Pallet Box

Abstract

When replacing a sleeve that has been damaged around the fork insertion opening, the total amount of waste can be reduced by reducing the amount of reusable material discarded other than the area around the fork insertion opening. [Solution] The pallet box PB comprises a pallet 10 and annular sleeves J, S that surround the outer edge of the pallet 10. The sleeves J, S comprise upper sleeve portions J1, J2 that are divided into left and right halves, and lower sleeve portions S1, S2. The lower sleeve portions S1, S2 have fork insertion openings S3, S4. The upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be divided into multiple portions vertically, and can be fixed in a connected state in which they are connected vertically. The upper sleeve portions J1, J2 can be folded to load them on the pallet 10.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet box comprising a pallet and a sleeve that surrounds the outer edge of the pallet. [Background technology]

[0002] Pallet boxes are known from Patent Document 1 and elsewhere, and when cargo is placed on a pallet, sleeves are attached to surround the outer edges of the cargo and the pallet, holding down the cargo with the sleeves to prevent it from falling over. The sleeve disclosed in Patent Document 1 has multiple side panels that can be separated into left and right halves and hinges that connect adjacent side panels, and by unfolding the side panels to the left and right, cargo can be placed on or removed from the pallet. Then, with the cargo placed on the pallet and the sleeve attached, the forklift driver can insert the tip claws into the fork insertion openings and operate the forklift to transport the pallet to the specified location. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6977980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When transporting the pallet boxes, if there are time constraints and the forklift is operated in a limited space, the pallet boxes cannot be handled carefully, and operational errors may occur. In this case, if the pallet boxes come into strong contact with surrounding objects, the pallet boxes may be damaged.

[0005] In particular, when the forklift's tip claws are forcefully inserted into the fork insertion opening, the surrounding materials may be damaged, resulting in damage to the surrounding area. In this case, the undamaged materials around the fork insertion opening can be used as they are, but if the undamaged materials around the fork insertion opening are also discarded when the damaged materials around the fork insertion opening are discarded, the amount of waste increases and there is a risk of harming the environment.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an excellent pallet box that can reduce the waste of reusable parts other than the area around the fork insertion opening when replacing a sleeve that has been damaged around the fork insertion opening, thereby reducing the total amount of waste. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pallet box of the present invention comprises the following means: That is, the pallet box of the invention of Means 1 comprises a pallet extending horizontally from the inside to the outside and an annular sleeve surrounding the outer edge of the pallet and extending in the vertical direction, wherein the sleeve can be divided into multiple parts vertically and comprises upper and lower sleeve parts that can be fixed in a connected state, and the lower sleeve part is provided with a fork insertion port.

[0008] The pallet box of the present invention further comprises the following means 2. That is, according to means 2, in means 1, when the outer edge of the pallet is surrounded by the lower sleeve portion, the upper end of the lower sleeve portion is set higher than the upper end of the pallet arranged horizontally.

[0009] The pallet box of the present invention further comprises the following means 3. That is, means 3 is characterized in that in means 1 or 2, a connecting part capable of maintaining a connected state is attached to either the upper end of the lower sleeve part or (and) the lower end of the upper sleeve part, with the lower sleeve part surrounding the outer edge of the pallet.

[0010] The pallet box of the present invention further comprises the following means 4. That is, according to means 4, when either or both of the upper and lower sleeve parts in means 1 or 2 are loaded on the pallet in a shape that follows the horizontal direction, the side parts of either or both of the upper and / or lower sleeve parts are maintained in a folded state, and the box can be loaded within the internal dimensions of the pallet. In this way, when either or both of the upper and lower sleeve parts are loaded on a pallet in a shape that is aligned horizontally, if either or both of the side parts of the upper and / or lower sleeve parts are kept in a folded state, the folded upper and / or lower sleeve parts can be loaded within the internal dimensions of the pallet. Note that means 4 may be implemented in means 3. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when replacing a sleeve whose periphery around the fork insertion opening is damaged, the amount of waste of reusable parts other than the periphery of the fork insertion opening can be reduced, thereby reducing the total amount of waste. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an assembled pallet box according to an embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the pallet box of FIG. 1 disassembled into upper and lower parts. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper sleeve portion is folded and loaded on the pallet of FIG. 1, and a folded lower sleeve portion is loaded on the upper sleeve portion. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the pallet box of FIG. 3 cut into upper and lower parts. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper sleeve portion of the pallet box in FIG. 1 is folded and placed on a pallet, with the outer edge of the pallet being surrounded by the lower sleeve portion. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid is placed from above on the lower sleeve of the pallet box of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the pallet box of FIG. 5 cut into upper and lower parts. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the pallet box of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the area where the side plate of the upper sleeve portion is bent. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the area where the side plate of the lower sleeve portion is bent. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of a connecting portion connecting a lower end portion of a side plate of an upper sleeve portion and an upper end portion of a side plate of a lower sleeve portion. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of a connecting portion that connects the left and right side plates of the upper sleeve portion. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of a connecting portion that connects the left and right side plates of the lower sleeve portion. FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0013] PB·· pallet box, 10·· pallet, 10A: Pallet body, 10B: Pallet top surface (top end) 11··Pallet fork insertion opening, 12··Pallet fork insertion opening, 21A, 26A: Upper end of the lower sleeve part, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28 Side panels 23(Q), 29(Q), 33(Q), 39(Q) H-shaped frame members (connecting members) 31, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38 Side panels 41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R) H-shaped frame member (connecting member), 47(R), 48(R) H-shaped frame member (connecting member) P2: The length of the folded upper sleeve section, P3: The length of the folded lower sleeve section P1, V1: Length of one side of the pallet, length of the other side, F1: Lid, J, J1, J2: Upper sleeve section, S, S1, S2: Lower sleeve section, S3, S4: Fork insertion port of lower sleeve, R: Connection part DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A pallet box according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figure 1 shows the pallet box PB assembled on a horizontal plane G. Figure 2 shows the pallet box PB disassembled into upper and lower parts. That is, the upper sleeve portions J1(J) and J2(J) have been separated from the lower sleeve portions S1(S) and S2(S), and the lid body F1 has been separated from the upper sleeve portions J1(J) and J2(J).

[0015] 3 shows a state in which the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2 are folded and loaded onto a pallet 10 on a horizontal plane G, and the folded lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 are loaded onto the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2. In this case, the positions of the folded upper sleeve sections J1 and J2 on the pallet 10 and the positions of the folded lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 on the upper sleeve section J1 are displayed moved to one end of the pallet 10 for easy understanding.

[0016] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the pallet box PB of Figure 3 cut vertically. In this case, in Figure 4, the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are shown in color to make them easier to understand.

[0017] Figure 5 shows the state in which the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 of the pallet box PB in Figure 1 are folded and loaded onto the pallet 10, with the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 surrounding the outer edge of the pallet 10. Note that the positions of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 folded onto the pallet 10 in Figure 5 can be changed within the internal dimensions of the pallet 10.

[0018] Figure 6 shows the state in which the lid F1 is placed from above on the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 of the pallet box PB in Figure 5. Figure 7 shows the state in which the pallet box PB in Figure 5 is cut into top and bottom sections. Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the pallet box PB in Figure 7 (near the lower sleeve portion S1). In Figures 7 and 8, the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are shown in color.

