Pallets and pallet systems

Abstract

To provide a drum can pallet, a fastening member, a pallet system, a conveying method and the like that are suitable for conveying a drum can.SOLUTION: There is provided a drum can pallet that lies along a shape of a drum can thereof. Provided is a method of conveying the drum can pallet on which the drum can is placed, in a suitable state. The drum can pallet is provided with at least three leg parts, a base board, and a support pad. A fastening member for constraining a plurality of drum cans can be further included. There is provided a pallet system that is extremely effective for recycling and reusing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure provides: Palais tt and pallets system and This disclosure relates to reuse, recycling, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] A drum generally refers to a cylindrical container made primarily of metal with a volume of 18 L to 400 L. Drums are generally classified into three types: 200 L cans, small and medium-sized cans, and pails. A commonly used 200 L can has an outer diameter of 585 mm and a height of 890 mm (see, for example, JIS Z 1601). Such drums are generally transported on plastic or wooden pallets (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, the three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle—have been emphasized in light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Steel drums can be reused. However, for plastic or wooden pallets on which drums are placed, systems for returning and collecting pallets can be established between businesses with ongoing business relationships. Therefore, pallets designed for repeated use (reusable pallets) are sometimes used. However, for businesses without ongoing business relationships or long-distance deliveries, similar systems are difficult to establish, and due to the cost of returning and collecting pallets, one-way pallets are often used. One-way pallets often cannot be reused due to specifications or quality issues. Most one-way pallets are discarded as waste after the cargo is delivered and unpacked (such as at logistics facilities or the business to which the cargo is delivered). This poses a problem for pallet disposal.

[0004] Until now, pallets such as plastic pallets and wooden pallets have been used that are low and rectangular, with gaps that allow forks to be inserted. Such pallets are preferable because they can be assembled and manufactured easily and inexpensively. However, they do not visually match cylindrical shapes such as drums. On the other hand, drums placed on a rectangular pallet are placed side by side to match the rectangular shape (e.g., Patent Document 2). In this state, they are loaded into trucks, trailers, containers, etc. with rectangular (or cuboid) internal volumes and transported. While rectangular pallets are easily matched to the rectangular internal volume and are thought to have excellent filling efficiency, they do not necessarily accommodate sufficient drums. Furthermore, rectangular plastic pallets, wooden pallets, etc. may have limitations on the direction in which forks can be inserted, either vertically or horizontally.

[0005] Furthermore, drums generally have edges called chimes that protrude beyond the base or top plate, resulting in a small contact area with the surface on which they are placed. This makes them prone to slipping on hard surfaces. While drums have the advantage of being easily moved laterally, when they are transported on plastic or wooden pallets, they must be secured to the surface with a separate member (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 3).

[0006] Incidentally, marine containers used for marine transport are defined by international standards (ISO standards) according to their function and shape. The most widely used are 20-foot or 40-foot containers, which may have internal dimensions of, for example, 5,867 mm length x 2,352 mm width x 2,385 mm height. Therefore, when lining up drums widthwise, it is practically very difficult to line up four drums, and in practice only three drums can be lined up.

[0007] Furthermore, reusable pallet devices and reusable pallet recycling systems have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 4 and 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-265055 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2001-130571 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-132330 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-75185 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-248745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, drums A cylindrical container like For pallets 、 drum A cylindrical container like To increase the filling efficiency of but Drums are preferable because they are more compatible with the containers that are standardized and used worldwide. A cylindrical container like Pallets and drums A cylindrical container such as How to load the pallet of It is advisable to consider It is also advisable to consider reusing or recycling such pallets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned issues, Unlike the rectangular pallet described in Patent Document 2, which accurately positions four drums symmetrically from front to back and left to right, In the present embodiment, A pallet is provided with a baseboard that has a trefoil pattern when viewed from above. This increases the filling efficiency of the multiple cylindrical containers that are loaded onto it. Such a so-called trefoil pallet is made up of multiple components, By distinguishing between parts suitable for reuse and parts suitable for disposal, the reused parts can be made more durable, while the discarded parts can be made from materials with a low environmental impact, and the shape and structure can be changed to facilitate reuse and recycling. Furthermore, for parts suitable for reuse, structural improvements can be made to materials that improve durability. On the other hand, for parts suitable for disposal, structural improvements can be made to materials that make disposal easier. Furthermore, by using these, a transport system and transport method can be provided that reduces the environmental impact of logistics.

