Pallet and process for its manufacturing

Abstract

Pallet comprising a platform (1) joined to two or more supports (2) which are arranged side by side under the platform (1) and comprise a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls, wherein these walls are formed from a single piece of stamped metal sheet and are joined to each other in a continuous manner, wherein the bottom wall comprises a channel (7) closed at its ends, wherein the side walls are provided with two openings (8) which are open upwards and extend for at least 80% of the entire height of the support (2), wherein the front wall, the rear wall and / or the side walls comprise one or more recesses (9, 46) which have a lower end open towards the bottom wall and a closed upper end.

Description

[0001] Pallet and process for its manufacturing

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This description concerns a pallet, also known as loading board, in particular an improved pallet that can be made entirely by stamping metal sheets. This description also concerns a process for manufacturing this pallet.

[0004] Background of the description

[0005] Known pallets comprise a platform, generally made of wood, which is configured for the loading of various goods and comprises multiple parallelepiped supports spaced and superimposed on slats also spaced between them in such a way as to allow the introduction of the horizontal arms of forklifts for lifting and moving the pallets.

[0006] Metal pallets are also known to solve the typical technical problems of wooden pallets, namely their poor resistance to wear, weather, temperature changes, biological contaminants, and fire. However, these metal pallets are relatively expensive and complex to manufacture, as well as relatively heavy, as the platform and / or the supports are made by joining metal bars together.

[0007] Documents US 2008 / 0202391 , BE 825254 A, and EP 3178751 A1 describe pallets comprising a platform attached to a plurality of supports, where the platform and supports are obtained by shaping and bending metal sheets. The bending of the metal sheets allows for the reinforcement of the platform and the supports. However, reinforcing elements, also obtained by shaping and bending a metal sheet, must be placed in the supports to obtain a sufficiently robust pallet, since the ends of the supports are open, resulting in an increase in the weight and manufacturing cost of the pallet.

[0008] Document WO 2024 / 223170 describes a pallet comprising a platform attached to a plurality of supports, wherein the platform and supports are obtained by shaping and stamping metal sheets. The supports comprise one or two distal feet that are attached to a central portion and are also obtained by shaping and stamping a metal sheet. Attachment to the central portion and the fabrication of the distal feet involve processing that increases the manufacturing cost of the pallet. Document US 11760537 describes a pallet comprising a platform formed by stamping a single piece of metal sheet with a plurality of central and distal feet. However, due to its shape and the fact that it is stamped in a single piece, thus with a single thickness, this pallet is relatively weak.

[0009] Documents US 7017449 and WO 2015 / 067980 A1 describe pallets comprising a platform attached to a plurality of feet, wherein the platform and the feet are obtained by shaping and stamping metal sheets. The manufacturing of the feet, which have a relatively complex structure, requires machining that increases the manufacturing cost of the pallet. Furthermore, each pallet is relatively weak, as the feet are separate from each other and must be joined by crosspieces and stringers, which incur additional costs.

[0010] Other pallets with some similar characteristics are described in documents EP 2706016 A1 , JP 3014402 U and EP 1314649 B1.

[0011] Summary of the description

[0012] The object of the present description is therefore to provide a pallet that solves the technical problems of the known pallets. This object is achieved with a pallet and a process, the main characteristics of which are specified in the attached claims, which should be considered an integral part of this description.

[0013] Thanks to the particular platform and the particular supports that can be formed by cold deep drawing single relatively thin metal sheets, the pallet according to the present description is lighter than known pallets and can be assembled in a relatively simple, economical and quick manner, preferably with spot welding without the addition of material and / or with clinching.

[0014] A special crosspiece can strengthen the pallet to support significant weights, such as a full tank, allowing the pallet to be used as a base for a cistern. To this end, the pallet preferably includes features that facilitate its use as a cistern base, in particular a perimeter frame and / or perimeter relief on the platform, or recesses and / or openings in the supports.

[0015] Furthermore, the pallet according to the present description is more resistant to impacts and weights thanks to particular ribs, recesses, grooves and / or notches made in the platform, in the supports and / or in the crosspiece. For special uses of the pallet, one or more bars can be arranged between the lower wall of the supports and the lower side of the platform.

[0016] Thanks to special bosses, strips and / or an elastomeric layer, the upper surface of the platform and / or the lower wall of the supports can generate friction that prevents accidental slipping of the pallet or goods placed on it.

[0017] Stamping the supports also allows easily obtaining indelible writing and / or rounded edges that improve the resistance of the pallet and overcome small obstacles such as small steps.

[0018] The edges of the platform preferably include special hollows that make the pallet more resistant to lateral impacts with forklifts transporting them.

[0019] The feet of the supports preferably include special recesses to form transverse seats to accommodate rods that improve the stability of the pallet.

[0020] The supports are preferably substantially identical to each other and / or substantially symmetrical, in order to simplify their manufacture.

[0021] The pallet preferably includes particular spacers that are arranged at particular positions on the platform to distance the platform from the fork of a forklift that lifts the pallet.

[0022] The pallet and the process according to the present description may include other particular characteristics that offer numerous advantages in terms of manufacturing simplicity, production costs, reliability over time, eco-sustainability and safety in use compared to the pallets of the prior art.