[0019] 9(A), 9(B), 9(C), and 9(D) are enlarged views showing the vicinity of where parts of side plates 31, 32, 37, and 36 of upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are bent in the direction of the arrow at parts of side plates 38 and 35 (cutout portions 35T, 35S, 38T, and 38S, which will be described later) so as to become parallel to side plates 38 and 35. Figures 10(A), 10(B), 10(C), and 10(D) are enlarged views showing the vicinity of where parts of side plates 21, 22, 27, and 26 of lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are bent in the direction of the arrow at parts of side plates 28 and 25 (cutout portions 25T, 25S, 28T, and 28S) so as to become parallel to side plates 28 and 25.

[0020] In detail, as shown in Figure 9(A), the major bending portion 38N described later is bent at the notch portion 38T, and the major bending portion 38N intersects with the side plate 38 and the side plate 31, so that the side plate 38 becomes parallel to the side plate 31 except at the major bending portion 38N. As shown in Figure 9(B), the small bend 38M described later bends at the cutout 38S, and the small bend 38M intersects with the side plate 38 and the side plate 37, so that the side plate 38 becomes parallel to the side plate 37 except at the small bend 38M. As shown in Figure 9(C), the major bending portion 35N, which will be described later, bends at the cutout portion 35T, and the major bending portion 35N intersects with the side plate 35 and the side plate 32, so that the side plate 35 becomes parallel to the side plate 32 except at the major bending portion 35N. As shown in Figure 9(D), the small bend 35M described later bends at the cutout 35S, and the small bend 35M intersects with the side plate 35 and the side plate 36, so that the side plate 35 becomes parallel to the side plate 36 except at the small bend 35M.

[0021] As shown in Figure 10(A), the major bending portion 28N, which will be described later, bends at the cutout portion 28T, and the major bending portion 28N intersects with the side plate 28 and the side plate 21, so that the side plate 28 becomes parallel to the side plate 21 except at the major bending portion 28N. As shown in Figure 10(B), the small bend 28M described later bends at the cutout 28S, and the small bend 28M intersects with the side plate 28 and the side plate 27, so that the side plate 28 becomes parallel to the side plate 27 except at the small bend 28M. As shown in FIG. 10(C), the small bend 25M described later is bent at the notch 25S, and the small bend 25M intersects with the side plate 25 and the side plate 26, so that the side plate 25 becomes parallel to the side plate 26 except at the small bend 25M. As shown in Figure 10(D), the major bending portion 25N, which will be described later, bends at the cutout portion 25T, and the major bending portion 25N intersects with the side plate 25 and the side plate 22, so that the side plate 25 becomes parallel to the side plate 22 except at the major bending portion 25N.

[0022] 11 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of a connecting portion R that connects the lower ends of the side plates 31, etc. of the upper sleeve portions J1(J) and J2(J) to the upper ends of the side plates 21, etc. of the lower sleeve portions S1(S) and S2(S). This connecting portion R uses H-shaped frame members 41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R), 47(R), 48(R) shown in Figures 1 and 2, etc.

[0023] Figure 12 shows an enlarged view of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q) and their vicinity as connecting members that connect the left and right side plates 31(37), 32(36) of the upper sleeve sections J1, J2. Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) and their vicinity as connecting members that connect the left and right side plates 21(27), 22(26) of the lower sleeve sections S1, S2. In Figures 11 to 13, the connecting section R and the H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q), 23(Q), 29(Q) are shown in different colors to make them easier to understand.

[0024] In this embodiment, the vertical and horizontal directions are based on the state in which the pallet box PB is placed on a horizontal plane G in Figures 1 to 8. The term "horizontal" used in this text is not limited to horizontal in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered horizontal in the relevant field. Similarly, the term "vertical" used in this text is not limited to vertical (upper and lower) directions in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered vertical (upper and lower) directions in the relevant field.

[0025] Furthermore, the term "same" (described below) used in this document is not limited to "same" in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered to be the same in the art. Furthermore, the term "parallel" (described below) used in this document is not limited to "parallel" in the strict sense, but includes what can be considered to be the same in the art.

[0026] Next, the three axial directions (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) shown in the figure will be explained. The direction parallel to the other side 10Y of the pallet 10 shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as the "Y-axis direction." Similarly, the direction parallel to one side 10X of the pallet 10 is referred to as the "X-axis direction" (note that the X-axis direction corresponds to the "lateral direction" in the claims). The direction parallel to the side 10Z extending in the vertical direction of the pallet 10 is referred to as the "Z-axis direction."

[0027] The Z-axis direction intersects with the Y-axis and X-axis directions and coincides with the up-down (vertical) direction shown in Figures 1 to 8, but includes directions that generally coincide with the up-down (vertical) direction of the pallet box PB in the art. Figures 1 to 8 and 11 to 13 show the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the figures correspond to each other.

[0028] The pallet box PB comprises a pallet 10 extending horizontally from the inside to the outside, and an annular sleeve S surrounding the outer edge of the pallet 10, also referred to as the lower sleeve S. The lower sleeve S comprises lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 that can be separated into left and right halves. Above the annular sleeve S placed on the horizontal plane G, an annular sleeve J is provided to surround the upper outer edge of the pallet 10, and this is also referred to as the upper sleeve J. The upper sleeve J has upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 that can be separated into left and right. As shown in Figure 2, the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 and the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 are separable vertically and are configured to be separable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at a ratio of height P3 to height P2 (height P3 is set to be shorter than height P2).

[0029] The pallet 10 has a pallet body 10A of a predetermined size (area) so that many loads can be loaded onto it for transportation. The upper surface 10B of the pallet body 10A is flat, and the upper surface 10B forms the upper end of the pallet body 10A.

[0030] The pallet body 10A has a predetermined mechanical strength to withstand the load of the cargo loaded on it. Here, "predetermined mechanical strength" indicates the strength to withstand the load of the cargo (external force) to a practical extent, and can be expressed as compressive strength, etc. (The same applies below). In this case, the pallet body 10A is preferably formed integrally from a synthetic resin, for example, by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) in a mold and then releasing it from the mold.

[0031] The pallet 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Specifically, it has a square shape in a plan view, but as a modified example, it may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In this case, a pallet 10 is used that has one side 10X whose outer edges are parallel to each other and another side 10Y whose outer edges are parallel to each other, and has a predetermined size to accommodate the cargo to be loaded.

[0032] 3, one side 10X has a length P1 in the X-axis direction, and the other side 10Y has a length V1 in the Y-axis direction, resulting in a predetermined size (i.e., a predetermined area, i.e., an area calculated by multiplying length P1 and length V1). Pallet 10 also has a predetermined length 10Z in the Z-axis direction.

[0033] The length P1 of the pallet body 10A is longer than the height P3 of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 shown in Figure 2 (the length of the folded lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 shown in Figure 3), and is also longer than the height P2 of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 (the length of the folded upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 shown in Figure 3). As a result, even if the folded upper sleeve sections J1, J2 are loaded on the upper surface 10B of the pallet body 10A and then the folded lower sleeve sections S1, S2 are loaded, the lengths P1, P2 and P3 become shorter in that order, so that when the upper sleeve sections J1, J2 and the lower sleeve sections S1, S2 are loaded on the upper surface 10B, there is no problem such as the upper sleeve sections J1, J2 and the lower sleeve sections S1, S2 protruding from the pallet body 10A.

