METAL PALLET SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of pallets, specifically metal pallets, which have characteristics of robustness and prevention of biological contamination.PRIOR ART

[0002] Wooden pallets typically comprise boards joined together by means of joining members or spacers, the said joining members consisting of wooden cubes, as in the case of the patent application with publication number US9527625.

[0003] This type of configuration seeks to maintain some robustness of the set of elements which form the pallet, though the configuration is discontinuous, thus saving material. Wooden pallets do not offer sufficient robustness to allow them to be reused and the material is also susceptible to contamination by biological elements, which means that they are typically destroyed after one or few uses.

[0004] Thus, pallets entirely of metal are presented as a solution which intends to prevent biological contamination of the material, but also takes into account the following considerations: increasing the robustness of the connection between the various elements which constitute the pallet, avoiding oxidation and achieving a compromise between saving on raw material and maintaining a robust structure.

[0005] The patent application with publication number US2011192327 discloses a solution based on metal pallets having a discontinuous configuration, by the crossing of the various transverse elements, though not providing a correct compromise between saving on material and robustness, nor avoiding oxidation of the materials in the connecting zones, maintaining a structure identical to that of wooden pallets.

[0006] The patent application with publication number KR101976485B1 discloses a solution based on metal pallets that can be assembled and disassembled to facilitate shipment operations and minimize the volume of parts to be shipped, in which the several parts that form the metal pallets comprise a plurality of plates and columns that are coupled together by male and female couplings and secured by rivets or bolts.

[0007] The metal pallet system now developed thus improves the state of the art, presenting a highly modular solution with strong robustness and very low susceptibility to contamination by biological elements.SUMMARY

[0008] The present invention provides a metal pallet system according to claim 1. The metal pallet system comprises a plurality of metal connecting blocks and a plurality of first profiles, second profiles and third profiles of metal.

[0009] Each connecting block consists of a piece of metal sheet with a tubular configuration, formed by four sides joined together by their edges, comprising first and second ends between which the said four sides are placed. Regarding the metal profiles, each first and second profile has a toothed section, each toothed section being such that each first and second profile fits onto said first and second ends of any connecting block.

[0010] The structure of a metal pallet, as proposed, is formed by a combination between the above-described elements. Particularly, at least two connecting blocks are connected to a first profile and to a second profile, said first and second profiles being arranged parallel to each other, forming a bottom runner. The structure of the metal pallet comprises at least two bottom runners, where each one of the first profiles is connected to at least two third profiles, which are arranged perpendicular to said first profiles.

[0011] An additional aspect of the system now presented is the fact that the faces of lateral sides of each first, second and third profile have an internal lip which extends along the longitudinal axis of said profiles. The purpose of said lip is to reinforce the respective profiles against the action of torsional and bending forces, also conferring greater load resistance.

[0012] According to ol the present invention, each first profile has at least one longitudinal rib which extends along their longitudinal axis, and each third profile has at least one transversal slot, along their transverse axis, appropriate for fitting onto said at least one longitudinal rib, the at least one slot of each third profile thus being fitted into the at least one rib of each first profile.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the metal pallet system developed, the joining between a connecting block and each first and second profile is carried out by welding. Complementarily, and in order to aid the fitting and consequent joining between each connecting block and each first and second profile, the sides of each connecting block and the contact surfaces of said profiles with said connecting block have ribs and slots appropriate for fitting onto ribs, each first and second profile thus being joined to the respective first and second ends of a connecting block by fitting said ribs into the corresponding slots.

[0014] Regarding the connection between first and third profiles, each first profile has at least one longitudinal rib and each third profile has at least one transversal slot appropriate for fitting onto said at least one longitudinal rib, in such a way that each first profile is joined to each third profile by fitting said at least one rib into said at least one slot.

