Assemblable, compactable, reuseable and recyclable cardboard pallet for transporting and storing merchandise

Abstract

The invention relates to a cardboard pallet that can be assembled without additional elements, formed only by a grid of first and second cardboard sheets arranged vertically and interconnected by slots spaced such that the pallet can be compacted to reduce its volume. The sheets comprise a plurality of cuts and folds that generate a plurality of self-locking flaps, which, by folding, interlock with the adjacent parallel sheet, generating a rigid structure. The sheets, together with the self-locking flaps, provide stability and firmness to the pallet. The self-locking flaps can be disconnected to compact the pallet horizontally and reduce its size, which facilitates the transport and storage thereof when not in use. The invention also relates to a method for assembling and compacting the pallet and to a self-locking flap system for rigidly constructing the pallet and allowing it to be compacted.

Description

[0001] A compact, reusable, and recyclable cardboard pallet for the transport and storage of goods.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention is developed in the field of packaging elements, and refers to a cardboard pallet that can be assembled, compacted, reusable and recyclable, for the transport and storage of merchandise.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Pallets, or portable platforms, are widely used for transporting and storing a wide variety of goods and merchandise. They are typically made of wood and / or metal, although lighter and more economical alternatives are currently being developed using materials such as cardboard and plastic.

[0006] However, one of the main drawbacks of pallets is their bulkiness, which makes them difficult to transport and store efficiently when they are no longer in use. Some pallets are manufactured with a rigid, final shape, making it difficult or impossible to reduce their size. Another drawback arises from the complex configuration of buildable pallets, which require additional elements such as glue or removable fasteners, making their regular assembly and / or disassembly difficult.

[0007] Document US2010 / 0175595 A1 (WGP NV, published on 15 / 7 / 2010) discloses a cardboard pallet formed by parallel longitudinal elements, perpendicular transverse elements and vertical support elements placed at regular distances, where the support elements, the transverse elements and the upper longitudinal elements are placed vertically to the lower longitudinal elements, where at least some of the mentioned elements of the pallet are made of solid cardboard, i.e. compressed or glued paper. Method for manufacturing the pallet and section to be used in the pallet.

[0008] GB2419580A (ROBIN ANTHONY POOL, published May 9, 2006) discloses a pallet made from corrugated board that can be die-cut from a single sheet of corrugated board. The pallet consists of two identical load supports on each side, one or more central load supports, and a double-thick deck. The supports cannot be moved thanks to tabs that hold them in place when assembled. The load supports may have openings to allow strapping heads to pass through. A double fold at the point of greatest strapping load prevents the pallet material from tearing. The floor clearance of the pallet is variable. In principle, the pallet may be of any length along the load supports that the panel-making equipment can provide.

[0009] To solve the aforementioned disadvantages, the present invention proposes a cardboard or plastic pallet for the transport and storage of goods, which is reusable, recyclable, assembleable, compactable and which, thanks to its easy assembly method and simple configuration, allows its size and volume to be reduced for storage and transport when not in use, while providing rigidity, stability and firmness of the assembled structure in use.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An assembleable cardboard pallet without additional elements, formed solely by a crisscross of first and second cardboard plates arranged vertically and joined together by slots whose separation allows the pallet to be compacted to reduce its volume. The plates have a plurality of cuts and folds that generate a plurality of self-supporting flaps that, when folded, end up holding onto the adjacent parallel plate, generating a rigid structure. Together, these self-supporting flaps provide stability and firmness to the pallet. This self-supporting flap can be disconnected to compact the pallet horizontally and reduce its size, which facilitates its transport and storage when not in use. Method for assembling and compacting the pallet. And a system of self-supporting flaps to rigidly structure the pallet and allow its compaction.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the assembled pallet with the self-locking flaps folded and locked.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a view of the compacted pallet with the self-clamping fins released from the clamps and aligned vertically with the plates.

[0015] Figure 3 shows in detail the front plane of a first plate (100).

[0016] Figure 4 shows in detail the front plane of a second plate (200).

[0017] Figure 5 shows in detail how the self-locking fins are folded.

[0018] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the self-locking fins folded and locked.

[0019] Figure 7 shows a diagram illustrating the stages of the method for assembling and compacting the pallet.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention consists of a pallet (10), preferably made of cardboard or plastic, for the transport and storage of merchandise, made up of first rectangular plates (100) die-cut and second rectangular plates (200) die-cut and arranged in a crisscrossed manner.