[0034] 3 and 4, a side of the pallet 10 including one side 10X has a plurality of (two) fork insertion openings 11 spaced apart a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction. Each fork insertion opening 11 can be used to insert the tips of forks (not shown) of a forklift in the Y-axis direction.

[0035] Similarly, multiple (two) fork insertion openings 12 are provided on the side surface including the other side 10Y, spaced a predetermined distance apart in the Y-axis direction. Each fork insertion opening 12 can be used to insert a fork tip (not shown) in the X-axis direction. The fork insertion openings 11, 12 are preferably through-holes that pass through the pallet body 10A in the Y-axis or X-axis direction. Note that the pallet body 10A does not necessarily have to have both fork insertion openings 11, 12; it may have only one of the fork insertion openings 11, 12 depending on the situation.

[0036] The lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are provided with a fork insertion opening S3 that communicates with the fork insertion opening 11 of the pallet body 10A. Similarly, the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are provided with a fork insertion opening S4 that communicates with the fork insertion opening 12 of the pallet body 10A. The lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 also form the fork insertion openings S3 and S4.

[0037] The pair of fork insertion openings S3, like the pair of fork insertion openings 11, are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the X-axis direction and can be used to insert the fork tips (not shown) of the forklift in the Y-axis direction. In this case, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, an annular sleeve S surrounds the outer edge of the pallet 10, so that the fork insertion opening S3 is close to the fork insertion opening 11, and the pair of fork tips (including the tip claws) are inserted in the Y-axis direction into both fork insertion openings S3 and 11.When the forklift is driven, the pallet 10 is transported stably while remaining horizontal.

[0038] Similarly, a pair of fork insertion openings S4 are provided at a predetermined distance in the Y-axis direction, similar to the pair of fork insertion openings 12, and can be used to insert the fork tips (not shown) of the forklift in the X-axis direction. Since the outer edge of the pallet 10 is surrounded by a ring-shaped sleeve S, the fork insertion opening S4 is close to the fork insertion opening 12, and the pair of fork tips (including the tip claws) are inserted into both fork insertion openings S4 and 12 in the X-axis direction.When the forklift is driven, the pallet 10 is transported stably while remaining horizontal.

[0039] The sleeve S may be used as a general concept for the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 which can be separated into left and right halves. The sleeve J may be used as a general concept for the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 which can be separated into left and right halves.

[0040] The sleeve J is configured so that upper sleeve sections J1 and J2, which can be separated into left and right, are connected by H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) as connecting members, as shown in Figure 12, etc., to form a ring in a plan view. The sleeve S is configured so that lower sleeve sections S1 and S2, which can be separated into left and right, are connected by H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) as shown in Figure 13, etc., to form a ring in a plan view.

[0041] 1 and 2, the upper sleeve portion J1 on the left side is U-shaped in plan view opening toward the inside of the pallet 10, while the upper sleeve portion J2 on the right side is U-shaped in plan view opening toward the inside of the pallet 10, and both U-shaped upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are connected by H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q). The lower sleeve portion S1 on the left side is U-shaped in plan view opening toward the inside of the pallet 10, while the lower sleeve portion S2 on the right side is U-shaped in plan view opening toward the inside of the pallet 10, and both U-shaped lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are connected by H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q). The sleeves J and S, which are annular in plan view, have the same length.

[0042] In detail, the upper sleeve portion J1 is formed by joining the side plates 31 and 37 to both ends of the side plate 38 in the Y-axis direction, so that the side plates 31, 38, and 37 form a U-shape in plan view. On the other hand, the upper sleeve portion J2 has the side plates 32 and 36 joined to both ends of the side plate 35 in the Y-axis direction, so that the side plates 32, 35, and 36 form a U-shape in plan view. The side plates 31 and 32 are connected by an H-shaped frame member 33(Q), and the side plates 37 and 36 are connected by an H-shaped frame member 39(Q).

[0043] The lower sleeve portion S1 has side plates 21 and 27 joined to both ends of side plate 28 in the Y-axis direction, so that the side plates 21, 28, and 27 form a U-shape in plan view, while the lower sleeve portion S2 has side plates 22 and 26 joined to both ends of side plate 25 in the Y-axis direction, so that the side plates 22, 25, and 26 form a U-shape in plan view. The side plates 21 and 22 are connected by an H-shaped frame member 23(Q), and the side plates 27 and 26 are connected by an H-shaped frame member 29(Q). Since each of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 and each of the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 has a U-shape in plan view, each of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 and each of the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 is configured to be self-supporting.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower sleeve portion S1 is arranged on the left side of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q), while the lower sleeve portion S2 is arranged on the right side of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q). By connecting the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 to the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q), the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are lighter than the entire sleeve S, making them easier to handle.

[0045] Similarly, the upper sleeve portion J1 is arranged on the left side of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q), while the upper sleeve portion J2 is arranged on the right side of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q). By connecting the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 to the H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q), the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 become lighter than the entire sleeve J and easier to handle. At the connection position of the H-shaped frame member 23(Q) and the H-shaped frame member 33(Q), a single line is formed in the Z-axis direction on the front surface of the pallet box PB. At the connection position of the H-shaped frame member 39(Q) and the H-shaped frame member 29(Q), a single line is formed in the Z-axis direction on the rear surface of the pallet box PB.

[0046] Specifically, disposed on the front sides of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are a left side plate 21 and a right side plate 22. Between these side plates 21 and 22, an H-shaped frame member 23(Q) extending in the vertical direction is disposed as an H-shaped frame member (see FIG. 13). To connect the side plates 21 and 22 on the front side to each other in the horizontal direction, a connecting member 24 made of, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener or the like is attached onto the H-shaped frame member 23(Q).

[0047] The side plate 21 has the same thickness as the side plate 22, and the same length in the X-axis direction and the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P3: see Figure 2). In this case, the H-shaped frame member 23(Q) has the same length as the side plates 21 and 22 in the Z-axis direction (length P3: see Figure 2), and is firmly sandwiched between the side plates 21 and 22, which have the same length in the X-axis direction. It is desirable that these side plates 21 and 22 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0048] 1 and 2, etc., a side plate 25 is disposed on the side surface of the lower sleeve portion S2 on the right side. Side plate 25 has the same thickness as side plates 21 and 22, a predetermined length in the Y-axis direction (length V3 shown in FIG. 1), and the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P3: see FIG. 2). It is desirable that the side plates 25 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0049] The length V3 of the side plate 25 (see Figure 1) is slightly longer than the length V1 of the pallet body 10A in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 3), and is long enough to surround the outer edge of the pallet body 10A. In this case, if the length V3 of the side plate 25 were much longer than the length V1 in the Y-axis direction, the gap between the inner edge of the side plate 25 and the outer edge of the pallet body 10A would be too large, which would make it difficult for the side plate 25 to hold down the cargo placed on the pallet body 10A, but this does not cause the same concern as in the present embodiment.

