Pallet with a sealed connection and method for manufacturing said pallet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pallet (P) comprising support means (2) for supporting a load surface (1) the connection of which between said support means and the load surface is sealed. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet (P) such as the one mentioned, wherein the connection between the support means (2) and the load surface (1) is produced by coupling said support means to the load surface, and wherein, additionally, said connection is sealed due to sealing means located in said coupling.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet comprising support means for supporting the load surface the connection of which between said support means and the load surface is sealed.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet such as the one mentioned, wherein the connection between the support means and the load surface is produced by coupling said support means to the load surface, and wherein, additionally, said connection is sealed due to sealing means located in said coupling.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the technical field of pallets, solutions are currently known that make it possible to support a load on one face of an essentially flat surface of said pallet, said surface being the load surface. This allows a load volume to be transported on a single support.

[0004] Likewise, support means or legs are also currently known that support the load surface of said pallet on the floor or on any surface on which the pallet is placed, whether it has a load on its load surface or empty.

[0005] Said support means, or legs, not only support said load surface, but also allow the movement means, such as vehicles like, for example, forklift trucks, pallet trucks, roller conveyors or chain conveyors, to act.

[0006] Therefore, the support means, or legs, are subjected to high stresses on their structure, as well as the connection between said support means and the load surface, which leads to problems of wear or breakage of the pallet at said points.

[0007] Furthermore, the storage of pallets in adverse environmental conditions also weakens this connection between the support means and the load surface, also contributing to wear and breakage, and also allowing harmful elements, such as dust or organic matter, to be stored between the possible breaks caused at specific points of said connection between the support means and the load surface, which not only weakens the structure of the pallet, but can also contaminate the load stored on the load surface of said pallet.

[0008] In the current state of the art, solutions are known for configuring the connections between the legs and the load surface by means of mechanical connection elements using pressure, as described in document US 2024 / 0059453 A1, and also in document ES 2880034 T3.

[0009] However, the disclosures in said documents show connections that are completely exposed to environmental conditions, such that this type of connection between the legs of the pallet and its load surface has the disadvantage of not being sealed in said connections, as well as the appearance of sections of said connection with lower resistance to stress, which produces a weak connection prone to storing harmful elements, which weakens the connection and, therefore, the coupling between the support means and the load surface.

[0010] In the current state of the art, solutions are also known for the reinforcement of the support means, such as the solution described in document EP 4155223 A1, which describes a liner, surrounding each of the legs of said support means, with a configuration that provides reinforcement for each leg against possible blows or external stresses.

[0011] These liners can be installed on legs that form an integral part of the load surface, or legs that are coupled to the load surface independently, increasing their robustness and protecting them from external damage. However, this solution does not allow the support elements to be completely isolated from the outside, so they are also subject to environmental conditions, resulting in deterioration of the material that makes up each of the legs of the support means.

[0012] The present invention makes it possible to solve the aforementioned problems, which are not solved in the current state of the art, by means of a pallet with a sealed connection between the support means and the load surface, as well as a method for manufacturing a pallet with a sealed connection between the support means and the load surface, which will be described below.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Thus, in order to obtain a pallet and a method for manufacturing a pallet, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, the present invention relates to a pallet comprising sealing means, which allow the connection between the support means, feet or legs, and the load surface of the pallet to be sealed.

[0014] Likewise, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet with said features.

[0015] Thus, the first inventive aspect relates to a pallet, characterised in that it comprises a first essentially flat surface, extending along a longitudinal direction X-X' and along a first transverse direction Y-Y', essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction X-X', wherein said first surface comprises: a first face, configured to support a load, and a second face, wherein the pallet further comprises support means extending, according to a second transverse direction Z-Z', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', between a first end and a second end, wherein the support means are coupled to the second face of the first surface of the pallet by means of coupling means, said coupling means being located between the first end of the support means and the second face (1.2) of the first surface of the pallet, and wherein the coupling means are configured to form a connection between said first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet, and wherein the pallet further comprises sealing means, located on the connection formed between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface, and configured to provide sealing to said connection.