[0022] Each first plate (100) comprises side edges (101), an upper edge (102), a lower edge (103), a series of grooves (104) arranged vertically from the lower edge (103), which are grouped in pairs defining minor separation zones (105) and major separation zones (106). In each major separation zone (106) cuts (107) are included arranged vertically from the upper edge (102) of each first plate (100) and horizontal folds (108), said cuts (107) and folds (108) defining the outline of a respective removable self-holding rectangular fin (109), where the length of each self-holding fin (109) is less than the length of each major separation zone (106) and the width of each self-holding fin (109) is equal to or greater than the width of each minor separation zone (105).

[0023] Each first plate (100) comprises at least two self-supporting fins (109), one of which is narrower than the other and in whose cuts (107) are included raised sections (110) that define a stepped or triangular protruding profile.

[0024] Each second plate (200) comprises side edges (201), upper edge (202), lower edge (203), a series of grooves (204) arranged vertically from the upper edge (202), which are grouped in pairs that define minor separation zones (205) similar to the minor separation zones (105), and major separation zones (206) similar to the major separation zones (106). In each major separation zone (206) there are cuts (207) arranged vertically from the upper edge (202) of each second plate (200) and horizontal folds (208), said cuts (207) and folds (208) defining the outline of a respective removable self-holding rectangular fin (209), where the length of each self-holding fin (209) is less than the length of each major separation zone (206) and the width of each self-holding fin (209) is equal to or greater than the width of each minor separation zone (205).

[0025] Each second plate (200) comprises at least two self-supporting fins (209), one of which is narrower than the other and in whose cuts (207) are included raised sections (210) that define a stepped or triangular protruding profile.

[0026] The structure of the pallet (10) is formed by perpendicularly intersecting the first plates (100) with the second plates (200), fitting respective slots (104) into respective slots (204), in order to form a quadrangular structure, where by inverting the first and second plates (100, 200) crossed, the upper edges (102, 202) form a horizontal support plane (300) for merchandise and the lower edges (103, 203) form a horizontal support plane (400) for the pallet (10).

[0027] The rigidity of the intersecting first and second plates (100, 200) of the pallet (10) is achieved by horizontally folding the self-clamping flaps (109, 209), which project one over the other in pairs on the nearest first or second plate (100, 200), where the free end of the upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) interlocks with the respective raised sections (110, 210) to secure each self-clamping flap (109, 209) in the assembled pallet (10) position. Also, the framework of first and second plates (100, 200) is held by means of the same friction of the material (figure 5).

[0028] When the self-supporting fins (109, 209) are folded, a lower profile of the assembled pallet (10) is formed, defined by lowered intermediate zones (500) and protruding pillars (600), said lowered zones (500) being coplanar with each other and the lower profiles of said pillars (600) being coplanar with each other, so that said lowered zones (500) define aligned channels to adequately receive the prongs of a pallet lifting equipment.

[0029] This particular conformation of first and second plates (100, 200) with self-clamping fins (109, 209) and raised sections (110, 210) allows said self-clamping fins (109, 209) to be folded and unfolded, fixed and unlocked easily by a user to fix or release the rigidity of the pallet (10), which makes it reusable and versatile in its use.

[0030] The foldable and unfoldable self-clamping fin system (109, 209) allows the volume of the pallet (10) to be reduced while the first and second plates (100, 200) are intertwined, thereby facilitating its storage and transport, for which the self-clamping fins (109, 209) are released from the highlighted sections (110, 210) and are aligned with their respective first or second plate (100, 200), in addition between each first or second parallel plate (100, 200) each smaller separation zone (105, 205) defines a sufficient distance to compact the pallet (10) and reduce its volume with a simple scissor-type movement (figure 2).

[0031] In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the pallet (10), which can be assembled, compacted, reusable and recyclable, for the transport and storage of merchandise, is preferably made of corrugated cardboard, and is made up of a framework of at least six first plates (100) and at least six second plates (200), where each plate (100, 200) comprises at least two self-supporting fins (109, 209), and its dimensions can vary in a range from 1,000 x 800 mm to 1,500 x 1,000 mm, and is preferably 1,200 x 1,000 mm.

[0032] Likewise, the present invention contemplates different sizes of the pallet (10), and the incorporation of more plates (100, 200) if necessary, to guarantee its functionality, depending on the weight and dimensions of what needs to be supported.