[0050] On the other hand, if the length V3 of the side panel 25 were shorter than the length V1 in the Y-axis direction, the inner edge of the side panel 25 would be inside the outer edge of the pallet body 10A, which would cause problems when loading cargo onto the pallet body 10A, but this would not be a concern as in the present embodiment. As a result, the length V3 of the side panel 25 is set to be slightly longer than the length V1 of the pallet body 10A in the Y-axis direction, and is long enough to surround the outer edge of the pallet body 10A, so that there is no problem in loading cargo onto the pallet body 10A.

[0051] As shown in Figures 10 and 4, both side ends of the side plate 25 of the lower sleeve portion S2 are provided with bent portions (notches 25S, 25T at different positions as shown in Figures 10(C) and (D)) so that the side plate 26 and the side plate 22 can fit along the side plate 25, allowing the side plate 26 and the side plate 22 to fit alternately along the side plate 25 without any hindrance. As shown in Figures 9 and 4, the left and right ends of the side plate 35 of the upper sleeve portion J2 are provided with bent portions (notches 35S, 35T at different positions as shown in Figures 9(C) and (D)) so that the side plate 36 and the side plate 32 can fit along the side plate 35, and thereby the side plate 36 and the side plate 32 can fit alternately along the side plate 35 without any hindrance.

[0052] 10(C) and 4, a notch 25S is provided at a position where a small bend 25M (a bend with a short straight portion that is bent afterward) is located on one side of side plate 25. As a result, side plate 26 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 25S so that it fits closer to side plate 25 than side plate 22.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 10(D) and FIG. 4, etc., a notch 25T is provided on the opposite side of the side plate 25 at a position where a large bent portion 25N (a bent portion having a long straight portion and then bent) is interposed. As a result, the side plate 22 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of the notch 25T so as to fit along the side plate 25 at a position more distant from the side plate 26.

[0054] In this way, in the upper sleeve sections J1, J2, the large bending sections 35N, 38N and the small bending sections 35M, 38M are bent at both ends in the Y-axis direction, so that the length V2 (see Figure 7) of the folded side panels 35, 38 becomes slightly shorter than the length V1 (see Figure 7) of the pallet main body 10A in the Y-axis direction. As a result, side panel 35 folded at both ends in the Y-axis direction can be loaded without any problems on the pallet body 10A with side panels 36 and 32 aligned along side panel 35, and side panel 38 folded at both ends in the Y-axis direction can be loaded without any problems on the pallet body 10A with side panels 37 and 31 aligned along side panel 38.

[0055] The heights S1L, S2L in the Z-axis direction of the folded lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are set based on the heights in the Z-axis direction of the major bending portions 35N, 38N and the minor bending portions 35M, 38M when both sleeve ends in the Y-axis direction of the side plates 35, 38 are bent, and since a relatively short length is sufficient, the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 do not become large and bulky. Therefore, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the folded lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are stored compactly on the folded upper sleeve portions J1 and J2.

[0056] 2, side plates 26 and 27 are disposed on the rear side of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 so as to correspond to the side plates 22 and 21 on the front side, respectively. Side plate 26 has the same thickness as side plate 27, the same length in the X-axis direction, and the same length (length P3) in the Z-axis direction. It is desirable that these side plates 26 and 27 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0057] 1 and 2, etc., a side plate 28 is disposed on the side surface of the left-hand lower sleeve portion S1 so as to correspond to the side plate 25. That is, the side plate 25 has the same thickness as the side plate 28, and the same length in the Y-axis direction (length V3 shown in FIG. 1) and the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P3 shown in FIG. 2). It is desirable that the side plates 28 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0058] 10 and 4, both side ends of the side plate 28 of the lower sleeve portion S1 are provided with the following bent portions at the connection with the side plate 27 and the side plate 21 so that the side plate 27 and the side plate 21 fit along the side plate 28. In other words, the side plate 27 and the side plate 21 fit alternately along the side plate 28 without any hindrance.

[0059] 10(B) and 4, a notch 28S is provided at a position where a small bend 28M (a bend with a short straight portion that is bent after that) is located on one side of side plate 28. As a result, side plate 27 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 28S so that it fits closer to side plate 28 than side plate 21.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10(A) and FIG. 4, etc., a notch 28T is provided on the opposite side of the side plate 28 at a position where a large bent portion 28N (a bent portion having a long straight portion that is then bent) is interposed. As a result, the side plate 21 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of the notch 28T so as to fit along the side plate 28 at a position farther away from the side plate 27.

[0061] In this way, by providing bending portions at the connection positions between side plates 27 and 21 at both ends of side plate 28 so that side plates 27 and 21 align with side plate 28, the length V2 of side plate 28 of lower sleeve portion S1 is slightly shorter than the length V1 of pallet body 10A in the Y-axis direction, and the folded side plate 28 can be loaded onto pallet body 10A without any problems.

[0062] Furthermore, the height S1L of the lower sleeve portion S1 in the Z-axis direction is set by the thickness of the side plate 28 and the height of the major bend portion 25N in the Z-axis direction, so it is relatively short and the lower sleeve portion S1 does not become too bulky. As a result, the total heights S1L, S2L of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 in the Z-axis direction are relatively short and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 do not become too bulky. Therefore, the folded lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are stored compactly on the folded upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 on the top surface 10B of the pallet 10.

[0063] 2, an H-shaped frame member 29(Q) extending in the vertical direction is disposed between the rear side plates 26 and 27. A connecting member (not shown) is attached to the H-shaped frame member 29(Q) to connect the rear side plates 26 and 27 to each other in the horizontal direction. The connecting member (not shown) attached to the H-shaped frame member 29(Q) is preferably made of a fixing tape (for example, a hook-and-loop fastener) similar to the connecting member 24.

[0064] In this case, side plate 26 has the same thickness, the same length in the X-axis direction, and the same length (length P3) in the Z-axis direction in relation to side plate 27, and H-shaped frame member 29(Q) is firmly sandwiched between side plate 26 and side plate 27, which have the same length in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the side plates 26 and 27 connected to the H-shaped frame member 29(Q) are point symmetrical with the side plates 22 and 21 connected to the H-shaped frame member 23(Q). The side plates 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, and 28 have the same thickness.

[0065] The side plates 21, 28, and 27 of the lower sleeve portion S1 having the above-described configuration are U-shaped in plan view, while the side plates 22, 25, and 26 of the lower sleeve portion S2 are also U-shaped in plan view, so that the lower sleeve portion S1 is point-symmetrical to the lower sleeve portion S2. If the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are manufactured from the same shaped parts, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. The lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 are supported by and fixed to each other by H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q). It is desirable that such annular lower sleeve sections S1 and S2(S) have sufficient mechanical strength to be self-supporting, i.e., to withstand a certain degree of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to their own weight.

[0066] 1 and 2, etc., are provided on the front side of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 with a left side plate 31 and a right side plate 32. Between these side plates 31 and 32, an H-shaped frame member 33(Q) is provided extending in the vertical direction. Since the front side side panels 31 and 32 are connected to each other horizontally, it is desirable that a connecting member 34 made of fixing tape (e.g., hook-and-loop fastener) or the like be attached to the H-shaped frame member 33(Q).

