upper platform to the lower platform and the boards thereof to maintain the parallel spacing between the platforms. The splines also are perpendicular to the length of the boards 12a-12d so that the boards are joined to a common spline so as to maintain the parallel and lateral spacing therebetween. In this way, the elongate splines maintain the three-dimensional configuration of the pallet as well as maintain the boards of each platform in a generally square configuration.
The second set or plurality of splines extend transverse to the first set, being parallel to each other and spaced apart in symmetrical fashion relative to the central plane of the pallet which is parallel to the second plurality of splines. These splines 22a-22h are shorter than the first set of splines, extending from the opposite edge portions of the pallet toward the first set, but terminating short thereof. This second set of splines may be single as shown by spline 22h in Fig. 4, or alternatively may be double as at 18b in Fig. 3. The second plurality of splines 22a-22h also maintain the parallel spacing between the upper and lower platforms. Additionally, these splines secure the upper board to the lower board of each platform so that each board is held relative to the opposite plane in a vertical as well as in a lateral sense. The transverse arrangement of the second set of splines relative to the elongate splines provides a three-dimensional rigidity to the pallet structure which prevents racking or skewing of the pallet platforms rela-tive to each other as well as displacement of the individual boards of the platforms. Since each board of the platform is maintained in a three dimensional rigidity, it cannot be easily displaced for disengaged from the splines which is a common problem with other pallets. Since the board itself cannot be displaced in an easy fashion, the overall pallet 4~
configuration is maintained so that the pallet can be used in automatic warehousing systems and the like wherein the pallet must be inserted into a space having a dimension only slightly larger than that of the pallet itself.
The short side splines 22a-22h also help to prevent a pallet from being lifted when an adjacent pallet is lifted such as occurs when a board from an adjacent pallet becomes hooked under the upper platform of the pallet. Although the short spline cannot totally eliminate this problem since it is spaced from the edges of the platform, it does reduce the area into which a board of an adjacent pallet may engage and cause accidental lifting or displacement of the pallet.
The composite pallet assembly formed of these components is lighter in weight, for an equivalent strength, relative to the all wood pallet which it replaces. The pallet may be hoisted by lifting tines entering either end. Additionally, it is possible to enable the pallet to be lifted from either of the remaining two sides by providing openings 19a and l9b (shown in phantom in ~ig. 2) through each of the first plural-ity of splines 18a, 18b and 18c, to allow lifting tines to enter. These openings are aligned with the tine-receiving passages between the second set of splines and are symmetrical with respect to the pallet center plane parallel to these splines.
The transverse reinforcing splines may be of materials noted above relative to the first plurality of splines.
The assembly is formed by forcing the individual splines lengthwise into the upper and lower planks. This may be done as with a machine of the type set forth in U.S. Patent 3,751,794. Preferably the splines are inserted - 5a -_.
~, . - . - - ' . : ' : :
: ' ', :`
1 rapidly enough to momentarily increase the temperature adjacent the splines due to frictional heat and thereby cause the splines to be bonded into position by fusion of the residue in the wood or the binder in chipboard or the like.
An alternative construction is depicted in Figs. 5 and 6 wherein the upper and lower platforms 12' and 16' are each formed of a continuous or unitary piece of material, preferably wood such as plywood, wood composition, chipboard and/or polymeric materials. Again, the first plurality of splines 18' extend parallel to each other the entire dimen-sion of the pallet, being symmetrically spaced relative to a vertical plane extending through the centerline of the pallet parallel to the splines. The central spline lies on this plane. Also, the second set of splines 22' extend transversely to the first set, parallel to each other, symmetrically spaced relative to a vertical plane extending through the pallet perpendicular to the first set and parallel to the second set. To enable the pallet to be four-way instead of two-way, i.e. to be lifted from any of four directions instead of two, optional openings shown in phantom at 19' are provided (~ig. 6) through the first set of splines in alignment with the tine-receiving passages of the second set of splines.
Slight modifications can be made in the particular illustrative structures depicted as exemplary of the in-vention, without departing from the concept presented.
These include for example variations in the number of splines, thickness thereof, length thereof, and the like. --In Figures 7-9 is depicted an assembly which assembles the splines to the planks in a special fashion.
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:, . . , - ~ , . ...
1 This assembly is particularly advantageous for repairing pallets to which a replacement spline is to be attached, or to reattach a spline which has been pulled loose out of a plank. This uses a special connector 30 that interconnects the splines and a plank of a platform.
