Pallet top part

Abstract

A pallet converter (1) with four sidewalls (2), opposite each other in pairs, a lid (3) and a locking device (4), to be placed (A) on top of a pallet (6) has two opposite sidewalls (2a, 2b) that are interconnected by means of a connector (5) which, when the converter is placed on the pallet (6), engages the pallet (6) from below, thereby avoiding theft.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pallet attachment for a pallet with side walls, a lid and a locking device.

[0002] Pallet collars come in various designs and serve to prevent the theft of goods stacked on a pallet, for example, when delivered to a construction site. A pallet collar typically consists of four opposing side panels and a lid, often made of metal mesh. The collar is equipped with a locking mechanism to secure it to the pallet, thus preventing the theft of the goods.

[0003] Pallets are transport platforms, usually made of wood, but also of plastic, corrugated cardboard, or metal. They are standardized, for example, as Euro pallets with a base area of ​​800mm x 1200mm, but there are also standardized pallets in the UK, France, and the US. A pallet can be moved using various types of material handling equipment, such as pallet jacks or forklifts. Any goods are stacked and transported on pallets, especially building materials, paints, and similar items. For example, on a construction site, various goods are delivered and stored on a single pallet. This can lead to theft, which can be prevented by equipping the pallet with pallet collars.

[0004] Various suppliers offer so-called mesh storage frames with four side panels and a lid made of a metal mesh. These frames are at least partially interconnected or can be pivoted relative to each other for space-saving storage when not in use. Additionally, the mesh storage frames can be locked, for example, with a padlock.

[0005] US Patent 2,975,929 describes a wire mesh box that can be additionally attached to the pallet to prevent it from being lifted off.

[0006] US patent 2008 / 0277392 A1 discloses a pallet collar with four side walls and a removable lid, the lid being secured to the side walls by a locking device. This allows goods stored under the pallet collar on the pallet to be secured against theft.

[0007] US Patent 2010 / 0213088 A1 discloses a one-piece pallet collar, wherein, in the position placed on the pallet, connectors are provided that join opposing side walls of the pallet collar to one another and that engage underneath the pallet. The pallet collar can be detachably connected to the connectors for this purpose.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating a pallet attachment that offers improved functionality for simple assembly and is space-saving for storage.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0010] The core concept of the invention is that the pallet collar consists of four opposing side panels in pairs and a lid. A connector is also provided, which joins at least two opposing side panels together. In the assembled state, the connector engages beneath the pallet on which the pallet collar is mounted. Thus, the connector prevents the pallet collar from being lifted off the pallet, as it is connected to at least two opposing side panels of the pallet collar when mounted on the pallet. The connector, also called a support beam, can be designed as a separate component that can be detachably connected to the side panels in a suitable manner.It is understood that the pallet with the pallet collar and connector mounted on it can still be lifted and transported by a forklift truck, meaning that the connector does not hinder the engagement of forks, for example of a pallet jack, under the pallet.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention proposes the inclusion of a locking device. For locking, a locking projection on an upwardly projecting tongue of the connector is inserted into a locking device on the side wall. This device, secured by a spring-loaded latch, locks the locking projection on the side wall. To release the connection, the latch can be pulled back against the spring force to release the locking projection on the tongue of the connector. Alternatively, a mechanical pull can be provided at a suitable location on the side wall to allow the assembled pallet attachment to be easily disassembled by pulling back the latch.

[0012] Furthermore, the two other side walls and the lid can also be connected in a suitable manner to the two side walls connected by the connector, so that none of the individual parts can be detached and, in particular, the entire pallet attachment can be locked, so to speak, with only a single locking device.

[0013] The entire pallet attachment can be made of any material, as long as it has sufficient stability, particularly against unintentional or intentional damage.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention includes the possibility that the pallet collar can have any desired height in order to secure correspondingly tall goods on a pallet. The base area of ​​the pallet collar is determined by the pallet, for example, a Euro pallet.

[0015] Likewise, one or more additional connectors may be provided that connect the two other opposing side walls and also grip the pallet when assembled.