[0033] The present invention also contemplates a method for assembling and compacting a pallet (10), preferably made of cardboard or plastic, for the transport and storage of merchandise, which comprises the steps of: configuring (1000) first rectangular die-cut plates (100) and second rectangular die-cut plates (200), intersecting, with side edges (101, 201), upper edge (102, 202), lower edge (103, 203), with a series of slots (104) arranged vertically from the lower edge (103) of the first plates (100), and with a series of slots (204) arranged vertically from the upper edge (202) of the second plates (200), wherein said series of slots (104, 204) are grouped in pairs defining zones of smaller separation (105, 205) and zones of greater separation (106, 206);arranging (1001) in each first and second plate (100, 200) cuts (107, 207) in each major separation zone (106, 206), arranged vertically from the upper edge (102, 202) of each first and second plate (100, 200) in combination with horizontal folds (108, 208), said cuts (107, 207) and folds (108,;

[0034] 208) the outline of a respective rectangular self-fastening fin (109, 209), wherein the length of each self-fastening fin (109, 209) is less than the length of each major separation zone (106, 206) and the width of each self-fastening fin (109, 209) is equal to or greater than the width of each minor separation zone (105, 205); including (1002) in each first and second plate (100, 200) at least two self-fastening fins (109, 209), one of which is narrower than the other; providing (1003) in the cuts (107, 207) of the self-fastening fin (109,

[0035] 209) shorter raised sections (110, 210) defining a stepped or triangular protruding profile; perpendicularly intersecting (1004) the first and second plates (100, 200) to assemble the pallet (10), by means of fitting the respective slots (104) of the first plates (100) with the respective slots (204) of the second plates (200), forming a quadrangular plant structure, where by inverting the first and second plates (100, 200) crossed, the upper edges (102, 202) form a horizontal support plane (300) for merchandise and the lower edges (103, 203) form a horizontal support plane (400) of the pallet (10); horizontally fold (1005) the self-supporting fins (109, 209) to rigidify the assembled pallet (10), which project one over the other in pairs onto the nearest first or second plate (100, 200);locking (1006) the free end of each upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) with the respective raised sections (110, 210) to secure each self-clamping flap (109, 209) in the assembled pallet (10) position, whereby a lower profile of the pallet (10) is configured defined by intermediate recessed areas (500) and protruding pillars (600), said recessed areas (500) being coplanar with each other and the lower profiles of said pillars (600) being coplanar with each other, whereby said recessed areas (500) define aligned channels; releasing or unlocking (1007) the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) from the respective raised sections (110, 210);and, align (1008) the self-clamping fins (109, 209) with their respective first or second plate (100, 200), where between each first or second parallel plate (100, 200) each minor separation zone (105, 205) defines a distance sufficient to compact the pallet (10) with a simple scissor-type movement.;

[0036] Figure 1 shows a general diagram of the assembled pallet (10), with first and second plates (100, 200) intersecting, joined by slots (104, 204) (not shown in said figure), illustrating the separation between them, where the self-supporting fins (109, 209) are folded and locked.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a general diagram of the compacted pallet (10) with the self-clamping fins (109, 209) released and unlocked.

[0038] Figures 3 and 4 show the characteristics of the first and second plates (100, 200).

[0039] Figures 5 and 6 show in detail how the self-locking flaps (109, 209) are folded and locked.

[0040] The present invention is also directed to a removable self-clamping fin system (109, 209) for rigidly structuring a pallet (10), preferably made of cardboard or plastic, for the transport and storage of goods and allowing their compaction, which includes: rectangular self-clamping fins (109, 209), arranged on first and second plates (100, 200) where each first plate (100) comprises at least two self-clamping fins (109) and each second plate (200) comprises at least two self-clamping fins (209), where in each first and second plate one self-clamping fin is narrower than the other and each first and second plate (100, 200) includes cuts (107, 207) with raised sections (110, 210) that define a stepped or triangular protruding profile;wherein the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) are folded horizontally projecting one over the other in pairs on the nearest first or second plate (100, 200), where the free end of each upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) easily locks with the respective raised sections (110, 210) to secure each clamping flap (109, 209) in the assembled pallet (10) position and to hydify the entire assembled structure; where the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) are folded to form the lower profile of the assembled pallet (10), defined by lowered intermediate zones (500) and protruding pillars (600); and where the self-clamping fins (109, 209) are easily unlocked to release the rigidity of the pallet (10) when not in use, and are aligned with their respective first or second plate (100, 200) to reduce the volume of the pallet (10) and thereby facilitate its storage and transport.;