[0016] In particular, the pallet according to the present invention has a first essentially flat surface, or load surface, which in turn comprises a first face and a second face.

[0017] This surface, and therefore its first and second face, extend a certain length along a longitudinal direction X-X'. Likewise, they extend along a first transverse direction Y-Y', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X', thereby delimiting the two main dimensions thereof by means of a plane established by said first surface.

[0018] In particular, the first face of the first essentially flat surface is configured to support a load, such that the volume of the load to be transported by the pallet rests on said first face.

[0019] Furthermore, the second face of the first surface is configured to allow the pallet to be supported, either alone or in combination with its load, such that it rests or is supported on any surface, e.g. the floor in the case the pallet is stored, or on any surface that allows the pallet to move from one point to another.

[0020] In this way, said second side comprises support means, established by means of legs or feet, which allow the pallet to rest on any surface, as well as several pallets of the same dimensions and configuration to be stacked.

[0021] These support means extend not only along the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', but also along a second transverse direction Z-Z', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y'. Said support means extend, along said second transverse direction Z-Z', between a first end and a second end, which delimit their total length along said direction.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, said second transverse direction Z-Z' delimits the height of the means of support, which separates the first surface, or load surface, with respect to the ground or the surface allowing the pallet to be moved, a certain height, delimited between the first end and the second end of the support means.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the second face is flat, which advantageously allows the support means to extend homogeneously along at least a portion of said second face.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the second face comprises a plurality of projections, which configure reliefs or secondary surfaces, configured to provide a more precise coupling in the case of stacking several pallets based on the fit established by said projections when interacting with the adjacent pallet.

[0025] The pallet according to the first inventive aspect is configured such that the first end of the support means is coupled to the second face of the first surface by means of coupling means, which are located between said first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface, thereby configuring a connection or coupling interface between the two elements.

[0026] These coupling means are therefore configured to form a connection between these elements, such that, advantageously, said interface allows a fixed connection between the two elements.

[0027] The pallet according to the first inventive aspect is characterised in that it comprises sealing means at the aforementioned connection, that is, it comprises sealing means located between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface.

[0028] Advantageously, this allows said joint, configured by means of the coupling means, to be a sealed connection due to the action of the sealing means located on the connection.

[0029] Therefore, this advantageously makes it possible to obtain a sealed coupling, which prevents the entry of any external agent that weakens said coupling, and at the same time a continuous coupling, which forms a strong and robust structure at the most unfavourable point of the structure of the pallet: the connection interface between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface. This configuration is obtained by the combined interaction of the coupling means and the sealing means.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the coupling means and the sealing means are adjacent to each other, which advantageously allows the coupling means and the sealing means to act together to obtain a sealed connection.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the first end of the support means comprises a slot, which extends along the perimeter around said first end of the support means, the coupling means and / or the sealing means being located between the slot of the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet.

[0032] Advantageously, said slot allows the application of the coupling means and / or sealing means in an enclosed space, thus establishing their position and avoiding their dispersion at other points of the supporting means, such that the coupling between the corresponding elements is simpler and more reliable, as well as completely sealed, which increases the efficiency of said sealing means on the established connection.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise a flexible solid material and / or a fluid material and / or a liquid material. Said materials advantageously allow the sealing means to be couplable to the connection in which they are located.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means are, for example, a flexible solid material at room temperature, or a fluid and / or liquid material at room temperature, such as silicones, rubbers, plastics, glues, or a combination of these, among others.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise flexible adhesive, which, advantageously, makes it possible to secure the connection established by the coupling means as well as to provide said connection with the necessary leak-tightness.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means is in a solid state in the temperature range between -30°C and 80°C, which advantageously allows the leak-tightness of the connection between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface to remain stable over a wide range of environmental conditions, while remaining in a solid state and maintaining its sealing and strength properties.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means comprises at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic polymers, resins, waxes, and / or additives.