[0016] Due to the dimensions of a Euro pallet and a typical height of the pallet collar of, for example, 1000mm, the four side walls and the lid can be stacked on top of each other and transported, for example, in the trunk of a motor vehicle, especially a so-called station wagon.

[0017] The pallet collar protects any goods from falling off the pallet during transport or protruding over the sides. In particular, wrapping the pallet with film or attaching straps is no longer necessary, resulting in less waste.

[0018] The dependent claims represent advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0019] In a first embodiment, the pallet attachment comprises two, three, or more connectors, with which, for example, the two long sides of a rectangular pallet attachment are connected. The two connectors are then preferably arranged symmetrically.

[0020] According to a further training, it is proposed that the connector(s) either be detachably connected to the side walls or that one or two connectors be pivotably mounted on a side wall of the pallet collar. This way, they are captive and can be folded flat against this side wall to save space when not in use.

[0021] To further secure the connector and / or side panels to the pallet, additional locking arms can be provided on one side panel. When assembled, these arms engage a portion of the pallet, preventing, for example, a side panel from being removed directly from the pallet in either a horizontal or vertical direction. In the assembled state, all side panels are then secured against unintentional detachment.

[0022] To connect the individual side walls and the lid, it is proposed that these components be designed to be either pluggable or slidable into one another. For this purpose, for example, grooves are formed on the edges of the side walls that contact the end walls on both long sides of the pallet attachment, which are themselves connected to each other by one or two connectors below the pallet. The two end walls can be slid into these grooves from above. This can also be done mechanically in reverse. Additionally, a further groove can be formed on the upper edges of both long sides, and optionally on the upper edge of a first end wall, into which a lid is inserted, essentially horizontally. For this purpose, the second end wall, over which the lid is inserted, can be slightly lower than the first end wall.In principle, the second end wall can also be the same height as the first. In this case, the lid, when inserted, covers both end walls. Finally, the lid can be secured to this second end wall with a locking device, such as a padlock. This prevents individual parts of the pallet collar from being removed and any stored goods from being stolen without damaging the locking device. The locking device can be a padlock operated with a key or a combination lock, or it can be an integrated locking mechanism operated with a key or a combination lock.For example, a permanently installed combination lock can be provided, to which an individual or user-specific combination can be assigned. This allows, for instance, building material suppliers to deliver goods stored on appropriately equipped pallets with a locked pallet collar to the construction site. Only the owner of the assigned combination, which is provided by the building material supplier or agreed upon with them, can open the pallet collar.

[0023] The pallet collar is proposed to be constructed primarily of metal to ensure sufficient stability and robustness for daily use on construction sites. Specifically, the individual components are designed as metal mesh, with reinforced corners and edges. Alternatively, or additionally, the components can be designed as flat elements if visibility into the pallet collar is undesirable. Applying lettering, logos, and similar designs to a flat element is also possible.

[0024] In particular, the locking mechanism is covered by a cover plate to make it more difficult to access. For example, the locking mechanism includes an eyelet on the lid and another on the second end wall, which are aligned when assembled and can be penetrated by the shackle of a padlock. To prevent damage to the shackle from bolt cutters, one of the eyes can be covered by a cover plate, leaving only the keyhole or an adjustment mechanism for a combination lock on the padlock exposed. A flush design of the locking mechanism is particularly advantageous in this case. This means that the locking mechanism with its cover plate is essentially flush with the surrounding side wall of the pallet collar, does not protrude, and therefore cannot be damaged, for example, during transport.Similarly, the eyes can also protrude outwards beyond the side wall and a padlock can be hung in them, which then protrudes beyond the side wall when closed.

[0025] Furthermore, the pallet collar or its individual parts can be dimensioned in such a way that, for example, four, five or six further disassembled pallet collars can be inserted or stacked in a pallet collar mounted on a pallet, thus securing them against theft.

[0026] Finally, the pallet collar is designed to be stackable. For this purpose, the corners and edges of the side walls are reinforced to support the weight of one or more pallets, each with its own collar. Furthermore, the lid features recesses and / or protrusions to ensure a snug fit for stacked pallets.