[0041] LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE FIGURES

[0042] 10 pallet 106 larger separation zone

[0043] 100 first rectangular plate 107 cut

[0044] 101 side edge 108 fold

[0045] 102 upper edge 109 self-locking flap

[0046] 103 bottom border 110 highlighted section

[0047] 104 slot 200 second rectangular plate

[0048] 105 minor separation zone 201 lateral edge 202 upper edge 1004 crisscrossing stage

[0049] 203 lower edge perpendicularly the first

[0050] 204 slot and second plates to assemble the

[0051] 205 minor pallet separation zone

[0052] 206 major separation zone 1005 horizontal folding stage

[0053] 207 cut the self-locking fins to

[0054] 208 fold to stiffen the pallet

[0055] 209 self-locking flap 1006 stage of locking the self-locking flaps

[0056] 210 highlighted section fastening in sections

[0057] 300 highlighted horizontal support plane

[0058] 400 horizontal support plane 1007 stage of releasing or unlocking the

[0059] 500 lowered intermediate section self-locking fins

[0060] 600 pillar sections highlighted

[0061] 1000 stage of configuring plates 1008 stage of aligning the self-clamping die-cut rectangular fins with their respective first or second plate cross-section for

[0062] 1001 stage of arranging self-clamping fins on each plate and compacting the pallet

[0063] 1002 step of including on each plate at least two self-clamping fins, one of which is narrower than the other

[0064] 1003 stage of providing in cuts 107, 207 of the shorter self-clamping fin highlighted sections

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An assembleable, compactable, reusable and recyclable pallet (10) for the transport and storage of goods, CHARACTERIZED in that it is made up of a combination of first and second rectangular plates (100, 200) die-cut and arranged in a crisscrossed manner with each other, where: each first plate (100) comprises a series of slots (104) arranged vertically from a lower edge (103) of said first layer (100), and each second plate (200) comprises a series of slots (204) arranged vertically from an upper edge (202) of said second plate (200), said slots (104, 204) being grouped in pairs defining zones of smaller separation (105, 205) and zones of greater separation (106, 206);each first and second plate (100, 200) further comprises in each major separation zone (106, 206) cuts (107, 207) arranged vertically from the upper edge (102, 202) of each first and second plate (100, 200) and horizontal folds (108, 208), where said cuts (107, 207) and folds (108, 208) define the outline of a respective removable self-supporting rectangular fin (109, 209), whose length is less than the length of each major separation zone (106, 206) and whose width is equal to or greater than the width of each minor separation zone (105, 205); Each first and second plate (100, 200) comprises at least two self-supporting fins (109, 209), one of which is narrower than the other and in whose cuts (107, 207) are included raised sections (110, 210) that define a protruding profile;and the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) are folded horizontally projecting one over the other in pairs on the nearest first or second plate (100, 200), where the free end of each upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) is locked with the respective raised sections (110, 210) securing each self-clamping flap; (109, 209) in the assembled pallet position (10) and together forming a rigid structure.

2. The pallet (10) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the framework of first and second plates (100, 200) is held by means of the same friction of the material.

3. The pallet (10) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the folded self-supporting fins (109, 209) form the lower profile of the assembled pallet (10), defined by lowered intermediate zones (500) and protruding pillars (600), said lowered zones (500) being coplanar with each other and the lower profiles of said pillars (600) being coplanar with each other, so that said lowered zones (500) define aligned channels.

4. The pallet (10) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) is stepped.

5. The pallet (10) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) is triangular.

6. The pallet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the self-clamping fins (109, 209) can be released from the raised sections (110, 210) and aligned with their respective first or second plate (100, 200), to compact the pallet (10) while the first and second plates (100, 200) remain intertwined.

7. The pallet (10) according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that between each first or second parallel plate (100, 200) each minor separation zone (105, 205) defines a distance sufficient to compact the pallet (10) and reduce its volume with a simple scissor-type movement.

8. The pallet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it is made of cardboard material.

9. The pallet (10) according to any of claims 1-7, CHARACTERIZED in that it is made of plastic material.

10. The pallet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it is preferably formed by a framework of at least six first plates (100) and at least six second plates (200), where each first and second plate (100, 200) comprises at least two self-supporting fins (109, 209).

11. The pallet (10) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the dimensions of the assembled pallet (10) vary in a range from 1,000 x 800 mm to 1,500 x 1,000 mm.

12. The pallet (10) according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the dimensions are preferably 1,200 x 1,000 mm.