[0011] Specifically, the following is provided: This pallet comprises a baseboard having a trefoil pattern when viewed from above, and legs on the bottom side of the baseboard for providing a predetermined distance from the installation surface. A pallet as described above, wherein the base board has the shape of an aggregate of three circles of the same diameter that are approximately circumscribed to each other when viewed from above. A pallet as described above, characterized in that at least three of the legs are provided at rotationally symmetric positions on the bottom side of the base board. A drum pallet capable of carrying a plurality of drums in a vertical orientation, the drum pallet comprising at least three legs spaced at predetermined intervals from a surface on which the pallet is placed, a baseboard for positioning the legs at predetermined positions, and a support pad provided on the baseboard for supporting at least a portion of the weight of each drum; The support pads are provided on the base board so that they can come into contact with the bottom surfaces of the drums other than the outer peripheries thereof, and so that two drums lined up next to each other can be positioned close to each other while being able to restrict their positional relationship, and so that another drum can be inserted close to the two drums lined up next to each other while being able to be restricted, into a recessed portion formed by the two drums lined up next to each other. A drum pallet, wherein each of the at least three legs is capable of supporting the main weight of the two drums lined up next to each other and the other drum. (1) A drum pallet on which multiple drums can be placed vertically, At least three legs spaced apart from the surface on which the pallet rests; a baseboard for placing the legs in predetermined positions; a support pad provided on the baseboard for supporting at least a portion of the weight of each drum; Equipped with The support pad is capable of contacting the bottom surface of each drum other than the outer peripheral edge portion, The support pads each support a drum can, Two drums are placed side by side and are close enough to each other that their relative positions can be restricted. Another drum can be placed close to the recess defined by the two drums arranged side by side so as to be restrained. provided on the baseboard, each of the at least three legs is capable of supporting a major weight of the two drums lined up next to each other and the other drum; the baseboard and the support pad are constructed from recyclable materials; A drum pallet, wherein the legs are detachable from the base board and reusable. Drums are usually placed vertically with the circular bottom or top surface of their right cylindrical shape facing or in contact with the surface on which they are placed, or horizontally with the curved side of the right cylindrical shape facing or in contact with the surface on which they are placed. The predetermined spacing may be a spacing that allows an insertion tool (e.g., forks) such as a forklift to be inserted. The predetermined position may include the positions described below. Here, recyclable materials may include, for example, paper such as cardboard. Paper is defined as "a material made by agglutinating plant or other fibers. In a broad sense, it includes not only synthetic paper made from synthetic polymers, but also paper containing fibrous inorganic materials." For example, it may include "a material made by dispersing fibers in water, filtering them into a thin, flat sheet, and then dehydrating and drying." Here, recycling may mean reusing unwanted or by-product materials as resources. For example, it may include producing recycled paper from raw materials containing paper waste. In a broad sense, it may also include materials that are relatively easy to dispose of. Materials may be made of paper. Reuse may mean repeated use. Reusable legs are preferred. Reusable legs are preferred. For example, they may be made of a durable material. For example, they may be made of a resin such as polypropylene. The resin may be either a natural resin or a synthetic resin. It may also be made of wood, metal, or inorganic compounds. It may also be a composite material containing any of these. The weight of the drums placed on the drum pallet described above is primarily supported by the legs. Therefore, the baseboard does not necessarily need to support the load in a cantilever manner. In a load-bearing system provided by multiple legs, the multiple legs are arranged and configured as a whole to stably support the load of all the drums so as to prevent the drums from tipping over. For example, at least one leg arranged below the support pad may be located below or directly below the center of gravity of the drum above it. For example, the same number of legs as the number of drums may be provided, with each leg located below or directly below the center of gravity of its respective drum. In addition, one more leg may be provided below the combined center of gravity of all the drums. Furthermore, while the baseboard does not need to support the load in a cantilever manner, it is preferable that it can withstand a certain amount of tension (in the plane of the board) or compression (in the plane of the board). If the drums shake due to vibration, etc., the center of gravity may shift. Furthermore, since drums are primarily used to store liquid or fluid materials, it is expected that there will be little weight imbalance (at the bottom, etc.). However, vibrations and other factors can cause shaking. It is desirable to optimize the number and placement of legs, taking these dynamic fluctuations into account. At least three legs are required to stably hold the object placed on it. It is generally believed that the greater the number, the greater the stability. However, since it is necessary to ensure space and passages for inserting the forks, it is preferable not to have too many. The spacing between the forks may be selected as appropriate. Also, the forks do not have to be inserted in only one direction like in a rectangular pallet. The forks may be inserted at multiple and wide range of angles. (2) Any of the above drum pallets, wherein the base board is a plate-shaped board connecting at least three legs. (3) Any of the above drum pallets, wherein the baseboard has the shape of a collection of three circles of substantially the same diameter that are approximately circumscribed in top view. The baseboard and support pad may be constructed from recyclable materials, and the legs may be detachable from the baseboard and reusable. (4) Any of the drum pallets described above, wherein at least one of the legs is placed on a baseboard portion having the support pad thereon. (5) Any of the above drum pallets, wherein the legs include combination leg members. (6) Any of the above-mentioned drum pallets, characterized in that in the shape of an aggregate of three circles, the legs are positioned on a line passing through the center of one of the circles and the center of gravity of a triangle connecting the centers of the circles, at a position outside the center. The triangle may be a two-dimensional imaginary shape that can simply be drawn. The centroid may refer to a location that corresponds to the commonly-known centroid of the two-dimensional triangle. The circle may refer to at least one of the three circles mentioned above. (7) Any of the drum pallets described above; and a fastening member capable of mutually restraining a plurality of drums to be placed; A drum pallet system equipped with: The fastening member may include a fixed lid and / or a stop member. The fastening member may also include a threaded rod including a fixed lid and / or a stop member and a rod. It may also include a tightening nut or a locking portion. The fastening member may be capable of directly or indirectly contacting at least a portion of the top surface of the drum to be loaded and holding the drum. (8) Any of the above-described drum pallet systems further including a drum pallet capable of carrying one or two drums. (9) A container containing multiple drums placed on any of the drum pallets described above. (10) A method for transporting drums, characterized by storing a plurality of drums in a container using any one of the drum pallets described above. (11) Any of the above-mentioned methods for transporting drums, characterized in that drums placed on a drum pallet are stored in the container in such a manner that another drum fits closely into a recess formed by two adjacent drums. (12) A fastening member used in any of the drum pallets described above, A hub portion, Arms extending radially in three directions from the hub portion; A fastening member having a hook portion that can engage with the outer peripheral edge portion of a drum. (13) Using any of the drum pallets described above, A method of transporting drums placed on the drum pallet, in which another drum is placed adjacent to the recess formed by two adjacent drums. (14) Any of the above-mentioned transportation methods, characterized in that the drums placed on the drum pallet are loaded onto a vehicle. (15) A method of reuse and recycling a pallet using any of the drum pallets described above, wherein the baseboard and support pad are made of recyclable materials, and the legs can be separated from the baseboard and reused, and the baseboard and support pad are recycled, and the legs are reused. (16) A fastening member used in any of the drum pallets described above, a fixed lid and / or stopper; Rod and A clamping nut; A fastening member comprising: a locking portion.

[0012] It can also be written as follows: (1) A drum pallet on which multiple drums can be placed vertically, At least three legs spaced apart from the surface on which the pallet rests; a baseboard for placing the legs in predetermined positions; a support pad provided on the baseboard for supporting at least a portion of the weight of each drum; Equipped with The support pad is capable of contacting the bottom surface of each drum other than the outer peripheral edge portion, The support pads each support a drum can, Two drums are placed side by side and are close enough to each other that their relative positions can be restricted. Another drum can be placed close to the recess defined by the two drums arranged side by side so as to be restrained. provided on the baseboard, A drum pallet, wherein each of the at least three legs is capable of supporting the main weight of the two drums lined up next to each other and the other drum. (2) The drum pallet according to (1) above, wherein the base board is a plate-shaped member connecting the at least three legs. (3) The base board has a shape of an aggregate of three circles of substantially the same diameter that are approximately circumscribed to each other when viewed from above, the baseboard and the support pad are constructed from recyclable materials; The drum pallet according to (1) above, wherein the legs are detachable from the base board and reusable. (4) A drum pallet according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein at least one of the legs is arranged on a baseboard portion having the support pad thereon. (5) A drum pallet according to any one of (1) to (3) above, characterized in that the leg portion includes a combination leg member. (6) A drum pallet according to (3) above, characterized in that in the shape of the assembly of three circles, the legs are positioned on a line passing through the center of gravity of a triangle connecting the centers of each circle and the center of one of the circles, at a position outside the center. (7) A drum pallet according to any one of (1) to (6) above; a fastening member capable of mutually restraining a plurality of drums to be placed; A drum pallet system equipped with: (8) The drum pallet system according to (7) above, further including a drum pallet capable of carrying one or two drums. (9) A container containing multiple drums placed on a drum pallet described in any one of (1) to (6) above. (10) A method for transporting drums, characterized by storing a plurality of drums in a container using the drum pallet described in any one of (1) to (6) above. (11) A method for transporting drums according to (10) above, characterized in that the drums placed on the drum pallet are stored in the container in such a manner that another drum fits closely into the recess formed by two adjacent drums. (12) A fastening member used for the drum pallet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, A hub portion and Arms extending radially in three directions from the hub portion; A fastening member having a hook portion that can engage with the outer peripheral edge portion of a drum. (13) Using the drum pallet described in any one of (1) to (6) above, A method of transporting drums placed on the drum pallet, in which another drum is placed adjacent to the recess formed by two adjacent drums. (14) The transportation method according to (13) above, characterized in that the drums placed on the drum pallet are loaded onto a vehicle. (15) In a pallet using the drum pallet described in any one of (1) to (6) above, The baseboard and support pad are constructed from recyclable materials; The legs can be separated from the baseboard and reused. recycling the baseboard and the support pad; A method for reusing and recycling the leg portion. (16) A fastening member used for the drum pallet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, a fixed lid and / or stopper; Rod and A clamping nut; A fastening member comprising: a locking portion.

