Title of Invention	PALLET AND PAD FOR PACKING COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSOR PACKING MEMBERS
Abstract	A pallet (200) for packing compressors comprises ; an upper plate (210) having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor (10), and supporting surfaces (211) for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the compressor can be spread ; a lower plate (220) arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part (230) for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. A pad (300) for packing compressors comprises : platforms (330) arranged in rows and columns each for supporting corners of mounting plates of the compressor; loading slots (310) recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor thereon; and reinforcing ridges (340) each projected between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping.

Title of Invention

PALLET AND PAD FOR PACKING COMPRESSORS AND COMPRESSOR PACKING MEMBERS

Abstract

A pallet (200) for packing compressors comprises ; an upper plate (210) having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor (10), and supporting surfaces (211) for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the compressor can be spread ; a lower plate (220) arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part (230) for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. A pad (300) for packing compressors comprises : platforms (330) arranged in rows and columns each for supporting corners of mounting plates of the compressor; loading slots (310) recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor thereon; and reinforcing ridges (340) each projected between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping.

Full Text	BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention [1] The present invention relates to pallet and pad for packing compressors and compressor packing members. [2] The invention is particularly useful for packing compressors in many tiers. Background of the Related Art [2] In general, for mass transportation of products, such as compressors, a plurality of products are stacked to form a packed body, which is carried by equipment such as a fork-lift. For this, the plurality of products are stacked on a pallet in many tiers for easy transport with the fork-lift, or the like, with a pad provided between adjacent tiers. [4] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate examples of the pallets and the pads respectively, referring to which the pallets and the pads will be described, in more detail. Before starting description of the pallet, and the pad, an outside structure of the compressor will be described, briefly. [5] Refemng to FIG. 1, the compressor 10 is provided with an upper case 11 and a lower case 12 assembled together, to form an enclosed space having various parts of the compressor 10 arranged therein. [6] The lower case 12 has a mounting plate 13 in a lower part thereof, having at least one hole 14 for passing a fastening member, such as a bolt (not shown). Therefore, the compressor 10 can be fastened to a place intended to mount by using the fastening member and the mounting plate 13. [7] The lower case 12 has nipples 15 projected outward therefrom for connection of pipes (not shown) for flow of a working fluid, such as refrigerant. Accordingly, the working fluid flowing in the pipes is introduced into the compressor 10 through one of the nipples 15, compressed in the compressor 10, and discharged out of the compressor. [8] The plurality of the compressors 10 are stacked on the pallet 20 aligned with each other, wherein the pallet 20 will be described. [9] The pallet 20 is in a lowest part of the packed body, and supports the compressors 10 stacked at the first time. The pallet 20 is provided with panels 21 and blocks 22 of wood. [1 0] Refening to FIG. 1, the panel 21 is long, and a plurality of the panels 21 are put together into a form of a grating. The grating form of assemblies of the panels 21 are anranged in up and down direction, and the blocks 22 are fixed between the assemblies. [1 1] This structure enables the forklift to carry the pallet 20 having the compressors 10 stacked thereon as the fork can be inserted between the assemblies, easily. [1 2] There are a plurality of pins 23 on an upper surface of an upper assembly. Therefore, when the pins 23 are inserted in the holes 14 in the mounting plate 13, the compressor 10 can be loaded on the pallet, securely. [1 3] Referring to FIG. 2, a pad 30 is placed on the compressors 10 on the pallet 20, and a plurality of compressors 10 are placed on the pad 30 again, wherein the pad 30 will be described in more detail. [1 4] The pad 30 is rectangular substantially when seen from above. The pad 30 has a plurality of loading slots 31 each for placing one compressor therein. The loading slot 31 is a hollow in an upper surface of the pad 30, a plurality of which are formed in rows and columns in the pad 30. [1 5] The loading slot 31 has supporting surfaces 34 for supporting the mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10, projected to a height from a bottom surface of the loading slot 31. Since the supporting surface 34 has the pin 35 projected therefrom, once the pin 35 is inserted in the hole 14 of the mounting plate 13, the compressor 10 can be loaded in the loading slot. [1 6] The loading slot 31 has a dome 32 for preventing a top of an underlying compressor 10 from coming into contact with the pad 30. The dome 32 has a projection 33 from a central part thereof for preventing a part possibly provided to top of the compressor 10 from coming into contact with the dome 32. [1 7] It is preferable that the top of the dome 32 is lower than the supporting surface 34, for preventing the top of the dome 32 from coming into contact with an underside of an overlying compressor 10 loaded in the loading slot 31. [1 8] There are a first partition wall 36 and second partitions walls 37a, and 37b between the rows and columns of loading slots 31 on the pad 30 for compartmentalization of the loading slots 31. The first partition wall 36 is formed such that the loading slots 31 form columns, and the second partition walls are arranged such that the second partition walls 37a and 37b form rows. [1 9] The compressors 10 are loaded in the loading slots 31 of the pad 30, respectively. And, the pad 30 and the compressors 10 are stacked again in succession on the compressor 10 loaded on the pad 30. Lastly, the pad 30 or the Styrofoam or the like is placed on top of the compressor 10 loaded on an uppermost tier. [2 0] The stack of pallet 20, the compressors 10, and the pads 30 become one unitized packed body as the stack tof pallet 20, the ixumpressors 10, and the pads 30 are bound, or packed altogether. Since the packed body can be carried with transportation equipment, such as a forklift easily, mass transportation of the compressors 10 is possible. [2 1] However, the foregoing related art pallet and pad have the. following problems. [2 2] First, in the pallet, the pins are formed separate from the panel, and attached thereto. Therefore, it is liable that the pin can be detached by an external force easily, to cause the compressor to hit adjacent compressor, to damage the compressor during transportation. [2 3] Second, refen-ing to FIG. 3, the central part of the lower case of the compressor is projected downward lower than a bottom of the mounting plate. Therefore, when the compressor is placed on the pallet, the central part of the lower case comes to a space having no panels. Due to this, load of the compressor is concentrated on the, space having no panels, applying a bending moment on the mounting plate. Consequently, the pin is liable to damage by the bending moment. [2 4] Third, the pallet, fonned of wood, is liable to damage, or rotten as time goes by, resulting in recycling of pallet impossible. [2 5] Fourth, once the compressors are loaded in the loading slots, opposite sides of the pad droop downward centered on the first partition wall and the second partition walls (see arrows in FIG. 2), when edges of the pad move down more than a central part. [2 6] The drooping of the pads thus impedes binding of the stack of multiple tiers of compressors after stacking the compressors by using the pallet and the pads, or stacking of the packed bodies in many tiers for storage. Because the drooping of the pad leads middle part of the packed body higher than edge part of the packed body, if the packed bodies are stacked in many tiers, it is liable that an upper packed body slips down. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [2 7] An object of the present invention lies on preventing easy damage of a pin by increasing strength of the pallet, and spread a load of the compressor. [2 8] Other object of the present invention lies on recycling of a pallet. [2 9] Another object of the present invention lies on reinforcement of a pad inserted between adjacent tiers of compressors stacked in multiple tiers. [3 0] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claimed hereinafter. [3 1] To achieve these objects and other advantages, the present invention provides a pallet for packing compressors comprising : an upper plate having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor, and supporting surfaces for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the compressor can be spread ; a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. [3 2] The upper plate is formed as one unit. [3 3] The supporting surfaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns on an upper part of the upper plate. [3 4] The supporting surface includes a recess in the upper surface of the upper plate, and the pin is projected from the supporting surface. [3 5] The supporting surface includes an upper surface formed to fit to the mounting plates attached to the lower part of the compressor, and an underside surface of a case of the compressor. [3 6] The connection part includes at least one part formed as one unit with at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate. [3 7] The connection part includes an upper part extended from the upper plate, and a lower part extended from the lower plate, and bonded to the lower part. [3 8] The supporting surface includes at least two pins provided thereto. [3 9] The upper plate is formed of plastic. [4 0] In another aspect, the present invention provides a pad for packing compressors comprising platforms arranged in rows and columns each for supporting comers of mounting plates of the compressor ; loading slots recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor thereon ; and reinforcing ridges each projected between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping. [4 1] The compressor is mounted on the loading slot such that comers of the mounting plates are respectively supported on our platforms arranged adjacent to one another. [4 2] The platfomi includes supporting surfaces each projected to a height from a bottom surface of the loading slot for supporting the comer of the mounting plate, pins each projected from the supporting surface for inserting in a hole of the mounting plate. [4 3] The supporting surfaces and the pins are provided to the comers of the platform, respectively. [4 4] The platform includes a rib in a form of a cross projected from an upper surface for reinforcing strength. [4 5] The platfonm includes a reinforcing groove extended along the row or column direction in an upper surface of the rib for reinforcing strength. [4 6] The platform includes a reinforcing groove in a central part of an upper surface extended in the row, or column direction for reinforcing strength. [4 7] The reinforcing ridge is extended in the row direction. [4 8] The reinforcing ridge has one side connected to one side of the platform with a concave surface. [4 9] The pad further includes partition walls each projected to connect a space between the adjacent platforms in the row direction, and separating the loading slots adjacent in the column direction. [5 0] The partition wall has opposite ends connected to the platforms respectively formed higher than a central part. [5 1] The pad further includes a dome projected from the loading slot for preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into contact therewith. [5 2] The pad further includes a circumference provided for connecting an outermost platform and the loading slot has a height the same with an upper surface of the platform. [5 3] The platforms, the loading slots, and the reinforcing ridges are formed as one unit. [5 4] The pad is formed of a plastic or corrugated board. [55] In a further aspect, the present invention provides compressor packing members comprising : a pallet having first pins projected from an upper surface as one unit with the upper surface for holding mounting plates of compressors, and first supporting surfaces formed in the upper surface for supporting lower parts of the compressors such that a load of the compressors can be spread ; and a pad inserted between tiers of compressors stacked on the pallet in multiple tiers for protecting the compressors, said pad comprising : platforms each arranged at corners of each loading slot for supporting corners of the mounting plate of the compressor; and reinforcing ridges each protected between adjacent platforms for preventing deformation of the platfonns. [5 6] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended only to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS [5 7] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings; FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of loading a compressor on a related art pallet; FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of loading compressors on a related art pad ; FIG. 3 illustrates a partial section showing that a compressor is fixed to the pallet in FIG.1; FIG. 4 illustrates a partial section showing that a compressor is fixed to a pallet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view showing an upper part of the pallet in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view showing a compressor fixed to the pallet in FIG. 4 ; FIG. 7 illustrates a partial perspective view showing a pad in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; FIG. 8A illustrates a section across a line !