[0015] The metal pallet system presented is highly versatile and simplified in relation to the known solutions in the state of the art, as it permits the creation of a robust pallet with low susceptibility to contamination by biological agents, with only two types of elements, metal profiles and connecting blocks. Due to its structural simplicity and the relationship between all of its elements, it has the advantage of being able to be dismantled for transportation purposes, which results in a reduction of the space that it occupies. Notwithstanding this structural simplicity, the configuration of the metal pallet system presented offers high load resistance, equivalent to traditional pallets - such as wooden pallets - but with much lower raw material use (compared with this traditional configuration of the prior art) and suitability for production in metal, as well as providing low susceptibility to contamination.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the pallet system described in the present application, where the numerical reference signs represent: 1 - first profile; 2 - second profile; 3 - third profile; 4 - connecting block. Figure 2 illustrates the connection between the connecting blocks and a second profile of an embodiment of the pallet system described in the present application, where the numerical reference signs represent: 2 - second profile; 4 - connecting block. Figure 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of the pallet system described in the present application, showing the toothed section of any first, second or third profile, in particular to illustrate the internal lip on each of the two faces of the lateral sides of the said profiles. The numerical reference sign represents: 5 - internal lip. Figure 4 illustrates the second metal profile of the pallet system developed, where the reference signs represent: 2 - second profile; 5 - internal lip. Figure 5 illustrates a metal pallet system not forming part of the claimed invention, where a fitting mechanism between first and third profiles, formed by projecting wedge-like tabs and orifices, is complemented by a fixing mechanism. The numerical reference signs represent: 5 - internal lip; 6 - orifice for fitting the projecting wedge-like tab; 7 - projecting wedge-like tab; 8 - orifice for inserting the fixing element. Figure 6 illustrates a metal pallet system according to the present invention, where the fitting mechanism between the first and third profiles is composed of ribs which fit into slots, and where the numerical reference signs mean: 1 - first profile; 3 - third profile; 9 - rib; 10 - slot. Figure 7 illustrates a particular embodiment of the metal pallet system, which uses a complementary joining mechanism between the first and second profiles and the connecting block, where the numerical reference signs mean: 1 - first profile; 2 - second profile; 4 - connecting block; 9 - rib; 10 - slot. Figure 8 illustrates a particular embodiment of the system, where the first profiles of the side runners of the metal pallet system have a side flange. The numerical reference sign represents: 1 - first profile; 2 - second profile; 3 - third profile; 4 - connecting block; 11 - side flange. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The most general advantageous embodiments of the technology developed are described in the section Summary. These configurations are detailed below, in accordance with other advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of the metal pallet system developed.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the system, each connecting block (4) consists of a piece of metal sheet with a tubular configuration, formed by four sides joined together by their edges by spot welding, which provides robustness and solidity thereto. The piece comprises first and second ends between which its four sides are placed. The latter are parallel two by two, with a substantially right angle where two edges are joined corresponding to adjacent sides of the block (4), giving rise to a structure with a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0019] Each connecting block (4) has as its main function to support the load to be placed on the metal pallet system, as well as to guarantee the necessary space between the first (1) and second (2) profiles of a pallet for movement thereof by mechanical means, by the action of a stacker or a pallet carrier. In relation to the state of the art, the proposed connecting block (4) provides a highly simplified and modular structure, as it enables the use of toothed profiles to configure a pallet system, with a specific tubular configuration which not only permits the robust fixing of toothed profiles but also allows for the saving of material. It can be seen that each connecting block (4) of a pallet is an essential element for its robustness, as it supports the weight of the load that is placed upon it, resulting from the elements fastened to a pallet individually and from other pallets that may be stacked on top of it.

[0020] Each first (1) and second (2) profile consists of a plate with a toothed section, comprising a plurality of teeth appropriate for providing a connection to the ends of a connecting block (4). Preferentially, the toothed section of each first (1) and second (2) profile is composed of three teeth, each toothed section being such that first (1) and second (2) profiles fit onto the first and second ends of any connecting block (4).

[0021] In an embodiment of the system, the distance between the lateral sides of a connecting block (4) is directly proportional to the width of the tooth of a first (1) or second (2) profile. This facilitates the combination of configurations of a toothed profile with a connecting block (4).