[0038] Advantageously, this allows the composition of the flexible adhesive that forms the sealing means to give the connection obtained by means of the coupling means a strength and resilience suitable for the load to be supported by the pallet, as well as a flexibility and sealing suitable for increasing the useful life of the coupling between the aforementioned elements.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the pallet comprises at least two supporting means, joined together by means of connecting means, or skids.

[0040] A second inventive aspect is directed to a method for manufacturing a pallet according to the first inventive aspect, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a first surface and at least one support means, b) applying coupling means and sealing means to the first end of the at least one support means, c) coupling said first end of the at least one support means with coupling means to the second face of the first surface and positioning the sealing means on said coupling means, and d) maintaining the coupling carried out in step c) for a predetermined time that configures the drying of the coupling means and of the sealing means applied in step b), obtaining a pallet wherein the coupling carried out in step c) configures a sealed connection.

[0041] The present method makes it possible, advantageously, to couple at least one support means to a load surface and, additionally, to apply sealing means on the coupling interface created between said elements, thus configuring a pallet with connections that are sealed, and which are provided with an adequate strength against the stresses caused by the load supported by said first surface or load surface of the pallet obtained, when said pallet is in an operational situation.

[0042] In this way, the elements necessary for configuring the structure of the pallet are provided in a first step, while in subsequent steps, the coupling between each of the support means to be installed on the first surface and the second face of said first surface is carried out, as well as establishing the leak-tightness of said coupling, thereby obtaining sealed connections between the different elements of the pallet.

[0043] This coupling is carried out, as set out in step b) of the present method for manufacturing, by applying the coupling means to the support means, then positioning said support means on the appropriate position of the second face of the first surface.

[0044] Once said position has been established, the sealing means are applied in the same step b) of the present method for manufacturing, placing them on the coupling means.

[0045] Subsequently, it is necessary to maintain the connection for the time set by the coupling means for its stabilisation, such that a fixed connection is established between the corresponding elements, as well as to maintain the sealing means on said connection for a predetermined time, according to the composition of said sealing means for its attachment to the connection created by said coupling means, such that the necessary leak-tightness is provided to the established fixed connection.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise flexible adhesive, which, advantageously, makes it possible to secure the connection established by the coupling means as well as to provide said connection with the necessary leak-tightness.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is in a liquid state, which advantageously allows a suitable application and spreading over the corresponding surface of the connection established between the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the stabilisation of the sealing means in step d) corresponds to the drying of the components of said sealing means which are in a liquid state, such as the flexible adhesive in a liquid state for example, applied in previous steps of the method for manufacturing in the coupling established between the corresponding elements carried out by the coupling means.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is applied by means of a gun, which allows a simple and efficient application of said flexible adhesive.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is applied by means of a robotic arm, which allows an accurate application of said flexible adhesive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] To complete the description of the invention, and for the purpose of helping to make the features thereof more readily understandable, according to preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, a set of drawings is included wherein, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following figures have been represented: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pallet comprising a sealed connection, according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the support means of a pallet according to the example shown in figure 1, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the support means shown in figure 2, and Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a coupling between support means as shown in figures 2 and 3, according to the exemplary embodiment of the pallet of figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pallet (P).

[0053] In particular, said pallet (P) comprises a first surface (1), or load surface (1), which in turn comprises a first face (1.1) on which the load is supported, and a second face (1.2) on which the support means (2) are coupled, configured as 9 legs (2), joined together by means of skids in threes.

[0054] The first surface (1) extends according to a longitudinal direction X-X' and a first transverse direction Y-Y', perpendicular to the said longitudinal direction X-X', forming in this case a horizontal plane according to the orientation of present figure 1.

[0055] Likewise, figure 1 shows the coupling between said support means (2) with the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) via coupling means (2.3), configured as an interface between said elements (1.2, 2).