-l in FIG. 7 ; and FIG. 8B illustrates a section across a line II-II in FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [58] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the embodiments, same parts will be given the same names and reference numerals, and repetitive description of which will be omitted. For reference, parts of the compressor will be given the same reference numerals with ones described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. [59] A compressor packing member of the present invention includes a pallet for supporting the compressors loaded at the first time from underside of the compressor, and pads each inserted between adjacent tiers of compressors for protecting the compressors. FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate pallets 200 of the present invention, respectively. A structure of the pallet 200 will be described, at first. [60] Different from the related art pallet of wood, the pallet 200 of the present invention is formed of plastic, fabricated as one unit including an upper plate 210, and a lower plate 220, respectively. The upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220 are arranged in an up/down direction with a gap therebetween, and a connection part 230 supports the gap. [61] The connection part 230 may be formed separate from the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220, and connected to the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220. However, for this, it is required to form the three components separately, and bond the three together, which is not convenient. [6 2] Therefore, the present invention suggests forming at least a part of the connection part as one unit with at least one of the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220. For an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the connection part 230 may include an upper part 231 extended downward from the upper plate 210, and a lower part extended upward from the lower plate 220. [6 3] In this case, once the upper part 231 and the lower part 232 are bonded together, the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220 are supported, with a gap therebetween. Moreover, what is required for fabricating the pallet 200 is formation, and bonding of two parts, which is very convenient for mass production. [6 4] However, a structure of the connection part 230 is not limited to above structure, only. For an example, the connection part 230 may be extended downward from the upper plate 210 extensively, and bonded to the lower plate 220. Moreover, the connection part 230 may be extended upward from the lower plate 220 extensively, and bonded to the upper plate 210. Therefore, at least a part of the connection part 230 is extended from the upper plate 210 or the lower plate 220 extensively, and bonded to either one of the upper plate 210 or the lower plate 220. [65] Positions and a number of the Connection parts 230 are determined, taking weight and a number of the compressors 10 to be loaded on the upper plate 210 into account. Of course, as shown in FIG. 4, a shape of the connection part 230 may vary, as far as the connection part 230 connects, and maintains a distance between, the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220. [66] In the meantime, the upper plate 210 has the plurahty of compressors 10 loaded in rows and columns thereon. For this, the upper plate 210 has supporting surfaces 211 on an upper surface thereof each for supporting a bottom of the compressor 10. The supporting surface 211 is recessed in the upper surface of the upper plate 210. [67] Different from the related art, in the pallet of the present invention, the supporting surface 211 supports the bottom of the compressor 10 such that a load of the compressor 10 can be spread. For this, the supporting surface 211 has an upper surface fit both to a mounting plate 13 attached to the bottom of the compressor 10, and an underside surface of the lower case 12, which will be described in more detail. I 6 8] An underside surface of the compressor 10, i.e., the underside surface of the lower case 12 is substantially spherical. The lower case 12 has at least two mounting plates 13 attached to a lower part thereof with welding, or the like, to form steps between the mounting plate 13 and a central part of the underside surface of the lower case 12. [69] According to this, in the pallet 200 of the present invention, a part of the supporting surface 211 is formed to support the mounting plates 13, and rest part of the supporting surface 211 is formed to project higher than the part that supports the mounting plates 13, and support the lower case 12, directly. [70] In the meantime, it is required that the compressor 10 loaded on the supporting surface 211 with such a structure is not movable by an external impact or an inertia force during transportation. For this, the upper plate 210 has pins 212 projected therefrom for holding the mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pin 212 is projected, for an example, upward from the supporting surface 211, for inserting into the holes 14 provided to the mounting plate 13 when the compressor 10 is loaded on the supporting surface 211. (71] The pins 212 are formed as one unit with the upper plate 210 when the upper plate 210 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the pins may be four for one supporting surface 211, for secure holding of the compressor 10. [72] However, the pins 212 are not necessarily four for one supporting surface 211. For an example, of the four pins 212, only two pins 212 opposite in a diagonal direction may be provided. In this case too, since left/right movement of the compressor 10 loaded on the supporting plate 211 can be prevented, the compressor 10 can be loaded comparatively securely. [73] As another example, of the four pins 212, only adjacent two pins 212 may be provided, when, though one side of the compressor 10 may move in an up/down directions, at least large scale left/right movement of the compressor 10 can be prevented. [74] Referring to FIG. 7, since the compressors 10 are loaded on a pad 300 placed on the compressors 10 loaded on the pallet 200, an up/down movement of the compressors 10 can be prevented. [75] Therefore, it is adequate that at least two pins 212 are provided to each of the supporting surfaces 211 for preventing the compressor 10 from moving in left/right directions. However, in a case only the adjacent two pins 212 are provided, the mounting plate 13 on a side no pins 212 are provided thereon is movable slightly. Therefore, for more secure mounting of the compressor 10, it is preferable that the pins 212 are formed at least on opposite diagonal positions. [76] In the meantime, it is required that the pallet 200 has a structure that can be lifted with a forklift, and the like with easy. For this, it is required that the pallet 200 has spaces in both side parts thereof for inserting forks of the forklift. Meanwhile, the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220 of the pallet 200 are spaced a distance. Therefore, it will be adequate if apart, or all of sides of the pallet 200 is opened for insertion of the forks. [77] The pallet 200 forms a lowest tier of multiple tiers of compressors 10 bound or packed into one packed body, and supports the lowest tier of the compressors 10. [78] Since the supporting surface 211 supports the lower part of the compressor 10, the load of the compressor 10 can be spread. According to this, application of a strong bending moment to the pin 212 inserted into the mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10 can be prevented, thereby preventing an easy breakage of the pin 212. [7 9] Moreover, since the upper plate 210 is formed as one unit with the pins 212, an easy break away of the pin 212 from the supporting surface 211 can be prevented. Since The pallet 200 is formed of, not wood, but plastic, the pallet 200 is re- usable. [8 0] Referring to FIG. 6, once the compressors 10 are loaded on the supporting surfaces 211 on the upper surface of the pallet 200 respectively, as shown in FIG. 7, the pad 300 of the present invention is placed on the compressors 10. Then, a plurality of compressors 10 are loaded on the pad 300. The pad 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8B. [8 1] The pad 300 of the present invention has a rectangular circumference 360 substantially when seen from above, and formed of plastic or corrugated board as one unit. Size and thickness of the pad 300 are designed to vary with size and number of compressors 10 to be loaded on the pad 300, [8 2] The pad 300 has a plurality of platfomns 330 in rows and columns, with the hollow loading slots 310 provided between the platforms 330. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 7, the loading slot 310 is arranged among adjacent four platforms 330, and the compressor 10 is loaded in the loading slot 310. Comers of the mounting plates 13 of the compressor 10 loaded on the pad 300 are supported on the four adjacent platforms 330. [8 3] The loading slot 310 has a dome 320 projected upward from a bottom surface of the loading slot 310, for preventing direct contact of a top part of an underlying compressor 10 loaded under the pad 300 with an underside surface of the loading slot 310. Therefore, it is preferable that the dome 320 has a shape similar to the upper case 11 of the compressor 10. [8 4] It is desirable that the top of the dome 320 has a height that can support the lower part of the compressor 10, slightly. Then, even if the dome 320 can not support the lower case 12 of the compressor 10 fully due to a nature of a shape of the dome 320, the dome 320 can support the lower case 12 partly, to spread the load of the compressor 10 applied to pad 300. [8 5] In the meantime, as can be noted in FIG. 7, in the pad 300 of the present invention, the platforms 330 compartmentalizes the loading slots 310 in a column direction while supporting the mounting plates 13 of the compressor 10. The platforms 330 are formed, not continuous In a column direction, but independent from each other. [8 6] The independent formation of a plurality of platforms 330 along a column direction, not only provides a larger surface area of the pad 300, but also has the platforms 330 projected at regular intervals to serve as reinforcing members. According to this, strength of the pad 300 is improved, and drooping of both sides of the platforms 330 in a row direction can be prevented when the compressors 10 are loaded on the loading slots 310. [8 7] The platform 330 has supporting surfaces 331 for supporting comers of the mounting plates 13, and pins 332 for inserting in the holes 14 in the mounting plate 13. The supporting surface 331 is projected to a height from a bottom surface of the loading slot 310, and the pin 332 is projected from the supporting surface 331. [8 8] The supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to each comer of the platform 330. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 7, in a case of the platform 330 on an inner side of the circumference 360 of the pad 300, the supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to each of four comers of the platform 330. In a case of the platform 330 connected to the circumference 360 of the pad 300, the supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to each of two comers of the platform 330. Lastly, in a case of the platform 330 provided to an inner side of the comer of the pad 300, the supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to one comer of the platform 330. [8 9] However, the pins 332 are thus provided not necessarily to all comers of the platform 330. The pins 332 may be provided to two comers of the platform 330 opposite in a diagonal direction with the loading slot 310 in between under a reason similar to a reason described in a case of the pins 212 of the pallet 200. [9 0] In the pad 300 of the present invention, the platform 330 has a rib 333 for reinforcing strength of the platform 330, additionally. The rib 333 projects from an upper surface of the platform 330 in a shape of a cross. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a cross shaped rib 333 projected from a centra! part of an upper part of each of the platforms 330. [9 1] The provision of the rib 333 in the upper part of the platfonn 330 can prevent drooping of both sides of the platform 330 in the row direction or column direction compared to a central part of the platform 330 effectively when the compressors 10 are loaded on the loading slots 310. [9 2] However, the rib 333 is not necessarily provided in the crossed shape. That is, taking weight of the compressor 10 loaded on the loading slot 310, and strength, and material of the pad 300 into account, the rib 333 may even be formed only in the row direction or column direction. Of course, the rib 333 may cross the upper surface of the platform 330 in a diagonal direction. [9 3] A reinforcing groove 334 may be provided for reinforcing strength of the platform 330, additionally. The reinforcing groove 334 extends in the row or column direction in a central part of the upper surface of the platfonn 330, or, when the rib 333 is provided, in the upper surface of the rib 333. [9 4] For reference, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the reinforcing groove 334 extends in a row or column direction in the upper surface of each of the platforms 330 in the case of the platforms 330 connected to the circumference 360, and the reinforcing groove 334 extends in the row direction in the upper surface of the rib 333 of each of the platforms 330 in the case of platforms 330 on an inner side of the circumference 360. [9 5] In the meantime, the pad 300 of the present invention further includes a reinforcing ridge 340 for effective prevention of drooping of both sides of the platform 330 in the row direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the reinforcing ridge 340 projects between the platforms 330 adjacent in the column direction. [9 6] In this instance, it is preferable that the reinforcing ridge 340 extends in the row direction, preferably with one side suri'ace of the reinforcing ridge 340 and one side surface of the platform 330 connected with a concave surface as shown in FIG. 8A. [9 7] Above structure, not only provides a larger area between the platforms 330, to reinforce strength, but also enables to sustain a row direction force pressing opposite sides of the platform 330 more effectively owing to the reinforcing ridge 340 provided in the row direction and the concave surface. [9 8] Each of the reinforcing ridge 340 and the concave surface extends to a length the same with a row direction length of the platform 330. It is required that the reinforcing ridge 340 has a height lower than the supporting surface 331 of the platform 330. Othenwise, an upper part of the reinforcing ridge 340 interferes with the mounting plates 13, to fail the mounting plates 13 supported on the supporting surface 331. [9 9] In the meantime, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8B, a partition wall 350 is provided between adjacent column direction loading slots 310 for separating the adjacent loading slots 310. The partition wall 350 projects upward between adjacent loading slots 310 such that two platforms 330 adjacent in the row direction are connected therewith. An upper surface of the projected partition wall 350 has opposite edges connected to the platforms 330 respectively formed higher than a center part. [1 0 0] The provision of the partition walls 350 between adjacent loading slots 310 aligned in a longitudinal direction provides a greater resisting force against a force applied to the loading slots 310, to enhance strength of the pad 300. [1 0 1] In the meantime, as described, it is preferable that the circumference 360, provided to connect an outermost platform 330 and the loading slot 310, has a height the same with an upper surface of the platform 330. [1 0 2] The foregoing pad 300 is placed on the compressors 10 on the pallet 200, and the loading slots 310 of the pad 300 have the compressors 10 loaded thereon, respectively. In this instance, since the pins 332 are inserted in the holes 14, the compressor 10 is unable to move in left/right directions, but fixed. [1 0 3] When mounting of all the compressors 10 on the loading lots 310 of the pad 300 are finished, a new pad 300 is placed on the compressors 10, and new compressors 10 are loaded thereon again. By this method, the compressors 10 and the pads 300 are stacked altemately in many tiers. Then, the pad 300 is placed on top of the compressors 10 at the uppermost tier again, or a finishing member of Styrofoam fabricated to protect upper parts of the compressors is placed on the top of the compressors 10 at the uppermost tier. After all the compressors 10 and the pads 300 are stacked, the stack is bound or packed to form one whole unit of packed body. [1 0 4] The one packed body fabricated thus can be carried with forklift or the like with easy. Moreover, after another packed body can be stacked on the packed body laid on ground, another packed body can be stacked thereon. That is, since the packed bodies can be stacked in many tiers, many packed bodies can be stored even within a small space, effectively. [1 0 5] The packed bodies can be stored in many tiers thus because the pads 300 hardly deform in the row direction or the column direction even if the compressors 10 are stacked owing to the high strength of the pads 300. [106] That is, since the reinforcing ridges 340, the ribs 333, the reinforcing grooves 334, the partition walls 350, and the like enhance strength of the pad 300, the pad 300 can sustain a leveled state even if the compressors 10 are loaded thereon, to enable an upper surface of the packed body to maintain a leveled state, permitting to store many packed bodies in many tiers. [10 7] As has been described, the present invention has the following advantages. [10 8] First, in the pallet of the present invention, the pin is formed as one unit with the upper plate, and no bending moment is applied to the pin because the supporting surface in the upper surface of the pallet supports the lower part of the compressor, to spread a load of the compressor. Therefore, strength of the pin can be increased, and an external force applied to the pin can be reduced. According to this, breakage of the pin can be prevented, and damage to the compressor during transportation can be prevented. [10 9] Second, at least the upper plate of the pallet is formed of plastic as one unit, permitting easy fabrication, and recycling after use for a long time. [110] Third, the reinforcing ridges between platforms that align the loading lots in the column direction, and the reinforcing ribs and the reinforcing grooves to the platforms increase an overall strength of the pad, to preVent deformation of the pad even if a plurality of compressors are loaded on thepad, permitting.to stack the compressors in many tiers. [Ill] The high strength of the pads enables to sustain a level of an upper surface of the packed body bound or packed after stacked in many tiers, permitting to stack the packed bodies in many tiers, to store many compressors within a small space. Moreover, the secure stacking of the packed bodies can prevent accidents caused by negligence of safety. [112] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. WE CLAIM : 1. A pallet for packing compressors comprising : an upper plate having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor, and supporting surfaces for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the compressor can be spread ; a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. 2. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper plate is formed as one unit. 3. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surfaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns on an upper part of the upper plate. 4. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface comprises a recess in the upper surface of the upper plate, and the pin is projected from the supporting surface. 5. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface comprises an upper surface formed to fit to the mounting plates attached to the lower part of the compressor, and an underside surface of a case of the compressor. 6. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection part comprises at least one part formed as one unit with at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate. 7. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection part comprises : an upper part extended from the upper plate, and a lower part extended from the lower plate, and bonded to the lower part. 8. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface has at least two pins provided thereto. 9. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper plate is formed of plastic. 10. A pad for packing compressors comprising : platforms arranged in rows and columns each for supporting comers of mounting plates of the compressor; loading slots recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor thereon; and reinforcing ridges each projected between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping. 11. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compressor is mounted on the loading slot such that corners of the mounting plates are respectively supported on four platforms arranged adjacent to one another. 12. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform comprises : supporting surfaces each projected to a height from a bottom surface of the loading slot for supporting the corner of the mounting plate, and pins each projected from the supporting surface for inserting in a hole of the mounting plate. 13. The pad as claimed in claim 12, wherein the supporting surfaces and the pins are provided to the comers of the platform, respectively. 14. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform is provided with a rib in the form of a cross projected from an upper surface for reinforcing strength. 15. The pad as claimed in claim 14, wherein the platform is provided with a reinforcing groove extended along the row or column direction in an upper surface of the rib for reinforcing strength. 16. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform is provided with a reinforcing groove in a central part of an upper surface extended in the row or column direction for reinforcing strength. 17. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcing ridge is extended in the row direction. 18. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcing ridge has one side connected to one side of the platform with a concave surface. 19. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising partition walls each projected to connect a space between the platforms adjacent in the row direction, and separating the loading slots adjacent in the column direction. 20. The pad as claimed in claim 19, wherein the partition wall has opposite ends connected to the platforms respectively formed higher than a central part. 21. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising a dome projected from the loading slot for preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into contact therewith. 22. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising a circumference provided for connecting an outermost platform, the loading slot having a height the same as an upper surface of the platform. 23. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platforms, the loading slots, and the reinforcing ridges are formed as one unit. 24. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pad is formed of a plastic or corrugated board. 25. Compressor packing members comprising : a pallet having first pins projected from an upper surface as one unit with the upper surface for holding mounting plates of compressors, and first supporting surfaces formed in the upper surface for supporting lower parts of the compressors such that a load of the compressors can be spread ; and a pad inserted between tiers of compressors stacked on the pallet in multiple tiers for protecting the compressors, said pad comprising : platforms each arranged at corners of each loading slot for supporting corners of the mounting plate of the compressor; and reinforcing ridges each protected between adjacent platforms for preventing deformation of the platforms. 26. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pallet comprises : an upper plate having the first pins, and the first supporting surfaces ; a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. 27. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the upper plate is formed of a plastic as one unit. 28. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first supporting surface of the pallet comprises an upper surface formed to fit to the mounting plates attached to the lower part of the compressor, and an underside surface of a case of the compressor. 29. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the compressor is mounted on the loading slot such that comers of the mounting plates are respectively supported on four platforms arranged adjacent to one another. 30. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the platform comprises : second supporting surfaces each projected to a height from a bottom surface of the loading slot for supporting the corner of the mounting plate, and second pins each projected from the second supporting surface for inserting in a hole of the mounting plate. 31. The members as claimed in claim 30, wherein the platform is provided with a reinforcing groove extended along the row or column direction in an upper surface of the rib for reinforcing strength. 32. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the platform is provided with a rib in the form of a cross projected from an upper surface for reinforcing strength. 33. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the pad has partition walls each projected to connect a space between the platforms adjacent in the row direction, and separating the loading slots adjacent in the column direction. 34. The pad as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pad has a dome projected from the loading slot for preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into contact therewith. 35. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pad is formed of a plastic or corrugated board. 36. A pallet for packing compressors, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. 37. A pad for packing compressors, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. 38. Compressor packing members, substantially as herein described, particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. A pallet (200) for packing compressors comprises ; an upper plate (210) having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor (10), and supporting surfaces (211) for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the compressor can be spread ; a lower plate (220) arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and a connection part (230) for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space maintained between the upper and lower plates. A pad (300) for packing compressors comprises : platforms (330) arranged in rows and columns each for supporting corners of mounting plates of the compressor; loading slots (310) recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor thereon; and reinforcing ridges (340) each projected between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping.