[0023] Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Further advantages and features of the pallet and the process according to the present description will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of some embodiments, to be considered non-limiting examples of the claims, with reference to the attached drawings in which: figure 1 is an axonometric top view of a first embodiment of the pallet; figure 2 is an axonometric bottom view of the pallet in figure 1 ; figure 3 is a side view of the pallet of figure 1 ; figure 4 is a front view of the pallet of figure 1 ; figure 5 is a bottom view of the pallet of figure 1 ; figure 6 is section VI-VI of figure 5; figure 7 is detail VII of figure 6; figure 8 is section VIII-VIII of figure 5; figure 9 is detail IX of figure 8; figure 10 is an axonometric bottom view of the platform of the pallet of figure 1 ; figure 11 is an axonometric top view of a support of the platform of the pallet of figure 1 ; figure 12 is a first axonometric top view, partially sectioned, of a second embodiment of the pallet; figure 13 is a second axonometric top view, partially sectioned, of the pallet of figure 12; figure 14 is an axonometric top view of a third embodiment of the pallet; figure 15 is an axonometric bottom view of the pallet of figure 14; figure 16 is a side view of the pallet of figure 14; figure 17 is a front view of the pallet of figure 14; figure 18 is a bottom view of the pallet of figure 14; figure 19 is section XIX-XIX of figure 18; figure 20 is detail XX of figure 19; figure 21 is section XXI-XXI of figure 18; figure 22 is detail XXII of figure 21 ; figure 23 is an axonometric bottom view of the platform of the pallet of figure 14; figure 24 is an axonometric top view of a side support of the platform of the pallet of figure 14; figure 25 is an axonometric top view of a central support of the platform of the pallet of figure 14; figure 26 is an axonometric top view of a cistern comprising the pallet of figure 14. figure 27 is an axonometric top view of a fourth embodiment of the pallet; figure 28 is an axonometric bottom view of the pallet in figure 27; figure 29 is an axonometric bottom view of a support of the pallet of figure 27; figure 30 is an axonometric bottom view of the platform of the pallet of figure 27; figure 31 is a first partial and enlarged sectional view of a portion of a distal foot of the pallet of figure 27; figure 32 is a first partial and enlarged sectional view of a portion of the platform of the pallet of figure 27; figure 33 is an axonometric top view of a spacer of the pallet of figure 27; figure 34 is an axonometric bottom view of the spacer of figure 33; figure 35 is a second partial and enlarged sectional view of a portion of a distal foot of the pallet of figure 27; figure 36 is an axonometric top view of an insert of the pallet of figure 27; figure 37 is a bottom view of the insert of figure 36; figure 38 is a second partial and enlarged sectional view of a portion of the platform of the pallet of figure 27; figure 39 is an axonometric top view of a support of a fifth embodiment of the pallet.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments

[0026] Figures 1-11 show a first embodiment of the pallet according to the present description, which comprises a platform 1 joined to two or more supports 2 arranged next to each other under the platform 1 , so that at least one cavity 3 suitable for inserting a lifting element, for example an arm of a forklift, is arranged under the platform 1 between at least two supports 2.

[0027] The platform 1 may also be joined to supports other than those described in the present description and, vice versa, the supports 2 may also be joined to a platform other than the one described in the present description.

[0028] The platform 1 has a substantially rectangular external profile with two major edges and two minor edges. The supports 2 have an elongated shape that extends along a longitudinal axis L, wherein the longitudinal axes L of the supports 2 are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to one edge, in particular a major edge, of the platform 1. The length of the supports 2 is substantially equal to the length of one edge, in particular a major edge, of the platform 1 .

[0029] The present embodiment of the pallet comprises three supports 2 but other embodiments may also comprise a different number of supports 2, for example two or four supports 2.

[0030] At least one support 2, preferably the platform 1 and all the supports 2, are each made from a single piece of sheet metal which is shaped and then stamped using a deep drawing process, in particular a cold deep drawing. Accessories may be added to the platform 1 and / or the support 2. Said sheet metal is preferably a stainless steel sheet, in particular AISI 304 or AISI 441 steel, or a low-carbon zinc-coated steel, in particular DX56D, HX220YD, HX260YD or HX180YD steel, more in particular a zinc-coated steel with an offset yield strength Rp0.2 of at least 200 MPa.

[0031] The sheet metal thickness of the platform 1 is 0.7-1 .0 mm, in particular 0.8-0.9 mm, and the sheet metal thickness of the supports 2 is 0.5-2.0 mm, in particular 0.8-1.5 mm, depending on the size of the pallet, the load it must support and the metal used.

[0032] The supports 2 are substantially open upwards, i.e. towards the platform 1 , and comprise at least one lower wall, at least one front wall, at least one rear wall and at least two side walls, wherein these walls are formed from a single piece of metal sheet stamped by deep drawing, so that these walls are joined to each other continuously, i.e. without further processing, such as for example joints, bending, riveting, welding or clinching.

[0033] At least one support 2 is joined to the platform 1 , in particular by spot welding without adding material and / or by clinching, after the support 2 has been stamped.

[0034] Preferably, when the support 2 is not yet joined to the platform 1 , the height of the support 2 is 100-140 mm, in particular 115-125 mm, the width of the support 2 is 90-130 mm, in particular 105-115 mm, and / or the length of the support 2 is 600-1500 mm, in particular 1170-1230 mm or 1070-1130 mm.

[0035] At least one layer of elastomeric material may be applied to the upper surface of the platform 1.

