Title of Invention	A SYNTHETIC RESIN PALLET COMPRISING OPENINGS OF AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORK INSERTION APERTURES AT THE SIDE PART THEREOF
Abstract	The object of the present invention is to provide a synthetic resin pallet which can be pushed forward reliably with ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage area is not limited unnecessarily, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings (22A) of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15), wherein a fork pressed part (31) formed on the openings (22A) so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and the fork pressed part (31) comprises a pressed face (32) which is pressed by the forks of a forklift, an upper guide (33) for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide (34) for restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide (35) for restricting sideward movement of the forks.

Title of Invention

A SYNTHETIC RESIN PALLET COMPRISING OPENINGS OF AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORK INSERTION APERTURES AT THE SIDE PART THEREOF

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a synthetic resin pallet which can be pushed forward reliably with ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage area is not limited unnecessarily, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings (22A) of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15), wherein a fork pressed part (31) formed on the openings (22A) so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and the fork pressed part (31) comprises a pressed face (32) which is pressed by the forks of a forklift, an upper guide (33) for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide (34) for restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide (35) for restricting sideward movement of the forks.

Full Text	TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present* invention relates to a synthetic resin pallet which is used to transport and store various articles and which can be transported by a forklift, pallet truck, etc. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In general, a synthetic resin pallet which is formed by injecting a synthetic resin is used as a pallet for transportation and storage of various articles. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Applications, First Publication Nos. 2001-72063 and 2000-16430 disclose a synthetic resin pallet to which forks of a forklift and the like are inserted in two directions, and a synthetic resin pallet to which the forks are inserted in four directions. [0003] These synthetic resin pallets comprise an upper plate part and a lower plate part which are positioned in parallel each other, and columns connecting between the upper plate part and the lower plate part. The upper and lower plate parts are connected by the columns which are arranged on the both sides and the middle of the upper and lower plate parts. There is a pair of fork insertion apertures at the space between the upper and lower plate parts. Specifically, a side part surrounding a space between the upper and lower plate parts comprises the columns and the fork insertion apertures. [0004] The synthetic resin pallet is used to transport and store articles in a bulk. Specifically, a pair of forks of a forklift or a pallet truck is inserted into the fork insertion apertures of the synthetic resin pallet while articles are put on the upper side of the synthetic resin pallet, and the synthetic resin pallet together with the articles is transported to the bed of a truck or a storage area. [0005] However, when plural synthetic resin pallets are arranged in a row along the depth direction of a bed of a truck comprising a bed which opens only at the rear side, and the depth of the bed is much longer than the length of the forks, since the synthetic pallets have to be loaded from the rear opening, it is impossible to position the synthetic resin pallets at the front portion of the bed. As explained above, in the case where the synthetic resin pallets are not positioned at a desired position while the forks of a forklift are inserted in the fork insertion apertures, the synthetic resin pallet is moved forward by pushing the side part of the synthetic resin pallet with the tip of the forks of a forklift or the like. [0006] In order to make a conventional synthetic resin pallet move forward, the tip of the forks is contacted with the columns next to the fork insertion apertures. Specifically, after putting the synthetic resin pallet on the bed of the truck, the forklift is moved backward to pull the forks from the fork insertion apertures. Then, the forklift moves in the width direction to adjust the position of the forks so as to be able to contact the column, and the forklift moves forward to push the column by the forks. Therefore, a large amount of time and labor are required to push the synthetic resin pallet. [0007] In addition, since the movement of forks in the width direction is restricted, the interval between forks sometimes cannot be adjusted such that the tip of the forks contacts the columns which are positioned at both ends of the synthetic resin pallet. In such a case, the fork pushes a center column alone between the fork insertion apertures or the center column and the column positioned at one end of the synthetic resin pallet. Then the synthetic resin pallet is pushed without keeping balance, and there is a case where the synthetic resin pallet inclines in the pushing direction and the synthetic resin pallet cannot be positioned at a desired position or articles on the synthetic resin pallet collapse. [0008] Japanese Patent (Granted) Publication No. 2880657 discloses a synthetic resin pallet which solves the problems and comprises a fork locking portion for locking the tip of the forks. In the synthetic resin pallet, an upper plate part is larger than a lower plate part, and the upper plate part protrudes from the side part of the synthetic resin pallet and forms the fork locking portion. The fork locking portion comprises a front contacted part to which the tip of the forks contacts and an upper contacted part for preventing the fork from moving upward. [0009] In the synthetic resin pallet having such a structure, since the tip of the forks contact and is locked to the fork locking portion and pushes the synthetic resin while keeping balance, it is possible to transport the synthetic resin pallet together with articles to a desired position without collapse of the articles on the synthetic resin pallet. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED [0010] However, in the synthetic resin pallet comprising the fork locking portion, since the fork locking portion is formed to the upper plate part so as to protrude, the strength of the fork locking portion is insufficient and there is a concern that the fork locking portion may be damaged by the forks while being pushed. In addition, when the synthetic resin pallet is pushed, and the forks come free from the fork locking portion, there is a concern that a body of the forklift hits the synthetic resin pallet and articles on the synthetic resin pallet could collapse. Furthermore, since the fork locking portion protrudes significantly from the upper plate part, there is also a concern that a number of synthetic resin pallets arranged on the ground decreases, and a capacity of the synthetic resin pallets on the bed of a truck or a storage area also decreases. [0011] In consideration of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a synthetic resin pallet which can be pushed forward reliably with ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage area is not limited unnecessarily. Means for solving the problem [0012] The synthetic resin pallet of the present invention comprises an upper plate part and a lower plate part which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part surrounding the space between the upper plate part and the lower plate part, and openings of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures at the side part, wherein a fork pressed part formed on the openings so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet, and the fork pressed part comprises a pressed face which is pressed by forks of a ' forklift, an upper guide for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide for restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide, for restricting sideward movement of the forks. Effects of the present invention [0013] According to the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention, since the fork pressed part is formed on the openings so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet, the synthetic resin-pallet is pushed forward by pushing the fork pressed part with the tip of the forks of a forklift or the like. In addition, since the fork pressed part comprises the lower guide for restricting downward movement of the forks, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free from the fork pressed part and running in the fork insertion apertures and there is no concern that a body of the forklift hits the synthetic resin pallet and articles on the synthetic resin pallet collapse. [0014] In addition, since the fork pressed part comprises a side guide for restricting sideward movement of the forks, when the forks slide sideward, the forks do not come free from the fork pressed part, and thereby the synthetic resin pallet is pushed stably. Furthermore, since the fork pressed part is formed so as'to be depressed in the synthetic resin pallet, and the upper plate part does not protrude from the side part,_ a number of synthetic resin pallets arranged on the ground is not restricted, and a capacity of the synthetic resin pallets on the bed of a truck or a storage area decreases. Furthermore, since the synthetic resin pallet does not comprise a protrusion in the upper plate part, handling thereof is very easy. [0015]' As explained above, the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention is pushed reliably with ease by a forklift or the like, and a capacity of the synthetic resin pallet in a bed of a truck or a storage area is not restricted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS [0016] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin pallet of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow A. [FIG 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin pallet of FIG. 1 as seen from the direction of arrow B. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged fork pressed part of FIG. 1 as seen from the top. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X of FIG. 2. [FIG 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line Y-Y of FIG. 2. Explanation of Reference Symbols [0017] 11: synthetic resin pallet 12: upper plate part 13: lower plate part 14: column 15: side part 21 and 22: fork insertion aperture 21A and 22A: opening 31: fork pressed part 32: pressed face 33: upper guide 34: lower guide 35: side guide 36 and 37: reinforcement rib BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0018] In the synthetic resin pallet according to the present invention, it is preferable that reinforcement ribs are formed at the side guide. Sufficient strength of the side guide is maintained by the reinforcement rib, and damage caused by the forks hitting the side guide can be prevented. In the synthetic resin pallet, it is preferable that reinforcement ribs be formed at the pressed face. In addition, in the synthetic resin pallet, it is also preferable that a part of the upper plate part be the upper guide and a part of the lower plate part be the lower guide. EXAMPLES [0019] Below, a preferred embodiment of the synthetic resin pallet according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures. FIGS. 1 through 6 show the preferred embodiment of the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a synthetic resin pallet 11 has a substantial box shape having a rectangular cross-section, and comprises an upper plate part 12 forming an upper surface of the synthetic resin pallet 11, a lower plate part 13 forming a lower surface, and columns 14 connecting the upper plate part 12 and the lower plate part 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper plate part 12 and the lower plate part 13 are positioned substantially in parallel. [0020] Two pairs of fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, and 22And 22 to be inserted with forks of a forklift or a pallet truck are formed between the columns 14 and 14 in the synthetic resin pallet 11 having such a structure. The fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 extending in a longitudinal direction of the