Full Text

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates to pallet and pad for packing compressors
and compressor packing members.
[2] The invention is particularly useful for packing compressors in many tiers.
Background of the Related Art
[2] In general, for mass transportation of products, such as compressors, a
plurality of products are stacked to form a packed body, which is carried by equipment
such as a fork-lift. For this, the plurality of products are stacked on a pallet in many tiers
for easy transport with the fork-lift, or the like, with a pad provided between adjacent
tiers.
[4] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate examples of the pallets and the pads respectively,
referring to which the pallets and the pads will be described, in more detail. Before
starting description of the pallet, and the pad, an outside structure of the compressor will
be described, briefly.
[5] Refemng to FIG. 1, the compressor 10 is provided with an upper case 11
and a lower case 12 assembled together, to form an enclosed space having various
parts of the compressor 10 arranged therein.
[6] The lower case 12 has a mounting plate 13 in a lower part thereof, having
at least one hole 14 for passing a fastening member, such as a bolt (not shown).
Therefore, the compressor 10 can be fastened to a place intended to mount by using
the fastening member and the mounting plate 13.
[7] The lower case 12 has nipples 15 projected outward therefrom for
connection of pipes (not shown) for flow of a working fluid, such as refrigerant.
Accordingly, the working fluid flowing in the pipes is introduced into the compressor 10

