Title of Invention

A PALLET AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pallet for packaging and storage having a flat top surface and a base, said top and base portion being made of Acronitrile Butadiene Styrene or High impact polystyrene or Polyvinyl chloride the core between the base and the flat top portion is being made of Expanded Poly Styrene and a plurality of leg like projections extending downwardly from the top of said pallet. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a pallet as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of providing the core and combining the core with ABS or HIPS or PVC wherein a) placing the EPS mould with its side having plurality of legs extending therefrom on a metallic mould base; b) feeding a PVC or HIPS or ABS sheet pneumatically in between the EPS mould and metallic frame; c) heating the sheet by a heater which is preheated at a predetermined temperature; d) retracting the heater e) mechanically pushing the EPS mould upwards; f) evacuating air from core by a vaccum pump; g) mechanically feeding the ABS or HIPS or PVC sheet over the top of the mould from the feed roller stock; h) repeating the steps c) and d).

Full Text

A PALLET AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME The present invention relates to a pallet and a method for manufacturing the same. Pallets are predominantly made of plastic, paper based products and wood and are widely used for packaging purposes. The problems associated with heavy weight of the wooden pallets and non-insulation of the plastic and paper based pallets can be overcome with the pallets of the present invention. The pallets of the present invention are light weight and water proof. They have high strength and provide insulation that optimizes the efficiency of refrigeration systems in the transport of refrigerated perishables. These pallets are Vermin free and are 100% recyclable, whereas the conventional plastic pallets are not 100% recyclable. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pallet having a flat top and a plurality of legs extending from the base, said pallet comprising a core made from EPS (Expanded Poly Styrene) and an outer cover made from ABS (Acronitile Butadiene Styrene) or HIPS (High impact polystyrene) or PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). The legs of the pallets are arranged orthogonally in rows and columns. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the pallet as hereinabove described. The method comprises the steps of providing the core and combining the core with ABS or PVC or HIPS The pallet is formed by placing the EPS mould with its side having plurality of legs extending therefrom, on a metallic mould base, a PVC or ABS or HIPS sheet for covering is fed pneumatically over the EPS mould. A heater which is preheated at a predetermined temperature is brought over the mould for heating the cover sheet by radiation for a predetermined temperature and the heater is retracted after the heating is complete. The EPS mould is pushed up mechanically and vacuum is applied to suck out the air between the cover sheet and mould to bond this cover sheet closely over the mould. Additional holes are made in EPS mould for improving the efficiency of air evacuation. The excess material around the pallet is trimmed. Accordingly the present invention provides a pallet for packaging and storage having a flat top surface and a base, said top and base portion being made of Acronitrile Butadiene Styrene or High impact polystyrene or Polyvinyl chloride, the core within the cover is being made of Expanded Poly Styrene and a plurality of leg like projections extending downwardly from the top of said pallet. Accordingly the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a pallet as hereinabove described, comprising the steps of providing the core and combining the core with ABS or PVC wherein a) placing the EPS mould with its side having plurality of legs extending therefrom on a metallic mould base; b) feeding a PVC or HIPS or ABS sheet pneumatically in between the EPS mould and metallic frame; c) heating the sheet by a heater which is preheated at a predetermined temperature; d) retracting the heater e) mechanically pushing the EPS mould upwards; f) evacuating air from core by a vaccum pump; g) mechanically feeding the ABS or HIPS or PVC sheet over the top of the mould from the feed roller stock; h) repeating the steps c) and d). With reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows a plan view of the pallet of the present invention; Fig 2 shows a side view of the pallet of the present invention; and Fig 3 shows an isometric view of the pallet of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIGNGS: Fig 1 shows a pallet 1 having legs 2 arranged orthogonally in rows and columns. Fig 2 shows a side view of the pallet having leg 2, and core 4 made of EPS with an outer covering 3 made of ABS or PVC or HIPS. Fig 3 shows an isometric view of the pallet showing the legs 2, core 4 covered by an outer covering 3. WE CLAIM: 1. A pallet for packaging and storage having a flat top surface and a base, said top and base portion being made of Acronitrile Butadiene Styrene or Polyvinyl chloride or High impact polystyrene, the core between the base and the flat top portion is being made of Expanded Poly Styrene and a plurality of leg like projections extending downwardly from the top of said pallet. 2. The pallet as claimed in claim 1 wherein the legs are arranged orthogonally in rows and columns. 3. 3. A method for manufacturing a pallet as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of providing the core and combining the core with ABS or PVC or HIPS wherein a) placing the EPS mould with its side having plurality of legs extending therefrom on a metallic mould base; b) feeding a PVC or HIPS or ABS sheet pneumatically in between the EPS mould and metallic frame; c) heating the sheet by a heater which is preheated at a predetermined temperature; d) retracting the heater e) mechanically pushing the EPS mould upwards; f) evacuating air from core by a vaccum pump; g) mechanically feeding the ABS or HIPS or PVC sheet over the top of the mould from the feed roller stock; h) repeating the steps c) and d). 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein holes are drilled in EPS mould for improving efficiency in air evacuation. 5. A pallet, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. f) evacuating air from core by a vaccum pump; g) mechanically feeding the ABS or HIPS or PVC sheet over the top of the mould from the feed roller stock; h) repeating the steps c) and d). With reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows a plan view of the pallet of the present invention; Fig 2 shows a side view of the pallet of the present invention; and Fig 3 shows an isometric view of the pallet of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIGNGS: Fig 1 shows a pallet 1 having legs 2 arranged orthogonally in rows and columns. Fig 2 shows a side view of the pallet having leg 2, and core 4 made of EPS with an outer covering 3 made of ABS or PVC or HIPS. Fig 3 shows an isometric view of the pallet showing the legs 2, core 4 covered by an outer covering 3.

Documents:

0793-che-2005-abstract.pdf

0793-che-2005-claims.pdf

0793-che-2005-correspondnece-others.pdf

0793-che-2005-description(complete).pdf

0793-che-2005-drawings.pdf

0793-che-2005-form 1.pdf

0793-che-2005-form 26.pdf

0793-che-2005-form 3.pdf

793-CHE-2005 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 23-08-2013.pdf

793-CHE-2005 AMENDED CLAIMS 24-02-2014.pdf

793-CHE-2005 AMENDED PAGE OF SPECIFICATION 24-02-2014.pdf

793-CHE-2005 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 24-02-2014.pdf

793-CHE-2005 FORM-3 24-02-2014.pdf