[0056] Furthermore, figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2) as shown in figure 1.

[0057] Said support means (2) extend not only on the horizontal plane previously defined by the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', but also along a second transverse direction Z-Z', perpendicular to both, between a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2).

[0058] In this case, the second transverse direction Z-Z' configures the vertical direction according to the orientation of the present figures 1 and 2, thus establishing the height of each of the support means (2) and, therefore, the height of the legs (2) of the pallet (P).

[0059] Figure 2 also shows a slot (2.1.1) machined on the first end (2.1) of the support means (2), along the perimeter and its entire contour.

[0060] Said slot (2.1.1) is configured in such a way as to allow a suitable coupling of the support means (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), allowing the coupling means (2.3) to be suitably housed, which are not shown in the present figure.

[0061] In addition, figure 2 also shows the location of the sealing means (2.4) inside the slot (2.1.1), which are located adjacent to the coupling means (2.3) when the pallet (P) is in an operational state, as shown in figure 1.

[0062] Furthermore, figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2), shown in figure 2.

[0063] Said cross section makes it possible to show more clearly the position of the coupling means (2.3) and the sealing means (2.4) along the perimeter of the slot (2.1.1) extending over the surface of the support means (2).

[0064] Figure 4 shows, in detail, the coupling and sealing carried out between support means (2), that is, between a leg (2), and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), thus showing a connection of said elements (1.2, 2) wherein the sealing means (2.4) are a solid flexible adhesive, already hardened and positioned covering the entire available space, and in a continuous manner, together with the coupling means (2.3), between said leg (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1).

[0065] Lastly, it must be taken into account that the present invention must not be limited by the embodiment described herein. Other configurations may be carried out by those skilled in the art based on the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0052]Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pallet (P).

[0053]In particular, said pallet (P) comprises a first surface (1), or load surface (1), which in turn comprises a first face (1.1) on which the load is supported, and a second face (1.2) on which the support means (2) are coupled, configured as 9 legs (2), joined together by means of skids in threes.

[0054]The first surface (1) extends according to a longitudinal direction X-X' and a first transverse direction Y-Y', perpendicular to the said longitudinal direction X-X', forming in this case a horizontal plane according to the orientation of present figure 1.

[0055]Likewise, figure 1 shows the coupling between said support means (2) with the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) via coupling means (2.3), configured as an interface between said elements (1.2, 2).

[0056]Furthermore, figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2) as shown in figure 1....

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet comprising support means for supporting the load surface the connection of which between said support means and the load surface is sealed.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet such as the one mentioned, wherein the connection between the support means and the load surface is produced by coupling said support means to the load surface, and wherein, additionally, said connection is sealed due to sealing means located in said coupling.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the technical field of pallets, solutions are currently known that make it possible to support a load on one face of an essentially flat surface of said pallet, said surface being the load surface. This allows a load volume to be transported on a single support.

[0004] Likewise, support means or legs are also currently known that support the load surface of said pallet on the floor or on any surface on which the pallet is placed, whether it has a load on its load surface or empty.

[0005] Said support means, or legs, not only support said load surface, but also allow the movement means, such as vehicles like, for example, forklift trucks, pallet trucks, roller conveyors or chain conveyors, to act.

[0006] Therefore, the support means, or legs, are subjected to high stresses on their structure, as well as the connection between said support means and the load surface, which leads to problems of wear or breakage of the pallet at said points.

[0007] Furthermore, the storage of pallets in adverse environmental conditions also weakens this connection between the support means and the load surface, also contributing to wear and breakage, and also allowing harmful elements, such as dust or organic matter, to be stored between the possible breaks caused at specific points of said connection between the support means and the load surface, which not only weakens the structure of the pallet, but can also contaminate the load stored on the load surface of said pallet.

[0008] In the current state of the art, solutions are known for configuring the connections between the legs and the load surface by means of mechanical connection elements using pressure, as described in document US 2024 / 0059453 A1, and also in document ES 2880034 T3.