through one of the nipples 15, compressed in the compressor 10, and discharged out of
the compressor.
[8] The plurality of the compressors 10 are stacked on the pallet 20 aligned
with each other, wherein the pallet 20 will be described.
[9] The pallet 20 is in a lowest part of the packed body, and supports the
compressors 10 stacked at the first time. The pallet 20 is provided with panels 21 and
blocks 22 of wood.
[1 0] Refening to FIG. 1, the panel 21 is long, and a plurality of the panels 21
are put together into a form of a grating. The grating form of assemblies of the panels
21 are anranged in up and down direction, and the blocks 22 are fixed between the
assemblies.
[1 1] This structure enables the forklift to carry the pallet 20 having the
compressors 10 stacked thereon as the fork can be inserted between the assemblies,
easily.
[1 2] There are a plurality of pins 23 on an upper surface of an upper
assembly. Therefore, when the pins 23 are inserted in the holes 14 in the mounting
plate 13, the compressor 10 can be loaded on the pallet, securely.
[1 3] Referring to FIG. 2, a pad 30 is placed on the compressors 10 on the
pallet 20, and a plurality of compressors 10 are placed on the pad 30 again, wherein the
pad 30 will be described in more detail.
[1 4] The pad 30 is rectangular substantially when seen from above. The pad
30 has a plurality of loading slots 31 each for placing one compressor therein. The
loading slot 31 is a hollow in an upper surface of the pad 30, a plurality of which are
formed in rows and columns in the pad 30.

[1 5] The loading slot 31 has supporting surfaces 34 for supporting the
mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10, projected to a height from a bottom surface of
the loading slot 31. Since the supporting surface 34 has the pin 35 projected therefrom,
once the pin 35 is inserted in the hole 14 of the mounting plate 13, the compressor 10
can be loaded in the loading slot.
[1 6] The loading slot 31 has a dome 32 for preventing a top of an underlying
compressor 10 from coming into contact with the pad 30. The dome 32 has a projection
33 from a central part thereof for preventing a part possibly provided to top of the
compressor 10 from coming into contact with the dome 32.
[1 7] It is preferable that the top of the dome 32 is lower than the supporting
surface 34, for preventing the top of the dome 32 from coming into contact with an
underside of an overlying compressor 10 loaded in the loading slot 31.
[1 8] There are a first partition wall 36 and second partitions walls 37a, and 37b
between the rows and columns of loading slots 31 on the pad 30 for
compartmentalization of the loading slots 31. The first partition wall 36 is formed such
that the loading slots 31 form columns, and the second partition walls are arranged such
that the second partition walls 37a and 37b form rows.
[1 9] The compressors 10 are loaded in the loading slots 31 of the pad 30,
respectively. And, the pad 30 and the compressors 10 are stacked again in succession
on the compressor 10 loaded on the pad 30. Lastly, the pad 30 or the Styrofoam or the
like is placed on top of the compressor 10 loaded on an uppermost tier.
[2 0] The stack of pallet 20, the compressors 10, and the pads 30 become one
unitized packed body as the stack tof pallet 20, the ixumpressors 10, and the pads 30 are
bound, or packed altogether. Since the packed body can be carried with transportation

equipment, such as a forklift easily, mass transportation of the compressors 10 is
possible.
[2 1] However, the foregoing related art pallet and pad have the. following
problems.
[2 2] First, in the pallet, the pins are formed separate from the panel, and
attached thereto. Therefore, it is liable that the pin can be detached by an external force
easily, to cause the compressor to hit adjacent compressor, to damage the compressor
during transportation.
[2 3] Second, refen-ing to FIG. 3, the central part of the lower case of the
compressor is projected downward lower than a bottom of the mounting plate.
Therefore, when the compressor is placed on the pallet, the central part of the lower
case comes to a space having no panels. Due to this, load of the compressor is
concentrated on the, space having no panels, applying a bending moment on the
mounting plate. Consequently, the pin is liable to damage by the bending moment.
[2 4] Third, the pallet, fonned of wood, is liable to damage, or rotten as time
goes by, resulting in recycling of pallet impossible.
[2 5] Fourth, once the compressors are loaded in the loading slots, opposite
sides of the pad droop downward centered on the first partition wall and the second
partition walls (see arrows in FIG. 2), when edges of the pad move down more than a
central part.
[2 6] The drooping of the pads thus impedes binding of the stack of multiple
tiers of compressors after stacking the compressors by using the pallet and the pads, or
stacking of the packed bodies in many tiers for storage. Because the drooping of the
pad leads middle part of the packed body higher than edge part of the packed body, if
the packed bodies are stacked in many tiers, it is liable that an upper packed body slips
down.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[2 7] An object of the present invention lies on preventing easy damage of a
pin by increasing strength of the pallet, and spread a load of the compressor.
[2 8] Other object of the present invention lies on recycling of a pallet.
[2 9] Another object of the present invention lies on reinforcement of a pad
inserted between adjacent tiers of compressors stacked in multiple tiers.
[3 0] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the
description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in
the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claimed
hereinafter.
[3 1] To achieve these objects and other advantages, the present invention
provides a pallet for packing compressors comprising :
an upper plate having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit
with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor, and supporting
surfaces for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the
compressor can be spread ;
a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and
a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space
maintained between the upper and lower plates.
[3 2] The upper plate is formed as one unit.
[3 3] The supporting surfaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns
on an upper part of the upper plate.

[3 4] The supporting surface includes a recess in the upper surface of the
upper plate, and the pin is projected from the supporting surface.
[3 5] The supporting surface includes an upper surface formed to fit to the
mounting plates attached to the lower part of the compressor, and an underside surface
of a case of the compressor.
[3 6] The connection part includes at least one part formed as one unit with at
least one of the upper plate and the lower plate.
[3 7] The connection part includes an upper part extended from the upper
plate, and a lower part extended from the lower plate, and bonded to the lower part.
[3 8] The supporting surface includes at least two pins provided thereto.
[3 9] The upper plate is formed of plastic.
[4 0] In another aspect, the present invention provides a pad for packing
compressors comprising platforms arranged in rows and columns each for supporting
comers of mounting plates of the compressor ; loading slots recessed among four
platforms for placing the compressor thereon ; and reinforcing ridges each projected
between platforms adjacent in a column direction for preventing row direction sides of
the platform from drooping.
[4 1] The compressor is mounted on the loading slot such that comers of the
mounting plates are respectively supported on our platforms arranged adjacent to one
another.
[4 2] The platfomi includes supporting surfaces each projected to a height
from a bottom surface of the loading slot for supporting the comer of the mounting plate,
pins each projected from the supporting surface for inserting in a hole of the mounting
plate.

[4 3] The supporting surfaces and the pins are provided to the comers of the
platform, respectively.
[4 4] The platform includes a rib in a form of a cross projected from an upper
surface for reinforcing strength.
[4 5] The platfonm includes a reinforcing groove extended along the row or
column direction in an upper surface of the rib for reinforcing strength.
[4 6] The platform includes a reinforcing groove in a central part of an upper
surface extended in the row, or column direction for reinforcing strength.
[4 7] The reinforcing ridge is extended in the row direction.
[4 8] The reinforcing ridge has one side connected to one side of the platform
with a concave surface.
[4 9] The pad further includes partition walls each projected to connect a space
between the adjacent platforms in the row direction, and separating the loading slots
adjacent in the column direction.
[5 0] The partition wall has opposite ends connected to the platforms
respectively formed higher than a central part.
[5 1] The pad further includes a dome projected from the loading slot for
preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into contact therewith.
[5 2] The pad further includes a circumference provided for connecting an
outermost platform and the loading slot has a height the same with an upper surface of
the platform.
[5 3] The platforms, the loading slots, and the reinforcing ridges are formed as
one unit.
[5 4] The pad is formed of a plastic or corrugated board.