[0013] Here, corrugated board generally refers to a board-shaped paper product made from paperboard with a multi-layered structure for strength and use in packaging and packaging materials. Corrugated board is also the name for a structure made of flat paper (liner) and corrugated paper (medium) glued together to form a single structure. Depending on the number of liners and media, it can be classified as single-faced, double-faced, or multi-faced. In the strict sense, corrugated board refers to these corrugated board sheets, which is also what the original term "corrugated cardboard" refers to. It is the material used for various cardboard products, and is a sheet (board) made of a fluted (corrugated) core attached to a liner, with a reinforced liner on the back. (All information from Wikipedia.) Corrugated board sheets can also be stacked in pairs. The appropriate thickness can be used to achieve the required strength.

[0014] A base boat or other component may have an upper surface and a lower surface as its main surfaces. The space provided by the leg members or the like may be large enough to allow insertion of an insert, such as the forks of a forklift. For example, the space may be approximately 100 mm or more from the bottom of the leg members or the floor. Alternatively, it may be 120 mm or more. Alternatively, it may be 150 mm or more. If the space is too low, the insert cannot be inserted. If the space is too high, the pallet alone or the loaded pallet may be too tall. This may make the pallet unsuitable for placement in a container with limited internal height. The leg members may include a spacer portion having a space-maintaining function and a support surface that receives a load from the flat plate portion. The spacer portion can support the load of stacked tiles or the like to maintain the space. The support surface can also contact at least a portion of the lower surface of the flat plate portion and receive the load. The leg members may be integrally molded, including the spacer portion and the support surface. Alternatively, the support surface and the lower surface may be bonded together with an adhesive or the like at the contact surface between the support surface and the lower surface. The adhesive strength may be sufficient to support the weight of the leg members themselves. For example, commercially available adhesives (including various adhesives such as inorganic adhesives, organic adhesives, water-dispersed adhesives, solution-based adhesives, solventless adhesives, and solid adhesives) can be used. The adhesive strength may be sufficient to support the weight of the pallet when it is lifted from the bottom of the flat plate with a fork or the like. If the flat plate is made of a recyclable material such as cardboard, the adhesive strength is preferably sufficient to allow easy peeling after use. For example, hot melt adhesives that melt at high temperatures and lose most of their adhesive strength may be used. Mechanical joining other than adhesive may also be used. For example, clamps may be used, or detachable fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners may be used. The molding material may be, for example, a synthetic resin such as plastic, a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin, or the like. Preferably, the leg members are made of a recyclable or reusable material. The leg members may be peeled off from the flat plate and reused. The leg members may be arranged around the flat plate in a balanced manner. At least four leg members are preferably arranged to support the flat surface. For example, they may be arranged near the four corners of the rectangular flat plate.In addition, in the case of a pallet for placing two tiles side by side flat, one leg member may be provided on each side, approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction. These leg members are preferably of the same shape. For example, they may be classified into two types of shapes. Fewer types of shapes make manufacturing easier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the present invention can provide a pallet, fastening members, conveying system, and method of using the same for drums as described above, thereby reducing waste and environmental impact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the drum pallet of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the drum pallet of FIG. 1 where a leg member is attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the drum pallet of FIG. 1 where a leg member is attached. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a leg member that constitutes a leg portion of the drum pallet of FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic diagram of the force decomposition of a load on a leg member according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lid member that constitutes a leg portion of the drum pallet of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lid member that constitutes a leg portion of the drum pallet of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the attachment positions of leg members of a drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing how leg members are attached to a drum pallet according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a top view of a drum. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a side view of a drum (including a partial cross-sectional view showing a convex portion at the end of the top surface). [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing how a hand fork is applied to a drum pallet loaded with drums in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the insertion of forks using a bottom view of a pallet when a hand lift is applied to a drum pallet in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15C] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing how the drums are mounted on a drum pallet and secured with fixed lids in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15D] FIG. 1 is a side view with a partially broken-away transparent portion showing how the drums are loaded onto a drum pallet and secured with fixed lids in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fixed lid of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15F] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a fastening member for fastening a fixed lid of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15G] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a drum pallet in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15H] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing another embodiment of a drum pallet in the embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16C] FIG. 10 is an exploded cross-sectional view (partial side view) of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16D] FIG. 10 is a partial top view of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16E] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16F] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16G] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another joint that is fastened using the upper end of a drum in an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a commonly used container. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a top view with a transparent container roof showing a group of drum pallets loaded with drums housed within the container. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the closest packed state using circles that resemble drums. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a normal loading state using circles that resemble drums. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a flat plate portion that serves as a baseboard material for constituting a drum pallet according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a flat plate portion that serves as a baseboard material for constituting a drum pallet according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 23] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for managing recycled pallets from the drum collection site to the drum use site. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, components and corresponding parts having the same configuration or function are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The following description merely illustrates examples of embodiments of the present invention, and modifications can be made as appropriate based on the technical common sense of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. Furthermore, these drawings are exaggerated for the purpose of explanation, and may differ from actual dimensions. [Example]

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pallet as seen from the bottom. This drum pallet 10 comprises a base board 12 having a trefoil pattern when viewed from above, disk-shaped support pads 14 at the three lobe positions, and four approximately rotating support pads 14 at the bottom of the base board 12. Symmetry The base board 12 and the support pads 14 have four legs 19 positioned appropriately. The base board 12 and the support pads 14 may be made of recyclable materials such as cardboard. A leg mounting opening 16 is provided near the center of the base board 12 and each support pad 14. The legs 19 can support the load from the base board 12 via a leg support plate 18. The mounting specifications and method will be described later. The legs 19 may be made of a reusable member. They may also be made of a recyclable material. Typically, resin, engineering plastic, etc. may be used. The legs 19 and / or the leg support plate 18 are detachable from the base board 12, etc. They may be configured to be detachable. The support pad 14 may come into contact with the bottom of a drum placed on it and support the weight of the drum.

