Customizable pallet

Abstract

The invention provides a customizable pallet (100) comprising: upper members (80) each having: a first lower surface, a first upper surface, a plurality of first cylindrical steps (50) having a first cylindrical support positioned thereon; lower members (40) each having: a second lower surface, a second upper surface, the first lower surfaces defining a lower contact surface smaller than the lower contact surface; a plurality of cylindrical projections, the cylindrical projections (10) extending partially inwards within said upper member, each of the cylindrical projections (10) having a second cylindrical support having second cylindrical steps;Several cylindrical projections (10) of the lower members extend vertically into the cylindrical passages of the upper members (80), joining a plurality of connecting members the cylindrical projections of the lower members (40) and the cylindrical passages of the upper members (80).;

Description

Customizable pallet Field of invention The present invention relates to pallets for handling and storing goods and, more particularly, to a customizable pallet adapted to be configured in various shapes according to the user's requirements. Background of the invention Handling and storing packages is a tedious and time-consuming task in various industries. The goods handled include raw materials required for manufacturing or production, as well as finished products. Production areas and warehouses implement various methods and techniques for handling and storing goods, such as overhead conveyor systems, conveyors, metal or wooden frame structures, and similar equipment. Current systems used for storing and handling goods involve structures generally manufactured in fixed shapes and sizes. These structures occupy a large amount of space and cannot be disassembled when not in use. Several attempts have been made to develop more user-friendly and less rigid systems for storing and handling goods. For example, US patent 9206827B2 discloses a wall-mounted organizational system that includes horizontal slots, drawers, hooks, and similar features. The system, which includes the listed features, can be mounted detachably on the wall. Additionally, document EP2896582A1 discloses a pallet handling stacker crane and a goods storage system. The system includes fixed racks that can rotate in the X and Y planes and move in the Z-axis plane. These racks are moved and rotated by geared motors. The racks and structures for storing and handling goods mentioned in the prior art are of fixed shape and size. These structures, although mobile and demountable, cannot be assembled or disassembled into shapes and sizes according to user requirements. The racks occupy a large storage space even when not in use and involve transportation costs when moving them back to the shipping stations from the delivery stations. They also require labor in addition to automation for the management of such structures. US2015 / 0274358A1 discloses a configurable pallet that includes elongated structural platform members used in various configurations with leg members or reinforcing structural beams. The platform members include tapered protrusions that can be received within cooperating truncated tapered openings that hold the structural members in place and perpendicular to each other, in addition to the use of tie-down members. Document WO2006 / 064087A1 discloses a load pallet that can be disassembled and reassembled comprising first beam members and second beam members, the first beam members and second beam members being detachably interconnected when the load pallet is in an assembled state. Document EP3405071B1 discloses a customizable pallet comprising a plurality of lower members and a plurality of upper members. Each lower member has a plurality of circular projections extending from its upper surface to a predefined height. Each upper member has a plurality of cylindrical passages extending inward between its upper and lower surfaces. The lower and upper members are secured in position using bolted connections. In a bottom perspective view, the lower members are below the upper members. The circular projections of the upper members project downward. A customizable pallet of this type can be easily assembled at the destination and disassembled when not in use according to the user's requirements and reused, facilitating savings in transport and manufacturing costs. Even during handling, a forklift could collide with a circular protrusion under its upper arm. First, the protrusion could be damaged by the forklift's nose. Second, the goods stored on the pallet risk falling off. Therefore, there is a need to improve balance and protect the circular protrusions. The invention aims to improve or overcome at least one of the aforementioned technical limitations. More specifically, the invention aims to protect the cylindrical protrusions of a customizable pallet. The invention also aims to optimize the protection against protrusions and the balance of the customizable pallet during handling, particularly with a forklift. Summary of the invention Generally, the present invention relates to a customizable pallet according to claim 1, the pallet being adapted to be formed into various shapes, such as square, triangular, trapezoidal, and the like. The customizable pallet mainly includes a plurality of lower members and a plurality of upper members. The lower and upper members of the present invention have, respectively, various sizes in order to facilitate various shapes of the customizable pallet. The invention provides a customizable pallet comprising: a plurality of upper members, each upper member having: a first lower surface, a first upper surface, a plurality of first cylindrical steps extending between the first lower surface and the first upper surface, each of the first cylindrical steps having a first cylindrical support positioned