[55] In a further aspect, the present invention provides compressor packing
members comprising :
a pallet having first pins projected from an upper surface as one unit with the
upper surface for holding mounting plates of compressors, and first supporting surfaces
formed in the upper surface for supporting lower parts of the compressors such that a
load of the compressors can be spread ; and
a pad inserted between tiers of compressors stacked on the pallet in multiple
tiers for protecting the compressors, said pad comprising :
platforms each arranged at corners of each loading slot for
supporting corners of the mounting plate of the compressor; and
reinforcing ridges each protected between adjacent platforms for
preventing deformation of the platfonns.
[5 6] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following
detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are
intended only to provide further explanation of the invention claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[5 7] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description
serve to explain the principle of the invention.
In the drawings;
FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of loading a compressor on a related
art pallet;
FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of loading compressors on a related
art pad ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial section showing that a compressor is fixed to the pallet
in FIG.1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a partial section showing that a compressor is fixed to a pallet in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention ;
FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view showing an upper part of the pallet in
FIG. 4 ;
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view showing a compressor fixed to the pallet in FIG. 4 ;
FIG. 7 illustrates a partial perspective view showing a pad in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention ;
FIG. 8A illustrates a section across a line !-l in FIG. 7 ; and

FIG. 8B illustrates a section across a line II-II in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[58] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In
describing the embodiments, same parts will be given the same names and reference numerals,
and repetitive description of which will be omitted. For reference, parts of the compressor will
be given the same reference numerals with ones described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
[59] A compressor packing member of the present invention includes a pallet for
supporting the compressors loaded at the first time from underside of the compressor, and
pads each inserted between adjacent tiers of compressors for protecting the compressors.
FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate pallets 200 of the present invention, respectively. A structure of the
pallet 200 will be described, at first.
[60] Different from the related art pallet of wood, the pallet 200 of the present
invention is formed of plastic, fabricated as one unit including an upper plate 210, and a lower
plate 220, respectively. The upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220 are arranged in an
up/down direction with a gap therebetween, and a connection part 230 supports the gap.
[61] The connection part 230 may be formed separate from the upper plate 210 and
the lower plate 220, and connected to the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220. However,
for this, it is required to form the three components separately, and bond the three together,
which is not convenient.
[6 2] Therefore, the present invention suggests forming at least a part of the
connection part as one unit with at least one of the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220.
For an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the connection part 230 may include an upper part 231
extended downward from the upper plate 210, and a lower part extended upward from the

lower plate 220.
[6 3] In this case, once the upper part 231 and the lower part 232 are bonded
together, the upper plate 210 and the lower plate 220 are supported, with a gap therebetween.
Moreover, what is required for fabricating the pallet 200 is formation, and bonding of two
parts, which is very convenient for mass production.
[6 4] However, a structure of the connection part 230 is not limited to above
structure, only. For an example, the connection part 230 may be extended downward from the
upper plate 210 extensively, and bonded to the lower plate 220. Moreover, the connection part
230 may be extended upward from the lower plate 220 extensively, and bonded to the upper
plate 210. Therefore, at least a part of the connection part 230 is extended from the upper
plate 210 or the lower plate 220 extensively, and bonded to either one of the upper plate 210
or the lower plate 220.
[65] Positions and a number of the Connection parts 230 are determined, taking
weight and a number of the compressors 10 to be loaded on the upper plate 210 into account.
Of course, as shown in FIG. 4, a shape of the connection part 230 may vary, as far as the
connection part 230 connects, and maintains a distance between, the upper plate 210 and the
lower plate 220.
[66] In the meantime, the upper plate 210 has the plurahty of compressors 10
loaded in rows and columns thereon. For this, the upper plate 210 has supporting surfaces 211
on an upper surface thereof each for supporting a bottom of the compressor 10. The
supporting surface 211 is recessed in the upper surface of the upper plate 210.
[67] Different from the related art, in the pallet of the present invention, the
supporting surface 211 supports the bottom of the compressor 10 such that a load of the
compressor 10 can be spread. For this, the supporting surface 211 has an upper surface fit

both to a mounting plate 13 attached to the bottom of the compressor 10, and an underside
surface of the lower case 12, which will be described in more detail.
I 6 8] An underside surface of the compressor 10, i.e., the underside surface of the
lower case 12 is substantially spherical. The lower case 12 has at least two mounting plates 13
attached to a lower part thereof with welding, or the like, to form steps between the mounting
plate 13 and a central part of the underside surface of the lower case 12.
[69] According to this, in the pallet 200 of the present invention, a part of the
supporting surface 211 is formed to support the mounting plates 13, and rest part of the
supporting surface 211 is formed to project higher than the part that supports the mounting
plates 13, and support the lower case 12, directly.
[70] In the meantime, it is required that the compressor 10 loaded on the supporting
surface 211 with such a structure is not movable by an external impact or an inertia force
during transportation. For this, the upper plate 210 has pins 212 projected therefrom for
holding the mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pin 212
is projected, for an example, upward from the supporting surface 211, for inserting into the
holes 14 provided to the mounting plate 13 when the compressor 10 is loaded on the
supporting surface 211.
(71] The pins 212 are formed as one unit with the upper plate 210 when the upper
plate 210 is formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the pins may be four for one supporting surface 211,
for secure holding of the compressor 10.
[72] However, the pins 212 are not necessarily four for one supporting surface 211.
For an example, of the four pins 212, only two pins 212 opposite in a diagonal direction may
be provided. In this case too, since left/right movement of the compressor 10 loaded on the
supporting plate 211 can be prevented, the compressor 10 can be loaded comparatively

securely.
[73] As another example, of the four pins 212, only adjacent two pins 212 may be
provided, when, though one side of the compressor 10 may move in an up/down directions, at
least large scale left/right movement of the compressor 10 can be prevented.
[74] Referring to FIG. 7, since the compressors 10 are loaded on a pad 300 placed
on the compressors 10 loaded on the pallet 200, an up/down movement of the compressors 10
can be prevented.
[75] Therefore, it is adequate that at least two pins 212 are provided to each of the
supporting surfaces 211 for preventing the compressor 10 from moving in left/right directions.
However, in a case only the adjacent two pins 212 are provided, the mounting plate 13 on a
side no pins 212 are provided thereon is movable slightly. Therefore, for more secure
mounting of the compressor 10, it is preferable that the pins 212 are formed at least on
opposite diagonal positions.
[76] In the meantime, it is required that the pallet 200 has a structure that can be
lifted with a forklift, and the like with easy. For this, it is required that the pallet 200 has
spaces in both side parts thereof for inserting forks of the forklift. Meanwhile, the upper plate
210 and the lower plate 220 of the pallet 200 are spaced a distance. Therefore, it will be
adequate if apart, or all of sides of the pallet 200 is opened for insertion of the forks.
[77] The pallet 200 forms a lowest tier of multiple tiers of compressors 10 bound or
packed into one packed body, and supports the lowest tier of the compressors 10.
[78] Since the supporting surface 211 supports the lower part of the compressor 10,
the load of the compressor 10 can be spread. According to this, application of a strong
bending moment to the pin 212 inserted into the mounting plate 13 of the compressor 10 can
be prevented, thereby preventing an easy breakage of the pin 212.

