Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Industrial platform – With load-confining means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-20
2001-04-17
Wilkens, Janet M. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Industrial platform
With load-confining means
C108S055100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216607
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a pallet for goods of the type used in manufacturing operations.
II. Description of the Prior Art
Many types of goods used in manufacturing operations, such as sheet metal, are typically transported on a rectangular pallet. The rectangular pallet includes an upper planar surface which supports the goods which are piled on top of the pallet.
In order to retain the goods to the pallet during shipping, typically crisscrossing steel bands extend across both the top of the goods as well as around the pallet. When use of the goods is desired at the manufacturing facility, the metal bands are typically cut from the pallet thus exposing the goods. In some cases, after the goods are used, the pallet is discarded.
There are several disadvantages to the previously known use of pallets for shipping goods to manufacturing facilities. One primary disadvantage is that the steel bands which retain the goods to the pallet, after removal from the pallet, are simply discarded. This is not only disadvantageously wasteful, but also creates a disposal problem for the steel bands. Furthermore, the steel bands are sharp, particularly at the point that they are cut from the pallet, and pose a potential safety hazard.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention provides a pallet for transporting goods to manufacturing facilities which overcomes all of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the previously known devices. In brief, the pallet of the present invention comprises a generally rectangular base having an upper planar surface on which the goods are supported. Typically, sheet goods, such as sheet metal, are supported on the pallet.
A winch having a rotatable drum is mounted to the pallet adjacent a first side of the pallet. This winch includes means, such as a pawl and ratchet, for selectively locking the winch drum against rotation.
A retaining pin is provided on the second or opposite side of the pallet. Furthermore, the retaining pin is aligned with the winch.
An elongated strap has one end wound around the winch drum while a hook is secured to the opposite or free end of the strap. This hook is dimensioned to engage and selectively attach to the retaining pin.
In operation, after the goods are placed on the upper surface of the pallet, the winch drum is unlocked, the strap is extended over the goods and the hook at the free end of the strap is attached to the retaining pin. Thereafter, the winch is rotatably driven to tighten the strap across the top of the goods and thus secure the goods to the pallet. When the strap is fully tightened, the winch drum is locked against rotation thus firmly securing the strap across the goods.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, crisscrossing straps are provided along all four sides of the pallet and each strap includes its own associated winch. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining pins are selectively moved by an actuating rod between an engaged position and a released position. In their engaged position, the retaining pins are positioned to receive the hook at the end of its associated strap thus securing the strap to the retaining pin. Conversely, in its released position, the retaining pins are moved out of engagement with their associated hooks thus releasing the free ends of the strap and providing access to the goods on the pallet for unloading.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4122587 (1978-10-01), Weiss et al.
patent: 5355813 (1994-10-01), Darnell et al.
patent: 5833289 (1998-11-01), Brolin
patent: 1361066 (1974-07-01), None
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Wilkens Janet M.
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