[0067] That is, the side plate 31 has the same thickness as the side plate 32, and the same length in the X-axis direction and the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P2: see Figure 2). In this case, the H-shaped frame member 33(Q) has the same length as the side plates 31 and 32 in the Z-axis direction (length P2: see Figure 2), and is firmly sandwiched between the side plates 31 and 32, which also have the same length in the X-axis direction. It is desirable that these side plates 31 and 32 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0068] 1 and 2, etc., a side plate 35 is disposed on the side surface of the upper sleeve portion J2 on the right side. The side plate 35 has the same thickness as the side plates 31 and 32, has a predetermined length in the Y-axis direction (length V3 shown in FIG. 1), and has the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P2).

[0069] The length V3 of the side plate 35 is longer than the length V1 of the pallet body 10A in the Y-axis direction, and is desirably long enough to generally surround the outer edge of the pallet body 10A. In other words, if the length V3 of the side panel 35 is significantly longer than the length V1 in the Y-axis direction, the gap between the inner edge of the side panel 35 and the outer edge of the pallet body 10A will be too large, which may make it difficult for the side panel 35 to hold down the cargo placed on the pallet body 10A.

[0070] On the other hand, if the length V3 of the side panel 35 is shorter than the length V1 in the Y-axis direction, the inner edge of the side panel 35 will be inside the outer edge of the pallet body 10A, causing problems when loading cargo onto the pallet body 10A. As a result, if the length V3 of the side panel 35 is slightly longer than the length V1 of the pallet body 10A in the Y-axis direction and is long enough to surround the outer edge of the pallet body 10A, there will be no problem in loading cargo onto the pallet body 10A.

[0071] 9 and 4, both side ends of the side plate 35 of the upper sleeve portion J2 are provided with the following bent portions at the connection between the side plate 36 and the side plate 32 so that the side plate 36 and the side plate 32 fit along the side plate 35. That is, the side plate 36 and the side plate 32 at both side ends of the side plate 35 are provided with bent portions so that they can fit alternately along the side plate 35 without hindrance.

[0072] 9(C) and 4, a notch 35S is provided at a position where a small bend 35M (a bend with a short straight portion that is bent after that) is located on one side of side plate 35. As a result, side plate 36 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 35S so that it fits closer to side plate 35 than side plate 32.

[0073] 9(D) and 4, etc., a notch 35T is provided at a position where a large bending portion 35N (a bending portion with a long straight portion that is then bent) is located on the opposite side of side plate 35. As a result, side plate 32 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 35T so that it fits along side plate 35 at a position farther away from side plate 36.

[0074] When the side plates 35, 38 of the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 are folded at the large bending portions 35N and the small bending portions 35M at both the left and right ends, the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 can be loaded without any problems onto the pallet 10. In this case, the upper sleeve portion J2 in a folded state may be loaded on the upper sleeve portion J1 in a folded state, or conversely, the upper sleeve portion J1 in a folded state may be loaded on the upper sleeve portion J2 in a folded state.

[0075] The heights J1L, J2L (see Figure 3) in the Z-axis direction of the folded upper sleeve sections J1, J2 become lower when the thickness of the side panels 35, 38, the length of the major bends 35N, 38N, and the length of the minor bends 35M, 38M are shortened, so that the upper sleeve sections J1, J2 do not take up too much space on the top surface 10B of the pallet 10. Therefore, the folded upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are stored compactly on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10. It is desirable that the side plates 35 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0076] 2, side plates 36 and 37 are disposed on the rear side of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 so as to correspond to the side plates 32 and 31 on the front side, respectively. The side plate 36 has the same thickness as the side plate 37, the same length in the X-axis direction, and the same length (length P2) in the Z-axis direction. It is desirable that these side plates 36 and 37 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, to have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or to withstand deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0077] 1 and 2, etc., a side plate 38 is disposed on the side surface of the upper sleeve portion J1 on the left side so as to correspond to the side plate 35. That is, the side plate 35 has the same thickness as the side plate 38, and the same length in the Y-axis direction (length V3 shown in FIG. 1) and the same length in the Z-axis direction (length P2 shown in FIG. 2).

[0078] It is desirable that the side plates 38 have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, that is, sufficient mechanical strength to withstand a certain amount of external pressure or deformation due to the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0079] 9 and 4, both side ends of the side plate 38 of the upper sleeve portion J2 are provided with the following bent portions at the connection with the side plate 37 and the side plate 31 so that the side plate 37 and the side plate 31 fit along the side plate 38. That is, the side plate 37 and the side plate 31 are provided with bent portions so that they can fit alternately along the side plate 38 without any hindrance.

[0080] 9(B) and 4, a notch 38S is provided at a position where a small bend 38M (a bend with a short straight portion that is bent after that) is located on one side of side plate 38. As a result, side plate 37 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 38S so that it fits closer to side plate 38 than side plate 31.

[0081] 9(A) and 4, a notch 38T is provided at a position where a large bending portion 38N (a bending portion with a long straight portion that is then bent) is located on the opposite side of side plate 38. As a result, side plate 31 can be bent in the direction of the arrow at the position of notch 38T so that it fits along side plate 38 at a position farther away from side plate 37.

[0082] Since both the left and right ends of the upper sleeve portion J1 are configured to be bendable, the length V2 of the side panel 38 of the upper sleeve portion J1 is slightly shorter than the length in the Y-axis direction (length V1) of the pallet main body 10A, and the folded side panel 38 can be loaded onto the pallet main body 10A without any problems.

[0083] In other words, the length V2 in the Y-axis direction of the folded upper sleeve portion J1 is set to be shorter than the length V1 in the Y-axis direction of the pallet 10, so there is no problem when loading the folded side panel 38 onto the pallet main body 10A.

[0084] 2 and the like, an H-shaped frame member 39(Q) extending in the vertical direction is disposed between the rear side plate 36 and the side plate 37. A connecting member (not shown) is affixed to the H-shaped frame member 39(Q) between the rear side plate 36 and the side plate 37 to connect them to each other in the horizontal direction. The joining member attached to the H-shaped frame member 39(Q) is preferably made of a fixing tape or the like similar to the joining member 34 (for example, a hook-and-loop fastener).

[0085] In this case, side plate 36 has the same thickness, the same length in the X-axis direction, and a length P2 in the Z-axis direction in relation to side plate 37. Therefore, H-shaped frame member 39(Q) is firmly sandwiched between side plate 36 and side plate 37, which have the same length in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the side plates 36 and 37 connected to the H-shaped frame member 39(Q) are point symmetrical with the side plates 32 and 31 connected to the H-shaped frame member 33(Q). The side plates 31, 32, 35, 36, 37 and 38 have the same thickness.

[0086] The side plates 31, 38, and 37 of the upper sleeve portion J1 having the above-described configuration are U-shaped when viewed in a plane, and the side plates 32, 35, and 36 of the upper sleeve portion J2 are U-shaped when viewed in a plane, so that the upper sleeve portion J1 is point-symmetrical to the upper sleeve portion J2, and when identical objects are manufactured from identical objects, manufacturing costs are reduced. As described above, the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are supported and fixed by the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q), and therefore it is desirable that the annular upper sleeve portions J1(J) and J2(J) have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own, i.e., to avoid deformation due to a certain degree of external pressure or the weight of the side plates themselves.