[0019] 3 and 4 show side cross-sectional views of an assembled combination leg member 20', in which the top of one leg member 20 is inserted into the bottom opening 34 of another leg member 20, a component of the leg section 19, and the two leg members 20 and 20 overlap to form a leg. The inserting leg member 20 and the inserted leg member 20 may have the same shape or different shapes. For example, the height of the inserting leg member 20 may be relatively low. The partially internally threaded portion 32 of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the inserting leg member 20 is threaded with the threaded portion 44 of a common cover member 40, which is threaded into the corresponding partially internally threaded portion 32 of the inserted leg member 20 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In this way, the combined leg member 20', consisting of the leg members 20 and 20, is integrated, but the load described above is transmitted from the inner surface 24 of the inserted leg member 20 via the outer surface 22 of the inserting leg member 20, which is in contact with the inner surface 24, and is supported and transmitted to the side wall of the inserting leg member 20. The load is then transferred from the bottom surface of the inserting leg member 20 to the installation surface (the surface on which the pallet is placed), and the installation surface supports the weight of the drum pallet 10, including the loaded items. Each leg member 20 has a thin, hollow, truncated right circular cone shape, with a circular ring-shaped installation surface 26 at the top of the truncated cone and a substantially vertical thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 provided on the inner ring of the installation surface 26, and the top end has a circular ring shape (FIG. 5A). The load may also be transferred from the lower surface of the circular ring that forms the installation surface 26 of the inserted leg member 20 to the top end of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the inserting leg member 20. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, these are substantially in contact. In the combined leg member 20', the height of the inserting leg member 20 may be such that the bottom surface of the ring member 36 of the inserted leg member 20 does not abut the top surface of the ring member 36 of the inserting leg member 20. The weight of the drum pallet 10 on which the objects are placed may cause the objects to deform and come into contact with each other.

[0020] The cross-sectional view also shows the state in which the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the leg member 20 is inserted into the openings in the leg support plate 18 and the baseboard 12, and then placed on the support surface 26 in that order, with the lid member 40 screwed into the partially internally threaded portion 32 of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30. The leg support plate 18 and the baseboard 12 are sandwiched between the head 42 of the lid member 40 and the support surface 26. No additional elements such as adhesives or fasteners are required here, as the frictional and clamping forces between the outer circumferential surface of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 and the opening and its side surfaces are sufficient to hold the leg member 20 (and the lid member 40). However, an adhesive may be used as a supplementary measure. The bottom surface of the bottom opening of the leg member 20 contacts the support surface (the surface on which the pallet 10 is placed), supporting the weight of the object (e.g., a drum) placed on the leg member 20 and the baseboard 12. The cover member 40 is primarily composed of a head portion 42 and a threaded portion 44. The threaded portion 44 is threaded into a partially internally threaded portion of a thin-walled cylindrical portion extending in the same direction around the conical axis at the upper opening of the leg member 20. The upper surface of the head portion 42 has two annular convex portions spaced apart and approximately concentrically arranged. The weight of an object placed on the base board 12 of the pallet 10 is transferred to the support surface 26 via the base board 12 and the leg support plate 18. This load is then supported and transferred to the side walls defined by the outer surface 22 and inner surface 24 of the leg member 20, and then transferred from the bottom surface to the installation surface, which supports the weight of the pallet 10, including the object. The load may also be transferred from the lower surface of the annular portion constituting the installation surface 26 of the inserted leg member 20 to the top end of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the inserting leg member 20. A ring member 36 is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom opening of the leg member 20, and together they form the bottom surface.

[0021] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an assembled combination leg member 30', in which the top of one leg member 20 is inserted into the bottom opening of another leg member 20, and the two leg members 20 overlap to form a combined leg member 30'. The inserting leg members 20 are substantially identical in shape. The partially internally threaded portion 32 of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the inserting leg member 20 is threaded with the threaded portion 44 of a common cover member 40, which is threaded into the corresponding partially internally threaded portion 32 of the inserted leg member 20. In this way, the combined leg member consisting of the two leg members 20 and 20 is integrated, and the load described above is transmitted from the inner surface 24 of the inserted leg member 20 through the outer surface 22 of the inserting leg member 20, which is in contact with it, and is supported and transmitted to the side wall of the inserting leg member 20. The load may also be transmitted from the lower surface of the annular portion that forms the support surface 26 of the inserted leg member 20 to the top end of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 of the inserting leg member 20. The load is then transmitted from the bottom surface of the inserting leg member 20 to the installation surface, and the installation surface supports the weight of the pallet 10, including the object to be placed. In this case, the height of the inserting leg member 20 may be such that the bottom surface of the ring member 36 of the inserted leg member 20 does not come into contact with the top surface of the ring member 36 of the inserting leg member 20. The weight of the pallet 10 on which the object is placed may cause it to deform and come into contact. There may also be a gap. However, this gap is preferably 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.

[0022] 5A, relating to one embodiment of the present invention, shows in more detail in cross section the configuration of leg member 20, a component of leg section 19 that can constitute a drum pallet. Note that, as described above, this leg member 20 may be combined with another leg member 20 to form leg member 20', or it may form leg 19 by itself. Leg member 20 is basically a thin-walled, hollow, right-frustum cone, and includes a bottom opening 34 at the bottom, an annular support surface 26 at the top of the truncated cone, a substantially vertical thin-walled cylindrical section 30 provided on the inner ring of the support surface, and an upper opening 31 at the opening of the bottom opening, an inclined outer surface 22, an inclined inner surface 24, an annular support surface 26 at the upper opening, a thin-walled cylindrical section 30 at the inner ring of the support surface, and an annular ring member 36 at bottom opening 34. The bottom opening 34 has an inner diameter D4, the inner diameter of the frustum apex has a diameter D2, the inclination angle of the outer surface 22 is α degrees relative to the cone axis, and the inclination angle of the inner surface 24 is β degrees relative to the cone axis. The annular support surface 26 has an inner diameter D1 and an outer diameter D3. Therefore, the area of ​​the support surface 26 is π[(D3 / 2)^2 - (D1 / 2)^2]. The thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 has a partial female thread portion 32 with multiple protrusions on the inside of the cylindrical shape. These protrusions are partially broken off from the helical recess that constitutes the female thread. A compatible male thread can be threaded into this portion to secure the leg member 20. The ring member 36 has an inner diameter D5 and an outer diameter D6. The height of the hollow portion of the hollow leg member 20 is H1, and the height of the leg member 20 including the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30 is H2. In order to satisfy the above-mentioned relationship, it is preferable that these dimensions have certain rules.