[0022] In another embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, each third profile (3) also has a toothed section. Alternatively, each third profiles (3) has a flat section.

[0023] In an embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, the joining between the connecting blocks (4) and the first (1) and second (2) profiles is carried out by welding, in order to guarantee the necessary robustness, resistance and durability between the said structural elements.

[0024] Complementarily to joining by welding, in another embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, the contact surfaces of each first (1) and second (2) profile with the first and second end of a connecting block (4), respectively, have at least one rib (9) which extends along the longitudinal axis of the said surfaces, and the sides of said connecting block (4) which contact with the said first (1) and second (2) profiles have at least one slot (10) appropriate for fitting onto ribs (9), the at least one rib (9) of said first (1) and second (2) profiles thus being fitted into the at least one slot (10) of said connecting block (4).

[0025] In another embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, the metal pallet system comprises at least three bottom runners, where the bottom runners that define the lateral sides of the system consist of first profiles (1) provided with a side flange (11) which extends along the longitudinal axis of the said first profile (1). The purpose of the side flange (11) is to ensure the accommodation of third profiles (3) in the interior space confined between the side flanges (11) of said first profiles (1) of the side runners.

[0026] In an embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention, each first profile (1) has orifices (6) and each third profile (3) has projecting wedge-like tabs (7), the projecting wedge-like tabs (7) of each third profile (3) thus being fitted into the orifices (6) of each first profiles (1). Alternatively, each first profile (1) has projecting wedge-like tabs (7) and each third profile (3) has orifices (6), the projecting wedge-like tabs (7) of each first profile (1) thus being fitted into the orifices (6) of each third profile (3).

[0027] In another embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention, each first profile (1) has at least one slot (10) and each third profile (3) has at least one rib (9), the at least one slot (10) of each first profile (1) thus being fitted into the at least one rib (9) of each third profile (3).

[0028] In another embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, the fitting mechanism between first (1) and third (3) profiles is complemented by a fixing mechanism, using at least one fixing element to strengthen the join between the said first (1) and third (3) profiles. For this purpose, each first (1) and third (3) profile additionally has at least one orifice (8) adapted for the insertion of fixing elements, which may be screws or rivets.

[0029] In another embodiment of the system, which can be combined with any of the ones described, each connecting block (4) and each first (1), second (2) and third (3) profile is made of aluminium, galvanised steel or stainless steel.

[0030] In an embodiment not forming part of the claimed invention, the system comprises at least two bottom runners, where: each connecting block (4) and each first (1), second (2) and third (3) profile is made of galvanised steel or stainless steel; and the first (1) and third (3) profiles are fitted together by projecting wedge-like tabs (7) and orifices (6), as described above, complemented by a fixing mechanism, using at least one fixing element to strengthen the join between said first (1) and third (3) profiles, in the nature of a screw or a rivet.

[0031] In another particular embodiment, the system comprises at least three bottom runners, where: each connecting block (4) and each first (1), second (2) and third (3) profile is made of aluminium; and the first (1) and third (3) profiles are fitted together by ribs (9) and slots (10), as described above, complemented by a fixing mechanism, using at least one fixing element to strengthen the join between said first (1) and third (3) profiles, in the nature of a screw or a rivet. EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The dimension and respective measurements of each connecting block (4) are adjusted to the dimension of each profile, in order to ensure a perfect fit, both at the first end and the second end.

[0033] Depending on the load capacity desired, it is possible to adjust the thickness and / or the geometry of each connecting block (4), always maintaining the concept of fitting together each first (1) and second (2) profiles.

[0034] Regarding the number of profiles (1,2,3), the number of connecting blocks (4) and the thickness of the metal sheet of the profiles (1,2,3) and / or of each connecting block (4), they vary depending on the capacity of the pallet that is intended to be achieved.

[0035] Therefore, these variables make it possible to define the capacity of the pallet system in terms of load, traditionally measured in kilogrammes, typical values being 500, 900, 1000, 1200, 1500 kg.