thereon, a plurality of lower members, each lower member having: a second lower surface, a second upper surface, the first lower surfaces defining a lower contact surface; the second upper surfaces defining an upper contact surface that is larger than the lower contact surface;notable in that each lower member has: a plurality of cylindrical projections along a second upper surface, the cylindrical projections extending outwards from the second upper surface of said upper member, the cylindrical projections extending partially inwards within said upper member, wherein each of the cylindrical projections has a second cylindrical support positioned thereon, wherein each second cylindrical support has a second cylindrical passage defined therein; several cylindrical projections of the lower members extend vertically into the cylindrical passages of the upper members, a plurality of connecting members joining the cylindrical projections of the lower members and the cylindrical passages of the upper members. Preferably, the upper members comprise a square cross-section. Preferably, the upper contact surface is as large as the lower contact surface or at least 20% larger than the lower contact surface. Preferably, the lower members comprise a rectangular cross-section, with a rectangle width and a rectangle height that is greater than the rectangle width. Preferably, the height of the rectangle represents 120% to 160% of the width of the rectangle. Preferably, each upper member comprises a wall thickness, each cylindrical projection comprises a projection height that is higher than the wall thickness, more preferably at least a height times greater, more preferably at least twenty-five times greater. Preferably, the first cylindrical steps comprise vertical sleeves with a vertical height, each cylindrical projection comprising a projection height that extends from 20% to 60% of said vertical height. Preferably, the upper limbs comprise a first height, the lower limbs comprise a second height that is higher than the first height. Preferably, the upper limbs comprise a first width, the lower limbs comprise a second width that is narrower than the first width. Preferably, the cylindrical projections are vertical projections; the first cylindrical supports comprise horizontal projections that extend horizontally into the first cylindrical steps. Preferably, the upper limbs comprise a first cumulative length, the lower limbs comprise a second cumulative width that is shorter than the first cumulative length. Preferably, the upper members comprise a first number of members, the lower members comprise a second number of members that is less than the first number of members. Preferably, each upper limb comprises a number of steps, and each lower limb comprises a number of projections that is greater than the number of steps. Preferably, each first cylindrical step comprises a lower half and an upper half, with the first cylindrical supports located in the upper halves. Preferably, the first cylindrical supports are vertically at a distance from the lower halves of the first cylindrical steps. Preferably, at least one upper limb is longer than each of the lower limbs; preferably, each upper limb is longer than each of the lower limbs. Preferably, the connecting members are bolted connections. Preferably, each bolted connection facilitates a smooth top surface of the pallet so that it is suitable for transporting goods without obstruction. Preferably, the connecting members are vertically at a distance from the first upper surface. Preferably, the connecting members provide a smooth upper surface for unobstructed transport of goods. Preferably, the lower limb has a predefined length selected from 350 mm, 750 mm, 1350 mm, 1900 mm, 2500 mm and 3000 mm. Preferably, the customizable pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper member has a predefined length selected from 486 mm, 846 mm, 1334 mm and 1686 mm. Preferably, each first cylindrical support has a first cylindrical projection defined thereon. Preferably, the upper limbs are perpendicular to the lower limbs. Preferably, the upper limbs are vertically on the opposite side of the lower limbs. Preferably, the first lower surfaces and the second upper surfaces form a contact interface. Preferably, the lower member has a plurality of cylindrical projections (hereinafter also referred to in this document as circular projections) extending from an upper surface thereof to a predefined height. Furthermore, the circular projections extend inward within the lower member to a lower surface thereof. Each circular projection has a first cylindrical support (hereinafter also referred to in this document as the first circular support) positioned thereon at a predefined distance from its lower surface. The first circular support includes a cylindrical passage (hereinafter also referred to in this document as the circular passage) defined therein. The upper member has a plurality of cylindrical passages (hereinafter also referred to in this document as circular passages) extending inward between an upper and a lower surface thereof. Each circular passage has a second cylindrical support (hereinafter also referred to in this document as a second circular support) positioned thereon at a predefined distance from its upper surface. The second circular support includes a cylindrical projection (hereinafter also referred to in this document as a circular projection) defined thereon. It is understood here that the number of projections and steps may vary depending on the dimensions of the lower and upper members, respectively. The position of the projections and steps may vary substantially depending on the dimensions of the lower and upper members, according to the present invention. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a customizable pallet, according to the present invention; Figures 2 to 7 show perspective views of different lower members of the customizable pallet, according to the present invention; and Figures 8 to 11 show perspective views of different upper members of the customizable pallet, according to the present invention. Detailed description of the drawings Although specific terms are used in the following description for clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention defined by the claims. References in the specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" mean that a particular element, structure, feature, or function described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The presence of the expression "in an embodiment" in several places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, a customizable pallet (100) is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, the customizable pallet (100) includes a plurality of lower members (40) (hereinafter referred to as "the lower members (40)") and a plurality of upper members (80) (hereinafter referred to as "the upper members (80)"). The lower and upper members (40, 80) of the present invention are of various sizes to facilitate different shapes for the customizable pallet (100). In this embodiment, the customizable pallet (100) is adapted to form a square shape. However, it is understood that the customizable pallet (100) can be adapted to be configured into various shapes, such as triangular, trapezoidal, and the like, according to the user's requirements.The upper limbs (80) are arranged on, preferably directly on, the lower limbs (40). Each lower member (40) has a plurality of circular projections (10) extending from its upper surface to a predefined height. Furthermore, the circular projections (10) extend inward within the lower member (40) to its lower surface. Each circular projection (10) has a first circular support positioned thereon at a predefined distance from its lower surface. The first circular support includes a defined circular passage thereon. Each upper member (80) has a plurality of inwardly extending circular steps (50) between an upper and a lower surface thereof. Each circular step has a second circular support positioned thereon at a predefined distance from its upper surface. The second circular support includes a defined circular projection thereon. The upper members (80) are positioned on the lower members (40) such that the plurality of circular projections (10) of the lower members (40) engage with the plurality of circular steps (50) of the upper members (80), thereby enabling alignment of the first support on the second support.The lower members (40) and upper members (80) are secured in position using connecting members such as a bolted connection formed from nuts and bolts to create a smooth, customizable top surface of the pallet (100) that facilitates unobstructed transport of goods. Each lower member (40) has a predefined length L1. Each upper member (80) has a predefined length L2. However, it is understood that the predefined lengths L1 and L2 can vary depending on the pallet customization requirements. The predefined length L1 of the lower member (40) is selected from 350 mm, 750 mm, 1350 mm, 1900 mm, 2500 mm, and 3000 mm. The predefined length L2 of the upper member (80) is selected from 486 mm, 846 mm, 1334 mm, and 1686 mm. It is understood here that the number of projections and steps may vary depending on the dimensions of the lower and upper members, respectively. The position of the projections and steps may vary substantially depending on the dimensions of the lower and upper members, according to the present invention. Each first upper surface is a good receiving surface. It is the uppermost surface of the pallet. Each second lower surface is a mating surface with the floor. It is the lowermost surface of the pallet. From now on in this document, various realizations of the lower and upper limbs are described (40, 80). Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lower member 40, having a predefined length L1 of 350 mm, preferably includes two projections (410, 412) such that each projection (410, 412) is separated at a fixed distance from the center of the lower member (40). Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the lower member 40, having a predefined length L1 of 750 mm, preferably includes three projections (510, 512 and 514) such that one of the projections (512) is centrally located along the lower member (40) and the two remaining projections (510, 514) are equally separated at a predefined distance from said central projection (512). Referring to figures 1 and 4, the lower member, which has a predefined length L1 of 1350 mm, preferably includes five projections (610, 612, 614, 616 and 618) such that one of the projections (614) is located centrally along the lower member (40) and the four remaining projections (610, 612, 616 and 618) are equally separated from said central projection (614). Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the lower member 40, having a predefined length L1 of 1900 mm, preferably includes seven projections (710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720 and 722) such that one of the projections (716) is centrally located along the lower member (40) and the remaining six projections (710, 712, 714, 718, 720 and 722) are equally separated from said central projection (716). Referring to Figures 1 and 6, the lower member 40, having a predefined length L1 of 2500 mm, preferably includes nine projections (810, 812, 814, 816, 818, 820, 822, 824 and 826) such that one of the projections (818) is centrally located along the lower member (40) and the remaining eight projections (810, 812, 814, 816, 820, 822, 824 and 826) are equally separated from said central projection (818). Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the lower member 40, having a predefined length L1 of 3000 mm, preferably includes eleven projections (910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928 and 930) such that one of the projections (920) is centrally located along the lower member (40) and the remaining ten projections (910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 922, 924, 926, 928 and 930) are equally separated from said central projection (920). Referring to Figures 1 and 8, the upper member (80), which has a predefined length L2 of 486 mm, preferably includes six steps (1010, 1012, 1014, 1016, 1018, and 1020) defined as two sets of steps (1022a, 1022b), such that each set of steps (1022a, 1022b) preferably includes three steps. The steps in each set of steps (1022a, 1022b) are equally spaced from each other. The two sets of steps (1022a, 1022b) are equally spaced from a center of the upper member (80). The first cylindrical steps comprise vertical sleeves (52) with a vertical height. The vertical sleeves 52 are tube segments. They are welded to the upper member (80). Each cylindrical projection comprises a projection height that extends from 20% to 60% of said vertical height. Each first cylindrical step comprises a lower half and an upper half, with the first cylindrical supports located in the upper halves. Preferably, the first cylindrical supports are vertically positioned at a distance from the lower halves of the first cylindrical steps. The cylindrical supports comprise horizontal projections that form horizontal internal ridges or radial narrowings thereon. Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the upper member, which has a predefined length L2 of 846 mm, preferably includes seven steps (1110, 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118, 1120, and 1122) defined as a central step (1116) and two sets of steps (1124a, 1124b). The central step (1116) is located at the center of the upper member (80). Each set of steps (1124a, 1124b) preferably includes three steps. The steps in each set (1124a, 1124b) are equally spaced from each other. The two sets of steps (1124a, 1124b) are equally spaced from the central step (1116). Referring to Figures 1 and 10, the upper member (80), which has a predefined length L2 of 1334 mm, preferably includes eleven steps (1210, 1212, 1214, 1216, 1218, 1220, 1222, 1224, 1226, 1228, and 1230) defined as a central step (1220), two adjacent steps (1218, 1222), and two sets of steps (1232a, 1232b). The central step (1220) is located at the center of the upper member (80). Each adjacent step (1218, 1222) is equally spaced from the central step (1220). Each set of steps (1232a, 1232b) preferably includes four steps. The steps (1232a, 1232b) in each set are equally spaced from each other. The two sets of steps (1232a, 1232b) are equally spaced from the two adjacent steps (1218, 1222) respectively. Referring to Figures 1 and 11, the upper member (80), which has a predefined length L2 of 1686 mm, preferably includes eleven steps (1310, 1312, 1314, 1316, 1318, 1320, 1322, 1324, 1326, 1328, and 1330) defined as a central step (1320), four adjacent steps (1316, 1318, 1322, 1324), and two sets of steps (1332a, 1332b). The central step (1320) is located at the center of the upper member (80). Each pair of adjacent steps (1316, 1318 and 1322, 1324) is equally spaced from the central step (1320). Each set of steps (1332a, 1332b) preferably includes three steps. The steps in each set (1332a, 1332b) are equally spaced from each other. The two sets of steps (1332a, 1332b) are equally spaced from the two outermost adjacent steps respectively. Advantages of the invention 1) The customizable pallet (100) allows the members to be disassembled and reassembled, thus reducing the space required, as well as the transport cost. 2) The customizable pallet (100) facilitates different combinations of the lower and upper members to adjust the pallet size depending on the requirements. 3) The customizable pallet (100) perverts the cylindrical protrusions so that they are not damaged during use. 4) The customizable pallet (100) promotes the balance of the goods on it during handling and gripping by a forklift. The preceding descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms described, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing. The embodiments are selected and described to better explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to make better use of the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as they suit the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or make appropriate, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A customizable pallet (100) comprising: a plurality of upper members (80), each upper member (80) having: either a first lower surface, or a first upper surface, or a plurality of first cylindrical steps (50) extending between the first lower surface and the first upper surface, each of the first cylindrical steps (50) having a first cylindrical support thereon; a plurality of lower members (40), each lower member having: either a second lower surface, or a second upper surface, the first lower surfaces defining a lower contact surface; the second upper surfaces defining an upper contact surface that is larger than the lower contact surface; characterized in that each lower member has: a plurality of cylindrical projections (10) along a second upper surface,cylindrical projections (10) extending outwards from the second upper surface of said upper member (80), the cylindrical projections (10) extending partially inwards within said upper member (80), wherein each of the cylindrical projections (10) has a second cylindrical support positioned thereon, wherein each second cylindrical support has a second cylindrical passage defined therein; several cylindrical projections (10) of the lower members (40) extend vertically into the cylindrical passages of the upper members (80), a plurality of connecting members joining the cylindrical projections (10) of the lower members (40) and the cylindrical passages of the upper members (80).