13. Method for assembling and compacting a pallet (10) for the transport and storage of goods, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises the steps of: configuring (1000) first and second rectangular plates (100, 200) die-cut, intersecting, each first plate (100) with a series of slots (104) arranged vertically from a lower edge (103) of said first plate (100), and each second plate (200) with a series of slots (204) arranged vertically from an upper edge (202) of said second plate (200), wherein said series of slots (104, 204) are grouped in pairs defining zones of smaller separation (105, 205) and zones of greater separation (106, 206); arranging (1001) in each first and second plate (100, 200) cuts (107, 207) in each major separation zone (106, 206), arranged vertically from the upper edge (102, 202) of each first and second plate (100, 200) in combination with horizontal folds (108, 208), said cuts (107, 207) and folds (108, 208) the outline of a respective self-clamping rectangular fin (109, 209); including (1002) in each first and second plate (100, 200) at least two self-clamping fins (109, 209), one of which is narrower than the other; providing (1003) in the cuts (107, 207) of each self-clamping fin (109, 209) shorter raised sections (110, 210) defining a protruding profile; perpendicularly intersecting (1004) the first and second plates (100, 200) to assemble the pallet (10), by means of fitting the respective slots (104) of the first plate (100) with the respective slots (204) of the second plate (200), forming a quadrangular plant structure, where by inverting the first and second plates (100, 200) crossed, the upper edges (102, 202) form a horizontal support plane (300) for merchandise and the lower edges (103, 203) form a horizontal support plane (400) of the pallet (10); horizontally fold (1005) the self-supporting fins (109, 209) to rigidify the assembled pallet (10), which project one over the other in pairs onto the nearest first or second plate (100, 200);and locking (1006) the free end of each upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) with the respective raised sections (110, 210) to secure each self-clamping flap (109, 209) in the assembled pallet (10) position, whereby a lower profile of the pallet (10) is configured, defined by lowered intermediate zones (500) and protruding pillars (600), said lowered zones (500) being coplanar with each other and the lower profiles of said pillars (600) being coplanar with each other, whereby said lowered zones (500) define aligned channels.; 14. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises releasing or unlocking (1007) the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) of the respective raised sections (110, 210).

15. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises aligning (1008) the self-clamping fins (109, 209) with their respective first or second plate (100, 200), where between each first or second parallel plate (100, 200) each minor separation zone (105, 205) defines a distance sufficient to compact the pallet (10) with a simple scissor-type movement.

16. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises arranging each self-holding fin (109, 209) with a length less than the length of each major separation zone (106, 206) and with a width equal to or greater than the width of each minor separation zone (105, 205).

17. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises forming the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) in a staggered manner.

18. The method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises forming the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) in a triangular manner.

19. The method according to any of claims 13-18, CHARACTERIZED because it includes making the pallet (10) in cardboard material.

20. The method according to any of claims 13-18, CHARACTERIZED because it includes making the pallet (10) in plastic material.

21. Removable self-clamping fin system (109, 209) for rigidly structuring a pallet (10) for the transport and storage of goods, and allowing its compaction, CHARACTERIZED in that it includes: rectangular self-clamping fins (109, 209), arranged in first and second plates (100, 200), where each first plate (100) comprises at least two self-clamping fins (109) and each second plate (200) comprises at least two self-clamping fins (209), where in each first and second plate (100, 200) one self-clamping fin is narrower than the other and each first and second plate (100, 200) includes cuts (107, 207) with raised sections (110, 210) that define a protruding profile;and where the self-clamping flaps (109, 209) are folded horizontally projecting one over the other in pairs on the nearest first or second plate (100, 200), where the free end of each upper self-clamping flap (109, 209) easily locks with the respective raised sections (110, 210) to secure each self-clamping flap (109, 209) in the assembled pallet (10) position and to hydify the entire assembled structure.; 22. The system according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that the self-clamping fins (109, 209) are easily unlocked to release the rigidity of the pallet (10) when not in use, and are aligned with their respective first or second plate (100, 200) to reduce the volume of the pallet (10) and thereby facilitate its storage and transport.

23. The system according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED in that the folded self-supporting fins (109, 209) form the lower profile of the assembled pallet (10), defined by lowered intermediate zones (500) and protruding pillars (600).

24. The system according to any of claims 21-23, CHARACTERIZED in that the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) is stepped.

25. The system according to any of claims 21-23, CHARACTERIZED in that the protruding profile of the highlighted sections (110, 210) is triangular.

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