[7 9] Moreover, since the upper plate 210 is formed as one unit with the pins
212, an easy break away of the pin 212 from the supporting surface 211 can be
prevented. Since The pallet 200 is formed of, not wood, but plastic, the pallet 200 is re-
usable.
[8 0] Referring to FIG. 6, once the compressors 10 are loaded on the
supporting surfaces 211 on the upper surface of the pallet 200 respectively, as shown in
FIG. 7, the pad 300 of the present invention is placed on the compressors 10. Then, a
plurality of compressors 10 are loaded on the pad 300. The pad 300 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8B.
[8 1] The pad 300 of the present invention has a rectangular circumference
360 substantially when seen from above, and formed of plastic or corrugated board as
one unit. Size and thickness of the pad 300 are designed to vary with size and number
of compressors 10 to be loaded on the pad 300,
[8 2] The pad 300 has a plurality of platfomns 330 in rows and columns, with
the hollow loading slots 310 provided between the platforms 330. In more detail, as
shown in FIG. 7, the loading slot 310 is arranged among adjacent four platforms 330,
and the compressor 10 is loaded in the loading slot 310. Comers of the mounting plates
13 of the compressor 10 loaded on the pad 300 are supported on the four adjacent
platforms 330.
[8 3] The loading slot 310 has a dome 320 projected upward from a bottom
surface of the loading slot 310, for preventing direct contact of a top part of an
underlying compressor 10 loaded under the pad 300 with an underside
surface of the loading slot 310. Therefore, it is preferable that the dome 320 has a
shape similar to the upper case 11 of the compressor 10.

[8 4] It is desirable that the top of the dome 320 has a height
that can support the lower part of the compressor 10, slightly. Then, even if
the dome 320 can not support the lower case 12 of the compressor 10 fully due
to a nature of a shape of the dome 320, the dome 320 can support the lower case
12 partly, to spread the load of the compressor 10 applied to pad 300.
[8 5] In the meantime, as can be noted in FIG. 7, in the pad 300 of the present
invention, the platforms 330 compartmentalizes the loading slots 310 in a column
direction while supporting the mounting plates 13 of the compressor 10. The platforms
330 are formed, not continuous In a column direction, but independent from each other.
[8 6] The independent formation of a plurality of platforms 330 along a column
direction, not only provides a larger surface area of the pad 300, but also has the
platforms 330 projected at regular intervals to serve as reinforcing members. According
to this, strength of the pad 300 is improved, and drooping of both sides of the platforms
330 in a row direction can be prevented when the compressors 10 are loaded on the
loading slots 310.
[8 7] The platform 330 has supporting surfaces 331 for supporting comers of
the mounting plates 13, and pins 332 for inserting in the holes 14 in the mounting
plate 13. The supporting surface 331 is projected to a height from a bottom surface of
the loading slot 310, and the pin 332 is projected from the supporting surface 331.
[8 8] The supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to each comer
of the platform 330. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 7, in a case of the platform 330 on
an inner side of the circumference 360 of the pad 300, the supporting surface 331 and
the pin 332 are provided to each of four comers of the platform 330. In a case of the
platform 330 connected to the circumference 360 of the pad 300, the supporting surface
331 and the pin 332 are provided to each of two comers of the platform 330. Lastly, in a
case of the platform 330 provided to an inner side of the comer of the pad 300, the
supporting surface 331 and the pin 332 are provided to one comer of the platform 330.
[8 9] However, the pins 332 are thus provided not necessarily to all comers of the
platform 330. The pins 332 may be provided to two comers of the platform 330 opposite
in a diagonal direction with the loading slot 310 in between under a reason similar to a
reason described in a case of the pins 212 of the pallet 200.
[9 0] In the pad 300 of the present invention, the platform 330 has a rib 333 for
reinforcing strength of the platform 330, additionally. The rib 333 projects from an upper
surface of the platform 330 in a shape of a cross. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a
cross shaped rib 333 projected from a centra! part of an upper part of each of the
platforms 330.
[9 1] The provision of the rib 333 in the upper part of the platfonn 330 can
prevent drooping of both sides of the platform 330 in the row direction or column
direction compared to a central part of the platform 330 effectively when the
compressors 10 are loaded on the loading slots 310.
[9 2] However, the rib 333 is not necessarily provided in the crossed shape.
That is, taking weight of the compressor 10 loaded on the loading slot 310, and
strength, and material of the pad 300 into account, the rib 333 may even be formed only
in the row direction or column direction. Of course, the rib 333 may cross the upper
surface of the platform 330 in a diagonal direction.
[9 3] A reinforcing groove 334 may be provided for reinforcing strength of the
platform 330, additionally. The reinforcing groove 334 extends in the row or column
direction in a central part of the upper surface of the platfonn 330, or, when the rib 333
is provided, in the upper surface of the rib 333.

[9 4] For reference, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the reinforcing
groove 334 extends in a row or column direction in the upper surface of each of the
platforms 330 in the case of the platforms 330 connected to the circumference 360, and
the reinforcing groove 334 extends in the row direction in the upper surface of the rib
333 of each of the platforms 330 in the case of platforms 330 on an inner side of the
circumference 360.
[9 5] In the meantime, the pad 300 of the present invention further includes a
reinforcing ridge 340 for effective prevention of drooping of both sides of the platform
330 in the row direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the reinforcing ridge 340 projects between
the platforms 330 adjacent in the column direction.
[9 6] In this instance, it is preferable that the reinforcing ridge 340 extends in
the row direction, preferably with one side suri'ace of the reinforcing ridge 340 and one
side surface of the platform 330 connected with a concave surface as shown in FIG. 8A.
[9 7] Above structure, not only provides a larger area between the platforms
330, to reinforce strength, but also enables to sustain a row direction force pressing
opposite sides of the platform 330 more effectively owing to the reinforcing ridge 340
provided in the row direction and the concave surface.
[9 8] Each of the reinforcing ridge 340 and the concave surface extends to a
length the same with a row direction length of the platform 330. It is required that the
reinforcing ridge 340 has a height lower than the supporting surface 331 of the platform
330. Othenwise, an upper part of the reinforcing ridge 340 interferes with the mounting
plates 13, to fail the mounting plates 13 supported on the supporting surface 331.
[9 9] In the meantime, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8B, a partition wall 350 is
provided between adjacent column direction loading slots 310 for separating the
adjacent loading slots 310. The partition wall 350 projects upward between adjacent

loading slots 310 such that two platforms 330 adjacent in the row direction are
connected therewith. An upper surface of the projected partition wall 350 has opposite
edges connected to the platforms 330 respectively formed higher than a center part.
[1 0 0] The provision of the partition walls 350 between adjacent loading slots
310 aligned in a longitudinal direction provides a greater resisting force against a force
applied to the loading slots 310, to enhance strength of the pad 300.
[1 0 1] In the meantime, as described, it is preferable that the circumference 360,
provided to connect an outermost platform 330 and the loading slot 310, has a
height the same with an upper surface of the platform 330.
[1 0 2] The foregoing pad 300 is placed on the compressors 10 on the pallet
200, and the loading slots 310 of the pad 300 have the compressors 10 loaded thereon,
respectively. In this instance, since the pins 332 are inserted in the holes 14, the
compressor 10 is unable to move in left/right directions, but fixed.
[1 0 3] When mounting of all the compressors 10 on the loading lots 310 of the
pad 300 are finished, a new pad 300 is placed on the compressors 10, and new
compressors 10 are loaded thereon again. By this method, the compressors 10 and the
pads 300 are stacked altemately in many tiers. Then, the pad 300 is placed on top of
the compressors 10 at the uppermost tier again, or a finishing member of Styrofoam
fabricated to protect upper parts of the compressors is placed on the top of the
compressors 10 at the uppermost tier. After all the compressors 10 and the pads 300
are stacked, the stack is bound or packed to form one whole unit of packed body.
[1 0 4] The one packed body fabricated thus can be carried with forklift or the
like with easy. Moreover, after another packed body can be stacked on the packed body
laid on ground, another packed body can be stacked thereon. That is, since the packed
bodies can be stacked in many tiers, many packed bodies can be stored even within a

