Pallets for transporting drums

Abstract

This patent application relates to a drum pallet suitable for placing one or more drums thereon.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Pallets on the market are designed to hold fixed items and are commonly used in truck transport. To make optimal use of space in truck transport, pallets are modularized with fixed grid dimensions, e.g. 600x600mm, 600x900mm, 600x1200mm, 800x1200mm (Europallet) or 1200x1200mm.

[0002] The majority of pallets on the market have a smooth top deck and are intended for the regular transport of any goods, not specifically for drums. Other pallets have a top deck made of several parallel wooden slats with gaps between them. The slats are all in the same layer and carry the goods.

[0003] These smooth decks have the drawback that items may move on the deck during transport and therefore require a great deal of effort to perform efficient transport safety and securing of the load for transport.

[0004] Pallets are made of either wood, plastic, or mixed materials. Multi-component pallets are unstable and / or not resistant to high mechanical stresses. The durability of such pallets is very limited. Of great importance is the fact that serious damage to such pallets is not always visible and can cause serious damage to the drums and their contents. Depending on the contents of the drums, hidden damage can lead to EHS incidents and accidents.

[0005] A commercial pallet from Ahrma Holding BV in the Netherlands is designed for the specific application of drums and is made of a multi-component material. The pallet consists of a wooden body that is partially coated and glued with PU parts. If, for any reason, a part of the pallet is missing or broken, fine wood particles are often released, which must be strictly avoided in highly sensitive production areas such as those in the pharmaceutical industry.

[0006] The above also applies to "explosion-proof production areas" (or explosion-proof areas). Therefore, the pallets mentioned above are not suitable for use in explosion-proof areas. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved drum pallet suitable for placement of a drum or multiple drums therein is provided, wherein: The pallet has a deck, a skid, and a plurality of blocks between the deck and the skid connection, thereby forming a gap therebetween for receiving the lifting member; the deck and the plurality of blocks form one integral body; The skid is connected to the block below; The body is constructed from a compression molded thermoset composite.

[0008] Drums are cylindrical containers for liquids or chemicals. They are primarily made of metal or plastic, preferably metal.

[0009] The process used to manufacture these pallets is compression molding, which produces a highly stable and durable product. Compression molding is a molding method in which preheated molding material is first placed into an open, heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed with a top force or plug member, and pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mold areas. The heat and pressure are maintained until the molding material hardens. This process uses partially cured thermosetting resins in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms. Compression molding is a high-volume, high-pressure method suitable for molding composite, high-strength fiberglass-reinforced materials. It is also one of the least expensive molding methods compared to other methods, such as transfer molding and injection molding. Furthermore, it results in relatively little material waste, making it advantageous when working with expensive compounds. Its ability to create complex parts for a wide variety of applications while prioritizing part cost and turnaround time makes compression molding a favorable process for manufacturers of drum pallets.

[0010] When the deck and blocks form one integral body, the installation of the pallet requires fewer work steps. Accidental removal of blocks is less likely.

[0011] Preferably, the skid is made of a compression molded thermoset composite material.

[0012] Thus, the skid and body can be manufactured in a single mold and in a single pressing operation.

[0013] Preferably, the compression molded thermoset composite material is a recycled low density polyethylene (LDPE) material.

[0014] Preferably, the compression molded thermoset composite does not contain wood particles.

[0015] Therefore, if a part of the pallet breaks, no wood particles can be released, which makes the pallet safe to use in highly sensitive production areas, such as in the pharmaceutical industry or in "explosion-proof production areas".

[0016] Preferably, the skid is screwed or welded under the block.

[0017] Preferably, the upper surface of the deck includes a vertical protrusion adapted to prevent movement of the drum along the surface, which is disposed on the deck and is aligned with the protrusion.

[0018] This results in a perfectly nestable fit of one or several drums on a pallet. Transport safety and reduced measurements are required in the case of load securing. The pallets in particular meet the "load securing" aspects in accordance with DIN / EN 12642, as explained below.