[0009] However, the disclosures in said documents show connections that are completely exposed to environmental conditions, such that this type of connection between the legs of the pallet and its load surface has the disadvantage of not being sealed in said connections, as well as the appearance of sections of said connection with lower resistance to stress, which produces a weak connection prone to storing harmful elements, which weakens the connection and, therefore, the coupling between the support means and the load surface.

[0010] In the current state of the art, solutions are also known for the reinforcement of the support means, such as the solution described in document EP 4155223 A1, which describes a liner, surrounding each of the legs of said support means, with a configuration that provides reinforcement for each leg against possible blows or external stresses.

[0011] These liners can be installed on legs that form an integral part of the load surface, or legs that are coupled to the load surface independently, increasing their robustness and protecting them from external damage. However, this solution does not allow the support elements to be completely isolated from the outside, so they are also subject to environmental conditions, resulting in deterioration of the material that makes up each of the legs of the support means.

[0012] The present invention makes it possible to solve the aforementioned problems, which are not solved in the current state of the art, by means of a pallet with a sealed connection between the support means and the load surface, as well as a method for manufacturing a pallet with a sealed connection between the support means and the load surface, which will be described below.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Thus, in order to obtain a pallet and a method for manufacturing a pallet, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, the present invention relates to a pallet comprising sealing means, which allow the connection between the support means, feet or legs, and the load surface of the pallet to be sealed.

[0014] Likewise, the present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet with said features.

[0015] Thus, the first inventive aspect relates to a pallet, characterised in that it comprises a first essentially flat surface, extending along a longitudinal direction X-X' and along a first transverse direction Y-Y', essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction X-X', wherein said first surface comprises: a first face, configured to support a load, and a second face, wherein the pallet further comprises support means extending, according to a second transverse direction Z-Z', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', between a first end and a second end, wherein the support means are coupled to the second face of the first surface of the pallet by means of coupling means, said coupling means being located between the first end of the support means and the second face (1.2) of the first surface of the pallet, and wherein the coupling means are configured to form a connection between said first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet, and wherein the pallet further comprises sealing means, located on the connection formed between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface, and configured to provide sealing to said connection.

[0016] In particular, the pallet according to the present invention has a first essentially flat surface, or load surface, which in turn comprises a first face and a second face.

[0017] This surface, and therefore its first and second face, extend a certain length along a longitudinal direction X-X'. Likewise, they extend along a first transverse direction Y-Y', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X', thereby delimiting the two main dimensions thereof by means of a plane established by said first surface.

[0018] In particular, the first face of the first essentially flat surface is configured to support a load, such that the volume of the load to be transported by the pallet rests on said first face.

[0019] Furthermore, the second face of the first surface is configured to allow the pallet to be supported, either alone or in combination with its load, such that it rests or is supported on any surface, e.g. the floor in the case the pallet is stored, or on any surface that allows the pallet to move from one point to another.

[0020] In this way, said second side comprises support means, established by means of legs or feet, which allow the pallet to rest on any surface, as well as several pallets of the same dimensions and configuration to be stacked.

[0021] These support means extend not only along the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', but also along a second transverse direction Z-Z', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y'. Said support means extend, along said second transverse direction Z-Z', between a first end and a second end, which delimit their total length along said direction.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, said second transverse direction Z-Z' delimits the height of the means of support, which separates the first surface, or load surface, with respect to the ground or the surface allowing the pallet to be moved, a certain height, delimited between the first end and the second end of the support means.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the second face is flat, which advantageously allows the support means to extend homogeneously along at least a portion of said second face.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the second face comprises a plurality of projections, which configure reliefs or secondary surfaces, configured to provide a more precise coupling in the case of stacking several pallets based on the fit established by said projections when interacting with the adjacent pallet.