[0036] The platform 1 may comprise a plurality of ribs 4 which are arranged in a grid pattern on the platform 1 and are obtained by deformation of the sheet metal during the stamping of the platform 1. The ribs 4 of the platform 1 are separated from each other, i.e. they do not cross each other, even when one end of a rib 4 is adjacent to another rib 4. Preferably, the ribs 4 protrude towards the lower side of the platform 1 joined to the supports 2 and are open on the upper side, i.e. on the side opposite the supports 2 while they are closed on the other sides, in particular at the ends, unlike, for example, ribs which could be obtained through a profiling or bending process. The cross-sectional height of the ribs 4 is 7-13 mm, in particular 9-11 mm, and / or the cross-sectional width of the ribs 4 is 12-24 mm, in particular 17-19 mm. The ribs 4 of the platform 1 have a substantially truncated pyramid shape, with the larger base open towards the upper side of the platform 1 , or a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, with the ends closed by a terminal portion in the shape of a quarter sphere, half truncated cone or half ogive, having a length of 25-55 mm, in particular 38-42 mm. Preferably, the ribs 4 of the platform 1 are substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the edges of the platform 1 and / or to the longitudinal axes L of the supports 2. In particular, the platform 1 comprises at least four ribs 4 arranged along the edges of the platform 1 and having substantially the same length as these edges.

[0037] One or more portions of one or more edges of the platform 1 are bent downward, i.e. , toward the supports 2, so as to form one or more curls 5, to improve the safety and aesthetics of the pallet. The width and / or height of the cross-section of the curls 5 is 7- 13 mm, in particular 8-11 mm.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the cross-section of the curls 5 is in the shape of a circular arc, while in other embodiments the curls 5 may have a different cross-section, for example substantially square, rectangular, oval, or folded on itself.

[0039] The platform 1 and / or the lower wall of at least one support 2 preferably comprise a network of bosses 6 made during the stamping of the platform 1 and / or of this support 2. The profile of the bosses 6 preferably has a substantially rhomboidal shape, or another regular shape, for example quadrangular, round or elliptical.

[0040] The bosses 6 of the platform 1 have a height of 0.5-2 mm, in particular 0.7-0.9 mm, and / or occupy an area of 40-250 mm2each. The bosses 6 of the platform 1 have a length of 12-22 mm, in particular 15-17 mm, and / or a width of 8-18 mm, in particular 11-13 mm. The bosses 6 of the support 2 have a height of 0.5-2 mm, in particular 0.7-0.9 mm, and / or occupy an area of 40-150 mm2each. The bosses 6 of support 2 have a length of 11-19 mm, in particular 13-15 mm, and / or a width of 8-16 mm, in particular 10-12 mm.

[0041] At least one support 2 has a substantially parallelepiped shape with the upper wall substantially open upwards, i.e. towards the platform 1 , and the lower wall substantially closed, in particular a substantially truncated pyramid shape, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls are inclined at an angle of 0.1 °-5°, in particular 0.5°-4.5°, with respect to a plane perpendicular to the lower wall of the support 2, with the larger base open upwards, i.e. towards the platform 1 , and the smaller base closed downwards, i.e. towards the side opposite the platform 1 , so that the smaller base, i.e. the lower wall of a support 2, acts as a support surface of the pallet.

[0042] The lower wall of at least one support 2 comprises at least one channel 7 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, is closed at its ends and is open downwards. The channel 7 is therefore shorter than the lower wall of the support 2. Preferably, the width of the channel 7 is 20-40 mm, in particular 32-36 mm, the height of the channel 7 is 8-16 mm, in particular 10-14 mm, the length of the channel 7 is 75-90%, in particular 78%-82%, of the length of the support 2 and / or the shape of the channel 7 is substantially semi-cylindrical or substantially rectangular, in particular half an elliptical cylinder, with the ends substantially in the shape of a quarter sphere, half a cone, half a truncated cone or half an ogive. If the length of a support 2 is approximately 1170-1230 mm, the length of the channel 7 is preferably 900-1100 mm, in particular 940-970 mm.

[0043] Both side walls of at least one support 2 are provided with at least two openings 8 which are open upwards, i.e. are connected to the upper opening of the support 2, and extend substantially over the entire height of a support 2, i.e. at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, of the entire height of a support 2, so that the side walls of a support 2 form two distal feet 2a with the front wall or the rear wall of the support 2, wherein a central foot 2b is arranged between two openings 8 and is joined to each distal foot 2a by the lower wall and a lower portion of a side wall of the support 2. The openings 8 have a substantially trapezoidal or rectangular shape with two rounded corners and / or have edges folded back on themselves or bent at approximately 90° with an extension of 4- 10 mm, in particular 4-6 mm, of constant or variable cross-section. The radius of curvature of the two rounded corners of at least one opening 8 is 10-30 mm, in particular 18-22 mm. Two openings 8 are preferably made in mirror-image positions on each side wall of a support 2, so as to allow the passage of the horizontal arms of a forklift. Preferably, the length of the openings 8 is 300-380 mm, in particular 335-345 mm, and / or the height of the openings 8, before joining the support 2 to the platform 1 , is 85-130 mm, in particular 105-110 mm. The height of the portion of a side wall of the support 2 which is arranged between a distal foot 2a and a central foot 2b is preferably 5-17 mm, in particular 9-13 mm.

[0044] The curls 5 of the platform 1 are preferably arranged at the cavities 3 of the pallet and / or at the openings 8 of the supports 2 and have substantially the same width as the cavities 3 or the same length as the openings 8. Therefore, the curls 5 of the platform 1 alternate along the edges of the platform 1 with the distal feet 2a and the central feet 2b of the supports 2.