[0087] The H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) connecting the lower sleeve portion S1 and the lower sleeve portion S2 connect the lower sleeve portion S1 and the lower sleeve portion S2 to each other in the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 13. It is preferable that the H-shaped frame members be made of synthetic resin to reduce weight. In particular, it is desirable to use a lightweight synthetic resin material with high mechanical strength. As a modified example, the connecting member may be made of a material other than an H-shaped frame member, for example, a material other than an H-shaped frame member made of synthetic resin.

[0088] In this case, the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) shown in Figure 13 are used as connecting members, and the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) that connect the front side plates 21(27) and 22(26) to each other are interposed and fixed between them. In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) are attached to either the front side plate 21(27) or the side plate 22(26). To maintain this fixed state, a separate fixing device may be attached if necessary.

[0089] The specific configuration of the H-shaped frame member 23(Q) is such that it has a first recess Q2 and a second recess Q3 on both sides of the connecting portion Q1, and the side plate 22 is fixed by fitting it into the first recess Q2, whose plate thickness and recess width match, and the side plate 21 is fixed by fitting it into the second recess Q3, whose plate thickness and recess width match, making the fixing work extremely easy.

[0090] Similarly, an H-shaped frame member 29(Q) that interconnects the rear side plates 26 and 27 is interposed between them and fixed. In this case, the H-shaped frame member 29(Q) serves as a connecting member, and the side plate 26 is fixed by fitting the side plate 26 into the first recess Q2, whose width matches the thickness of the side plate 26, and the side plate 27 is fixed by fitting the side plate 27 into the second recess Q3, whose width matches the thickness of the side plate 27, making the fixing process extremely easy.

[0091] In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame member 29 is attached to either the rear side plate 26 or the rear side plate 27. To maintain this fixed state, a separate fixture may be attached if necessary. As a result, the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) can connect the lower sleeve portion S1 and the lower sleeve portion S2 with an extremely simple structure.

[0092] 2, which connect the upper sleeve portion J1 and the upper sleeve portion J2, have the following configuration: H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are used. In this case, the front side plate 31 (37) and the side plate 32 (36) are fixed together by means of H-shaped frame members 33 (Q), 39 (Q) that connect them together, making the fixing work extremely easy.

[0093] Specifically, the H-shaped frame member 33(Q) serving as a connecting member has a first recess Q2 and a second recess Q3 on both sides of the connecting portion Q1. In this case, the side plate 32 is fixed by fitting into the first recess Q2, whose thickness and width match those of the side plate 32, and the side plate 31 is fixed by fitting into the second recess Q3, whose thickness and width match those of the side plate 31. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame member 33(Q) is attached to either the side plate 31 or the side plate 32. Note that, if necessary, a separate fixing device may be attached to maintain the fixed state of the H-shaped frame member 33(Q).

[0094] Similarly, an H-shaped frame member 39(Q) that interconnects the rear side plates 36 and 37 is interposed and fixed between them. In this case, the H-shaped frame member 39(Q) has the same configuration as the H-shaped frame member 33(Q).

[0095] That is, the side plate 36 is fixed by fitting it into the first recess Q2, whose plate thickness and recess width match, and the side plate 37 is fixed by fitting it into the second recess Q3, whose plate thickness and recess width match, making the fixing work extremely easy. The H-shaped frame member 39(Q) is preferably attached to either the side plate 36 or the side plate 37. If necessary, a separate fastener may be attached to maintain the fixed state of the H-shaped frame member 39(Q). The H-shaped frame members 33(Q), 39(Q) described above can connect the upper sleeve portion J1 and the upper sleeve portion J2 with an extremely simple structure.

[0096] 1 and 2, upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are disposed above the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2, respectively, and in this embodiment, they are connected as follows: That is, a connecting portion R (see FIG. 11) is disposed to connect the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 or the lower ends of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2. The connecting portion R uses, for example, an H-shaped frame member, and is preferably made of an H-shaped frame member R made of synthetic resin material. In particular, it is preferable to use a lightweight synthetic resin material with high mechanical strength. As a modified example, the connecting portion R may be made of a material other than the H-shaped frame member R, or may be made of metal.

[0097] By fixing the connecting portion R (H-shaped frame members R41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R), 47(R), 48(R)) shown in Figure 11 to the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 connected by the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) shown in Figure 13, and further fixing the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 connected by the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) shown in Figure 12, the upper sleeve portion J can be loaded on the lower sleeve portion S. As another example, the connecting portion R (H-shaped frame members R41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R), 47(R), 48(R)) may be fixed to the lower ends of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2, and then the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 may be fixed thereto.

[0098] In order to adopt the above configuration, it is desirable that the connecting portion R shown in FIG. 11 be provided with a first recess R2 and a second recess R3 on both sides of the connecting portion R1, similar to the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q), 33(Q), and 39(Q) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The width of the first recess R2 is configured to match the thickness of the side plate (e.g., side plate 31) of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2, and the width of the second recess R3 is configured to match the thickness of the side plate (e.g., side plate 21) of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2.

[0099] Therefore, the side plates (e.g., side plate 31) of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are fitted and fixed into the first recess R2, and the side plates (e.g., side plate 21) of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 are fitted and fixed into the second recess R3, making the fixing work extremely easy. In addition, when maintaining the fixed state by the H-shaped frame member R, a separate fixing device may be attached if necessary.

[0100] As shown in Figure 2, by fixing the front side plate 21 of the lower sleeve section S1 and the front side plate 31 of the upper sleeve section J1 together with an H-shaped frame member 41(R) that connects them together, the unit can be easily divided into upper and lower halves and can also be easily connected. In detail, the side plate 31 can be fixed by fitting it into the first recess R2 of the H-shaped frame member 41(R), and the side plate 21 can be fixed simply by fitting it into the second recess R3. In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame member 41(R) is fixed to either the side plate 31 or the side plate 21. In order to maintain the fixed state by the H-shaped frame member 41(R) for a long time, a separate fixing tool may be attached if necessary.

[0101] Furthermore, by interposing and fixing an H-shaped frame member 42(R) between the front side plate 22 of the lower sleeve section S2 and the front side plate 32 of the upper sleeve section J2, the two can be easily separated into upper and lower halves and can also be easily connected.

[0102] In detail, the side plate 32 can be fixed by fitting it into the first recess R2 of the H-shaped frame member 42(R) serving as the connecting member, and the side plate 22 can be easily fixed by fitting it into the second recess R3. In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame member 42(R) is fixed to either the side plate 32 or the side plate 22. In order to maintain the fixed state of the H-shaped frame member 42(R) for a long period of time, a separate fixing device may be attached if necessary.

[0103] Furthermore, by interposing and fixing H-shaped frame members 46(R), 47(R) between the rear side plates 26, 27 of the lower sleeve sections S2, S1 and the rear side plates 36, 37 of the upper sleeve sections J2, J1, the unit can be easily separated into upper and lower sections and can also be easily connected.