[0025] The pallet according to the first inventive aspect is configured such that the first end of the support means is coupled to the second face of the first surface by means of coupling means, which are located between said first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface, thereby configuring a connection or coupling interface between the two elements.

[0026] These coupling means are therefore configured to form a connection between these elements, such that, advantageously, said interface allows a fixed connection between the two elements.

[0027] The pallet according to the first inventive aspect is characterised in that it comprises sealing means at the aforementioned connection, that is, it comprises sealing means located between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface.

[0028] Advantageously, this allows said joint, configured by means of the coupling means, to be a sealed connection due to the action of the sealing means located on the connection.

[0029] Therefore, this advantageously makes it possible to obtain a sealed coupling, which prevents the entry of any external agent that weakens said coupling, and at the same time a continuous coupling, which forms a strong and robust structure at the most unfavourable point of the structure of the pallet: the connection interface between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface. This configuration is obtained by the combined interaction of the coupling means and the sealing means.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the coupling means and the sealing means are adjacent to each other, which advantageously allows the coupling means and the sealing means to act together to obtain a sealed connection.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, the first end of the support means comprises a slot, which extends along the perimeter around said first end of the support means, the coupling means and / or the sealing means being located between the slot of the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet.

[0032] Advantageously, said slot allows the application of the coupling means and / or sealing means in an enclosed space, thus establishing their position and avoiding their dispersion at other points of the supporting means, such that the coupling between the corresponding elements is simpler and more reliable, as well as completely sealed, which increases the efficiency of said sealing means on the established connection.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise a flexible solid material and / or a fluid material and / or a liquid material. Said materials advantageously allow the sealing means to be couplable to the connection in which they are located.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means are, for example, a flexible solid material at room temperature, or a fluid and / or liquid material at room temperature, such as silicones, rubbers, plastics, glues, or a combination of these, among others.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise flexible adhesive, which, advantageously, makes it possible to secure the connection established by the coupling means as well as to provide said connection with the necessary leak-tightness.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means is in a solid state in the temperature range between -30°C and 80°C, which advantageously allows the leak-tightness of the connection between the first end of the support means and the second face of the first surface to remain stable over a wide range of environmental conditions, while remaining in a solid state and maintaining its sealing and strength properties.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means comprises at least one of the following materials: thermoplastic polymers, resins, waxes, and / or additives.

[0038] Advantageously, this allows the composition of the flexible adhesive that forms the sealing means to give the connection obtained by means of the coupling means a strength and resilience suitable for the load to be supported by the pallet, as well as a flexibility and sealing suitable for increasing the useful life of the coupling between the aforementioned elements.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the pallet comprises at least two supporting means, joined together by means of connecting means, or skids.

[0040] A second inventive aspect is directed to a method for manufacturing a pallet according to the first inventive aspect, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a first surface and at least one support means, b) applying coupling means and sealing means to the first end of the at least one support means, c) coupling said first end of the at least one support means with coupling means to the second face of the first surface and positioning the sealing means on said coupling means, and d) maintaining the coupling carried out in step c) for a predetermined time that configures the drying of the coupling means and of the sealing means applied in step b), obtaining a pallet wherein the coupling carried out in step c) configures a sealed connection.

[0041] The present method makes it possible, advantageously, to couple at least one support means to a load surface and, additionally, to apply sealing means on the coupling interface created between said elements, thus configuring a pallet with connections that are sealed, and which are provided with an adequate strength against the stresses caused by the load supported by said first surface or load surface of the pallet obtained, when said pallet is in an operational situation.

[0042] In this way, the elements necessary for configuring the structure of the pallet are provided in a first step, while in subsequent steps, the coupling between each of the support means to be installed on the first surface and the second face of said first surface is carried out, as well as establishing the leak-tightness of said coupling, thereby obtaining sealed connections between the different elements of the pallet.

[0043] This coupling is carried out, as set out in step b) of the present method for manufacturing, by applying the coupling means to the support means, then positioning said support means on the appropriate position of the second face of the first surface.