[0023] The basic shape of the leg member 20 can be roughly defined by the inner diameter D4 of the bottom or larger-diameter portion, the outer inclination angle α≧the inner inclination angle β, the thickness t, and the internal height H1. Here, the thickness t may be the same as the height H4 of the central annular portion of the smaller-diameter portion. Alternatively, the difference between the inner and outer diameters at the same height can be calculated by multiplying the cosine of the inclination angle. That is, the difference between the outer diameter Dout(y) and the inner diameter Din(y) at a certain height H(y) can be multiplied by cos(α(≧β)) (t = (Dout(y)-Din(y))×cos(α or β)). Here, α=β is preferable. α>β may also be satisfied. α≦1.1×β may also be satisfied. The annular ring member 36 may be a separate part (e.g., an O-ring-like hoop) that fits into the base of the hollow truncated cone, or it may be molded integrally. Its characteristic dimensions are the outer diameter D6 and the thickness (or height) H3.

[0024] The leg members 20 that make up a drum can pallet have the function of maintaining a space into which the claws (forks) of a forklift or the like can be inserted. Therefore, it is preferable that the height (e.g., H1) be such that the claws can be inserted. Specifically, H1≧50 mm is preferable. H1≧70 mm is preferable. H1≧80 mm is preferable. H1≧100 mm is preferable. On the other hand, it is not preferable that the height is unnecessarily too high, as this reduces the loadable weight. For example, H1≦700 mm is preferable. H1≦500 mm is preferable. H1≦300 mm is preferable. H1≦200 mm is also acceptable. For example, commercially available hand lifts have lift heights of approximately 60 mm to 200 mm, fork lengths of approximately 1000 mm to 1200 mm, fork widths of approximately 150 mm to 200 mm, and claw spacing of approximately 190 mm to 230 mm. For example, in the case of a pallet such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the three drums placed on it can be easily and stably lifted up when the central leg 19 fits between the forks (between the claws). The distance between the legs 19 located under two drums is typically the diameter of the drums plus α (gap, etc.), so the central leg 19 and the leg 19 under one drum can fit between the forks. In such a case, the distance between the forks plus the width of the two forks is typically considered to be 400 to 500 mm, so the forks can be inserted with 120-degree rotational symmetry, as shown in Figure 15B. Thus, there is a great degree of freedom in the insertion direction. Furthermore, as discussed in Figure 9, it is possible to roughly simulate the insertion state of the forks when the leg positions are shifted.

[0025] The outer diameter D5 or D6 or inner diameter D4, which corresponds to the thickness of the leg member 20 constituting an assembled pallet for drums, affects the load-bearing capacity of the leg member 20. The thickness t may be determined by D4, D5, H3, and β (or α). For example, t = (D5 - D4 + 2 × H3 · tan(β)) / 2 · cos(α or β). If α = β = 5 degrees, H3 = 5 mm, D4 = 100 mm, and D5 = 106 mm, t = 3.4 mm. For example, the compressive strength of polypropylene is approximately 40 MPa, so this leg member 20 may be crushed by approximately 1 ton. Doubling the diameter while keeping the inclination angle α (and β) and thickness t constant doubles the supporting area, thereby improving load-bearing capacity. However, because space must be provided for the insertion of the tines (forks) of a forklift or other device, a too large diameter may reduce its functionality as a loading pallet. Specifically, D4≧30mm is preferable. D4≧40mm is preferable. D4≧50mm is preferable. D4≧60mm is preferable. D4≧70mm is preferable. D4≧80mm is preferable. D4≧90mm is preferable. Also, taking functionality into consideration, D4≦300mm is preferable. D4≦250mm is preferable. D4≦230mm is preferable. D4≦210mm is preferable. D4≦200mm is preferable. D4≦190mm is preferable.

[0026] Furthermore, the thickness t directly affects the load-bearing area. Simply put, the thickness t can be calculated by multiplying the circumferential length of the hollow truncated cone by the thickness t. The thinner the thickness t, the lighter the leg member 20. However, considering the load-bearing capacity, if the thickness t is too thin, it becomes difficult to construct an assembled pallet. From the viewpoint of ease of construction, it is preferable that the thickness t is not too thin. On the other hand, if the thickness t is too thick, it may be difficult to stack the leg members 20 for use. It may also be excessively heavy. The thickness t may be individually determined taking into account the required load-bearing capacity, etc. For example, t≧0.5 mm is preferable, t≧0.7 mm is preferable, t≧0.9 mm is preferable, t≧1 mm is preferable, t≧1.2 mm is preferable, t≧1.3 mm is preferable, t≧1.5 mm is preferable, and t≧2 mm is also acceptable. On the other hand, t≦10 mm is preferable, t≦8 mm is preferable, t≦7 mm is preferable, and t≦6 mm is preferable. Preferably, t≦5 mm. Preferably, t≦4 mm. t≦3 mm is also acceptable. Meanwhile, the thickness t can also be defined as a relative ratio to the inner diameter D4 (or outer diameter D5 or D6). For example, it may be 1% or more of the inner diameter D4, 1.2% or more of the inner diameter D4, 1.4% or more of the inner diameter D4, 1.5% or more of the inner diameter D4, or 1.6% or more of the inner diameter D4. It may also be 10% or less of the inner diameter D4, 9% or less of the inner diameter D4, 8% or less of the inner diameter D4, 7% or less of the inner diameter D4, or 6% or less of the inner diameter D4.