[0104] In detail, the side plates 36, 37 are fixed by fitting them into the first recess R2 of the H-shaped frame members 46(R), 47(R) serving as connecting members, and the side plates 26, 27 can be easily fixed by fitting them into the second recess R3. In this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame members 46(R), 47(R) are fixed to either the side plates 36, 37 or the side plates 26, 27. In order to maintain the fixed state of the H-shaped frame members 46(R), 47(R) for a long period of time, a separate fixing device may be attached if necessary.

[0105] Similarly, by interposing and fixing H-shaped frame members 45(R), 48(R) between the side plates 25, 28 on the side surfaces of the lower sleeve sections S1, S2 and the side plates 35, 38 on the side surfaces of the upper sleeve sections J1, J2, the unit can be easily divided into upper and lower sections and can also be easily connected.

[0106] In addition, the side plates 35, 38 can be fixed by fitting them into the first recess R2 of the H-shaped frame members 45(R), 48(R) serving as connecting members, and the side plates 25, 28 can be easily fixed by fitting them into the second recess R3. It is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the H-shaped frame members 45(R), 48(R) are fixed to either the side plates 35, 38 or the side plates 25, 28. Note that, in order to maintain the fixed state of the H-shaped frame members 45(R), 48(R) for a long period of time, a separate fixing device may be attached if necessary.

[0107] In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the side plates 31 etc. of the upper sleeve parts J1, J2 are fitted and fixed into the first recess R2 of the H-shaped frame part R, and the side plates 21 etc. of the lower sleeve parts S1, S2 are fitted and fixed into the second recess R3, it is possible to connect the upper sleeve parts J1, J2 and the lower sleeve parts S1, S2 with an extremely simple structure. As a result, the annular lower sleeve portions S1(S), S2(S) and the annular upper sleeve portions J1(J), J2(J) have sufficient mechanical strength to be able to stand on their own when vertically joined together. In other words, the lower sleeve portions S1(S), S2(S) and the upper sleeve portions J1(J), J2(J) have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand deformation due to a certain degree of external pressure or their own weight.

[0108] The installation method is to install the lower sleeve parts S2 and S1 in a ring shape, and then assemble the U-shaped upper sleeve parts J1 and J2 individually and in order to the installed lower sleeve parts S2 and S1, thereby easily forming the ring-shaped upper sleeve parts J1(J) and J2(J).

[0109] The connecting portion connecting the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 and the lower ends of the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 may have a configuration other than that of the connecting portion R shown in Fig. 11. The connecting member connecting the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 to each other may have a configuration other than that of the H-shaped frame member Q shown in Fig. 12. Furthermore, the connecting member connecting the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 to each other may have a configuration other than that of the H-shaped frame member Q shown in Fig. 13.

[0110] As described above, according to the pallet box PB, the outer edge of the pallet 10, which extends horizontally from the inside to the outside, can be surrounded by annular sleeve portions J, S extending in the vertical direction. The sleeves J, S can be divided into multiple sections vertically, and include upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and lower sleeve portions S1, S2 that can be fixed in a connected state connected to the top and bottom.

[0111] In this case, the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 are divided into left and right sections by the H-shaped frame members 33(R), 39(R), and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are further divided into left and right sections by the H-shaped frame members 23(R), 29(R). The upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be divided into multiple sections vertically by the H-shaped frame members 41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R), 47(R), 48(R), and can be fixed in a connected state in which they are connected vertically. If the H-shaped frame members 41(R), 42(R), 45(R), 46(R), 47(R), 48(R), etc. are manufactured in the same configuration from the same raw materials, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0112] The upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are each foldable in the vertical direction, and the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 can be folded to be loaded on the pallet 10 with an extremely simple structure. Furthermore, the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be folded to be loaded on the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 that are loaded on the pallet 10.

[0113] Since the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 have fork insertion openings S3, S4 on the lower side, if the tip of the forklift is forcefully inserted toward the fork insertion openings S3, S4, the components around the fork insertion openings S3, S4 of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 may be damaged, and the areas around the fork insertion openings S3, S4 may be damaged. In contrast, the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 are located on the upper side and will not be damaged by the tip of a forklift, so they do not need to be replaced. In other words, undamaged upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 can be used as is without replacement. When replacing lower sleeves S1 and S2 that are damaged around the fork insertion openings S3 and S4, the number of parts required for replacement can be reduced compared to replacing sleeves described in the prior art.

[0114] In this way, it is possible to replace the lower sleeves S1 and S2 that have been damaged around the fork insertion openings S3 and S4 and use the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 as they are, thereby preventing the disposal of reusable members (upper sleeve portions J1 and J2) and reducing the total amount of waste, thereby preventing environmental destruction caused by an increase in the amount of waste.

[0115] When the folded upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are loaded on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10 in a shape that is aligned horizontally, they can be loaded in a compact configuration as follows. In other words, when the sides of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 (in this case, side plates 31, 32, 36, 37) are maintained in a folded state, and further, the sides of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 (in this case, side plates 21, 22, 26, 27) are maintained in a folded state, the folded upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 (in this case, side plates 35, 38) and the sides of the lower sleeve portions S1 and S2 (in this case, side plates 25, 28) are folded on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10, so that the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be loaded within the internal dimensions (length V1) of the pallet 10, and can be folded and loaded without any problems.

[0116] Furthermore, with regard to the operation of placing the lid body F1 on the upper ends of the side plates 21, 27, 22, and 26 of the lower sleeve sections S1 and S2, the lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 surround the outer edge of the pallet 10, and the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2 are loaded in a folded state on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10, so there is no problem with loading the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2.

[0117] As shown in Figure 7, when the upper ends 21A, 27A of the side panels 21, 27 are higher than the height (total of height J2L and height J1L) of the upper sleeve sections J2, J1 in the folded state on the upper surface 10B (upper end) of the pallet 10, when the lid body F1 is placed over the upper ends 21A, 27A, the lid body F1 does not abut against the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10, and there is no hindrance when loading the upper sleeve sections J2, J1 onto the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10.

[0118] As described above, when the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 surround the outer edge of the pallet 10 and the lid body F1 is placed over the upper end portions 21A, 27A, the upper sleeve portions J2, J1 folded onto the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10 do not cause any interference, but depending on the situation, an exception to this may be adopted.

[0119] When both the upper sleeve parts J1, J2 and the lower sleeve parts S1, S2 can be folded and stored on the pallet 10 (fitting within the internal dimensions of the pallet 10), the upper sleeve parts J1, J2 and the lower sleeve parts S1, S2 are easy to manage (because there is no need to manage them separately), and storage space can be saved.

[0120] Furthermore, if only the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2 can be folded and stored on the pallet 10 (fitting within the internal dimensions of the pallet 10), the upper sleeve sections J1 and J2 can be easily managed (because there is no need to manage them separately), and storage space can be saved. Furthermore, if the upper ends of the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 in the folded state are lower than the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2, they can be stored with the lid F1 covering them, making management easier. That is, if the upper surface 10B (upper end) of the pallet 10 is set lower than the upper ends 21A, 27A (see Figures 7 and 8) of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 (side plates 21, 27), the lid F1 (see Figure 6) does not come into contact with the upper surface 10B (upper end) of the pallet 10 and does not cause any hindrance (obstruction) when the lid F1 is placed over the upper ends 21A, 27A.