[0019] Preferably, the protrusion is designed so that two drums having similar constant diameters can be placed on the deck next to each other, so that alternatively, only one single drum having the same constant diameter can be placed on the deck and aligned with the protrusion, thereby avoiding movement of the single drum or drums, so that the position of the single drum is aligned midway between the positions designated for the two drums.

[0020] Thus, this single pallet can be used to position, handle, and transport one or two drums, held in a fully nestable fit on the pallet. The next pallet can be placed on top of the single drum or two drums precisely aligned and centered on the pallet below. It is important that the two positions of the two drums are side-by-side, since the middle position of the single drum must overlap the two positions of the two drums. Therefore, a pallet designed to carry no more than two drums side-by-side can also carry only one single drum and is fully nestable. Thus, in one embodiment, the pallet has a rectangular base rather than a square base and is sized to allow no more than two drums to be placed side-by-side on the deck and aligned with the protrusions, thereby avoiding movement.

[0021] A similar concept is asserted for pallets for three or four drums arranged side by side in the form of a triangle (three drums) or a square (four drums). These drums can also be loaded with one single drum placed in the center of the triangle or square.

[0022] Preferably, the pallet is designed so that the drums can be metal or plastic drums, in particular having a volume of 220 liters and / or a diameter of 572 mm. Generally, the pallet can be designed so that the drums can be metal or plastic drums, in particular having a volume of 20 to 250 liters.

[0023] Preferably, the drum may be a plastic or metal drum having a convex bottom with a rim on which the drum can stand, the protrusions being designed so that the interaction between the rim of the convex bottom of the drum and the protrusions on the surface of the deck provides fixation against movement.

[0024] Preferably, the protrusion is formed by a plateau layer on the surface of the deck and has a combination of concave and convex edges that match the shape of the rim of the drum against which the drum can stand.

[0025] Preferably, the protrusion on the deck and the plurality of blocks form one integral body.

[0026] This allows protrusions that may be formed by surface plateaus to be formed in a single step during compression molding, making accidental removal of the protrusions or plateau layer less likely.

[0027] Preferably, the body includes reinforcing elements, such as metal profiles, that extend into the deck and connect the blocks.

[0028] These elements may be added after compression molding, or preferably inserted into the mold before the compression molding step to provide a strong bond between the element and the body. Inserting the reinforcing elements into the mold before molding makes manufacturing easier, provides a strong bond, and protects the reinforcing elements from environmental influences such as acids if they are completely covered by the body.

[0029] Preferably, the reinforcing element, for example a metal profile, is shaped as a T-profile and extends along the four side walls to connect the blocks.

[0030] Depending on the design of the production tool, pallets can be equipped with additional longitudinal or transverse metal profiles to enhance their stability. For example, this is necessary when goods are stored for long periods in high-rise warehouses without intermediate floors.

[0031] Preferably, the reinforcing elements can be designed to increase load capacity beyond 2000 kg. To enhance the stability of the pallet, reinforcing elements can be installed on each length and width side, connecting the blocks. Any standard grid or dimension of the pallet can be applied, for example, pallets with dimensions of 600x600mm, 600x900mm, 600x1200mm, 800x1200mm (Euro pallet), or 1200x1200mm, suitable for accommodating three or four drums instead of two. For example, for a 0.6mx1.2m pallet, elements can be installed on the 0.6m long side and the 1.2m long side.

[0032] Preferably, the underside of the deck and / or blocks can include a lightweight, structurally reinforcing technical web. The web is part of the body and can be moulded in one step with the rest of the body. The web can also be part of the block.