[0027] If larger or bulkier goods need to be stored or secured, the pallet collar can be connected to other identical pallet collars. For example, two pallets can be placed one behind the other with their narrower ends facing each other. In this case, the two middle end walls of the pallet collars can be omitted, with the four long walls mechanically connected. This connection is achieved, for example, with U-shaped hooks that grip the two facing edges of the side walls, and optionally with a vertical connecting bar between the side walls, which is also gripped by the U-shaped hooks. Finally, two lids can be inserted from the top to close the extended pallet collar. Thus, the pallet collar can be extended modularly, at least in length.Although transporting two such connected pallet collars with a forklift is no longer possible for stability reasons, in principle the two pallet collars could be assembled for transport on the loading platform of a truck.

[0028] Regarding the size of the pallet collar, it is proposed that it rests on one edge of the pallet, extending all the way around. This means its external dimensions essentially correspond to those of the pallet, for example, a Euro pallet. While this slightly reduces the available surface area on the pallet, it allows several standard pallets with their pallet collars to be arranged in a space-saving manner, for example, on the loading platform of a truck. Alternatively, the pallet collar can also wrap around the outside of the pallet when mounted. This leaves the full surface area of ​​the pallet available for storing various goods, which are essentially enclosed and secured by the pallet collar. In this case, the side walls of the pallet collar extend from the top down to below the base of the pallet.

[0029] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawing. The figures in the drawing show: Fig. 1 a pallet with two longitudinal walls and two connectors, Fig. 2 a detail view of a snap-fit ​​connection between longitudinal wall and connector, Fig. 3 the insertion of two end walls, Fig. 4 the insertion of a lid, Fig. 5 a compound pallet extension, Fig. 6 two detail views of the locking device, Fig. 7 several detail views of a pallet extension and Fig. 8 further detail views of a pallet extension.

[0031] In the Fig. 1 , 3 and 4The assembly of a pallet collar 1 is shown. The pallet collar 1 essentially comprises four side walls 2 and a lid 3 and is placed on a pallet 6, as indicated by arrow A. Fig. 1 This is illustrated. The two side walls 2a, 2b, or longitudinal walls, are slightly longer or wider than the two side walls 2c, 2d, or end walls, and have a height of, for example, 1000 mm. Pallet 6 is, for example, a standardized Euro pallet with a width of 800 mm and a length of 1200 mm and is made of metal, plastic, or corrugated cardboard. Pallet 6 can be moved, for example, with a forklift or pallet truck, whereby the forks lift the pallet 6 from below. The individual parts of the pallet collar 1 are preferably made of metal and are, in particular, designed in a grid-like form.

[0032] In the Fig. 1 Figure A shows the placement of the two opposing longer side walls 2a, 2b of the pallet collar 1. The two side walls are detachably connected to each other by two symmetrically arranged connectors 5. The connectors 5 are, for example, designed as a square metal profile, a tube, or a U-profile, each with sufficient stability. For this purpose, tongues 7 of the connectors 5 engage in locking devices 8 on the side walls 2a, 2b. The connectors 5 can also be pivotally attached to one side wall 2a to prevent them from being lost. Any goods 9, such as sandbags or paint buckets, can be stacked on the pallet 6.

[0033] In Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a detailed enlargement of the locking device 8. It comprises a latch 11, which is acted upon by the force of a spring 12. When the side wall 2 with the locking device 8 is placed onto the connector 5 or its tongue 7 in direction A, the latch 8 is first pushed back and then, due to the spring force, engages with the locking projection 10 on the tongue 7. Thus, the side wall 2 can no longer be lifted off the connector 5. Since the connector 5, in its assembled state, engages the pallet 6, as shown in Figure 12, the side wall 2 is held securely in place by the locking device 8. Fig. 1 As can be seen, both components can no longer be detached from the pallet 6. To release the locking connection, the latch 11 can be pulled back against the spring force using a pull 13. A handle for the pull 13 is located at a freely accessible point on the side wall 2.

[0034] In Fig. 3 Figure A shows the insertion of the two shorter or narrower opposing side walls 2c, 2d into the two longer side walls 2a, 2b. For this purpose, grooves or guide rails for the side walls 2c, 2d are formed, for example, on the side walls 2a, 2b. The locking device 8 is preferably designed such that the latches 11 cannot be retracted when the side walls 2c, 2d are inserted, so that the tongue 7 is locked in the locking device 8.