2. The customizable pallet (100) according to claim 1, wherein the upper members (80) comprise a square cross-section; preferably,The upper contact surface is as large as the lower contact surface or at least 20% larger than the lower contact surface.

3. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the lower members (40) comprise a rectangular cross-section, with a rectangle width and a rectangle height greater than the rectangle width; preferably, the rectangle height represents from 120% to 160% of the rectangle width.

4. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each upper member (80) comprises a wall thickness, and each cylindrical projection (10) comprises a projection height greater than the wall thickness, preferably at least a times greater, more preferably at least twenty-five times greater.

5. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,wherein the first cylindrical steps (50) comprise vertical sleeves (52) with a vertical height, each cylindrical projection (10) comprising a projection height ranging from 20% to 60% of said vertical height.

6. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper members (80) comprise a first height, the lower members (40) comprise a second height that is higher than the first height and / or the upper members (80) comprise a first width, the lower members (40) comprise a second width that is narrower than the first width.

7. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cylindrical projections (10) are vertical projections,The first cylindrical supports comprise horizontal projections extending horizontally into the first cylindrical steps (50).

8. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper members (80) comprise a first cumulative length, and the lower members (40) comprise a second cumulative width that is shorter than the first cumulative length.

9. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper members (80) comprise a first number of members, and the lower members (40) comprise a second number of members that is less than the first number of members; and / or each upper member (80) comprises a number of steps, and each lower member comprises a number of projections that is greater than the number of steps.

10. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9,wherein each first cylindrical step (50) comprises a lower half and an upper half, the first cylindrical supports being in the upper halves; preferably, the first cylindrical supports are vertically at a distance from the lower halves of the first cylindrical steps (50).

11. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one upper member (80) is longer than each of the lower members (40); preferably, each upper member (80) is longer than each of the lower members (40).

12. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the connecting members are bolted connections; preferably,Each bolted connection provides a smooth top surface of the pallet so as to be suitable for transporting goods without obstruction.

13. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connecting members are vertically positioned at a distance from the first top surface; preferably, the connecting members provide a smooth top surface for transporting goods without obstruction.

14. The customizable pallet (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lower member has a predefined length selected from 350 mm, 750 mm, 1350 mm, 1900 mm, 2500 mm, and 3000 mm.

15. The customizable pallet (100) according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the customizable pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper member (80) has a predefined length selected from 486 mm, 846 mm, 1334 mm and 1686 mm.

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