[0033] Preferably, the pallets have dimensions of 0.6m x 1.2m for optimal use of space in truck transport etc. However, any standard grid or dimension of the pallet may be applied, for example the pallet dimensions may be 800x1200mm (Euro pallet) or 1200x1200mm, suitable for accommodating four or three drums instead of two. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] The features and advantages of the present invention will be understood with reference to the following drawings of several exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pallet according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a pallet with different plateaus according to the invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the pallet from below showing the technical web. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the pallet of FIG. [Figure 5] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a pallet according to the present invention loaded with one single drum, and Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the pallet of Figure 5A loaded with two drums. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the pallet of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a pallet according to the present invention. The drum pallet 10, suitable for placing one or two drums thereon, has dimensions of 1200mm x 600mm. The pallet 10 has a deck 11, two skids 2, and a number of blocks 12 connecting the deck 11 to the skids 2, thereby forming gaps 5 therebetween for receiving lifting members (not shown). The deck 11 and the number of blocks 12 form a single, integral body 1.

[0036] The skid 2 is connected to the block 12 below by screws not shown.

[0037] The body 1 consists of a compression-molded thermoset composite, here low density polyethylene (LDPE) - a recycled material that does not contain any wood particles.

[0038] The upper surface 13 of the deck 11 is provided with vertical protrusions 14A, 14B adapted to prevent the drums from moving along the surface. The pallets and protrusions are designed so that the drums can in particular be metal drums with a volume of 220 liters and / or a diameter of 572 mm. The drums have a convex bottom with a rim on which they can stand, allowing a fit between the rim of the convex bottom of the drum and the protrusions on the surface of the deck.

[0039] The protrusions 14A, 14B are formed by a plateau layer on the deck surface 13, so that the protrusions on the deck and the blocks form a single, integral body. Two adjacent, different protrusions 14A, 14B fit together to the rim of a drum, thereby securing it against movement on the surface. Thus, the first protrusion 14A of the two adjacent, different protrusions 14A, 14B has one convex edge and one concave edge. The second protrusion 14B of the two adjacent, different protrusions 14A, 14B has two concave edges. This allows two adjacent drums to be secured on the pallet 10.

[0040] Even if only one drum is fixed in the center of the pallet, it is still possible to stack further pallets on the pallet. Thus, two adjacent similar protrusions 14B, 14B fit together on the rim of the drum, thereby securing it against movement on the surface. Both protrusions 14B, 14B have two concave edges. This allows one single drum to be fixed to the pallet 10 in the center of the pallet 10.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a pallet with different protrusions according to the present invention. The protrusions 14A, 14B have the same convex and concave edges as the plateaus of the embodiment of Figure 1, but do not form plateaus.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a perspective view from below of the pallet, showing the lightweight, structurally reinforcing technical web 19, which is made of ribs. The technical web 19 lies below the deck 11, is part of the body 1 and can be moulded in one step together with the rest of the body.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the pallet of FIG. 3 and illustrates that the web 19A may also be part of the block 12, thereby reducing the material and weight of the block.

[0044] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a pallet 10 according to the present invention loaded with one single drum 3 in the center of the deck surface 13.

[0045] FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the same pallet as FIG. 5A, now loaded with two drums 3.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the pallet of Figure 3 and illustrates how the protrusions define positions POS1A and POS1B for two drums of similar constant diameter juxtaposed to one another. Alternatively, only one single drum of the same constant diameter can be placed on the deck and aligned with the protrusions, thereby avoiding movement of one or more drums, so that position Pos2 of the one single drum is aligned in the middle of the positions designated by the two drums.

Claims

1. A drum pallet suitable for placing one or more drums thereon, comprising: the pallet having a deck, a skid, and a plurality of blocks connecting the deck to the skid, thereby forming gaps therebetween for receiving the lifting members; the deck and the plurality of blocks form one unitary body; The skid is connected to the block below the block; the body being constructed of a compression-molded thermoset composite; the upper surface of the deck being provided with a vertical protrusion adapted to prevent movement of the drum along the surface when the drum is placed on the deck and aligned with the protrusion; A drum pallet in which two drums having a similar constant diameter are placed on the deck next to each other (Pos1A, Pos1B), or alternatively one single drum having said constant diameter is placed on the deck (Pos2) and can be aligned with a protrusion, thereby avoiding movement of said drum or drums, and whereby the protrusion is designed in such a way that the position of said one single drum (Pos2) is aligned in the middle of the positions (Pos1A, Pos1B) designated for said two drums.