synthetic resin pallet 11 comprise openings 21A and 21A at both short side side-parts 15. The other insertion apertures 22And 22 extending in a transversal direction to the longitudinal direction comprise openings 22A and 22A at both long side side-parts 15. That is, the synthetic resin pallet 11 shown in figures is a so-called four-direction synthetic resin pallet. In the synthetic resin pallet 11, the short side-side parts 15 comprising the columns 14 and the openings 21A and 21A of the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 and the long side-side parts 15 comprising the columns 14 and the openings 22A and 22A of the fork insertion apertures 22And 22Are arranged in contact and thereby a side part 15 of the synthetic resin pallet 11 is formed. The side part 15 surrounds the periphery of the upper and lower plate parts. [0021] In the lower plate part 13, plural crosspieces 23 and 23 are provided so as to have an interval in an orthogonal direction to the insertion direction of the forks of a forklift or a pallet truck at the bottom region of the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, that is, the regions between the columns 14 and 14. Similarly, plural crosspieces 24 and 24 are also provided so as to have an interval in an orthogonal direction to the insertion direction of the forks of a forklift or a pallet truck at the bottom region of the fork insertion apertures 22And 22, that is, the regions between the columns 14 and 14. Moreover, the height of the crosspieces 23 and 23 provided at the bottom of the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 comprising the openings 21A and 21A at the short side-side part 15 is lower than the height of the crosspieces 24 and 24 provided at the bottom of the fork insertion apertures 22And 22 comprising the openings 22A and 22A at the long side-side part 15. [0022] In addition, in the lower plate part 13, plural wheel holes 25, which connect the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, are formed at the region surrounded by the columns 14. When forks of a pallet truck are inserted into the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, the wheels provided with the forks make contact with ground via the wheel holes 25. In the synthetic resin pallet 11 of this example, since four wheel holes 25 are provided, the lower plate part 13 has a square frame comprising a cross frame therein by the crosspieces 23 and 24. [0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fork pressed part 31 is formed between the openings 21 A, 21 A, 22A, and 22A of the fork insertion apertures 21,21, 22, and 22And the upper plate part 12. The fork pressed part 31 is a hollow in the longitudinal direction of the fork insertion apertures. As shown in FIG. 5, the fork pressed part 31 comprises a flat bottom which is positioned vertically relative to the upper plate part 12, and substantially parallel to the side part 15. The bottom of the fork pressed part 31 is a pressed face 32 to which the tip of the forks contacts. The upper plate part 11 on the pressed face 32 functions as an upper guide 33, and the upper wall of the fork insertion aperture 21,21, 22, and 22, which is positioned under the pressed face 32, functions as a lower guide 34. [0024] A pair of side guide 35 is formed so as to connect between the upper wall of the of the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22And the upper plate part 11 and protrude vertically from the pressed face 32. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fork pressed part 31 is formed at the position where it is on the fork insertion aperture 21,21, 22, and 22And between one side wall and the other side wall of the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22. In other words, the fork pressed part 31, which is a recess, is formed along the upper wall of the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22. Then, a pair of side guides 35 is formed in the fork pressed part 31 so as to be positioned vertically relative to the pressed face 32. [0025] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the reinforcement ribs 36 are formed at the back side of the side guides 35 so as to extend parallel to the upper plate part 11 and protrude vertically from the pressed face 32. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, reinforcement ribs 37 are also formed on the back side of the pressed face 32 so as to extend vertically relative to the pressed face 32. [0026] The upper face of the synthetic resin pallet 11, that is, the surface of the upper plate part 12, is a surface to be loaded. In order to stably put articles on the synthetic resin pallet 11, the surface is flat. In addition, protrusions are formed at the edge portion of the four sides of the upper plate part 12. The lower plate part 13 comprises recesses at positions in which the protrusions are put when the synthetic resin pallets 11 are stacked. The synthetic resin pallets 11 can be stacked stably without displacement by forming the protrusions at the corners of the upper plate part 12 having a square shape and the recesses in which the protrusions are put at the lower plate part 13. [0027] It is possible to transport and store articles in a bulk by loading the articles on the surface of the upper plate part 12 of the synthetic resin pallet 11 having such a structure, inserting forks of a forklift or a pallet truck into a pair of the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, and transporting the articles together with the synthetic resin pallet 11 to the bed of a truck or a storage area. [0028] In this case, the forks of the forklift are inserted into the fork insertion apertures 22And 22 comprising the openings 22A and 22A at the long side-side part 15, and then the synthetic resin pallet 11 is transported. In contrast, the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 comprising the openings 21A and 21A at the short side-side part 15 are provided with lower crosspieces 23, as explained above. Due to the height of the crosspieces 23, even a pallet truck provided with forks comprising wheels at the tips thereof can override easily the crosspiece 23. Thereby, the wheels of the pallet truck make contact with the ground, and the pallet can be transported using the pallet truck. In other words, the fork insertion apertures 22And 22 having the openings 22A and 