Adjustable Pallet Cage

The present invention relates generally to pallet cages. More particularly, this invention relates to an adjustable pallet cage configured to receive and support two or more sizes of pallets.

Standard wooden pallets have been used for decades to support goods arranged thereon. The wooden pallets provides a platform for the goods to be arranged in an organized and modular manner. The wooden pallets can then be efficiently arranged for storage and warehousing. These wooden pallets are configured such that the forks of a forklift may engage the pallet and the forklift may selectively move the wooden pallet. However, standard wooden pallets suffer from several disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that the wooden pallet does not have walls or a way to prevent goods from falling off of the pallet. Another such disadvantage is that cranes are unable to lift wooden pallets standing alone. There are no useful connection points located on the wooden pallet and, because the goods are stacked atop the pallet, the wooden pallet becomes unstable once lifted into the air by a crane.

Pallet cages have been used in the prior art to support standard wooden pallets. These pallet cages support and enclose the wooden pallet and the contents stacked thereon. Forklifts, cranes, and other machines can then safely lift the pallet cage and wooden pallet contained therein. These pallet cages are often used in connection with cargo ships where large volumes of pallets are loaded onto the cargo ship from the dock and vice versa. However, pallets are now offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Regarding materials, pallets may be roto molded plastic, injection molded plastic, wooden, or aluminum to name a few examples. The size and shape of the pallet may depend on the industry of goods being shipped or on the country the goods are shipped from. For instance, drums are typically shipped using pallets that are 48 inches in width and 48 inches in length. However, the US military uses pallets that are 48 inches in width and 40 inches in length. Furthermore, while the standard pallet used in North America is 48 inches in width and 40 inches in length, the standard pallet used in Australia is roughly 44 inches in width and 44 inches in length. Thus, a shipping dock often needs to have several sizes of pallet cages on hand to service the various sizes of pallets being used.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved pallet cages that are operable with pallets of various sizes.

The current disclosure provides an enhancement to conventional systems, at least in part by introducing a novel adjustable pallet cage and method of operation thereof.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one particular and exemplary embodiment, an adjustable pallet cage is provided herein for securing a pallet for transport.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, including: a chassis including a vertical support structure; the vertical support structure including a crossmember arranged to bisect a width of the adjustable pallet cage; a first cage end slidably coupled with a first side of the chassis; and a second cage end slidably coupled with a second side of the chassis; wherein the width of the adjustable pallet cage is adjustable between a collapsed position and an expanded position.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: the vertical support structure includes: at least a pair of vertical posts; the crossmember connecting the pair of vertical posts; and a lifting point arranged at a substantial center of the crossmember.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: the lifting point includes a looped member.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: the chassis includes a coupling post extending substantially orthogonal from the vertical support structure.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: each of the first cage end and the second cage end includes a coupling post configured to slide relative to the coupling post of the chassis.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, further including: a pin; wherein each of the coupling post of the chassis and the coupling post of the first and second cage ends includes a plurality of holes defined therein; and wherein the plurality of holes are configured to receive the pin; wherein the pin extending through the plurality of holes fixes the chassis relative to the first cage end and the second cage end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: the plurality of holes of each one of the coupling post of the chassis, the first cage end, and the second cage end include equidistant spacing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: the coupling post of the chassis is telescopically arranged in the coupling post of at least one of the first cage end or the second cage end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: each of the first cage end and the second cage end includes: at least a pair of vertical posts; and the crossmember connecting the pair of vertical posts.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, further including: a primary fork receiver coupled with a bottom surface of at least one of the chassis, the first cage end, or the second cage end; wherein the primary fork receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of a fork associated with a forklift.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, further including: a removable pallet support extending a depth associated with at least one of the chassis, the first cage end, or the second cage end; wherein the removable pallet support is configured to be slidably received through the primary fork receiver and to support a bottom surface of a pallet secured in the adjustable pallet cage.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, further including: a secondary fork receiver coupled with a side surface of at least one of the first cage end or the second cage end; and a removable pallet support; wherein the secondary fork receiver is configured to receive the removable pallet support.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, wherein: one or more of the chassis, the first cage end, or the second cage end includes a plurality of vertical posts or a pair of coupling posts; and at least one of the chassis, the first cage end, or the second cage end includes at least one secondary support connecting at least one of the pair of vertical posts or the pair of coupling posts.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an adjustable pallet cage, further including: at least one wire grate panel coupled to the at least one secondary support.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of securing a pallet in an adjustable pallet cage, the adjustable pallet cage including a chassis with a crossmember bisecting a width of the adjustable pallet cage, a first cage end and a second cage end both slidably coupled with the chassis, the method including: lifting the adjustable pallet cage by the crossmember; placing the adjustable pallet cage around the pallet; and sliding a position of at least one of the first cage end or the second cage end toward the pallet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein: placing the adjustable pallet cage around the pallet further includes lowering the adjustable pallet cage by the crossmember.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: subsequent to placing the adjustable pallet cage around the pallet, sliding a removable pallet support in a primary fork receiver of at least one of the chassis, the first cage end, or the second cage end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein: the chassis and at least one of the first cage end or the second cage end include a coupling post provided with a plurality of holes; and sliding the position of at least one of the first cage end or the second cage end toward the pallet further includes inserting a pin through at least a corresponding pair of the plurality of holes.

Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments set forth herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to, various embodiments may now be described of an adjustable pallet cage and a method for securely transporting a pallet.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth therein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment.

Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

The words “connected,” “attached,” “joined,” “mounted,” “fastened,” and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made using any applicable manufacturing method, such as, but not limited to 3D printing, injection molding, or the like.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Gamer, A Dictionary of Modem Legal Usage(2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or multiple components.

Referring now to the figures, and specifically, an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable pallet cage is shown and generally referred to as number. The adjustable pallet cagemay be configured to support one or more pallets therein.

The adjustable pallet cagemay include a chassis. The chassismay provide strength and support to the adjustable pallet cageand interconnect the components thereof. The chassismay include a vertical support structure. The vertical support structuremay include a plurality of vertical postsand a crossmemberconnecting the plurality of vertical posts. The crossmembermay include a lifting pointgenerally located at a substantial center of the crossmember. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the lifting pointmay be a looped member, such as a screw type looped member or a weld-on type looped member to name a few examples. The looped member may be configured to receive a hook associated with a crane such that the crane, via the hook, may engage and lift the pallet cage.

In some aspects, the vertical support structureand the crossmembermay be arranged to substantially bisect a width associated with the adjustable pallet cagesuch that the crossmemberfalls equally between the cage ends of the adjustable pallet cage. The arrangement of the crossmemberbisecting the width of the adjustable pallet cagemay apply where each cage end of the adjustable pallet cageare extended an equal distance from the chassis. Those of skill in the art may recognize that where the cage ends of the adjustable pallet cageare at unequal locations from the chassis, the crossmembermay not equally bisect the width of the adjustable pallet cage.

The chassismay further include a plurality of coupling posts. Each of the plurality of coupling postsmay also be referred to individually herein as a coupling post. Each vertical postmay include an upper coupling postA and a lower coupling postB. Each coupling postmay extend generally orthogonally from the associated vertical postin both a first directionand a second direction. In an exemplary aspect, the sliding of the cage endsrelative to the chassisalong with first and second directions,provides a change in the width of the adjustable pallet cage. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the width dimension in this exemplary aspect is exemplary and may represent a different dimension of the adjustable pallet cage. Each coupling postmay include a plurality of holesdefined therein.

The adjustable pallet cagemay further include a plurality of cage ends. Each of the plurality of cage endsmay also be referred to individually herein as a cage end. The plurality of cage endsmay include a first cage endA and a second cage endB positioned opposite the first cage endA. The first and second cage endsA,B may each be slidably coupled to the chassis.