[0027] The relationship between the outer inclination angle α and the inner inclination angle β becomes important when two or more leg components 20 of the same shape are stacked. The outer inclination angle α is preferably substantially the same as or slightly larger than the inner inclination angle β. When two or more leg components 20 of the same shape are stacked, the upper portion (e.g., outer diameter indicated by D3) of one leg component 20 is inserted into the bottom opening (e.g., inner diameter indicated by D4), and the outer surface 22 of the inserted leg component 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "inserting leg component") contacts and prevents further insertion of the inserted leg component 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving leg component") into which the inserted leg component is to be inserted. In this case, if the outer inclination angle α is significantly smaller than the inner inclination angle β, the upper portion of the outer surface 22 contacts the inner surface 24, but the lower portion of the outer surface 22 may have difficulty contacting the inner surface 24. Therefore, the support load is applied only to the upper part of the outer surface 22 of the inserting leg member and the corresponding inner surface 24 of the inserted leg member, which may result in excessive surface pressure. For example, the outer inclination angle α is preferably 0.9 times or more the inner inclination angle β. The outer inclination angle α is preferably 0.95 times or more the inner inclination angle β. The outer inclination angle α is preferably 0.97 times or more the inner inclination angle β. It is also preferably 1.2 times or less. The outer inclination angle α is preferably 1.1 times or less the inner inclination angle β. The outer inclination angle α is preferably 1.05 times or less the inner inclination angle β. For example, β ≥ 1 degree is preferable. β ≥ 1.2 degrees is preferable. β ≥ 1.4 degrees is preferable. β ≥ 1.5 degrees is preferable. β ≥ 1.7 degrees is also acceptable. β ≥ 1.9 degrees is also acceptable. β ≥ 2 degrees is also acceptable. On the other hand, if the inclination angle is too large, the load applied along the wall defined by the outer surface 22 and the inner surface 24 may be excessive. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the support load F of the leg member 20 may be decomposed into a force fw acting along the side wall in a cross section and a force fh acting horizontally toward the center of the truncated cone in a top view. fw may correspond to the support load F divided by cos(β). For example, if β is 3 degrees, 1 / cos(β) is 1.001372346, so fw is almost equal to the support load F, and tan(β) is 0.052407779, so fh is approximately 5% of the support load F. As shown in Table 1, fw and fh are not significantly different when β is up to about 6 degrees. However, when β exceeds 7 degrees, fh increases by approximately 12% compared to F. Furthermore, when β exceeds 10 degrees, fh increases by approximately 12% compared to F.The increase in fw increases when β exceeds 45 degrees. Therefore, β≦45 degrees is preferable. β≦35 degrees is preferable. β≦30 degrees is preferable. β≦25 degrees is also acceptable. β≦20 degrees is also acceptable. β≦15 degrees is also acceptable. β≦10 degrees is also acceptable.

[0028] Furthermore, when α = β and the thickness is t, the portion of the outer surface of the inserting leg member that can be inserted into the inner diameter D4 of the bottom of the insertable leg member is from the bottom opening of the inserting leg member to y (mm) ≥ t / 2 / sinα. For example, if α = β = 1.5 degrees and t = 3 mm, the inserting leg member can enter the hollow portion of the insertable leg member from its top up to 57.30 mm from the bottom opening. If H1, which corresponds to the height of the hollow portion, is 100 mm, the inserting leg member and the insertable leg member may overlap by up to (100 - 57) / 100 = 43%. The overlapping portion transfers the support load from the top of the insertable leg member to the inserting leg member, and the annular surface defining the periphery of the bottom opening of the inserting leg member transfers it to the installation surface. If the overlapping portion is too small, force transmission may be poor. On the other hand, if the overlapping portion is too large, it is necessary to reduce the thickness t and / or increase the inclination angle. Therefore, there is a risk that the load that can be supported will become too small. Generally, with respect to H1, which corresponds to the height of the hollow portion, it is preferably 40% or more. It is preferably 50% or more. It may be 60% or more. It may be 70% or more. It may be 80% or more. On the other hand, taking into consideration the mechanical strength, the thickness t, and the inclination angle, it is preferably 99% or less. It is preferably 98% or less. It may be 97% or less. It may be 95% or less. It may be 93% or less. It may be 91% or less. It may be 90% or less.

[0029] When H1, which corresponds to the height of the hollow portion, is in the range of 50 mm≦H1≦200 mm, the overlapping distance is preferably up to 20 mm from the bottom opening of the insertion leg member, more preferably up to 25 mm, and most preferably up to 30 mm. On the other hand, since it is better for the thin-walled cylindrical portion 24 at the top of the truncated cone not to come into contact, it is preferable for the overlap distance to be greater than H2−H1. [Table 1]

[0030] In the above, we have described the transfer of load at the side surfaces when two leg members 20 are stacked. In addition to the side surfaces, the load can also be transferred by abutment between the support surface 26 or the lower surface 28 of the support surface and the upper surface of the thin-walled cylindrical portion 30. Furthermore, the main load may be transferred by this abutment.

[0031] 6 and 7 are perspective views showing the lid member 40. The lid member 40 is composed of a head portion 42 and a threaded portion 44. The head portion 42 has two openings 46 to facilitate rotation.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a top view of a drum pallet 10a. In this pallet, the support pads 14a are smaller than the outer edge of the baseboard 12. In this case, the drums placed on the support pads 14a may or may not extend beyond the outer edge of the baseboard 12. The support pads 14a are large enough to support the main weight of the drums. The legs 19 disposed below the support pads 14a are located below the leg mounting openings 16 and support the weight of the drums.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the drum pallet 10. In this modified example, the legs 19 are positioned further outwards than in FIG. 8. In this case, taking into consideration the overall balance, the support pads 14 that spread out like three leaves are rotated 120 degrees. Symmetry In this case, it is thought that when three drums are placed on the base board 12, tension will be more likely to act on the base board 12. Such a change in the arrangement is also possible.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a two-drum pallet 100, a modified example of a drum pallet. In this example, one leaf has been removed from the three-leaf pallet shown in FIG. 1. In this case, each drum (two drums) is supported by a leg 19 located at the center of the support pad 14 and the central leg 19 of the three-leaf pallet shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 shows an example 100' in which two leaves have been removed from the three-leaf pallet shown in FIG. 1. In this case, one drum is placed at a position other than the center of the support pad 14, and is supported at three points, including the central leg 19 of the three-leaf pallet shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating two leg components 20 stacked together to form a combined leg component, with the thin-walled cylindrical portion at the top of the inserted leg component 20 penetrating the openings in the leg support plate and the baseboard 12, and the lid component 40 screwed into the partially threaded portion from above. The upper leg component 20 rests on the support surface 26 to support an object placed on the baseboard 12. The head 42 of the lid component 40 has two openings 46, which function as locking mechanisms to facilitate threading into the partially threaded portion and rotation for removal from the partially threaded portion. The outer periphery of the head 42 is textured to function as a friction mechanism. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the lid component 40 and the leg component 20 arranged in the mating orientation. The leg component 20 has a textured surface to prevent slipping.

[0036] 13 and 14 show a top view and a side view of a drum. Drum 200 is a typical drum of 212 liters or more, as specified in, for example, JIS Z 1601. For example, the inner diameter of the drum is approximately 566±2 mm, the outer diameter OD is approximately 585 mm, and the height L is approximately 890±5 mm. The chime (h4) is approximately 22±3 mm.