22A at the long side-side part 15 are suitably used for a forklift, and the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 having the openings 21A and 21A are suitably used for a pallet truck or forklift, in particular, for a pallet truck. [0029] Below, the operation, in which the synthetic resin pallet having such a structure is pushed by the tip of the forks of a forklift to move, will be explained. The synthetic resin pallet is transported by inserting the forks into the fork insertion aperture 21 and 21 or 22And 22, and then the synthetic resin pallet 11 is put on the bed of a truck or the like. After that, the forks are taken out of the fork insertion aperture 21 and 21 or 22And 22 by moving the forklift backward. The forks are moved upward and then the fork lift is moved forward. The tip of the forks is inserted in the fork pressed part 31 and contacts the pressed face 32. The synthetic resin pallet 11 is pushed forward by moving the forklift forward while maintaining the contacted conditions between the tip of the forks and the pressed face 32. [0030] In the synthetic resin pallet 11 of this example, the fork pressed part 31 is formed on the fork insertion apertures 21,21,22, and 22, and the synthetic resin pallet 11 is pushed forward by pushing the pressed face 32 with the tip of the forks. Therefore, it is possible to push forward the synthetic resin pallet 11 by only moving the forklift backward and adjusting the height of the forks. Thereby, the synthetic resin pallet 11 is easily pushed forward without sideward movement of the forklift or the forks. [0031] In addition, since plural reinforcement ribs 37 are formed at the backside of the pressed face 32 to which the tip of the forks contact, the strength of the pressed face 32 is improved. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage of the pressed face 32 caused by pushing with the tip of the forks. Since the lower guide 34 for preventing the downward movement of the forks is formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free from the fork pressed part 31 and inserting in the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22, while the synthetic resin pallet 11 is pushed forward. Due to this, it is possible to prevent the forklift from hitting to the synthetic resin pallet 11. [0032] Since the side guide 35 for preventing the sideward movement of the forks is formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from sliding sideward. Due to this, it is possible to stably push the synthetic resin pallet 11 forward. Since the upper guide 33 for preventing the upward movement of the forks is formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free from the fork pressed part 31, and damaging articles on the synthetic resin pallet 11. [0033] In addition, the area of the upper plate part 12 substantially equals that of the lower plate part 13, and the upper plate part 12 does not protrude from the side part of the synthetic resin pallet 11. When the synthetic resin pallets 11 are arranged, the capacity of the bed of a truck or a storage area is not decreased. Furthermore, since the reinforcement ribs 36 are formed to the backside of the side guides 35, and the strength of the side guides 35 is improved, it is possible to prevent damage to the side guides 35 when hitting them with the forks. [0034] The preferred example of the synthetic resin pallet 11 of the present invention was explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the constitution of the synthetic resin pallet according to the present invention can be changed as long as the change of the constitution is within the scope of the present invention. For example, the synthetic resin pallet which comprises a pair of fork insertion apertures extending along in two directions and to which the forks can be inserted from four directions, that is, a so-called four-direction synthetic resin pallet is explained in this example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The synthetic resin pallet of the present invention may be a synthetic resin pallet which comprises a pair of the fork insertion apertures extending along in one direction and to which the forks can be inserted from two directions, that is, a so-called two-direction synthetic resin pallet. Industrial applicability [0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the synthetic resin pallet, which can be pushed reliably with ease, and does not decrease the capacity on the bed of a truck or a storage area. WE CLAIM : 1. A synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15), wherein a fork pressed part is formed on the openings so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and the fork pressed part comprises a pressed face which is pressed by forks of a forklift, an upper guide for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide for restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide for restricting sideward movement of the forks, reinforcement ribs (36) are formed at the side guide, reinforcement ribs (36) are formed at the pressed face, a part of the upper plate part (12) is the upper guide and a part of the lower plate part (13) is the lower guide, and protrusions are formed at an edge portion of four sides of the upper plate part (12), an outside surface of the protrusions is in an extension of the pressed face, and an inside surface of the protrusions is in an extension of a backside surface of the pressed face. ABSTRACT A SYNTHETIC RESIN PALLET COMPRISING OPENINGS OF AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORK INSERTION APERTURES AT THE SIDE PART THEREOF The object of the present invention is to provide a synthetic resin pallet which can be pushed forward reliably with ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage area is not limited unnecessarily, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings (22A) of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15), wherein a fork pressed part (31) formed on the openings (22A) so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and the fork pressed part (31) comprises a pressed face (32) which is pressed by the forks of a forklift, an upper guide (33) for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide (34) for restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide (35) for restricting sideward movement of the forks.