[0035] Part of the locking device 4 for the pallet attachment 1 with an eye 14 is arranged on the side wall 2c.

[0036] In Fig. 4 The insertion E of the lid 3 into the side walls 2a, 2b is shown, which are equipped with grooves or guide rails on their upper edges for this purpose. The fourth side wall 2c is slightly lower so that the lid 3 can be slid over it, with the third side wall 2d having the same height as the fourth side wall 2c. When inserted, the lid 3 covers the side walls 2c, 2d. In principle, the third side wall 2d could be equipped with a groove or guide rail like the two side walls 2a, 2b. A further part of the locking device 4 with a cover plate 15 is arranged on the lid 3. Any goods 9 are placed on the pallet 6 in the pallet collar 1.

[0037] In Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a fully assembled pallet collar 1, mounted on a pallet 6. It comprises four opposing side walls 2, of which only side walls 2b and 2c are shown here for clarity, and a lid 3, which is locked to side wall 2c by means of the locking device 4 and padlock 16. Inside the pallet collar 1, on the pallet 6, lies any item 9, such as a sandbag, a paint bucket, or the like.

[0038] In particular, several pallet collars 1, or their individual components, can be placed or stacked on a pallet collar 6, for example, five additional pallet collars 1, allowing for space-saving and theft-proof storage. Multiple identical pallet collars 1 can also be stacked on top of pallets 6. The pallet collar 1 is sufficiently stable for this purpose. Finally, several identical pallet collars 1 can be connected to each other to increase storage capacity.

[0039] In Fig. 6 A detailed enlargement of the locking device 4 of the pallet attachment 1 is shown. An eye 14a, 14b is arranged on the side wall 2c and on the lid 3, with an additional cover plate 15 provided on the lid 3. Fig. 6a The lid 3 is not yet fully inserted in the direction of E. Fig. 6b The cover 3 is fully inserted and the eyes 14a, 14b are preferably aligned with each other. The two eyes 14a, 14b can then, for example, be engaged by the shackle of a padlock 16. The cover plate 15 prevents this shackle from being broken open, for example, with bolt cutters.

[0040] With the locking device 4, all individual parts of the pallet attachment 1 are secured to the pallet 6 and no individual parts can be removed without authorization, or goods 9 in the pallet attachment 1 are secured against theft.

[0041] In Fig. 7 Several detailed views of a pallet attachment 1 are shown. Fig. 7a Several individual parts of the pallet collar 1, including side walls 2 and lid 3, are placed on a pallet 6, for example made of wood, which is preferably a Euro pallet. The individual parts of the pallet collar 1 can be dimensioned such that they only protrude slightly laterally beyond the pallet 6.

[0042] In Fig. 7b Figure 1 shows a side wall 2 of the pallet collar 1, wherein, for example, a connector 5 is arranged on the side wall 2 for transporting the unused pallet collar 1. To prevent it from being lost, the connector 5 can be attached to the side wall 2, for example, by snapping, clipping, hooking, or otherwise being detachably fastened. The connector 5 can also be arranged to pivot relative to the side wall.

[0043] In Fig. 7c A pallet 6 is shown with a connector 5 that engages underneath the pallet 6. The connector 5 has upward-pointing tongues 7 that connect to a side wall 2. The connector 5 rests on feet 17 on a slat of the pallet 6, so that the tongues 7 project beyond the outside of the pallet 6, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 7d visible and can be connected to a side wall 2, as shown in Fig. 7e The side wall 2 surrounds the pallet 6 on the outside, so that the entire surface of the pallet 6 is available for storing and securing items. A slide 18 on the side wall 2 serves to attach the side wall 2 to the tongue 7 or the connector 5. This slide can be inserted into or through an opening 19 on the tongue 7 (shown only schematically). The slide 18 can also be designed to be lockable.

[0044] In Fig. 8 Further details of the pallet attachment 1 are shown. Fig. 8a A cover 3 is inserted into the pallet attachment 1 in the insertion direction 3, for example, over the side wall 2c, for example into grooves or guide rails. An outwardly projecting eye 14b is arranged on the cover 3.