small space, effectively.
[1 0 5] The packed bodies can be stored in many tiers thus
because the pads 300 hardly deform in the row direction or the
column direction even if the compressors 10 are
stacked owing to the high strength of the pads 300.
[106] That is, since the reinforcing ridges 340, the ribs 333, the reinforcing grooves
334, the partition walls 350, and the like enhance strength of the pad 300, the pad 300 can
sustain a leveled state even if the compressors 10 are loaded thereon, to enable an upper
surface of the packed body to maintain a leveled state, permitting to store many packed bodies
in many tiers.
[10 7] As has been described, the present invention has the following advantages.
[10 8] First, in the pallet of the present invention, the pin is formed as one unit with
the upper plate, and no bending moment is applied to the pin because the supporting surface
in the upper surface of the pallet supports the lower part of the compressor, to spread a load of
the compressor. Therefore, strength of the pin can be increased, and an external force applied
to the pin can be reduced. According to this, breakage of the pin can be prevented, and
damage to the compressor during transportation can be prevented.
[10 9] Second, at least the upper plate of the pallet is formed of plastic as one unit,
permitting easy fabrication, and recycling after use for a long time.
[110] Third, the reinforcing ridges between platforms that align the loading lots in
the column direction, and the reinforcing ribs and the reinforcing grooves to the platforms
increase an overall strength of the pad, to preVent deformation of the pad even if a plurality of
compressors are loaded on thepad, permitting.to stack the compressors in many tiers.
[Ill] The high strength of the pads enables to sustain a level of an upper surface of
the packed body bound or packed after stacked in many tiers, permitting to stack the packed
bodies in many tiers, to store many compressors within a small space. Moreover, the secure
stacking of the packed bodies can prevent accidents caused by negligence of safety.
[112] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and

variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and
variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
WE CLAIM :
1. A pallet for packing compressors comprising :
an upper plate having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one unit
with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor, and supporting
surfaces for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load of the
compressor can be spread ;
a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and
a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space
maintained between the upper and lower plates.
2. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper plate is formed as one unit.
3. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surfaces are arranged in
a plurality of rows and columns on an upper part of the upper plate.
4. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface comprises a
recess in the upper surface of the upper plate, and the pin is projected from the
supporting surface.
5. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface comprises an
upper surface formed to fit to the mounting plates attached to the lower part of the
compressor, and an underside surface of a case of the compressor.
6. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection part comprises at least
one part formed as one unit with at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate.

7. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection part comprises :
an upper part extended from the upper plate, and
a lower part extended from the lower plate, and bonded to the lower part.
8. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting surface has at least two
pins provided thereto.
9. The pallet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper plate is formed of plastic.
10. A pad for packing compressors comprising :
platforms arranged in rows and columns each for supporting comers of mounting
plates of the compressor;
loading slots recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor
thereon; and
reinforcing ridges each projected between platforms adjacent in a column
direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping.
11. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compressor is mounted on the
loading slot such that corners of the mounting plates are respectively supported on four
platforms arranged adjacent to one another.
12. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform comprises :
supporting surfaces each projected to a height from a bottom surface of the
loading slot for supporting the corner of the mounting plate, and

pins each projected from the supporting surface for inserting in a hole of the
mounting plate.
13. The pad as claimed in claim 12, wherein the supporting surfaces and the pins
are provided to the comers of the platform, respectively.
14. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform is provided with a rib in the
form of a cross projected from an upper surface for reinforcing strength.
15. The pad as claimed in claim 14, wherein the platform is provided with a
reinforcing groove extended along the row or column direction in an upper surface of the
rib for reinforcing strength.
16. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platform is provided with a
reinforcing groove in a central part of an upper surface extended in the row or column
direction for reinforcing strength.
17. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcing ridge is extended in the
row direction.
18. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reinforcing ridge has one side
connected to one side of the platform with a concave surface.
19. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising partition walls each projected to
connect a space between the platforms adjacent in the row direction, and separating the
loading slots adjacent in the column direction.

20. The pad as claimed in claim 19, wherein the partition wall has opposite ends
connected to the platforms respectively formed higher than a central part.
21. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising a dome projected from the loading
slot for preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into contact
therewith.
22. The pad as claimed in claim 10, comprising a circumference provided for
connecting an outermost platform, the loading slot having a height the same as an
upper surface of the platform.
23. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the platforms, the loading slots, and the
reinforcing ridges are formed as one unit.
24. The pad as claimed in claim 10, wherein the pad is formed of a plastic or
corrugated board.
25. Compressor packing members comprising :
a pallet having first pins projected from an upper surface as one unit with the
upper surface for holding mounting plates of compressors, and first supporting surfaces
formed in the upper surface for supporting lower parts of the compressors such that a
load of the compressors can be spread ; and
a pad inserted between tiers of compressors stacked on the pallet in multiple
tiers for protecting the compressors, said pad comprising :
platforms each arranged at corners of each loading slot for supporting corners of
the mounting plate of the compressor; and
reinforcing ridges each protected between adjacent platforms for preventing
deformation of the platforms.
26. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pallet comprises :
an upper plate having the first pins, and the first supporting surfaces ;
a lower plate arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and
a connection part for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space
maintained between the upper and lower plates.
27. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the upper plate is formed of a
plastic as one unit.
28. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first supporting surface of the
pallet comprises an upper surface formed to fit to the mounting plates attached to the
lower part of the compressor, and an underside surface of a case of the compressor.
29. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the compressor is mounted on the
loading slot such that comers of the mounting plates are respectively supported on four
platforms arranged adjacent to one another.
30. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the platform comprises :
second supporting surfaces each projected to a height from a bottom surface of
the loading slot for supporting the corner of the mounting plate, and

second pins each projected from the second supporting surface for inserting in a
hole of the mounting plate.
31. The members as claimed in claim 30, wherein the platform is provided with a
reinforcing groove extended along the row or column direction in an upper surface of the
rib for reinforcing strength.
32. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the platform is provided with a rib
in the form of a cross projected from an upper surface for reinforcing strength.
33. The members as claimed in claim 26, wherein the pad has partition walls each
projected to connect a space between the platforms adjacent in the row direction, and
separating the loading slots adjacent in the column direction.
34. The pad as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pad has a dome projected from the
loading slot for preventing a top part of an underlying compressor from coming into
contact therewith.
35. The members as claimed in claim 25, wherein the pad is formed of a plastic or
corrugated board.
36. A pallet for packing compressors, substantially as herein described, particularly
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
37. A pad for packing compressors, substantially as herein described, particularly
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
38. Compressor packing members, substantially as herein described, particularly
with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A pallet (200) for packing compressors comprises ;
an upper plate (210) having pins projected from an upper surface thereof as one
unit with the upper plate for holding mounting plates of the compressor (10), and
supporting surfaces (211) for supporting a lower part of the compressor such that a load
of the compressor can be spread ;
a lower plate (220) arranged under, and spaced from, the upper plate ; and
a connection part (230) for supporting the upper and lower plates, with a space
maintained between the upper and lower plates.
A pad (300) for packing compressors comprises :
platforms (330) arranged in rows and columns each for supporting corners of
mounting plates of the compressor;
loading slots (310) recessed among four platforms for placing the compressor
thereon; and
reinforcing ridges (340) each projected between platforms adjacent in a column
direction for preventing row direction sides of the platform from drooping.

Documents:

97-KOL-2004-FORM-27.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-abstract.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-assignment.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-claims.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-correspondence.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-description (complete).pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-drawings.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-examination report.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-form 1.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-form 18.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-form 2.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-form 3.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-form 5.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-gpa.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-priority document.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-specification.pdf

97-kol-2004-granted-translated copy of priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

236059

Indian Patent Application Number

97/KOL/2004

PG Journal Number

38/2009

Publication Date

18-Sep-2009

Grant Date

17-Sep-2009

Date of Filing

08-Mar-2004

Name of Patentee

LG ELECTRONICS INC.

Applicant Address

20, YOIDO-DONG, YONGDUNGPO-GU, SEOUL

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CHO PHIL HO	C-109, LG ELECTRONICS INC. DORMITORY, GAEUMJEONG-DONG, CHANGWON-SI, GYEONGSANGNAM-DO

PCT International Classification Number

B65D 81/113

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	P2003-0088240	2003-12-05	Republic of Korea
2	P2003-0088241	2003-12-05	Republic of Korea