Full Text

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present* invention relates to a synthetic resin pallet which is used to transport
and store various articles and which can be transported by a forklift, pallet truck, etc.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
In general, a synthetic resin pallet which is formed by injecting a synthetic resin
is used as a pallet for transportation and storage of various articles. For example,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Applications, First Publication Nos. 2001-72063 and
2000-16430 disclose a synthetic resin pallet to which forks of a forklift and the like are
inserted in two directions, and a synthetic resin pallet to which the forks are inserted in
four directions.
[0003]
These synthetic resin pallets comprise an upper plate part and a lower plate part
which are positioned in parallel each other, and columns connecting between the upper
plate part and the lower plate part. The upper and lower plate parts are connected by the
columns which are arranged on the both sides and the middle of the upper and lower
plate parts. There is a pair of fork insertion apertures at the space between the upper
and lower plate parts. Specifically, a side part surrounding a space between the upper
and lower plate parts comprises the columns and the fork insertion apertures.
[0004]
The synthetic resin pallet is used to transport and store articles in a bulk.
Specifically, a pair of forks of a forklift or a pallet truck is inserted into the fork insertion
apertures of the synthetic resin pallet while articles are put on the upper side of the
synthetic resin pallet, and the synthetic resin pallet together with the articles is
transported to the bed of a truck or a storage area.
[0005]
However, when plural synthetic resin pallets are arranged in a row along the
depth direction of a bed of a truck comprising a bed which opens only at the rear side,

and the depth of the bed is much longer than the length of the forks, since the synthetic
pallets have to be loaded from the rear opening, it is impossible to position the synthetic
resin pallets at the front portion of the bed.
As explained above, in the case where the synthetic resin pallets are not
positioned at a desired position while the forks of a forklift are inserted in the fork
insertion apertures, the synthetic resin pallet is moved forward by pushing the side part of
the synthetic resin pallet with the tip of the forks of a forklift or the like.
[0006]
In order to make a conventional synthetic resin pallet move forward, the tip of
the forks is contacted with the columns next to the fork insertion apertures. Specifically,
after putting the synthetic resin pallet on the bed of the truck, the forklift is moved
backward to pull the forks from the fork insertion apertures. Then, the forklift moves in
the width direction to adjust the position of the forks so as to be able to contact the
column, and the forklift moves forward to push the column by the forks. Therefore, a
large amount of time and labor are required to push the synthetic resin pallet.
[0007]
In addition, since the movement of forks in the width direction is restricted, the
interval between forks sometimes cannot be adjusted such that the tip of the forks
contacts the columns which are positioned at both ends of the synthetic resin pallet.
In such a case, the fork pushes a center column alone between the fork insertion apertures
or the center column and the column positioned at one end of the synthetic resin pallet.
Then the synthetic resin pallet is pushed without keeping balance, and there is a case
where the synthetic resin pallet inclines in the pushing direction and the synthetic resin
pallet cannot be positioned at a desired position or articles on the synthetic resin pallet
collapse.
[0008]
Japanese Patent (Granted) Publication No. 2880657 discloses a synthetic resin
pallet which solves the problems and comprises a fork locking portion for locking the tip
of the forks. In the synthetic resin pallet, an upper plate part is larger than a lower plate
part, and the upper plate part protrudes from the side part of the synthetic resin pallet and
forms the fork locking portion. The fork locking portion comprises a front contacted
part to which the tip of the forks contacts and an upper contacted part for preventing the
fork from moving upward.

[0009]
In the synthetic resin pallet having such a structure, since the tip of the forks
contact and is locked to the fork locking portion and pushes the synthetic resin while
keeping balance, it is possible to transport the synthetic resin pallet together with articles
to a desired position without collapse of the articles on the synthetic resin pallet.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED
[0010]
However, in the synthetic resin pallet comprising the fork locking portion, since
the fork locking portion is formed to the upper plate part so as to protrude, the strength of
the fork locking portion is insufficient and there is a concern that the fork locking portion
may be damaged by the forks while being pushed.
In addition, when the synthetic resin pallet is pushed, and the forks come free
from the fork locking portion, there is a concern that a body of the forklift hits the
synthetic resin pallet and articles on the synthetic resin pallet could collapse.
Furthermore, since the fork locking portion protrudes significantly from the
upper plate part, there is also a concern that a number of synthetic resin pallets arranged
on the ground decreases, and a capacity of the synthetic resin pallets on the bed of a truck
or a storage area also decreases.
[0011]
In consideration of the above-described problems, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a synthetic resin pallet which can be pushed forward reliably with
ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage area is not limited unnecessarily.
Means for solving the problem
[0012]
The synthetic resin pallet of the present invention comprises an upper plate part
and a lower plate part which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part
surrounding the space between the upper plate part and the lower plate part, and openings
of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures at the side part, wherein a fork pressed part
formed on the openings so as to make a recess toward the inside of the synthetic resin
pallet, and the fork pressed part comprises a pressed face which is pressed by forks of a