Specifically, in Figs. 7-9 is shown how the upper flange of a spline can be reattached to a plank fror,l which it was removed. Preferably, a portion of the plank is routed out where the flange of the spline had been embedded, forming a groove 32 (Fig. 9) in the plank 112a of the pallet 110. The flanged end of the spline fits in this groove.
The connector has a flat portion 30a that lies against the outer surface of the plank, terminating in teeth or serra-tions 30b that project normal to portion 30a to be pounded into the surface of the plank. The other end of portion 30a bends down around the end of the plank where it is bifur-cated into a pair of spaced, adjacent, spline straddling portions 30c. These can be secured to the spline by a conventional crimping tool that deforms a barb 30d from portions 30c and piercing spline 122. Thus, repair of the pallets can be readily achieved. These connectors can also be employed on splines that are embedded in the plank too, to further rigidify the connection, if desired, as for example where a spline becomes somewhat loose in the plank.
Although this illustrative connector is shown on the end of a plank of the platform, it could be used as readily on the side edge of the plank or platform, as will be easily understood.
Other variations in the novel concept are also conceivable, the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
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,~ ..
15 ~4~
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
In a further embodiment of the invention the splines can include an L-shaped channel extending along at least a portion of the length of the spline. The L-shaped channel configuration also serves to rigidify the elongate splines. An elongate wooden stringer may extend through the channel which allows repair of the pallet by nailing a replacement board to the elongate strînger. The wooden stringer also serves to add strength to the pallet structure. Additionally, in this embodiment the tines of the forklift engage the stringer or channel as opposed to directly engaging the boards of the pallet so as to spread out the lifting load and decrease wear and tear on the pallet.
In the specific description which follows, reference will further be made to the drawings in which:
Figure 10 is a side view of a pallet further embodying the invention;
Figure 11 is a view taken along lines XI-XI of Figure 10;
and Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of the pallet of Figure 10.
In Figures 10-12, the elongate spline 18" includes a channel-like extension 150 having a leg 152 perpendicular to the elongate spline and terminating in a distal portion 154 parallel to the elongate spline.
The L-shaped extension 150 provides added rigidity to the elongate spline.
The distal leg 154 of the spline 18" is not embedded in the boards 12a-12d.
When the elongate splines 18" are provided with tine-receiving passages l9a and l9b, the tlnes of the forklift engage the channel portion 150 of the spline 18" as opposed to directly engaging the boards 12a and 12d of the pallet. In this way, the lifting load is spread equally amongst the boards along the length of the channel 150 so as to avoid undue stresses which may~
- . - ..... . . .
~, , ~ , . .
.
distort or damage the pallet. The channel 150 can be formed by a stamping operation so that the channel 150 extends over a portion of the spline 18.
The splines are stamped in a manner so that the area stamped to form the tine-receiving openings are bent into the channel configuration. As shown in Figure 12, the channel 150 portion of the spline 18" may include an elongate wooden stringer 160 inserted through the length thereof. The stringer 160 adds strength to the pallet structure and also provides a means for repairing the pallet in the event that one of the boards should disengage from the spline 18". In this regard, the under surface of the board is adjacent the stringer 160 so that the pallet may be repaired by gluing, stapling, nailing or otherwise securing the board to the stringer 160.
Slight modifications can be made in the particular illustrative structures depicted without departing from the inventive concepts presented.
These include, forexample, variations in the number of splines, their thickness thereof, and length and the like, the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
'' _.~,~ .
Claims (11)
1. A pallet comprising:
a first platform having an inner surface and a load support surface;
an second platform formed of a plurality of parallel, transversely spaced apart boards lying in a common plane, said boards being arranged parallel to and spaced above said first platform, each board having a load support surface and an inner surface;
first, elongated, flanged thin sheet metal splines arranged in a parallel, transversely spaced apart relation-ship and having flanges embedded in said boards and lower platform and terminating short of said load support surfaces thereof;
said first splines positioned symmetrical relative to a central vertical plane of said pallet so as to define tine-receiving passages and arranged perpendicular to said common plane in which said boards lie so as to interconnect said boards to said first platform and thereby maintain the said parallel spacing therebetween;
said first splines further arranged perpendicular to the length of said boards so as to interconnect said parallel, spaced apart boards and thereby maintain the parallel spacing therebetween;
second, flanged thin sheet metal splines transverse to said first splines having flanges embedded in said first platform and said boards and terminating short of said load support surfaces thereof;
said second splines extending inwardly from the edges of the boards along the length thereof and terminating short of said first splines and further arranged perpendicu-lar to the plane of said first and second platforms so as to interconnect said boards with said first platform to maintain the spacing therebetween;
wherein said first and second splines provide a secure connection between said boards and said first platform so as to provide three dimensional rigidity to said platforms and maintain the relative positions of the boards and platform.