[0045] One or both side walls of at least one support 2 comprise one or more recesses 9 which have an elongated shape that extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the support 2. The recesses 9 have a lower end open towards the lower wall of the support 2 and a closed upper end. In particular, the recesses 9 preferably have a substantially half-cone shape closed by a rounded tip and the base open towards the lower wall of the support 2. The inclination, with respect to a vertical plane, of the edges of the recesses 9 which have a substantially half-cone shape, is 0.5°- 3.5°, in particular 1.5°-2.5°. Preferably, the depth of the recesses 9, i.e. the radius of the half cone, is 2-15 mm, and / or the number of the recesses 9 is ten to eighteen for each support 2, in particular five to nine recesses 9 for each side wall of the support 2, and / or the height of a recess 9 is at least 50 mm and / or at least 85% of the entire height of the support 2, i.e. 90-190 mm for a height of the support 2 of 100-200 mm.

[0046] The side walls of at least one support 2 are continuously connected to the lower wall of the support 2 with a rounded portion, preferably having a radius of curvature of 4-12 mm, in particular 8-10 mm.

[0047] The front wall and the rear wall of at least one support 2 are continuously connected to the adjacent side walls with a rounded portion, preferably having a radius of curvature of 10-30 mm, in particular 18-22 mm.

[0048] The vertices between a side wall, the bottom wall and the front or rear wall of at least one support 2 are rounded, preferably with a radius of curvature of 10-40 mm, in particular 20-30 mm.

[0049] At least one support 2 comprises one or more fins 10 which can be obtained by bending the upper edges of the support 2 outwards or inwards, so that a fin 10 protrudes from an upper edge of the support 2, is arranged substantially on the same plane as the larger base of the support 2 and can be joined to a portion of the lower surface of the platform 1. The fins 10 preferably have a substantially rectangular shape and / or are joined to the platform 1 by spot welding without adding material and / or by clinching.

[0050] The lower wall of at least one support 2 is preferably provided with at least one hole 11 which is arranged under an inwardly folded fin 10 and which allows the passage of a welding tip to weld a point 12 of the fin 10 clamped to a point 12 of the platform 1 by means of a holder of the welding machine. The hole 11 can also serve to pass a punch for clinching the fin 10 to the platform 1 at point 12. Preferably, the width of a fin 10 is 19- 31 mm, in particular 24-26 mm, and / or the length of a fin 10 is 124-164 mm, in particular 140-148 mm. The hole 11 has a diameter of 17-23 mm, in particular 19-21 mm.

[0051] One or more notches 13 are formed at a corner between a fin 10 and the adjacent side wall of at least one support 2. The notches 13 preferably have a cusp or arched crosssection and / or are inclined with respect to a fin 10 at an angle of 20°-70°, in particular 37°-41 °.

[0052] The dimensions of the embodiment of the pallet shown in figures 1-11 are approximately 800 mm x 1200 mm with a height of approximately 100-200 mm.

[0053] Writings and / or images, such as trademarks, barcodes, Data Matrix codes and / or QR codes, may be printed by cold stamping or laser engraving on one or more walls of at least one support 2.

[0054] Referring to figures 12 and 13, in a second embodiment of the pallet, similar to the first embodiment, one or more bars 24 are arranged between the lower wall of at least one support 2 and the lower side of the platform 1 at at least one of the feet 2a, 2b of the pallet, i.e. at the portions of the support 2 not provided with the openings 8, wherein the longitudinal axis of the bars 24 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the respective support 2.

[0055] Referring to Figures 14-26, in a third embodiment of the pallet, similar to the first embodiment, at least one crosspiece 30 extends in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes L of the supports 2 and substantially at the center of the platform 1 , is disposed between the platform 1 and the supports 2, and is joined to the platform 1 , preferably by stamping deformation together with the platform 1 when the platform 1 is stamped into its final shape, such that the crosspiece 30 and the portion of the platform 1 joined to the crosspiece 30 have substantially the same shape and have adjacent surfaces that fit together in a substantially integral shape fit. For this purpose, the crosspiece 30 is temporarily joined to the platform 1 by clinching or spot welding, preferably without the addition of material, when both the platform 1 and the crosspiece 30 are in a flat configuration, wherein the platform 1 and the crosspiece 30 each comprise a substantially flat and substantially rectangular metal sheet, after which the platform 1 and the crosspiece 30 are stamped together to obtain their final shape. Grooves substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L of the supports 2, i.e. to the major edges of the platform 1 , are preferably obtained in the platform 1 and in the crosspiece 30, in particular when they are stamped together.

[0056] The platform 1 , the crosspiece 30, and / or at least one support 2, preferably the platform 1 , all supports 2, and the crosspiece 30, are each made from a single piece of shaped and stamped sheet metal using a deep drawing process, in particular cold deep drawing. Accessory parts may, however, be added to the platform 1 , the support 2, and / or the crosspiece 30.

[0057] At least one support 2 is preferably provided with at least one window 31 which is adjacent to an upper edge of the support 2, i.e. to an edge of the platform 1 .