[0044] Once said position has been established, the sealing means are applied in the same step b) of the present method for manufacturing, placing them on the coupling means.

[0045] Subsequently, it is necessary to maintain the connection for the time set by the coupling means for its stabilisation, such that a fixed connection is established between the corresponding elements, as well as to maintain the sealing means on said connection for a predetermined time, according to the composition of said sealing means for its attachment to the connection created by said coupling means, such that the necessary leak-tightness is provided to the established fixed connection.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the sealing means comprise flexible adhesive, which, advantageously, makes it possible to secure the connection established by the coupling means as well as to provide said connection with the necessary leak-tightness.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is in a liquid state, which advantageously allows a suitable application and spreading over the corresponding surface of the connection established between the support means and the second face of the first surface of the pallet.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the stabilisation of the sealing means in step d) corresponds to the drying of the components of said sealing means which are in a liquid state, such as the flexible adhesive in a liquid state for example, applied in previous steps of the method for manufacturing in the coupling established between the corresponding elements carried out by the coupling means.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is applied by means of a gun, which allows a simple and efficient application of said flexible adhesive.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, the flexible adhesive of the sealing means of step b) is applied by means of a robotic arm, which allows an accurate application of said flexible adhesive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] To complete the description of the invention, and for the purpose of helping to make the features thereof more readily understandable, according to preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, a set of drawings is included wherein, by way of illustration and not limitation, the following figures have been represented: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pallet comprising a sealed connection, according to a first exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the support means of a pallet according to the example shown in figure 1, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the support means shown in figure 2, and Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a coupling between support means as shown in figures 2 and 3, according to the exemplary embodiment of the pallet of figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pallet (P).

[0053] In particular, said pallet (P) comprises a first surface (1), or load surface (1), which in turn comprises a first face (1.1) on which the load is supported, and a second face (1.2) on which the support means (2) are coupled, configured as 9 legs (2), joined together by means of skids in threes.

[0054] The first surface (1) extends according to a longitudinal direction X-X' and a first transverse direction Y-Y', perpendicular to the said longitudinal direction X-X', forming in this case a horizontal plane according to the orientation of present figure 1.

[0055] Likewise, figure 1 shows the coupling between said support means (2) with the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) via coupling means (2.3), configured as an interface between said elements (1.2, 2).

[0056] Furthermore, figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2) as shown in figure 1.

[0057] Said support means (2) extend not only on the horizontal plane previously defined by the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', but also along a second transverse direction Z-Z', perpendicular to both, between a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2).

[0058] In this case, the second transverse direction Z-Z' configures the vertical direction according to the orientation of the present figures 1 and 2, thus establishing the height of each of the support means (2) and, therefore, the height of the legs (2) of the pallet (P).

[0059] Figure 2 also shows a slot (2.1.1) machined on the first end (2.1) of the support means (2), along the perimeter and its entire contour.

[0060] Said slot (2.1.1) is configured in such a way as to allow a suitable coupling of the support means (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), allowing the coupling means (2.3) to be suitably housed, which are not shown in the present figure.

[0061] In addition, figure 2 also shows the location of the sealing means (2.4) inside the slot (2.1.1), which are located adjacent to the coupling means (2.3) when the pallet (P) is in an operational state, as shown in figure 1.

[0062] Furthermore, figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2), shown in figure 2.

[0063] Said cross section makes it possible to show more clearly the position of the coupling means (2.3) and the sealing means (2.4) along the perimeter of the slot (2.1.1) extending over the surface of the support means (2).

[0064] Figure 4 shows, in detail, the coupling and sealing carried out between support means (2), that is, between a leg (2), and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), thus showing a connection of said elements (1.2, 2) wherein the sealing means (2.4) are a solid flexible adhesive, already hardened and positioned covering the entire available space, and in a continuous manner, together with the coupling means (2.3), between said leg (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1).