a first platform having an inner surface and a load support surface;
an second platform formed of a plurality of parallel, transversely spaced apart boards lying in a common plane, said boards being arranged parallel to and spaced above said first platform, each board having a load support surface and an inner surface;
first, elongated, flanged thin sheet metal splines arranged in a parallel, transversely spaced apart relation-ship and having flanges embedded in said boards and lower platform and terminating short of said load support surfaces thereof;
said first splines positioned symmetrical relative to a central vertical plane of said pallet so as to define tine-receiving passages and arranged perpendicular to said common plane in which said boards lie so as to interconnect said boards to said first platform and thereby maintain the said parallel spacing therebetween;
said first splines further arranged perpendicular to the length of said boards so as to interconnect said parallel, spaced apart boards and thereby maintain the parallel spacing therebetween;
second, flanged thin sheet metal splines transverse to said first splines having flanges embedded in said first platform and said boards and terminating short of said load support surfaces thereof;
said second splines extending inwardly from the edges of the boards along the length thereof and terminating short of said first splines and further arranged perpendicu-lar to the plane of said first and second platforms so as to interconnect said boards with said first platform to maintain the spacing therebetween;
wherein said first and second splines provide a secure connection between said boards and said first platform so as to provide three dimensional rigidity to said platforms and maintain the relative positions of the boards and platform.
2. The pallet in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second splines are arranged symmetrical relative to the central plane of said pallet which is parallel to the second spline so as to define a pair of tine-receiving passages and said first splines have openings therein aligned with said tine-receiving passages wherein said arrangement of said second splines and said openings in said first splines allow lifting tines to extend therethrough for lifting said pallet.
3. The pallet of claim 1 wherein said first platform is formed of a plurality of parallel, laterally spaced apart boards lying in a common plane, each of said boards positioned parallel to the boards of said second platform.
4. The pallet of claim 1 wherein said first elongated flange thin sheet metal splines have a shallow, generally U-shaped configuration.
5. The pallet of claim 1 wherein said first elongated flange thin sheet metal splines have a generally H-shaped configuration.
6. The pallet of claims 4 or 5 wherein said second splines have a shallow, generally U-shaped configura-tion.
7. The pallet of claims 4 or 5 wherein said second splines have a generally H-shaped configuration.
8. The pallet of claim 1 including a connector between at least one of said splines and one of said platforms, said connector having serrations embedded into said platform and having portions piercing said spline.
9. The pallet of claim 8 wherein said connector has a pair of spline straddling portions piercing said spline, and wherein said serrations are on a portion lying on said platform.
Claims Supported by the Supplementary Disclosure
Claims Supported by the Supplementary Disclosure
10. The pallet of claim 1 wherein said first elongated flanged thin sheet metal splines include an L-shaped channel extending along at least a portion of the length thereof to further rigidify said spline.
11. The pallet of claim 5 wherein an elongate reinforcing member is secured in said L-shaped channel.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA326,438A CA1114755A (en) | 1979-04-26 | 1979-04-26 | Pallet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA326,438A CA1114755A (en) | 1979-04-26 | 1979-04-26 | Pallet |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1114755A true CA1114755A (en) | 1981-12-22 |
Family
ID=4114068
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA326,438A Expired CA1114755A (en) | 1979-04-26 | 1979-04-26 | Pallet |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1114755A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5662048A (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 1997-09-02 | Kralj; Nicholas L. | Integrated reusable pallet having data collection devices and method for using shipping conveyances |
| US9809351B1 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2017-11-07 | Victor Oliver | Method and apparatus for constructing pallets |
-
1979
- 1979-04-26 CA CA326,438A patent/CA1114755A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5662048A (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 1997-09-02 | Kralj; Nicholas L. | Integrated reusable pallet having data collection devices and method for using shipping conveyances |
| US5971592A (en) * | 1993-03-08 | 1999-10-26 | Kralj; Nicholas L. | Integrated reusable pallet having data collection devices and method for using shipping conveyances |
| US9809351B1 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2017-11-07 | Victor Oliver | Method and apparatus for constructing pallets |
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| MKEX | Expiry |