[0058] The platform 1 comprises at least one channel 32 which protrudes downwards from the platform 1 , is housed at least partially in the volume of a support 2, is inclined downwards and towards one edge of this support 2 and extends along the longitudinal axis L of this support 2, which is different from the other supports 2 joined to the platform 1 . The support 2 which at least partially houses the channel 32 of the platform 1 is preferably a support 2 arranged in a central position, i.e. the support 2 having its longitudinal axis L arranged on a vertical median plane of the platform 1 , which median plane corresponds substantially to the plane XIX-XIX of figure 18. Preferably, the channel 32 has a substantially truncated cone shape and / or is crossed by the grooves of the platform 1 , so that the channel 32 and the grooves of the platform 1 form a cross in the platform 1 .

[0059] Preferably, the platform 1 comprises a perimeter frame 14 and a perimeter relief 15 which extend at least partially along one or more edges, in particular along all the edges, of the platform 1 , except for the portion of the external edge in which the channel 32 is present, wherein the perimeter frame 14 surrounds the perimeter relief 15. The external edge of the perimeter frame 14 is preferably folded upwards on itself, as seen in figures 20 and 22.

[0060] One or more lower edges of the distal feet 2a and of one or both central feet 2b of at least two supports 2 comprise at least one recess 16, so that the recesses 16 of these two supports 2, when joined to the platform 1 , together form portions of a perimeter seat which is substantially rectangular and extends along a perimeter profile which is substantially parallel to the edges of the platform 1 . Figure 23 shows the points 17 where the crosspiece 30 is joined to the platform 1 by spot welding without material addition and / or by clinching, where the crosspiece 30 in its initial configuration is substantially flat and rectangular and the points 17 are arranged at least at the four corners and at the center of the crosspiece 30. Additional welding or clinching points may be added to the platform 1 and / or the crosspiece 30 when the supports 2 are joined to the platform 1 and / or the crosspiece 30.

[0061] Figures 24 and 25 also show a frame 18 which is arranged around the openings 8 and is obtained by bending the edges of the openings 8, in particular at angles of approximately 90°, during the moulding of the supports 2. The upper edges of some central feet 2b are preferably provided with concavities 19 which house the grooves obtained in the platform 1 and in the crosspiece 30.

[0062] Figure 25 also shows a concavity 33 which is formed on the front wall of the central support 2, is open upwards and is suitable to accommodate the outlet of the channel 32 of the platform 1 , so that when the supports 2 are joined to the platform 1 , the edge of the concavity 33 can be folded around the edge of the outlet of the channel 32 of the platform 1.

[0063] Figure 26 shows a cistern comprising the pallet according to the third embodiment, wherein at least one tank 34, in particular made of plastic, is arranged above the platform 1 and inside a lattice structure 35, in particular made of metal, fixed to the platform 1. The tank 34 preferably comprises a drain tap 36 arranged at least partially in the channel 32. The lattice structure 35 preferably comprises a lower frame which is fixed to the perimeter frame 14 of the platform 1 by means of a plurality of screws 37 or rivets which are arranged along the perimeter frame 14 at the windows 31. The lattice structure 35 preferably comprises an upper frame which has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the perimeter seat comprising the recesses 16 of the supports 2, so that the upper frame can be arranged in the perimeter seat of a second tank which is substantially identical and is arranged on the tank shown in figure 26.

[0064] Referring to figures 27-37, in a fourth embodiment of the pallet, similar to the first embodiment, the platform 1 comprises a plurality of hollows 41 which are arranged along one or more edges of the platform 1 at least above one or more cavities 3 and / or openings 8. The hollows 41 preferably have a substantially hemispherical or semi-ovoid shape. The hollows 41 arranged above the cavities 3 are preferably smaller than the hollows 41 arranged above the openings 8. Preferably, all the supports 2 attached to the platform 1 are substantially identical to each other and / or comprise a series of fins 10 facing inwards and a series of fins 10 facing outwards. Preferably, the supports 2, with the exception of the fins 10, if present, and the holes 11 , if present, are substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing through the respective longitudinal axis L and / or with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis L. At least one fin 10 may comprise at least one seat 40 which houses a portion of a rib 4 which passes through this fin 10. Preferably, the length of the seat 40 is 20-40 mm, in particular 27-31 mm, and / or the height of the seat 40 is 8-15 mm, in particular 10- 12 mm.

[0065] The lower wall of at least one support 2 preferably comprises at least two housings 42 adjacent to each end of the channel 7, so that the channel 7 is arranged between the two housings 42. The housings 42 comprise a plurality of holes 43, in particular having a substantially rectangular shape. At least one insert 44 is arranged in each housing 42, so that a lower surface of the insert 44 protrudes downwards from the lower wall of the support 2, below the level of the lower surface of the bosses 6, if present. Preferably, the insert 44 and the housing 42 have substantially complementary shapes, in particular a parallelepiped or truncated pyramid shape with rounded edges. The insert 44 comprises a plurality of hooks 45 that protrude upwards and are configured to be engaged in the holes 43 of a housing 42, so as to snap the insert 44 into the housing 42. The insert 44 is preferably made of a single piece of elastic material with the hooks 45, in particular a single piece of thermoplastic material. The hooks 45 are preferably six in number, each arranged at the apex of a bisymmetrical hexagon. Preferably, the length of the housings 42 is 50-70 mm, in particular 58-62 mm, the width of the housings 42 is 25-50 mm, in particular 32-36 mm, and / or the height of the housings 42 is 1-6 mm, in particular 2-4 mm. The area occupied by each hole 43 is 5-20 mm2. Preferably, the distance of a housing 42 from the adjacent front or rear wall of the support 2 is 40-60 mm, in particular 48-54 mm.