2. 10. The drum pallet of claim 1, wherein the pallet has a rectangular base rather than a square base and is sized to allow no more than two drums to be placed on the deck next to each other and aligned with the protrusions, thereby avoiding movement.

3. 3. A drum pallet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position (Pos2) of the one single drum overlaps with the positions (Pos1A, Pos1B) designated for the two drums.

4. A drum pallet suitable for placing one or more drums thereon, comprising: the pallet having a deck, a skid, and a plurality of blocks connecting the deck to the skid, thereby forming gaps therebetween for receiving the lifting members; the deck and the plurality of blocks form one unitary body; The skid is connected to the block below the block; the body being constructed of a compression-molded thermoset composite; the upper surface of the deck being provided with a vertical protrusion adapted to prevent movement of the drum along the surface when the drum is placed on the deck and aligned with the protrusion; Four drums having the same constant diameter are arranged side by side in a square on the deck, or alternatively one single drum having the same diameter can be placed on the deck and aligned with a protrusion, thereby avoiding movement of the single drum or drums, and the protrusion is designed so that the position of the one single drum is aligned in the center of the positions designed for the four drums; The pallet is a drum pallet having a size that allows four or fewer drums to be placed side by side on the deck and aligned with the protrusions, thereby avoiding movement.

5. A drum pallet suitable for placing one or more drums thereon, comprising: the pallet having a deck, a skid, and a plurality of blocks connecting the deck to the skid, thereby forming gaps therebetween for receiving the lifting members; the deck and the plurality of blocks form one unitary body; The skid is connected to the block below the block; the body being constructed of a compression-molded thermoset composite; the upper surface of the deck being provided with a vertical protrusion adapted to prevent movement of the drum along the surface when the drum is placed on the deck and aligned with the protrusion; A drum pallet in which three drums having a similar constant diameter are placed on the deck next to each other in a triangular shape, or alternatively, one single drum having the constant diameter can be placed on the deck and aligned with a protrusion, thereby avoiding movement of the single drum or drums, and the protrusion is designed so that the position of the one single drum is aligned in the center of the positions designed for the three drums.

6. 6. The drum pallet of claim 5, wherein the pallet is sized to allow no more than three drums to be placed on the deck next to each other and aligned with the protrusions, thereby avoiding movement.

7. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the pallet is designed so that the drums can be plastic or metal drums having a capacity of 220 litres and / or a diameter of 572 mm.

8. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the drums may be plastic or metal drums having a convex bottom with a rim on which the drum can stand, whereby the protrusions are designed so that interaction between the rim of the convex bottom of the drum and the protrusions on the surface of the deck provides fixation against movement.

9. 9. The drum pallet of claim 8, wherein the protrusion is formed by a plateau layer on the surface of the deck and has a combination of concave and convex edges that match the shape of the rim of the drum on which the drum can stand.

10. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusions on the deck and the plurality of blocks form one integral body.

11. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the body includes metal reinforcing elements extending into the deck and connecting the blocks, said metal reinforcing elements being shaped as a T and / or extending along the four outer side walls of the pallet connecting the blocks.

12. A drum pallet as described in claim 11, wherein the metal reinforcing elements can be designed to be suitable for increasing load capacity beyond 2000 kg.

13. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the underside of the deck and / or blocks is provided with a technical web to reinforce the structure.

14. 4. A drum pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pallet has dimensions of 0.6m x 1.2m and is designed for two drums for optimal use of space in truck transport etc.

15. 6. A drum pallet according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the pallet has dimensions of 1.2m x 1.2m and is designed for three or four drums for optimal use of space in truck transport etc.

16. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the skid is constructed of a compression molded thermoset composite material.

17. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the compression moulded thermoset composite material is a recycled low density polyethylene (LDPE) material.

18. 10. A drum pallet according to any preceding claim, wherein the compression molded thermoset composite material does not contain wood particles.

19. The skid is screwed or welded to the block below the block.

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