[0121] The sleeves J, S are composed of upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and lower sleeve portions S1, S2, and can be separated into upper and lower halves, so they can be stored inside the pallet 10 (they fit within the internal dimensions of the pallet 10) and can also be stored in the lid body F1. In this way, separating the sleeves J, S into upper and lower halves reduces the weight of the parts and makes it easier to assemble the sleeves J, S. In the case of a configuration in which an H-shaped frame is attached to the upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 and the upper frames J2, J1 are inserted to connect and fix the upper sleeves J1, J2 and the lower sleeves S1, S2, by first connecting the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 to the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and H-shaped frame members 29(Q) and making them self-standing, the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be used as guides when placing the upper frames J2, J1 on them.

[0122] In the above-described embodiment, the upper sleeve portions J2 and J1 can be stably stacked in a folded state on the upper surface 10B, as shown in Figures 5 and 7. Furthermore, the lower sleeve portions S2 and S1 in a folded state can be stably stacked on the upper sleeve portions J2 and J1 that are folded and stacked on the upper surface 10B, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various modifications other than those described below can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0124] The H-shaped frame members 323(Q), 39(Q) connecting the upper sleeve portion J1 and the upper sleeve portion J2 are connected to each other in the horizontal direction to form a ring shape, as shown in Figure 12. It is preferable that the H-shaped frame member Q be made of synthetic resin material. A joining member (a member for maintaining the connected state) made of fixing tape or the like may be attached to the H-shaped frame member Q. The joining member may be something other than fixing tape. The pallet box PB is not limited to being rectangular in plan view, and may be other shapes. The upper ends of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 may be lower than the upper end 10B of the pallet 10. The connecting portions R connecting the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 may be attached and fixed to the upper sleeve portions J1, J2, or conversely, may be attached and fixed to the lower sleeve portions S1, S2.

[0125] The side plates that make up the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 may be made of materials other than those described above, for example, a configuration in which hinge portions are provided on the side plates may be adopted, or a configuration in which hinge portions are not provided and the side plates may be connected by a frame made of a separate member. When the pallet box PB is configured as a sleeve portion that is L-shaped when viewed from above, a configuration in which hinge portions are provided on the side panels (including cases in which the hinge portions are provided at corner portions) can be adopted, for example, to make the side panels M-shaped when viewed from above, so that they can be folded.

[0126] Furthermore, the installation positions of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) as vertical connectors may be changed as follows. That is, because the side plates 21, 22, 26, and 27 have the same length in the X-axis direction, the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) are disposed in the center of the front and rear sides in the X-axis direction, and the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) are located in the center position in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 4, and overlap each other. As a variation of this, the lengths of the side plates 21, 22, 26, and 27 in the X-axis direction are changed and adjusted as follows. That is, the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) are disposed in positions other than the center position in the X-axis direction (positions away from the center) on the front and rear sides, and in the folded state as shown in FIG. 4, the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) are located in positions other than the center position in the Y-axis direction, and do not overlap each other.

[0127] In particular, by separating the connecting portions Q of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) by the width Q4 (the length in the X-axis direction shown in Figure 13), the H-shaped frame members 23(Q) and 29(Q) are completely separated in the Y-axis direction in the folded state shown in Figure 4. As a result, the heights (Z-axis direction) of the H-shaped frame members 23(Q), 29(Q) do not overlap with each other, so the heights S1L, S2L of the lower sleeve sections S1, S2 are lower, the unit is not bulky, and the volume when folded and stored is small.

[0128] Furthermore, the installation positions of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) as vertical connectors may be changed as follows: Since the side plates 31, 32, 36, and 37 have the same length in the X-axis direction, the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) are disposed in the center of the front and rear sides in the X-axis direction, and the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) are positioned in the center of the Y-axis direction as shown in Figure 4, overlapping each other.

[0129] As a modified example, the lengths of the side plates 31, 32, 36, and 37 in the X-axis direction are changed and adjusted as follows: That is, the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) are disposed at positions other than the center (away from the center) in the X-axis direction on the front and rear sides, so that in the folded state shown in Fig. 4, the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) are positioned other than the center in the Y-axis direction and do not overlap each other.

[0130] In the above-described configuration, by separating the connecting portions Q of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) by the width Q4 (the length in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 12), the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) are completely separated in the Y-axis direction in the folded state shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the heights (Z-axis direction) of the H-shaped frame members 33(Q) and 39(Q) do not overlap with each other, so the heights S1L and S2L of the lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 are lower, the lower sleeve sections S1 and S2 do not become too bulky, and the volume required for storage is reduced.

[0131] The length P2 (see FIG. 3) in the height (Z-axis) direction of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 may be shorter than the length P1 of one side of the pallet 10 (X-axis direction). In addition, when the upper sleeve portions J1, J2 and the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 are assembled, the total height (sum of P2 and P3) of these sleeves J1, J2, S1, S2 in the height (Z-axis) direction may be designed to be longer than the length P1 of one side (X-axis direction) of the pallet 10.

[0132] Furthermore, the length P2 (see Figure 2) of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2 in the height (Z-axis) direction may include the length of the lid body F1 in the height (Z-axis) direction when the lid body F1 is placed over the upper end side of the upper sleeve portions J1 and J2.

[0133] The heights S1L, S2L (see FIG. 3) of the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 in the Z-axis direction are reduced by shortening the thickness of the side plates 25, 28, the lengths of the major bends 25N, 28N, and the lengths of the minor bends 25M, 28M, so that the lower sleeve portions S1, S2 do not take up much space on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10. Therefore, the folded lower sleeve portions S1, S2 can be stored compactly on the folded upper sleeve portions J1, J2 on the upper surface 10B of the pallet 10.

Claims

1. a pallet extending horizontally from the inside to the outside; A pallet box comprising: an annular sleeve that surrounds the outer edge of the pallet and extends in the vertical direction; The sleeve can be divided into a plurality of upper and lower sections and includes an upper sleeve section and a lower sleeve section that can be fixed in a connected state in which the upper and lower sections are connected to each other, A pallet box characterized in that a fork insertion opening is provided in the lower sleeve portion.

2. 2. The pallet box of claim 1, A pallet box characterized in that when the lower sleeve portion surrounds the outer edge of the pallet, the upper end of the lower sleeve portion is set higher than the upper end of the pallet arranged in the horizontal direction.

3. 3. The pallet box according to claim 1 or 2, With the lower sleeve portion surrounding the outer edge of the pallet, A pallet box characterized in that a connecting portion capable of maintaining the connected state is attached to either the upper end of the lower sleeve portion or (and) the lower end of the upper sleeve portion.

4. 3. The pallet box according to claim 1 or 2, A pallet box characterized in that when either or both of the upper sleeve portion and the lower sleeve portion are loaded on the pallet in a shape that follows the horizontal direction, either or both of the sides of the upper sleeve portion and / or the lower sleeve portion remain folded, allowing the box to be loaded within the internal dimensions of the pallet.

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