Each cage endmay include an end portionand a plurality of coupling postsextending from the end portion. Each of the plurality of coupling postsmay also be referred to herein as coupling post. The end portionmay include a plurality of vertical posts, an upper crossmemberA, and a lower crossmemberB. The plurality of vertical postsand upper and lower crossmembersA,B may be fixed together such that they generally form a rectangle. The plurality of coupling postsmay include upper coupling postsA and lower coupling postsB. The upper coupling postsA may be located closer to the upper crossmemberA than the lower crossmemberB. The lower coupling postsB may be located closer to the lower crossmemberB than upper crossmemberA. Each of the plurality of coupling postsmay include a plurality of holesdefined therein.

Each coupling postof the first and second cage endsA,B may be tubular such that each includes a hollow interior. Each coupling postof the first and second cage endsA,B may be configured to receive a portion of an associated coupling postof the chassis. Each of the coupling postof the chassismay alternatively be configured to receive a portion of an associated one of the coupling postof the first and second cage endsA,B. In this manner, where one coupling post is slidably received within a corresponding other coupling post, the coupling posts are telescopically arranged. The coupling postof the chassismay be configured to translate relative the coupling postof the first and second cage endsA,B. One or more of the holesof the coupling postof the chassismay align with one or more holesof the coupling postof the cage end. To substantially fix the coupling postof the chassisrelative to the coupling postof the cage end, a pin(e.g., a clevis pin) may be coupled to the coupling posts,. The pinmay extend through a holeof the coupling postof the cage endand a holeof the coupling postof the chassis. To substantially fix the chassisrelative the cage end, a pinmay be coupled to each of the four instances where the coupling postof the cage endand coupling postof the chassisare connected.

Both the plurality of holesand the plurality of holesmay have equidistant spacing such that sliding the coupling postrelative to the coupling postwill present an arrangement of the plurality of holesand the plurality of holesat consistent and evenly spaced extensions of each of the cage endfrom the chassis.

The chassismay further include secondary supports. The secondary supportsof the chassismay be coupled to the coupling postsand/or the vertical posts. The cage endmay further include secondary supports. The secondary supportsof the cage endmay be coupled the end portionand/or the coupling posts. The secondary supports,may be configured to prevent items supported by the adjustable pallet cagefrom falling out of the adjustable support cage. In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, the adjustable support cagemay include a plurality of transparent panelscoupled to the secondary supports,. In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, the adjustable support cagemay include a plurality of wire gratepanels coupled to the secondary supports,. The transparent panelsand/or wire grate panelsmay be configured to prevent items supported by the adjustable pallet cagefrom fallout out of the adjustable support cage.

Each of the first and second cage endsA,B may include a pair of primary fork receivers. Each of the pair of primary fork receiversmay be coupled to an associated coupling postof the cage end. The primary fork receiversmay be configured to receive a fork of an associated forklift therethrough such that the forklift may lift the adjustable support cage. In certain exemplary use cases, a pallet may be received within the adjustable pallet cage. A forklift may engage the primary fork receiverssuch that the forks of the forklift provided support to the adjustable support cageand the pallet contained therein. In certain optional embodiments, the adjustable pallet cagemay include a pair of removable pallet supports. The removable pallet supportsmay be configured to be received within the primary fork receivers. Where the removable pallet supportsare not received within the primary fork receivers, the adjustable pallet cagemay include a substantially open bottom bounded by the lower coupling postB, the lower coupling postsB, and the lower crossmemberB. This open bottom arrangement allows for the adjustable pallet cageto be arranged vertically over a pallet and then lowered to directly surround the pallet, upon which the removable pallet supportsmay be inserted into the primary fork receivers.

In some aspects, the chassismay include one or more of the primary fork receiversto provide a substantially central location for insertion of one or more of the removable pallet supports.