[0045] As from the Fig. 8b und 8c The pallet collar 1, with its side walls 2a and 2d, encloses the pallet 6, so that its entire base is available for storing and securing items. A further eyelet 14a is arranged on one side wall 2c, projecting outwards beyond the pallet collar 1. A connector 5 with a vertically projecting tongue 7 serves to connect the pallet collar 1, or rather one side wall 2a, to the pallet 6. When assembled, this connector engages underneath the pallet 6. A sliding slider 18 is arranged on side wall 2a, which can engage the tongue 7. Furthermore, the side walls 2a and 2d can be interlocked, hooked together, or mechanically connected to each other at their corners or edges.

[0046] Out of Fig. 8d A pallet collar 1 secured with a padlock 16 is visible. The eyelets 14a, 14b described above are formed on one side wall 2c and the lid 3, projecting outwards beyond the pallet collar 1, and are engaged by a shackle of the padlock 16. Thus, the lid 3 can no longer be opened, and the pallet collar 1 is completely sealed, securing its contents against theft.

[0047] Finally, in Fig. 8e The figure shows the state shortly before the lid 3 is finally inserted into the pallet attachment 1 in the insertion direction E. The lid 3 is pushed over the side wall 2a until the two lugs 14a, 14b on the lid 3 and side wall 2a are aligned or overlapping, so that they can be connected to each other by means of a padlock 16. The lid 3 also prevents the side wall 2d from being removed. Reference symbol list

[0048] 1 Pallet attachment 2 Side wall 3 Cover 4 Locking device 5 Connector 6 Pallet 7 Tongue 8 Locking device 9 Goods 10 Locking projection 11 Latch 12 Spring 13 Pull 14 Eye 15 Cover plate 16 Padlock 17 Foot 18 Slider 19 Opening A. Mounting direction E. Insertion direction

Claims

1. Pallet attachment (1) for placement (A) on a pallet (6), the pallet attachment comprising four side walls (2) opposite one another in pairs, a lid (3), and a locking device (4), two opposing side walls (2a, 2b) being connected by a connector (5), which engages under the pallet (6), when the pallet attachment (1) is placed on the pallet (6), characterized in that the connector (5) can be attached to the relevant side wall (2) by means of a latch device (8), it being possible for a latch projection (10) on an upwardly projecting tongue (7) of the connector (5) to be inserted into the latch device (8) on the side wall (2), which latch device locks the latch projection (10) on the side wall (2) by means of a bolt (11) to which a spring force is applied.

2. Pallet attachment (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that two or more connectors (5) are provided.

3. Pallet attachment (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector (5) can be detachably attached to a side wall (2a) or so as to be pivotable relative thereto.

4. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a side wall (2) engages behind the pallet (6) using a latch arm.

5. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the side walls (2) and lid (3) can be plugged into one another.

6. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that side walls (2) and lid (3) are made of metal, in particular are designed as a metal grid or as a flat element.

7. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking device (4) includes eyes (14) and / or a cover plate (15) and / or an integral locking device and / or a padlock (16).

8. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that individual parts of the pallet attachment (1) can be stacked in a pallet attachment (1).

9. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of identical pallet attachments (1) can be stacked on top of one another.

10. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a plurality of identical pallet attachments (1) can be interconnected.

11. Pallet attachment (1) according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pallet attachment (1) rests flush on the edge of the pallet (6) or in that the pallet attachment (1) surrounds the outside of the pallet.

12. Pallet attachment (1) for placement (A) on a pallet (6), the pallet attachment comprising four side walls (2) opposite one another in pairs, a lid (3), and a locking device (4), two opposing side walls (2a, 2b) being connected by a connector (5), which engages under the pallet (6), when the pallet attachment (1) is placed on the pallet (6), characterized in that the side walls (2a, 2b) surround the pallet (6), a slider (18) on the side wall (2) being provided for fastening the relevant side wall (2) to a vertically projecting tongue (7) of the connector (5), which slider can be inserted into or through an opening (19) in the tongue (7).

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