[0066] One or both of the side walls, the front wall and / or the rear wall of at least one support 2 comprise second recesses 46 which have a shape substantially equal to the shape of the first recesses 9 but have a height equal to 25-50%, in particular 28-34%, of the height of the first recesses 9. Preferably, at least one second recess 46 is arranged on the front wall and the rear wall of at least one support 2 respectively, and at least two second recesses 46 are arranged, each between two first recesses 9, on each side wall of at least one support 2, respectively.

[0067] The platform 1 preferably comprises at least one opening 47 which is arranged between at least two ribs 4. At least one spacer 48 is arranged in the opening 47, so that a lower surface of the spacer 48 protrudes below the level of the ribs 4. In particular, the platform 1 comprises at least four openings 47 arranged at the vertices of a parallelogram P, wherein the sides of the parallelogram P are not parallel or perpendicular to the edges of the platform 1. In particular, the minor sides of the parallelogram P form an angle of 20°-30° with the minor edges of the platform 1 and the major sides of the parallelogram P form an angle of 3°-13° with the major edges of the platform 1. The openings 47 of the platform 1 are preferably arranged in a cavity 3 of the pallet between two openings 8 of two supports 2. Preferably, the opening 47 has a substantially circular shape and the spacer 48 has a substantially cylindrical or truncated cone shape. The spacer 48 comprises a plurality of hooks 49 that protrude upwards and are configured to be engaged in the opening 47, so as to snap the spacer 48 into the opening 47. The spacer 48 is preferably made of a single piece of elastic material with the hooks 49, in particular a single piece of thermoplastic material. The hooks 49 are preferably eight in number, each arranged radially around the axis of the spacer 48. Preferably, the diameter of the openings 47 is 20-30 mm, in particular 24-26 mm, the diameter of the spacers 48 is 30- 40 mm, in particular 32-36 mm, and / or the height of the spacers 48 is 4-12 mm, in particular 7-9 mm.

[0068] The supports 2 preferably comprise one or more recesses 51 which are arranged along a lower edge of at least one distal foot 2a, in particular the lower edge of the front wall and / or the rear wall of a support 2, so that the recesses 51 , when the supports 2 are joined to the platform 1 , together form portions of one or more transverse seats which extend along a transverse axis substantially parallel to a minor edge of the platform 1 . At least one rod 52 can be arranged in the recesses 51 of the supports 2, i.e. in at least one transverse seat, so that at least one distal foot 2a of the supports 2 is arranged between the rod 52 and the platform 1. The rod 52 can be fixed to a recess 51 of a support 2 by means of at least one rivet 53 or a screw inserted in at least one hole 54 made in the recess 51 . The cross-section of the rod 52 is tubular and substantially elliptical with bilobed portions at the ends and in areas where the rivet 53 or screw is arranged between the two lobes of the rod 52. The rod 52 may also be fixed to the supports 2 by clinching or welding. Preferably, the height of the rod 52 is 5-15 mm, in particular 8-12 mm, the width of the rod 52 is 20-30 mm, in particular 24-26 mm, and the sheet metal thickness of the rod 52 is 0.4-2.0 mm, in particular 1.0-1.4 mm.

[0069] The platform 1 preferably comprises one or more tongues 55 that protrude downwards from one or both the minor edges of the platform 1 and are configured to be joined to the front or rear wall of a support 2. For this purpose, the one or more tongues 55 of the platform 1 and the supports 2 joined to these tongues 55 are respectively provided with at least one hole 56, 57 for their mutual fastening by means of at least one rivet 58 or screw. The tongues 55 may also be fixed to the supports 2 by clinching or welding. Preferably, the width of the tongues 55 is 40-80 mm, in particular 65-75 mm, and the height of the tongues 55 is 12-20 mm, in particular 14-18 mm.

[0070] The platform 1 preferably comprises one or more teeth 59 that protrude upwards from one or more edges, in particular from all edges, of the platform 1 , and which are configured to retain objects arranged on the platform 1 . Preferably, the one or more teeth 59 have a substantially truncated pyramid shape and / or are arranged on a minor edge of the platform 1 , at a cavity 3 of the pallet, and / or on a major edge of the platform 1 , at a recess 9 of the support 2, so as to allow two pallets to be stacked one on top of the other. The platform 1 may also comprise one or more depressions 60 that are arranged on one or more edges, in particular at least on the minor edges, of the platform 1 , and which have a shape complementary to the shape of said one or more teeth 59, so as to be able to house at least one tooth 59 of a second pallet of the same type, which is stacked, upside down, on the platform 1.

[0071] One or more strips 61 of anti-slip material may be applied on the platform 1 between two ribs 4.

[0072] The platform 1 preferably comprises one or more arches 62 protruding downwards from one or more corners, in particular from all corners, of the platform 1 .

[0073] Figure 38 shows a point 12 of the platform 1 joined to a fin 10 of a support 2 by clinching.

[0074] Figure 39 shows a fifth embodiment of the support 2, similar to the fourth embodiment but without the recesses 51 for the rods 52. The upper edge of the front wall and / or rear wall of at least one support 2 is bent inward so as to form one or more brackets 63 substantially perpendicular to this front or rear wall. The length of the brackets 63 is 4- 20 mm, in particular 6-8 mm. Therefore, in one embodiment of the process for manufacturing the pallet according to the present description: a. at least one metal sheet is shaped to a predetermined form; b. the metal sheet is stamped by deep drawing to form at least one support 2 of the pallet; c. the at least one support 2 is fixed to the platform 1 of the pallet.