' forklift, an upper guide for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide for
restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide, for restricting sideward
movement of the forks.
Effects of the present invention
[0013]
According to the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention, since the fork
pressed part is formed on the openings so as to make a recess toward the inside of the
synthetic resin pallet, the synthetic resin-pallet is pushed forward by pushing the fork
pressed part with the tip of the forks of a forklift or the like.
In addition, since the fork pressed part comprises the lower guide for restricting downward movement of the forks, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free
from the fork pressed part and running in the fork insertion apertures and there is no
concern that a body of the forklift hits the synthetic resin pallet and articles on the
synthetic resin pallet collapse.
[0014]
In addition, since the fork pressed part comprises a side guide for restricting
sideward movement of the forks, when the forks slide sideward, the forks do not come
free from the fork pressed part, and thereby the synthetic resin pallet is pushed stably.
Furthermore, since the fork pressed part is formed so as'to be depressed in the
synthetic resin pallet, and the upper plate part does not protrude from the side part,_ a
number of synthetic resin pallets arranged on the ground is not restricted, and a capacity
of the synthetic resin pallets on the bed of a truck or a storage area decreases.
Furthermore, since the synthetic resin pallet does not comprise a protrusion in the upper
plate part, handling thereof is very easy.
[0015]'
As explained above, the synthetic resin pallet of the present invention is pushed
reliably with ease by a forklift or the like, and a capacity of the synthetic resin pallet in a
bed of a truck or a storage area is not restricted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0016]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the synthetic resin pallet of

the present invention.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin pallet of FIG. 1 as seen from
the direction of arrow A.
[FIG 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the synthetic resin pallet of FIG. 1 as seen from
the direction of arrow B.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the enlarged fork pressed part of FIG. 1 as seen
from the top.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line X-X of FIG. 2.
[FIG 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line Y-Y of FIG. 2.
Explanation of Reference Symbols
[0017]
11: synthetic resin pallet 12: upper plate part 13: lower plate part
14: column 15: side part
21 and 22: fork insertion aperture 21A and 22A: opening 31: fork pressed part
32: pressed face 33: upper guide 34: lower guide
35: side guide 36 and 37: reinforcement rib
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0018]
In the synthetic resin pallet according to the present invention, it is preferable
that reinforcement ribs are formed at the side guide. Sufficient strength of the side
guide is maintained by the reinforcement rib, and damage caused by the forks hitting the
side guide can be prevented.
In the synthetic resin pallet, it is preferable that reinforcement ribs be formed at
the pressed face.
In addition, in the synthetic resin pallet, it is also preferable that a part of the
upper plate part be the upper guide and a part of the lower plate part be the lower guide.
EXAMPLES
[0019]
Below, a preferred embodiment of the synthetic resin pallet according to
the present invention will be explained with reference to the figures.

FIGS. 1 through 6 show the preferred embodiment of the synthetic resin
pallet of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a synthetic resin pallet 11 has a substantial box shape
having a rectangular cross-section, and comprises an upper plate part 12 forming
an upper surface of the synthetic resin pallet 11, a lower plate part 13 forming a
lower surface, and columns 14 connecting the upper plate part 12 and the lower
plate part 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper plate part 12 and the lower
plate part 13 are positioned substantially in parallel.
[0020]
Two pairs of fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, and 22And 22 to be
inserted with forks of a forklift or a pallet truck are formed between the columns
14 and 14 in the synthetic resin pallet 11 having such a structure. The fork
insertion apertures 21 and 21 extending in a longitudinal direction of the synthetic
resin pallet 11 comprise openings 21A and 21A at both short side side-parts 15.
The other insertion apertures 22And 22 extending in a transversal direction to the
longitudinal direction comprise openings 22A and 22A at both long side side-parts
15. That is, the synthetic resin pallet 11 shown in figures is a so-called
four-direction synthetic resin pallet. In the synthetic resin pallet 11, the short
side-side parts 15 comprising the columns 14 and the openings 21A and 21A of
the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 and the long side-side parts 15 comprising
the columns 14 and the openings 22A and 22A of the fork insertion apertures 22And 22Are arranged in contact and thereby a side part 15 of the synthetic resin
pallet 11 is formed. The side part 15 surrounds the periphery of the upper and
lower plate parts.
[0021]
In the lower plate part 13, plural crosspieces 23 and 23 are provided so as to
have an interval in an orthogonal direction to the insertion direction of the forks of a
forklift or a pallet truck at the bottom region of the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21,
that is, the regions between the columns 14 and 14. Similarly, plural crosspieces 24 and
24 are also provided so as to have an interval in an orthogonal direction to the insertion
direction of the forks of a forklift or a pallet truck at the bottom region of the fork
insertion apertures 22And 22, that is, the regions between the columns 14 and 14.
Moreover, the height of the crosspieces 23 and 23 provided at the bottom of the

fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 comprising the openings 21A and 21A at the short
side-side part 15 is lower than the height of the crosspieces 24 and 24 provided at the
bottom of the fork insertion apertures 22And 22 comprising the openings 22A and 22A at
the long side-side part 15.
[0022]
In addition, in the lower plate part 13, plural wheel holes 25, which connect the
fork insertion apertures 21 and 21, are formed at the region surrounded by the columns
14. When forks of a pallet truck are inserted into the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21,
the wheels provided with the forks make contact with ground via the wheel holes 25. In
the synthetic resin pallet 11 of this example, since four wheel holes 25 are provided, the
lower plate part 13 has a square frame comprising a cross frame therein by the
crosspieces 23 and 24.
[0023]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fork pressed part 31 is formed between the
openings 21 A, 21 A, 22A, and 22A of the fork insertion apertures 21,21, 22, and 22And
the upper plate part 12. The fork pressed part 31 is a hollow in the longitudinal
direction of the fork insertion apertures. As shown in FIG. 5, the fork pressed part 31
comprises a flat bottom which is positioned vertically relative to the upper plate part 12,
and substantially parallel to the side part 15. The bottom of the fork pressed part 31 is a
pressed face 32 to which the tip of the forks contacts. The upper plate part 11 on the
pressed face 32 functions as an upper guide 33, and the upper wall of the fork insertion
aperture 21,21, 22, and 22, which is positioned under the pressed face 32, functions as a
lower guide 34.
[0024]
A pair of side guide 35 is formed so as to connect between the upper wall of the
of the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22And the upper plate part 11 and protrude
vertically from the pressed face 32. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fork
pressed part 31 is formed at the position where it is on the fork insertion aperture 21,21,
22, and 22And between one side wall and the other side wall of the fork insertion
aperture 21,21,22, and 22.
In other words, the fork pressed part 31, which is a recess, is formed along the
upper wall of the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22. Then, a pair of side guides
35 is formed in the fork pressed part 31 so as to be positioned vertically relative to the

pressed face 32.
[0025]
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the reinforcement ribs 36 are formed
at the back side of the side guides 35 so as to extend parallel to the upper plate part 11
and protrude vertically from the pressed face 32.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, reinforcement ribs 37 are also formed on the
back side of the pressed face 32 so as to extend vertically relative to the pressed face 32.
[0026]
The upper face of the synthetic resin pallet 11, that is, the surface of the upper
plate part 12, is a surface to be loaded. In order to stably put articles on the synthetic
resin pallet 11, the surface is flat. In addition, protrusions are formed at the edge
portion of the four sides of the upper plate part 12. The lower plate part 13 comprises
recesses at positions in which the protrusions are put when the synthetic resin pallets 11
are stacked. The synthetic resin pallets 11 can be stacked stably without displacement
by forming the protrusions at the corners of the upper plate part 12 having a square shape
and the recesses in which the protrusions are put at the lower plate part 13.
[0027]
It is possible to transport and store articles in a bulk by loading the articles on
the surface of the upper plate part 12 of the synthetic resin pallet 11 having such a
structure, inserting forks of a forklift or a pallet truck into a pair of the fork insertion
apertures 21 and 21, and transporting the articles together with the synthetic resin pallet
11 to the bed of a truck or a storage area.
[0028]
In this case, the forks of the forklift are inserted into the fork insertion apertures
22And 22 comprising the openings 22A and 22A at the long side-side part 15, and then
the synthetic resin pallet 11 is transported.
In contrast, the fork insertion apertures 21 and 21 comprising the openings 21A
and 21A at the short side-side part 15 are provided with lower crosspieces 23, as
explained above. Due to the height of the crosspieces 23, even a pallet truck provided
with forks comprising wheels at the tips thereof can override easily the crosspiece 23.
Thereby, the wheels of the pallet truck make contact with the ground, and the pallet can
be transported using the pallet truck.
In other words, the fork insertion apertures 22And 22 having the openings 22A