[0037] 15A is a perspective view of the drum pallet 10 on which drums 200 are placed, along with a movable hand fork 260. The three drums are arranged in a so-called close-packed configuration (a configuration in which the third drum fits into a recess formed by two drums). The three drums are hooked onto the upper edge of each drum 200, and are provided with joints (fastening members) 220 that join the third drum. This fastening member supports (or restrains) the third drum so that it does not separate, and therefore preferably has a predetermined tensile strength. For example, it may be made of the same material as the legs 19.

[0038] 16A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a joint (fastening member) 220. It has a triangular hub portion 222 in the center when viewed from above, and can rotate 120 degrees. Symmetry Arms 224 extend radially from the drum 19, each equipped with a hook 226 at its tip, and an adjustment member (e.g., bolt) 228 for fastening to the upper edge of the drum. These members are required to have a certain tensile strength, so they may be made of metal or the like. They may also be made of the same material as the legs 19 (the adjustment member may also be metal).

[0039] 16B to 16E illustrate another joint (fastening member) 240. It comprises a mount portion 242 (corresponding to the hook portion) that is mounted so as to be hooked onto the upper edge (chime) 206 of the drum, an opening 244 on the inner diameter side, a bolt 246 (corresponding to the arm) with the head of the bolt disposed on the outer diameter side and passing through said opening 244, a bracket 248 that forms a hub portion, and a nut portion 249 that is a mating part for the bolt 246. The bracket 248 has a center portion 248b and a 120-degree rotatable portion. Symmetry The bracket 252 has a vertical portion 248a. The vertical portion 248a has a horizontal hole 248c through which the bolt 246 passes. Figures 16F and 16G show another embodiment of the bracket. The cylindrical brackets 252, 254 are highly versatile, and the openings 252c, 254c are horizontally long and allow fastening parts such as bolts to pass through in a versatile manner. The opening 254d is open as a passage for an arm (e.g., bolt 246) that can be placed over the bracket. Either bracket can constitute the fastening member 240.

[0040] FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view showing how drums are loaded onto a drum pallet and secured with fixed lids in an embodiment of the present application. The process of loading drums onto the drum pallet 10 is the same as that shown in FIG. 15A , and therefore will not be described further. The fixed lid 11 is brought close to the three loaded drums 200, with the fixed pad 14' facing downwards. As shown in FIG. 15E , this fixed lid 11 is similar to the drum pallet of FIG. 1 . The differences are that the fixed pad 14' is placed and secured on the baseboard 12 and that the legs 19 are not provided. A through-hole 17 is provided in the center, allowing the threaded rod 50 to pass through. The threaded rod 50 is threaded at least partially, allowing the fixed lid 11 to be fastened via a washer 54 using a wing nut-like fastening nut. A locking portion 56 is provided at the lower end of the threaded rod 50. After the locking portion is inserted into one of the openings 46 of the lid member 40, it may be fixed at the side edge on the inside of the opening 46 to prevent it from slipping out. The locking portion 56 may have an open end portion or a fixed horizontal bar at the end. Figure 15D is a side view showing the drum pallet system with drums loaded after being fixed with the fixed lid 11. A portion of the central assembly leg member 20' has been broken away to allow a view inside. When fixed in this way, the drums can withstand strong lateral shaking.

[0041] It should be noted that if washer 54 is large enough, it is possible to secure the drum without fixed lid 11. Furthermore, washer 54 does not necessarily have to be annular, and may be a stop member 54a having a cutout (opening) 55 as shown in Figure 15F. Furthermore, it does not have to be circular, and may be horseshoe-shaped.

[0042] FIG. 15G is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a drum pallet in the embodiments of the present application. Up until now, the support pads 14 attached to the baseboard 12 have been shown as circular (disk-shaped) to fit within the inner diameter of the recessed portion on the top surface of the drum, but they do not need to be circular as long as they can support the load. For example, as shown in this figure, the drum pallet 10b may have three small disk-shaped support pads 14b. The reason for having three pads is to stably support the load of the drum. Since a plane can be determined by three points, three or more small pads (which do not have to be disks but can be rectangular) are preferred. Furthermore, while recycled materials have been used for the support pads up to now, this is not a limitation. They may be made of wood, metal, resin, or other materials or composites.

[0043] FIG. 15H is a bottom view of another embodiment of a drum pallet in the embodiments of the present application. Up to now, the baseboard 12 has been described as being made of recycled materials, but this is not necessarily limited to this. It may be made of wood, metal, resin, or other materials or composites. Furthermore, while a trefoil-like shape consisting of three circles (corresponding to the top-view shape of a drum) has been shown, this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, a drum pallet 10c shown in this figure may have a hub-and-spoke shape. In this figure, the baseboard is composed of a base portion 60 (corresponding to a hub), spoke portions 62 (corresponding to spokes) extending radially in three directions from the base portion 60, and horizontal plates 64 (also corresponding to spokes) perpendicular to these spoke portions 62. The base portion 60, spoke portions 62, and horizontal plates 64 may be plate-shaped. Three imaginary lines 101 drawn with dashed two-dot lines correspond to the circular shape of the inner diameter of the bottom surface of a drum. Along these, support pads 14b are provided on the upper surfaces of the spoke portions 62 and the horizontal plates 64. These support pads 14b are similar to those in Fig. 15G.

[0044] Because the base portion 60, spokes 62, and side plates 64 have a small area when viewed from above, recycled materials such as paper may not be strong enough. For example, they may be made of wood, metal, or resin. These wooden, metal, or resin components are primarily thin board-shaped, so they are considered relatively easy to reuse. Naturally, they can also be recycled to produce recycled materials. They may also be disposed of after use as a one-time-use item.

[0045] FIG. 17 shows a container 300 commonly used for transportation by ship or the like. FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of the container with a cluster of loaded pallets, as shown in FIG. 15A, arranged inside the container. This arrangement dramatically improves the drum filling efficiency. Typically, drums are not packed densely, as shown in FIG. 20. For example, if drums are placed on a 3x3 arrangement pallet, each side must be six times the radius r of the drum, as shown in FIG. 18. In contrast, in the case of so-called closest packing, as shown in FIG. 19, a 15% improvement in filling efficiency can be achieved. Furthermore, due to the closest packing structure, the drums interlock with each other and are less likely to shift. On the other hand, with the configuration shown in FIG. 20, almost no drum restraint can be expected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, when loading drums onto the drum pallet of the present invention into the container 300, they can be loaded directly into the container 300 without changing the pallet to load one or two drums. In addition, a typical container has internal dimensions of 2300mm x 5800mm. Using the method shown in Figure 20, only 27 drums (3 x 9 = 27) can be stored. However, using the drum pallet of the present invention, 36 drums can be stored. Although this is due to the gaps inherent in the dimensions of a typical container, a loading efficiency increase of 30% or more is desirable. Furthermore, for example, if the typical height of a drum is approximately 900mm and the typical height of a pallet is approximately 150mm, the internal height of the container is 2300mm, making two-tiered storage possible. When drums are loaded so densely, the container's inner walls can directly support the drums, even when the container shakes during transport. Therefore, separate fastening devices such as lashing belts may not be necessary.