[0075] Preferably, the fins 10 and / or the brackets 63 of the support 2 are bent outward or inward of the support 2 after the metal sheet has been stamped.

[0076] Preferably, some portions of the material of the support 2 may be removed from the openings 8 and / or the fins 10 after the metal sheet has been stamped.

[0077] Preferably, the holes 11 and / or the openings 47 of the support 2 may be made in the support 2 after the metal sheet has been stamped.

[0078] Variations or additions may be made by those skilled in the art to the embodiments described and illustrated herein, while remaining within the scope of the following claims. In particular, further embodiments may include the technical features of one of the following claims with the addition of one or more technical features described in the text or illustrated in the drawings, taken individually or in any mutual combination, and including equivalent characteristics thereof.

[0079] Furthermore, terms used in the text and / or drawings are intended to be inclusive unless otherwise specified, so for example the terms “a”, “comprising”, “including a”, “having two”, or “provided with” mean respectively “at least one”, “comprising, but not limited to”, “including at least one”, “having two or more”, or “provided with at least one”.

[0080] Angles, proportions and values quoted in the text and / or shown in the drawings include a tolerance of at least 5%, unless otherwise specified.

Claims

1. Claims1. A pallet comprising a platform (1) joined to two or more supports (2) arranged side by side under the platform (1), so that at least one cavity (3) is arranged under the platform (1) between at least two supports (2), wherein the supports (2) have an elongated shape extending along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the longitudinal axes (L) of the supports (2) are substantially parallel to each other, wherein the platform (1) has a substantially rectangular external profile, wherein the longitudinal axes (L) of the supports (2) are substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to an edge of the platform (1), wherein the length of the supports (2) is substantially equal to the length of an edge of the platform (1), wherein the supports (2) are substantially open towards the top, characterised in that at least one support (2) of said two or more supports (2) comprises at least one lower wall, at least one front wall, at least one rear wall and at least two side walls, wherein these walls are formed from a single piece of stamped sheet metal and are joined to each other in a continuous manner, wherein the lower wall of said at least one support (2) comprises at least one channel (7) which is closed at its ends, wherein the at least two side walls of said at least one support (2) are provided with at least two openings (8) which are open upwards and extend for at least 80% of the entire height of the support (2), so that the side walls of the support (2) form two distal feet (2a) with the front wall or the rear wall of the support (2), wherein a central foot (2b) is arranged between two openings (8) of a side wall and is joined to each distal foot (2a) through the lower wall and a lower portion of a side wall of the support (2), wherein the front wall, the rear wall and / or one or both side walls of said at least one support (2) comprise one or more recesses (9, 46) which have an elongated shape which develops along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support (2), wherein the recesses (9, 46) have a lower end open towards the lower wall of the support (2) and a closed upper end.

2. The pallet according to the previous claim, wherein said at least one support (2) has a substantially truncated pyramid shape, wherein the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls are inclined at an angle of 0.1 °-5° with respect to a plane perpendicular to the lower wall of the support (2).

3. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all the supports (2) joined to the platform (1) are substantially equal to each other.

4. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises a plurality of ribs (4) which are arranged in a lattice pattern on the platform (1), are substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the edges of the platform (1), are separated from each other, protrude towards the lower side of the platform (1), are open on the upper side of the platform (1) and are closed on the other sides.

5. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein the ribs (4) of the platform (1) have a substantially truncated pyramid shape, with the larger base open towards the upper side of the platform (1), or a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, with the ends closed by a terminal portion in the shape of a quarter sphere, half truncated cone or half ogive.

6. The pallet according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the platform (1) comprises at least four ribs (4) arranged along the edges of the platform (1) and having substantially the same length as these edges.

7. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein portions of one or more edges of the platform (1) are bent downwards so as to form one or more curls (5), wherein at least one curl (5) is arranged at one of said cavities (3) of the pallet or at one opening (8) of said at least one support (2) and has substantially the same width as this cavity (3) or substantially the same length as this opening (8).

8. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the sheet metal of the platform (1) is 0.7-1.0 mm, in particular 0.8-0.9 mm, and the thickness of the sheet metal of said at least one support (2) is 0.5-2.0 mm, in particular 0.8-1.5 mm.

9. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support (2) is substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing through the respective longitudinal axis (L) and / or with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis (L).

10. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one support (2) comprises one or more fins (10) which protrude from an upper edge of the support (2) and are joined to portions of the lower surface of the platform (1) by spot welding without the addition of material and / or by clinching.11 . The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein the lower wall of said at least one support (2) is provided with at least one hole (11) which is arranged under at least one of said one or more fins (10).

12. The pallet according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein one or more notches (13) are provided at a corner between at least one of said one or more fins (10) and the adjacent side wall of said at least one support (2).

13. The pallet according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of said one or more fins (10) comprises at least one seat (40) which houses a portion of a rib (4) of the platform (1).

14. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more bars (24) are arranged between the lower wall of said at least one support (2) and the lower side of the platform (1), wherein the longitudinal axis of the bars (24) is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the support (2) and to the platform (1).

15. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one crosspiece (30) formed from a single piece of shaped and stamped sheet metal extends in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes (L) of the supports (2) and substantially at the center of the platform (1), wherein the crosspiece (30) is arranged between the platform (1) and the supports (2) and is joined to the platform (1), wherein grooves substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes (L) of the supports (2) are formed in the platform (1) and in the crosspiece (30), wherein the crosspiece (30) and the portion of the platform (1) joined to the crosspiece (30) have substantially the same shape and have adjacent surfaces that fit together with a substantially integral shape fit.

16. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein the crosspiece (30) is joined to the platform (1) by means of a spot (17) welding without the addition of material and / or by clinching.

17. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal of the platform (1), of said at least one support (2) and / or of said crosspiece (30) is a sheet of stainless steel, in particular AISI 304 or AISI 441 steel, or of low carbon zinc-coated steel, in particular DX56D, HX220YD, HX260YD or HX180YD steel.

18. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more lower edges of the distal feet (2a) and of one or both central feet (2b) of at least two of said supports (2) comprise at least one recess (16), so that the recesses (16) of these at least two supports (2) together form portions of a perimeter seat which is substantially rectangular and extends along a perimeter profile which is substantially parallel to the edges of the platform (1).

19. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one tank (34) is arranged above the platform (1) and inside a lattice structure (35) fixed to the platform (1), wherein the lattice structure (35) comprises an upper frame which has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of said perimeter seat.

20. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein the platform (1) comprises a perimeter frame (14) and a perimeter relief (15) which extend at least partially along one or more edges of the platform (1), wherein the perimeter frame (14) surrounds the perimeter relief (15), wherein said at least one support (2) is provided with one or more windows (31) adjacent to at least one upper edge of the support (2), wherein said lattice structure (35) comprises a lower frame which is fixed on the perimeter frame (14) of the platform (1) by means of a plurality of screws (37) or rivets which are arranged along the perimeter frame (14) at said one or more windows (31).

21. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises a plurality of hollows (41) which have a substantially semi-spherical or semi-ovoidal shape and are arranged along one or more edges of the platform (1) at least at one or more of said cavities (3) of the pallet and / or at one or more openings (8) of said at least one support (2).

22. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower wall of at least one support (2) comprises at least two housings (42) adjacent to each end of the at least one channel (7), such that the channel (7) is arranged between the two housings (42), wherein each housing (42) comprises a plurality of holes (43) and at least one insert (44) is arranged in each housing (42), such that a lower surface of the insert (44) protrudes downwards from the lower wall of the support (2).

23. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said recesses (9, 46) comprise first recesses (9) and second recesses (46), wherein the secondrecesses (46) have a shape substantially equal to the shape of the first recesses (9) but have a height equal to 25-50%, in particular 28-34%, of the height of the first recesses (9).

24. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one second recess (46) is arranged respectively on the front wall and on the rear wall of said at least one support (2), wherein at least two second recesses (46) are arranged, each between two first recesses (9), respectively on each side wall of said at least one support (2).

25. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises at least one opening (47) which is arranged between at least two ribs (4), wherein at least one spacer (48) is arranged in the opening (47), wherein a lower surface of the spacer (48) protrudes below the level of the ribs (4).

26. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein the platform (1) comprises at least four openings (47) arranged at the vertices of a parallelogram (P), wherein the sides of the parallelogram (P) are not parallel or perpendicular to the edges of the platform (1).

27. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein each of the at least four openings (47) of the platform (1) is arranged in a cavity (3) of the pallet between two openings (8) of two supports (2).

28. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one lower edge of one or both distal feet (2a) of at least two of said supports (2) comprises at least one recess (51), so that the recesses (51) of these two supports (2) together form portions of one or more transverse seats which develop along a transverse axis substantially parallel to a minor edge of the platform (1).

29. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one rod (52) is arranged in at least one of said one or more transverse seats, so that at least one distal foot (2a) of the supports (2) is arranged between the rod (52) and the platform (1).

30. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises one or more tongues (55) which protrude downwards from one or moreedges of the platform (1) and which are joined to the front or rear wall of said at least one support (2).

31. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises one or more teeth (59) protruding upwards from one or more edges of the platform (1).

32. The pallet according to the preceding claim, wherein said one or more teeth (59) are arranged at a cavity (3) of the pallet or at a recess (9) of said at least one support (2).

33. The pallet according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the platform (1) comprises one or more depressions (60) which are arranged on one or more edges of the platform(1) and have a shape complementary to the shape of said one or more teeth (59).

34. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform (1) comprises one or more arches (62) protruding downwards from the corners of the platform (1).

35. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper edge of the front wall and / or the rear wall of said at least one support (2) is bent inwards so as to form one or more brackets (63) substantially perpendicular to this front or rear wall.

36. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side walls of said at least one support (2) are continuously connected to the lower wall of the support(2) with a rounded portion having a radius of curvature of 4-12 mm, in particular 8- 10 mm.

37. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front wall and / or the rear wall of said at least one support (2) are continuously connected to the adjacent side walls with a rounded portion having a radius of curvature of 10-30 mm, in particular 18-22 mm.

38. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertices included between a side wall, the lower wall and the front or rear wall of said at least onesupport (2) are rounded with a radius of curvature of 10-40 mm, in particular 20-30 mm.

39. The pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of at least one of said one or more recesses (9) is at least 85% of the entire height of said at least one support (2).

40. A process for manufacturing a pallet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: a. at least one metal sheet is shaped with a predetermined form; b. said metal sheet is stamped by deep drawing to form said at least one support (2) of the pallet; c. said at least one support (2) is fixed to said platform (1) of the pallet.

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