[0065] Lastly, it must be taken into account that the present invention must not be limited by the embodiment described herein. Other configurations may be carried out by those skilled in the art based on the present description. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0052]Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pallet (P).

[0053]In particular, said pallet (P) comprises a first surface (1), or load surface (1), which in turn comprises a first face (1.1) on which the load is supported, and a second face (1.2) on which the support means (2) are coupled, configured as 9 legs (2), joined together by means of skids in threes.

[0054]The first surface (1) extends according to a longitudinal direction X-X' and a first transverse direction Y-Y', perpendicular to the said longitudinal direction X-X', forming in this case a horizontal plane according to the orientation of present figure 1.

[0055]Likewise, figure 1 shows the coupling between said support means (2) with the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) via coupling means (2.3), configured as an interface between said elements (1.2, 2).

[0056]Furthermore, figure 2 shows a perspective view of a support means (2), configured in the form of a leg (2) as shown in figure 1....

Claims

1. A pallet (P), characterised in that it comprises a first surface (1), essentially flat, extending along a longitudinal direction X-X' and along a first transverse direction Y-Y', essentially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction X-X', wherein said first surface (1) comprises: - a first face (1.1), configured to support a load, and - a second face (1.2), wherein the pallet (P) further comprises support means (2) extending, according to a second transverse direction Z-Z', essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X' and the first transverse direction Y-Y', between a first end (2.1) and a second end (2.2), wherein the support means (2) are coupled to the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P) by means of coupling means (2.3), said coupling means (2.3) being located between the first end (2.1) of the support means (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), and wherein the coupling means (2.3) are configured to form a connection between said first end (2.1) of the support means (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P), and wherein the pallet (P) further comprises sealing means (2.4), located on the connection formed between the first end (2.1) of the support means (2) and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1), and configured to provide sealing to said connection.

2. The pallet (P) according to claim 1, characterised in that the coupling means (2.3) and the sealing means (2.4) are adjacent.

3. The pallet (P) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first end (2.1) of the support means (2) comprises a slot (2.1.1), which extends along the perimeter around said first end (2.1) of the support means (2), the coupling means (2.3) and the sealing means (2.4) being located between the slot (2.1.1) of the first end (2.1) of the support means and the second face (1.2) of the first surface (1) of the pallet (P).

4. The pallet (P) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sealing means (2.4) comprise flexible adhesive.

5. The pallet (P) according to claim 4, characterised in that the flexible adhesive of the sealing means (2.4) is in a solid state in the temperature range from -30°C to 80°C.

6. The pallet (P) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the flexible adhesive of the sealing means (2.4) comprises at least one of the following materials: - thermoplastic polymers, - resins, - waxes, and / or - additives.

7. The pallet (P) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least two support means (2), joined together by means of connecting means (2.5).

8. A method for manufacturing a pallet (P) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a first surface (1) and at least one support means (2), b) applying coupling means (2.3) and sealing means (2.4) to the first end (2.1) of the at least one support means (2), c) coupling said first end (2.1) of the at least one support means (2) with coupling means (2.3) to the second face of the first surface (1) and positioning the sealing means (2.4) on said coupling means (2.3), and d) maintaining the coupling carried out in step c) for a predetermined time that configures the drying of the coupling means (2.3) and of the sealing means (2.4) applied in step b), obtaining a pallet (P) wherein the coupling carried out in step c) configures a sealed connection.

9. The method for manufacturing a pallet (P) according to claim 8, characterised in that the sealing means (2.4) comprise flexible adhesive.

10. The method for manufacturing a pallet (P) according to claim 9, characterised in that the flexible adhesive of the sealing means (2.4) of step b) is in a liquid state.

11. The method for manufacturing a pallet (P) according to any of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the flexible adhesive of the sealing means (2.4) of step b) is applied by means of a gun.

12. The method for manufacturing a pallet (P) according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the flexible adhesive of the sealing means (2.4) of step b) is applied by means of a robotic arm.

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