[0046] 21 and 22 illustrate examples of board materials that can form the baseboard 12. FIG. 22 illustrates corrugated cardboard (which may be made of paper or resin) with W-flute configurations consisting of fine flutes 122 and large flutes 124. This corrugated cardboard may have openings. FIG. 21 also illustrates a honeycomb board by breaking down the surface member to reveal a vertically oriented honeycomb structure 120. This honeycomb structure may be made of paper or resin. The resin may contain synthetic resin. Similarly, openings may be provided. All of these components can be easily recycled once separated from the legs. However, they often come into direct contact with the object to be mounted, and are therefore often not suitable for reuse.

[0047] Figure 23 illustrates a system for managing drum pallets as recycling pallets from drum collection site A to drum use site B. At drum collection site A, filled or empty drums are collected. At the same time, recycled baseboards and support pads are prepared, along with reusable leg support plates, leg members, lid members, and, if necessary, fastening members. These components are used to assemble a drum pallet. The collected drums are then placed on top of the pallet and secured with fastening members. This preparation of recyclable and reusable materials utilizes a communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone or mobile phone) located at the collection site. Signals from the management system are transmitted to this communication terminal via the cloud. In response, the communication terminal commands the transportation of recyclable materials from the nearest production or collection site to collection site A. Similarly, it commands the transportation of reused materials from the nearest collection site to collection site A. Then, drum pallets are assembled from the materials collected in response to the instructions, and drums are placed on them and secured with fasteners as necessary. Recycled baseboards and recycled support pads may be cut from commonly recycled cardboard obtained near the manufacturing site. Furthermore, the reusable legs may be disassembled from drum pallets that have been used at least once. These reusable legs have a shape and structure that improves space efficiency by disassembling them, making them easier to pack and transport. The drums loaded on such pallets are shipped together and transported by truck or other means. At this time, information about the shipped drum-loaded pallets may be stored in a communication terminal and / or transmitted to a management system.

[0048] The drum-loaded pallet is transported to the port of Hout for sea transport as needed and stored in a typical container. Examples of this storage method include those disclosed in this specification. The container may have typical dimensions. Therefore, a larger volume of drums can be transported than conventionally. The drum-loaded pallet stored in the container is transported by sea by a container ship. During sea transport, significant turbulence is expected due to weather conditions. However, because the container is packed tightly, the inner walls of the container can prevent tipping. At this time, the environment of the drum-loaded pallet may be automatically measured and stored in a communication terminal and / or transmitted to a management system. The drum-loaded pallet then arrives at the destination port of Hin. The port arrival date and time may be stored in a communication terminal and / or transmitted to a management system. At the port, the drum-loaded pallet is unloaded and transported by truck or other means. The drum-loaded pallet transported to the vicinity of the drum usage site may be delivered to the usage site still mounted on the pallet by a forklift or other means. Since the drums are produced in small lots of three each, there is a high degree of flexibility. At the site, the drums can be used while still on the drum pallet, or they can be removed from the pallet. Because the fastening members are merely attached to the upper edges of the drums, it is considered that there is no particular problem in opening the drum lids. Unnecessary drum pallets are disassembled into reusable legs and recycled boards. The recycled baseboards and holding pads may be used in general recycling processes for cardboard and other materials. Furthermore, the reusable leg members, leg support plates, lid members, etc. may be stored at the site of use, or appropriately packaged and sent to a storage location or a planned use location. These reusable leg members, etc. may be used to assemble drum pallets as recycled pallets at the collection site A described above. This reduces unnecessary packaging material, which not only saves costs but is also environmentally friendly.

[0049] In addition, a communication terminal is attached to the assembled recycling pallet, and the communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone, mobile phone, etc.) records the attributes of the tiles (including the manufacturing date, manufacturing location, and manufacturer), specifications, destination, etc. of the tiles to be installed. This information is sent from this communication terminal to the management system computer via the cloud or other communication means (wired or wireless electromagnetic communication means (radio waves, telegraph, signal), etc.). This computer also communicates with tile installation sites and other locations to match needs. For example, for materials in drums prepared based on expectations, the required site can be identified as needed between shipment and delivery, and the destination, etc., can be changed. Then, at usage site B, the time when the required drums of materials will arrive can be easily determined, allowing for adjustment of the usage schedule. A system for such adjustments may include software and may be installed in a computing system such as the management system computer. Alternatively, an app for this purpose may be installed in the communication terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 100 drum pallets 12 Baseboard 14, 14a, 14b Support pads 16 Leg mounting opening 18 Leg support plate 19 Leg (general term) 20 leg member 22 outer surface 24 inner surface 26 mounting surface 30 Thin-walled cylindrical portion 30b Partial male thread portion 32 Partial female thread portion 34 bottom opening 36 ring member 40 lid member 42 head 44 threaded portion 46 opening 120 honeycomb structure 122 fine flutes 124 large flutes 200 drums 220 fastening member 222 hub portion 224 arm portion 226 hook portion 228 adjustment member 260 hand fork 300 container r radius

Claims

1. A baseboard with a trefoil pattern when viewed from above; a leg portion on the bottom side of the base board for providing a predetermined distance from the installation surface; A pallet comprising:

2. 2. The pallet according to claim 1, wherein the base board has a shape of an aggregate of three circles of the same diameter that are substantially circumscribed to each other when viewed from above.

3. 2. The pallet according to claim 1, wherein at least three of the legs are provided at rotationally symmetric positions on the bottom side of the base board.

4. the baseboard is made from recyclable materials; 4. A pallet according to claim 1, wherein the legs are reusable when separated from the baseboard.

5. the legs include interlocking leg members; The combination leg member includes an inserting leg member and an inserted leg member, 4. A pallet according to claim 1, wherein the top of the inserting leg member is inserted into the bottom opening of the inserted leg member and overlaps with the top to form the leg.

6. A pallet as described in claim 2, characterized in that in the shape of a collection of three circles, the legs are positioned on a line passing through the center of gravity of a triangle connecting the centers of each circle and the center of one of the circles, at a position outside the center.

7. A pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a fixed lid for fixing an object placed on the pallet; a rod; The rod fastens the fixed lid and base board together.

8. 8. The pallet system of claim 7, wherein said rod passes through mutually communicating through holes in the center of said fixed lid and said base board.

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