[0036] The greater the thickness of the metal sheet (of both the profiles (1,2,3) and connecting blocks (4)), the number of profiles (1,2,3) and the number of connecting blocks (4), the greater the load that can be supported, these variables being directly proportional.

[0037] Typical values for these variables: thickness: 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1mm and 1.2mm (applicable to connecting blocks (4) and profiles (1,2,3)); number of first profiles (1): between 5 and 9; second profiles (2): 6; number of connecting blocks (4): between 9 and 18 (total).

[0038] As will be obvious to a person skilled in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described in this document, and various alterations within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims are possible.

Claims

1. Metal pallet system comprising a plurality of metal connecting blocks (4), a plurality of metal profiles comprising first profiles (1), second profiles (2) and third profiles (3), where: - each connecting block (4) consists of a piece of metal sheet with a tubular configuration, formed by four sides joined together by their edges, said piece comprising first and second ends between which its four sides are placed, - each first (1) and second (2) profile has a toothed section, each toothed section being such that each first (1) and second (2) profile fits onto said first and second ends of a connecting block (4), wherein - at least two connecting blocks (4) are connected to a first profile (1) and to a second profile (2), said first (1) and second (2) profiles being arranged parallel to each other, forming a bottom runner; - the system comprises at least two bottom runners, where each one of the first profiles (1) is connected to at least two third profiles (3), which are arranged perpendicular to said first profiles (1), and - the faces of lateral sides of each first (1), second (2) and third (3) profile have an internal lip (5) which extends along the longitudinal axis of said profiles (1,2,3); characterised in that each first profile (1) has at least one longitudinal rib (9) and each third profile (3) has at least one transversal slot (10) appropriate for fitting onto said at least one longitudinal rib (9), in such a way that each first profile (1) is joined to each third profile (3) by fitting said at least one rib (9) into said at least one slot (10).

2. System according to claim 1, characterised in that the joining between each connecting block (4) and each first (1) and second (2) profile is carried out by welding.

3. System according to claim 2, characterised in that the sides of each connecting block (4) and the contact surfaces of each first (1) and second (2) profile with said connecting block (4) have at least one rib (9) and at least one slot (10) appropriate for fitting onto said at least one rib (9), said first (1) and second (2) profiles thus being joined to the respective first and second end of said connecting block (4) by fitting said at least one rib (9) in the corresponding at least one slot (10).

4. System according to claim 3, characterised in that the sides of each connecting block (4) have at least one slot (10) and the contact surfaces of each first (1) and second (2) profile with said connecting block (4) have at least one rib (9) which extends longitudinally, said at least one rib (9) of each first (1) and second (2) profile thus being fitted into said at least one slot (10) of the sides of said connecting block (4).

5. System according to claim 3, characterised in that the sides of each connecting block (4) have at least one rib (9) and the contact surfaces of each first (1) and second (2) profile with said connecting block (4) have at least one slot (10), said at least one rib (9) of the sides of said connecting block (4) thus being fitted into said at least one slot (10) of each first (1) and second (2) profile.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least three bottom runners, where the bottom runners that define the lateral sides of the system consist of first profiles (1) provided with a side flange (11) which extends along the longitudinal axis of each first profile (1).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each third profile (3) has a toothed section.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each first (1) and third (3) profile additionally has at least one orifice (8) in the respective surfaces, said at least one orifice being adapted for the insertion of fixing elements, in such a way that said first (1) and third (3) profiles are fixed to each other by means of said fixing elements.

9. System according to claim 8, characterised in that each fixing element is in the nature of a screw or a rivet.

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each first (1) and second (2) profile consists of a plate with a plurality of teeth, preferentially three, where the distance between the lateral sides of each connecting block (4) is directly proportional to the width of a tooth of a first (1) or second (2) profile.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each connecting block (4) and each first (1), second (2) and third (3) profile is made of aluminium, galvanised steel or stainless steel.