The primary fork receiversmay include one or more holes defined therethrough, with such holes being similar in construction, shape, and size of the plurality of holes. The removable pallet supportsmay also include a corresponding hole arranged at a location of the removable pallet supportsconfigured to engaged with the primary fork receiverswhen the removable pallet supportsis inserted into the primary fork receivers. When the removable pallet supportsare received in the primary fork receivers, the hole in the removable pallet supportsand the hole in the primary fork receiversmay be in close proximity and may be aligned such that the pinmay be inserted through the holes and fix the removable pallet supportsrelative to the primary fork receivers. Those of skill in the art may appreciate that the pinmay be inserted through the holes in either the primary fork receiversor the removable pallet supportswhen the removable pallet supportsis not received in the primary fork receivers, which may prevent insertion of the removable pallet supportsinto the primary fork receivers. In a similar manner, the secondary fork receiversmay also include a hole through a portion thereof and configured to receive the pin. Where the pinis inserted through the holes of the secondary fork receiversand the removable pallet supportswhen the removable pallet supportsare received in the secondary fork receivers, relative movement of the removable pallet supportsto the secondary fork receiversmay be fixed.

In certain exemplary use cases, a forklift or other work machine may lift the adjustable pallet cagevia the lifting point. The operator may first remove the pallet supportssuch that a bottom of the pallet cageis substantially open. The forklift may lift the adjustable pallet cagevia the lifting pointand place the adjustable pallet cagearound a pallet. The removable pallet supportsmay then be placed in the primary fork receiverssuch that when the forklift lifts the adjustable pallet cagevia the lifting point, the removable pallet supportssupport the pallet such that the pallet is lifted along with the adjustable pallet cage. Thus, the adjustable pallet cagemay be operably connected to a pallet without lifting or otherwise manipulating the pallet.

Each of the first and second cage endsA,B may include a pair of secondary fork receivers. Each of the pair of secondary fork receiversmay be coupled to the end portionof the cage end. The secondary fork receiversmay be configured to receive the removable pallet supportswhen the removable pallet supportsare not received within the primary fork receivers.

The adjustable pallet cagemay be selectively moveable between a collapsed position, an expanded position, and an intermediate position. In the collapsed position, substantially all of the coupling postsof the chassisare received within corresponding coupling postsof the cage endsuch that the coupling postsof the cage endabut or are adjacent to the vertical postsof the chassis. The adjustable pallet cageis shown in the collapsed position in. In the expanded position, the cage endmay be positioned apart from the vertical postsof the chassis. In certain optional embodiments, the expanded position may refer to a position where the cage endsare as far from the vertical postswhile still engaging the pinsthrough the coupling posts,. The adjustable pallet cageis shown in the expanded position in. A width of the adjustable pallet cagemay be greater when the adjustable pallet cageis in the expanded position than when the adjustable pallet cageis in the collapsed position. The intermediate position may refer to a position between the collapsed position and the expanded position. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that one cage endmay be placed in a collapsed position while the other cage endis placed in an expanded position. While this is possible, it is preferable for the cage endsto be placed in the same position for balancing and stability purposes.

The adjustable pallet cagemay have several advantages over the prior art. Once such advantage may be that the adjustable pallet cagemay be configured to receive and support pallets of various sizes, shapes, and materials. Another advantage may be that the adjustable pallet cageis configured to be operably coupled to an existing pallet without moving or otherwise manipulating the pallet. This may be preferable in situations where moving the pallet without a cage surrounding it would cause safety concerns. Once the adjustable pallet cageis operably coupled to the existing pallet, the adjustable pallet cageand pallet therein may then be lifted via the lifting pointand/or the primary fork receivers.

Thus, it is seen that the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure readily achieve the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for present purposes, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Each disclosed feature or embodiment may be combined with any of the other disclosed features or embodiments.

Though the method is described herein with respect to a particular sequence of steps, it is understood that the steps may be performed and executed in any order, including concurrently with one or more other steps, without departing from the scope of the invention.