and 22A at the long side-side part 15 are suitably used for a forklift, and the fork
insertion apertures 21 and 21 having the openings 21A and 21A are suitably used for a
pallet truck or forklift, in particular, for a pallet truck.
[0029]
Below, the operation, in which the synthetic resin pallet having such a structure
is pushed by the tip of the forks of a forklift to move, will be explained.
The synthetic resin pallet is transported by inserting the forks into the fork
insertion aperture 21 and 21 or 22And 22, and then the synthetic resin pallet 11 is put on
the bed of a truck or the like. After that, the forks are taken out of the fork insertion
aperture 21 and 21 or 22And 22 by moving the forklift backward. The forks are moved
upward and then the fork lift is moved forward. The tip of the forks is inserted in the
fork pressed part 31 and contacts the pressed face 32. The synthetic resin pallet 11 is
pushed forward by moving the forklift forward while maintaining the contacted
conditions between the tip of the forks and the pressed face 32.
[0030]
In the synthetic resin pallet 11 of this example, the fork pressed part 31 is
formed on the fork insertion apertures 21,21,22, and 22, and the synthetic resin pallet 11
is pushed forward by pushing the pressed face 32 with the tip of the forks. Therefore, it
is possible to push forward the synthetic resin pallet 11 by only moving the forklift
backward and adjusting the height of the forks. Thereby, the synthetic resin pallet 11 is
easily pushed forward without sideward movement of the forklift or the forks.
[0031]
In addition, since plural reinforcement ribs 37 are formed at the backside of the
pressed face 32 to which the tip of the forks contact, the strength of the pressed face 32 is
improved. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage of the pressed face 32 caused by
pushing with the tip of the forks.
Since the lower guide 34 for preventing the downward movement of the forks is
formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free from the fork pressed part 31
and inserting in the fork insertion aperture 21,21,22, and 22, while the synthetic resin
pallet 11 is pushed forward. Due to this, it is possible to prevent the forklift from hitting
to the synthetic resin pallet 11.
[0032]
Since the side guide 35 for preventing the sideward movement of the forks is

formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from sliding sideward. Due to this, it is
possible to stably push the synthetic resin pallet 11 forward.
Since the upper guide 33 for preventing the upward movement of the forks is
formed, it is possible to prevent the forks from coming free from the fork pressed part 31,
and damaging articles on the synthetic resin pallet 11.
[0033]
In addition, the area of the upper plate part 12 substantially equals that of the
lower plate part 13, and the upper plate part 12 does not protrude from the side part of the
synthetic resin pallet 11. When the synthetic resin pallets 11 are arranged, the capacity
of the bed of a truck or a storage area is not decreased.
Furthermore, since the reinforcement ribs 36 are formed to the backside of the
side guides 35, and the strength of the side guides 35 is improved, it is possible to
prevent damage to the side guides 35 when hitting them with the forks.
[0034]
The preferred example of the synthetic resin pallet 11 of the present invention
was explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above
example, and the constitution of the synthetic resin pallet according to the present
invention can be changed as long as the change of the constitution is within the scope of
the present invention.
For example, the synthetic resin pallet which comprises a pair of fork insertion
apertures extending along in two directions and to which the forks can be inserted from
four directions, that is, a so-called four-direction synthetic resin pallet is explained in this
example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The synthetic
resin pallet of the present invention may be a synthetic resin pallet which comprises a
pair of the fork insertion apertures extending along in one direction and to which the
forks can be inserted from two directions, that is, a so-called two-direction synthetic resin
pallet.
Industrial applicability
[0035]
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide the synthetic resin
pallet, which can be pushed reliably with ease, and does not decrease the capacity on the
bed of a truck or a storage area.

WE CLAIM :
1. A synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower
plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding
the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings of
at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15),
wherein a fork pressed part is formed on the openings so as to make a recess
toward the inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and
the fork pressed part comprises a pressed face which is pressed by forks of a
forklift, an upper guide for restricting upward movement of the forks, a lower guide for
restricting downward movement of the forks, and a side guide for restricting sideward
movement of the forks,
reinforcement ribs (36) are formed at the side guide,
reinforcement ribs (36) are formed at the pressed face,
a part of the upper plate part (12) is the upper guide and a part of the lower plate
part (13) is the lower guide, and
protrusions are formed at an edge portion of four sides of the upper plate part
(12), an outside surface of the protrusions is in an extension of the pressed face, and an
inside surface of the protrusions is in an extension of a backside surface of the pressed
face.

ABSTRACT

A SYNTHETIC RESIN PALLET COMPRISING OPENINGS
OF AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORK INSERTION
APERTURES AT THE SIDE PART THEREOF
The object of the present invention is to provide a synthetic resin pallet which
can be pushed forward reliably with ease, and a capacity of a bed of a truck or a storage
area is not limited unnecessarily, and in order to achieve the object, the present invention
provides a synthetic resin pallet (11) comprising an upper plate part (12) and a lower
plate part (13) which are positioned so as to face each other, a side part (15) surrounding
the space between the upper plate part (12) and the lower plate part (13), and openings
(22A) of at least one pair of fork insertion apertures (22) at the side part (15), wherein a
fork pressed part (31) formed on the openings (22A) so as to make a recess toward the
inside of the synthetic resin pallet (11), and the fork pressed part (31) comprises a pressed
face (32) which is pressed by the forks of a forklift, an upper guide (33) for restricting
upward movement of the forks, a lower guide (34) for restricting downward movement
of the forks, and a side guide (35) for restricting sideward movement of the forks.

A SYNTHETIC RESIN PALLET COMPRISING OPENINGS OF AT LEAST ONE PAIR OF FORK INSERTION APERTURES AT THE SIDE PART THEREOF

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: