ASSEMBLY TYPE PALLET

Abstract

The present invention provides an assembly type pallet, elements of which are configured as disassemblable elements, so that the pallet can be easily and quickly assembled when it is used, and can be easily and quickly disassembled when it is kept in storage or is moved. Thus, the pallet is easily handled by workers. The pallet includes: an upper plate unit having a rectangular shape, with a plurality of pressed embossments formed on the upper plate unit; a lower plate unit placed opposed to the upper plate unit, the lower plate unit having a rectangular shape with a plurality of pressed embossments formed on the lower plate unit; and a locking unit placed between the upper and lower plate units and locking the upper and lower plate units to each other.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims foreign priority under Paris Convention and 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2006-0109799, filed Nov. 8, 2006 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in general, to assembly type pallets, and more particularly to an assembly type pallet, elements of which are configured as disassemblable elements, thus being easily moved and stored, and realizing a light pallet, thereby reducing the cost of shipping freight which may be increased by an increase in the gross weight of palleted freight caused by a heavy pallet.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, pallets, which are placed below bundled freight and are used as supports for allowing forklift trucks to easily and safely move the palleted freight while loading or unloading the freight, are typically made of wood or plastic and are widely used for moving freight in factories and wharves.

However, conventional pallets are problematic in that empty pallets, which are not loaded with freight, are heavy. Thus, when the pallets are used as supports for freight, the pallets undesirably increase the weight of palleted freight and excessively increase the cost of shipping the freight.

Further, even when the conventional pallets are not used as supports for freight, the empty pallets are typically moved or stored in an assembled state, so that the empty pallets are heavy and voluminous and are difficult to handle while being moved and stored.

In an effort to overcome the above-mentioned problems, an assembly type pallet has been proposed, as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-360095.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional assembly type pallet 1 comprises an upper plate unit 10 and a plurality of support legs 20. The upper plate unit 10 comprises a plurality of vertical frames 12 and a plurality of horizontal frames 13. The vertical frames 12, each of which has a longitudinal channel 11a having a predetermined depth formed along the central axis thereof, are parallely arranged at regular intervals in predetermined directions. The horizontal frames 13, which have the same shape and length as the vertical frames 12, are parallely arranged at regular intervals at locations below the vertical frames 12 such that the vertical frames 12 and the horizontal frames 13 cross each other and form a lattice structure. Each of the support legs 20 is placed below the horizontal frames 13 at a predetermined location and is locked to the upper plate unit 10 by at least one locking bolt 5, which passes through locking holes formed in the channels 11a of the upper and horizontal frames 12 and 13.

To assemble the conventional pallet 1, the support legs 20 are arranged on a support surface before the horizontal frames 13 are seated on the support legs 20.

Thereafter, the vertical frames 12 are placed on the horizontal frames 13 such that the vertical and horizontal frames 12 and 13 form a lattice structure. After placing the vertical and horizontal frames 12 and 13 on the support legs 20, the frames 12 and 13 and the legs 20 are integrated into a pallet 1 using nuts and bolts 5.

However, because the elements of the conventional pallet 1 are assembled into a single structure using the plurality of nuts and bolts, as described above, the pallet is problematic for the following reasons. To disassemble the elements of the pallet and store or transport the pallet in the disassembled state while the pallet is not used, the nuts must be removed from the bolts one by one using designated tools, and thereafter, the support legs 20, the vertical frames 12 and the horizontal frames 13 must be separated from each other. However, disassembling the elements of the pallet takes a long time consumed. Thus, in the related art, the pallets are typically handled without being disassembled, so that the pallets consume excessive storage space while being kept in storage and inconvenience workers while being transported.

Further, each of the vertical and horizontal frames of the pallet is produced by bending a thick plate, so that an empty pallet, which is not bundled with freight, is heavy, and consequently, when the pallet is used as a support for freight, the pallet undesirably increases the weight of palleted freight and excessively increases the cost of shipping the freight.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an assembly type pallet, which comprises upper and lower plate units, each having a plurality of pressed embossments, thus realizing high structural strength and lightness of the pallet, thereby being easily handled, and in which a locking unit is easily installed between the upper and lower plate units, so that the elements of the pallet can be easily and quickly assembled or disassembled.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly type pallet, in which sharp edges of the upper and lower plate units are bent to make them rounded, thus preventing damage to freight loaded on the pallet and preventing the injury of workers.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an assembly type pallet, which comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical frames arranged to form a lattice structure, with a space defined in each of the frames, thus realizing a light pallet, and in which a locking unit for locking the horizontal frames to the vertical frames has a simple structure, so that the pallet can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly type pallet, which is light in weight, thus reducing the cost of shipping freight, which may be increased by an increase in the weight of the palleted freight caused by a heavy pallet.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides an assembly type pallet comprising upper and lower plate units, the upper and lower plate units being locked to each other using a locking unit.

In the pallet, the upper and lower plate units may have the same construction, and the surface of each of the upper and lower plate units may be provided with a plurality of pressed embossments having locking holes, wherein the upper and lower plate units may be placed opposite each other.

Further, each of the edges of the upper and lower plate units may be provided with a bent part.

Further, the upper and lower plate units may have the same construction, in which each of the upper and lower plate units comprises a plurality of horizontal frames and a plurality of vertical frames, each of which is provided with a plurality of locking holes formed along the length of the frame and which are arranged to cross each other and form a lattice structure.

Here, a longitudinal space may be defined in each of the horizontal frames and the vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units such that the space is open at opposite ends of the frame, with a locking hole formed in each of the horizontal and vertical frames at an intersection of the horizontal and vertical frames, and a depression formed around the locking hole and having a diameter larger than that of the locking hole.

Further, the pallet may further comprise a cover unit, which covers each hollow end of the horizontal and vertical frames.

Further, the cover unit may be provided with locking lugs, and each hollow end of the horizontal and vertical frames may be provided with locking slots in the upper and lower sides thereof, so that when the cover units cover the ends of the horizontal and vertical frames, the locking lugs are inserted into the locking slots.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a spacing leg, which is placed between the upper and lower plate units and communicates with the locking holes of the upper and lower plate units; and a nut and a bolt provided in the spacing leg to lock the upper and lower plate units to each other.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a bolt, which passes through the spacing leg such that opposite ends of the bolt protrude outside the upper and lower plate units; and a nut, tightened to each of the ends of the bolt protruding outside the upper and lower plate units, thus locking the upper and lower plate units to each other.

Here, a washer may be provided between the nut and the bolt.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a first locking member, which is placed in the spacing leg and comprises a head at one end thereof and an externally threaded shank extending from the head; and a second locking member, which comprises a head at one end thereof and an internally threaded bushing extending from the head and engaging with the externally threaded shank of the first locking member.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a first locking member, which is placed in the spacing leg and comprises a head at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank longitudinally extending from the head; and a second locking member, which comprises a head at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank longitudinally extending from the head and forcibly engaging with the corrugated shank of the first locking member through fitting.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a locking leg member, with a corrugated shank formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member and having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member; and a corrugated locking member forcibly tightened to the corrugated shank of the locking leg member through fitting.

Here, the locking unit may further comprise a hollow spacing leg, which is placed between the upper and lower plate units and covers the locking leg member.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a locking leg member with a shank having external threads and formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member; and a nut tightened to the shank of the locking leg member in a screw engagement.

Here, the locking unit may further comprise a hollow spacing leg, which is placed between the upper and lower plate units and covers the locking leg member.

Further, the locking unit may comprise a locking leg member, which is provided with a shank having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member and formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member and inserted into the locking holes of the upper and lower plate units, wherein the ends of the shanks are bent to be locked to the upper and lower plate units.

Here, the locking unit may further comprise a hollow spacing leg, which is placed between the upper and lower plate units and covers the locking leg member.

Each of the horizontal and vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units may be provided with a longitudinal channel on the upper or lower surface thereof, with a locking hole formed at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical frames.

Here, a cover unit may be fitted into each end of each horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units, such that the cover unit is fitted into the longitudinal channel of the horizontal frame.

Further, a spacing leg may be installed such that the leg communicates with the locking holes of the horizontal and vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units, and a bolt may be passed through the spacing leg and may be locked to the upper and lower plate units using nuts, thus locking the upper and lower plate units to each other.

Here, a locking slot may be formed on each end of each horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units.

Further, each of the upper and lower open ends of the cylindrical spacing leg may be covered with a support, which is provided with a locking hole in the center thereof and with a bent part having a locking rail, and seats a horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units therein.

Further, the spacing leg may be configured to have a cylindrical shape having upper and lower open ends, and a support may close each of the upper and lower end ends of the spacing leg. The support may comprise a bent part having a locking rail on the inner surface thereof, with a circular pressed embossment formed in the center of the support and provided with a locking hole in the center thereof, the circular pressed embossment being engaged with each of the upper and lower open ends of the spacing leg.

Further, a support bracket may be placed between the horizontal frame and the vertical frame of each of the upper and lower plate units.

Here, the support bracket may comprise a locking hole, formed through the center thereof, and a horizontal bent part and a vertical bent part formed upwards and downwards at locations around the locking hole.

Further, the spacing leg may be configured as a cubic column shape having upper and lower open ends, with locking rails formed on the outer surface of the upper and lower open ends of the spacing leg and engaged with the longitudinal channels of the horizontal frames of the upper and lower plate units, and a seat formed by bending the front and rear walls of the spacing leg outwards between sidewalls of the spacing leg having the locking rails at each of the upper and lower open ends of the spacing leg, so that a horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units is seated in the seat.

Here, the seat of the spacing leg may be provided with a locking slot, and each of the horizontal frames and the vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units may be provided with a locking slot corresponding to the locking slot of the seat, so that the upper and lower plate units can be riveted to the upper and lower seats of the spacing leg.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, a space is defined in each of the frames, constituting the upper and lower plate units of the pallet, thus realizing high structural strength of the pallet, reducing the amount of material of the pallet, and realizing a light pallet, so that the pallet can be easily handled by workers while being transported or stored.

Further, in the pallet of the present invention, the upper and lower plate units can be manufactured using a thin plate material (steel plate) through pressing, thus realizing a light pallet and reducing the cost of shipping freight, which may be increased by an increase in the weight of the palleted freight caused by a heavy pallet.

Further, the pallet of the present invention is easily assembled or disassembled, so that the pallet can be used as a support for freight in an assembled state, and can be kept in storage in a disassembled state when it is not used, thus saving storage space.

Further, due to the lightness of the pallet of the present invention, the pallet reduces the cost of shipping freight, which may be increased by an increase in the weight of the palleted freight attributable to a heavy pallet.

Further, the frames, which constitute the upper and lower plate units of the pallet of the present invention, have the same construction, so that the frames can be manufactured using a single metal mold, thus reducing the mold cost and reducing the pallet manufacturing cost, and reducing the cost of shipping freight.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional pallet;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the pallet is completely assembled using the locking units;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a sixth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the portion A of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the portion A of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a sixth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 an enlarged perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 44 is a sectional view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

Hereinbelow, preferred embodiments of the assembly type pallet according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, the assembly type pallet 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper plate unit 210, which comprises a rectangular plate having a plurality of pressed embossments 214, with locking holes 212 formed in part of the pressed embossments 214.

The assembly type pallet 100 further comprises a lower plate unit 310, which is placed below the upper plate unit 210 at a location spaced apart from the upper plate unit 210 at a predetermined interval. The lower plate unit 310 has the same rectangular shape as that of the upper plate unit 210 and is provided with a plurality of pressed embossments 314 having locking holes 312 corresponding to the locking holes 212 of the upper plate unit 210.

Here, the pressed embossments 214 and 314 of the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 are aligned with each other.

Further, the locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 are formed through the centers of part of the pressed embossments 214 and 314, which are formed in the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

Further, it is preferred that the locking holes 212 and 312 be formed through the pressed embossments 214 and 314, which are located at the corners of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310, at the intermediate positions between the corners and at the centers of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

Further, each of the edges of the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 is bent to form a bent part 216, 316, thus preventing damage to freight, loaded on the upper plate unit 210, by the sharp edges and preventing workers from being injured by the sharp edges, thereby realizing a safe pallet structure.

Further, in the accompanying drawings, the pressed embossments 214 and 314, formed in the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310, are configured as rectangular pressed embossments. However, the pressed embossments may be configured as circular or polygonal pressed embossments.

Further, a plurality of locking units 410 is installed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 at predetermined locations and locks the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310 while spacing the two plate units 210 and 310 at a predetermined interval.

Here, each of the locking units 410 comprises a hollow spacing leg 412, which is fitted at opposite ends thereof over the pressed embossments 214 and 314 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 having the locking holes 212 and 312; a locking bolt 414, which passes through the hollow spacing leg 412 such that the opposite ends of the locking bolt 414 project outside the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310; and a nut 416, which is tightened to each of the opposite ends of the locking bolt 414.

In this embodiment, the opposite ends of the spacing leg 412 are fitted over the pressed embossments 214 and 314 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 such that no gap remains between the ends of the leg 412 and the pressed embossments 214 and 314.

Further, the upper end of the spacing leg 412 is fitted over a protrusion 218, which is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate unit 210 by the pressed embossment 214. In the same manner, the lower end of the spacing leg 412 is fitted over a protrusion 318, which is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate unit 310 by the pressed embossment 314. Thus, the locking hole 212 that is formed through the protrusion 218 of the upper plate unit 210 is aligned with the locking hole 312 that is formed through the protrusion 318 of the lower plate unit 310. The opposite ends of the locking bolt 414 are inserted into the respective locking holes 212 and 312 and the nuts 416 are tightened to the locking bolt 414 in the pressed embossments 214 and 314 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

In this embodiment, a washer 418 is used with each of the nuts 416, which are tightened to the opposite ends of the locking bolt 414 at locations outside the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310. Further, the nuts 416 do not protrude outside the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310.

Further, the edges of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 of the pallet 100 may be used without being bent, as shown in FIG. 5. In the above state, the pallet 100 may have the same function as that described above.

In the above state, to protect palleted freight and workers from damage and injury by the sharp edges of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310, the edges may be processed through grinding to round them.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, which illustrates a first modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the locking bolt 414 of the locking unit 410 may be altered as a locking bolt 414a having a bolt head at one end thereof. In the above state, the locking bolt 414a is tightened by one nut 416 at the headless end thereof at a location outside the upper plate unit 210 or the lower plate unit 310.

The process of assembling and disassembling the assembly type pallet according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinbelow.

First, to assemble the pallet 100, the upper and lower ends of a plurality of spacing legs 412 are fitted over the pressed embossments 214 and 314 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 such that the hollow spacing legs 412 communicate with the locking holes 212 and 312 of the pressed embossments 214 and 314. Thereafter, a locking bolt 414 is installed to pass the locking holes 212 and 312 therethrough, and an associated spacing leg 412 and two washers 418 are fitted over the opposite ends of the locking bolt 414. After placing the washers 418, two nuts 416 are tightened to the opposite ends of the locking bolt 414, so that the upper plate unit 210 is integrated with the lower plate unit 310 into a single structure, with a predetermined interval defined between the two plate units 210 and 310.

In the above state, it is preferred that neither the ends of the locking bolt 414 nor the nuts 416 protrude outside the pressed embossment 214 and 314 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

When the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 are integrated into a single structure using the plurality of locking units 410, as described above, the assembly of the pallet 100 is finished.

After the pallet 100 is assembled, freight is loaded on the pallet 100 and the palleted freight is moved and loaded on a vehicle using a forklift truck.

Further, because the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 of the pallet 100 are produced through pressing using thin materials such that the pressed embossments 214 and 314 are formed in the plate units 210 and 310, a light pallet 100 can be realized, which reduces the cost of shipping freight, which would otherwise be increased by an increase in the weight of the palleted freight due to a heavy pallet.

To disassemble the pallet 100, the process of assembling the pallet 100 is executed in reverse order. That is, the nuts 416 are removed from the locking bolts 414 so that the upper plate unit 210 can be easily and quickly disassembled from the lower plate unit 310.

Thus, when the pallet 100 is not used or is kept in storage, the pallet can be handled in a disassembled state, thus saving storage space and being easily handled by workers.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, each of the locking units 510, which locks the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310 of the pallet 100 according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, comprises a hollow spacing leg 512, which is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 such that the spacing leg 512 communicates with the locking holes 212 and 312.

The locking unit 510 further comprises a first locking member 520, which is placed in the spacing leg 512 and comprises a head 522 at one end thereof and an externally threaded shank 524 extending from the head 522.

The locking unit 510 further comprises a second locking member 530, which comprises a head 532 at one end thereof and an internally threaded bushing 534 extending from the head 532 and engaging with the externally threaded shank 524 of the first locking member 520.

Here, the heads 522 and 532 of the first and second locking members 520 and 530 are preferably provided with polygonal slots, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, such that, when the first and second locking members 520 and 530 are tightened or loosened, the heads 522 and 532 can be rotated using designated tools.

Because the first and second locking members 520 and 530, which have polygonal slots, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, on the heads 522 and 532, can be easily and stably manipulated by workers using tools, as described above, the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 can be easily assembled or disassembled by rotating the first or second locking member 520, 530.

The locking unit 510 locks the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310, thus assembling the elements into a pallet 100 in the same manner as that described for the first embodiment of the present invention. Described in detail, the hollow spacing leg 512 is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 such that the spacing leg 512 communicates with the locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310. Thereafter, the first and second locking members 520 and 530 are manipulated by a worker outside the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310, such that the first and second locking members 520 and 530 are tightened to each other inside the spacing leg 512, thus locking the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 100, the first locking member 520 is loosened and removed from the second locking member 530, so that the elements of the pallet 100 can be easily disassembled from each other.

As described above, the pallet 100 can be easily assembled and disassembled, so that it is easy for skilled or unskilled workers to assemble and disassemble the pallet 100. Further, the pallet 100 can be disassembled through a simple process, so that the pallet 100 can be kept in storage and transported in a disassembled state when not in use.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, each of the locking units 610, which locks the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310 according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, comprises a hollow spacing leg 612, which is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 such that the spacing leg 612 communicates with the locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

The locking unit 610 further comprises a first locking member 620, which comprises a head 622 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 624 longitudinally extending from the head 622.

The locking unit 610 further comprises a second locking member 630, which comprises a head 632 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 634 longitudinally extending from the head 632. The corrugated shank 634 of the second locking member 630 is forcibly fitted into and locked to the corrugated shank 624 of the first locking member 620. The first locking member 620 and the second locking member 630 are configured such that the corrugated shanks 624 and 634 have different diameters, to thus enable forcible fitting. When the first and second locking members 620 and 630 are assembled with each other, the corrugated shanks 624 and 634 maintain a desired locking force. To disassemble the upper plate unit 210 from the lower plate unit 310, the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 are pulled in opposite directions.

The locking unit 610, having the above-mentioned construction, can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as that described for the locking unit 510, and further explanation of the process of assembling and disassembling the locking unit 610 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the second locking member 630 is fitted into the first locking member 620, the corrugated shank 624 of the first locking member 620, which is placed outside, elastically expands in radial directions. Thereafter, when the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated shank 624 of the first locking member 620 elastically shrinks, thus realizing strong locking force with the corrugated shank 634 of the second locking member 630.

Here, a washer may be provided around the neck of each of the first and second locking members 620 and 630, thus making the head 622, 632 a washer head.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 710 according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking leg member 712, which is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310. A corrugated hollow shank 714 is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member 712 such that the corrugated shanks 714, having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member 712, are inserted into the respective locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

The locking unit 710 further comprises a corrugated locking member 730, which is forcibly fitted over each of the corrugated shanks 714 of the locking leg member 712.

Here, the locking unit 710 may further comprise a hollow spacing leg 720 to cover the locking leg member 712.

Further, a washer 732 may be provided between the locking leg member 712 and each of the corrugated locking members 730.

The locking unit 710, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310 in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the function of locking the upper plate unit 210 to the lower plate unit 310 using the locking unit 710 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the corrugated shanks 714 of the locking leg member 712 are inserted into the respective locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310 and the corrugated locking members 730 are locked to the respective corrugated shanks 714 at locations outside the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310, the locking force between the corrugated shanks 714 and the corrugated locking members 730 is realized by the difference in diameter between the corrugated shanks 714 and the corrugated locking members 730. To disassemble the upper plate unit 210 from the lower plate unit 310, the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 are pulled in opposite directions.

In other words, when the corrugated locking members 730 are forcibly fitted over the corrugated shanks 714 of the locking leg member 712, the corrugated locking members 730 elastically expand in radial directions. When the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated locking members 730 elastically shrink, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shanks 714 of the locking leg member 712.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 810 according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking leg member 812, which is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310. Shanks 814, having external threads 816, are formed on the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member 812 and are inserted into the locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

Further, at a location outside each of the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310, a nut 820 is tightened to each of the shanks 814 having the external threads 816 of the locking leg member 812.

Here, a washer 822 may be provided between the nut 820 and each of the externally threaded shanks 814 of the locking leg member 812, in other words, between the nut 820 and each of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

Further, a spacing leg 830 may be provided around the locking leg member 812 to cover the locking leg member 812.

The locking unit 810, having the above-mentioned construction, assembles the upper and lower plate units into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 810 is thus deemed unnecessary.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a sixth modification of the locking unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 910 according to the sixth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking leg member 912, which is placed between the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310. A shank 914 is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member 912 such that the shanks 914, having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member 912, are inserted into the respective locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

Here, a spacing leg 920 may be provided to cover the locking leg member 912.

The locking unit 910, having the above-mentioned construction, assembles the upper and lower plate units into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 910 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, in this modification, after the shanks 914 of the locking leg member 912 are inserted into the locking holes 212 and 312 of the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310, the ends of the shanks 914 are bent through the same process as a conventional riveting process using a snapping tool, so that the shanks 914 are locked to the upper and lower plate units 210 and 310.

To disassemble the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 from each other, the upper plate unit 210 and the lower plate unit 310 are levered in opposite directions using a designated tool, so that the bent ends of the shanks 914 of the locking leg member 912 become straight and the upper plate unit 210 can be disassembled from the lower plate unit 310.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the portion A of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the portion A of FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 14, the assembly type pallet 1100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper plate unit 1210, which comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 1220 and a plurality of vertical frames 1220a, which individually have a plurality of locking holes 1222 and are assembled with each other into a lattice structure.

The pallet 1100 further comprises a lower plate unit 1310, which is placed below the upper plate unit 1210 at a predetermined interval and comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 1320 and a plurality of vertical frames 1320a, which individually have a plurality of locking holes 1322 and are assembled with each other into a lattice structure.

In other words, the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 have the same shape.

Here, a plurality of circular depressions 1224, 1224a, 1324, 1324a is formed on the frames 1220, 1220a, 1320, 1320a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 at locations around the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322, 1322a. In the present invention, the circular depressions 1224 and 1324 are preferably formed on the upper surfaces of the horizontal frames 1220 and 1320 at locations around the locking holes 1222 and 1322, while the circular depressions 1224a and 1324a are preferably formed on the lower surfaces of the vertical frames 1220a and 1320a at locations around the locking holes 1222a and 1322a. However, it should be understood that each horizontal frame 1220, 1320 and a corresponding vertical frame 1220a, 1320a have the same shape.

Thus, the locking holes 1222 and 1322 of the horizontal frames 1220 and 1320 correspond to the locking holes 1222a and 1322a of the vertical frames 1220a and 1320a, so that the plurality of horizontal frames 1220 and 1320 can be assembled with the plurality of vertical frames 1220a and 1320a to form a lattice structure.

Further, each of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 defines a space 1226, 1326 therein such that the space 1226, 1326 opens at opposite ends of the frame. A plurality of locking slots 1227, 1327 is formed on each open end of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a. A cover unit 1340, which is provided with a plurality of locking lugs 1342, is fitted into each of the open ends of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a such that the locking lugs 1342 engage with the locking slots 1227, 1327. Thus, the open ends of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a are closed by the respective cover units 1340.

Here, each of the cover units 1340 comprises two open wings, so that, when the cover units 1340 are fitted into the open ends of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a, the open wings of each cover unit 1340 guide the fitting of the cover unit 1340 into an associated open end, thus realizing easy fitting of the cover unit 1340. Further, the locking lugs 1342 of the cover units 1340 are fitted into the locking slots 1227, 1327 of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a, so that the cover units 1340 can be prevented from being undesirably removed from the open ends of the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a.

Further, each of the cover units 1340 has predetermined elasticity, so that, when the cover units 1340 are fitted into the open ends of the frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a, the locking lugs 1342 are elastically fitted into the locking slots 1227, 1327. Thus, the cover units 1340 can be firmly fitted into the open ends of the frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a.

Further, a plurality of locking units 1410 is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310, and locks the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 into a single structure.

Here, each of the locking units 1410 comprises a hollow cylindrical spacing leg 1412, which is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 such that the spacing leg 1412 communicates with the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322 and 1322a in the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a. A locking bolt 1414 passes through the spacing leg 1412 such that opposite ends of the bolt 1414 project outside the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310. A nut 1416 is tightened to each end of the locking bolt 1414, thus locking the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310.

Described in detail, the hollow spacing leg 1412 is placed between the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 such that the upper end of the spacing leg 1412 is fitted over a circular depression 1224a in which is formed a locking hole 1222a of the vertical frame 1220a of the upper plate unit 1210. Further, the lower end of the spacing leg 1412 is fitted over a circular depression 1324 in which is formed a locking hole 1322 of the horizontal frame 1320 of the lower plate unit 1310.

Further, the nuts 1416, which are tightened to the bolt 1414, are preferably seated in the circular depressions 1224 and 1324a, which are formed in the horizontal frame 1220 of the upper plate unit 1210 and in the vertical frame 1320a of the lower plate unit 1310 and have the locking holes 1222 and 1322a. Thus, the nuts 1416 and the ends of the bolt 1414 do not project outside the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310.

Further, a washer 1418 may be placed between the bolt 1414 and each nut 1416. In the above state, the upper plate unit 1210 can be strongly locked to the lower plate unit 1310.

Further, as described above, the spacing leg 1412 preferably has a cylindrical shape. However, it should be understood that the spacing leg 1412 may be altered to have a polygonal cross-section, such as a rectangular or hexagonal cross-section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, which illustrates a first modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the locking bolt of the locking unit 1410 may be altered to be locking bolt 1414a that has a bolt head at one end thereof and a threaded shank extending from the head.

The process of assembling and disassembling the assembly type pallet according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinbelow.

First, it is to be noted that the lower plate unit 1310 and the upper plate unit 1210 have the same construction. Described in detail, a plurality of horizontal frames 1320 and a plurality of vertical frames 1320a are arranged to cross each other, thus forming a lattice structure. A plurality of spacing legs 1412 is placed on the circular depressions 1324 at intersections of the horizontal frames 1320 and the vertical frames 1320a. Thereafter, a plurality of horizontal frames 1220 and a plurality of vertical frames 1220a are arranged to form a lattice structure on the spacing legs 1412, thus forming the upper plate unit 1210.

Thereafter, a locking bolt 1414 is passed through the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322 and 1322a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 and through the spacing leg 1412 of each locking unit 1410, placed between the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 such that the opposite ends of the bolt 1414 project outside the plate units 1210 and 1310. A nut 1416 is tightened to each protruding end of the bolt 1414, thus locking the plate units to each other.

As described above, the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 are locked to each other using the plurality of locking units 1410, thus assembling the pallet 1100.

After assembling the pallet 1100, freight is loaded onto the pallet 1100 and the palleted freight is moved with a forklift truck.

Further, each of the horizontal and vertical frames of the pallet 1100 comprises an angle material having a rectangular cross-section that defines a space 1226, 1326 therein. Thus, a light pallet 1100 can be realized, which reduces the cost of shipping freight, which would otherwise be increased by an increase in the gross weight of the palleted freight due to a heavy pallet.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 1100, the process of assembling the pallet 1100 is executed in reverse order. That is, the nuts 1416 are removed from the locking bolts 1414, so that the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320, 1320a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 can be easily and quickly disassembled from each other.

Thus, when the pallet 1100 is not used, or is kept in storage, the pallet 1100 can be handled in a disassembled state, in which the horizontal and vertical frames 1220, 1220a, 1320 and 1320a and the spacing legs 1412 are disassembled from each other, thus saving storage space and being easily handled by workers.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, each of the locking units 1510, which locks the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310 of the pallet 1100 according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present invention, comprises a hollow spacing leg 1512, which is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 such that the spacing leg 1512 communicates with the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322 and 1322a.

The locking unit 1510 further comprises a first locking member 1520, which is placed in the spacing leg 1512 and comprises a head 1522 at one end thereof, and an externally threaded shank 1524 extending from the head 1522.

The locking unit 1510 further comprises a second locking member 1530, which comprises a head 1532 at one end thereof and an internally threaded bushing 1534 extending from the head 1532, and engaging with the externally threaded shank 1524 of the first locking member 1520.

Here, the heads 1522 and 1532 of the first and second locking members 1520 and 1530 are preferably provided with polygonal slots 1525 and 1535, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, so that the first and second locking members 1520 and 1530 can be easily tightened or loosened.

Further, the heads 1522 and 1532 of the first and second locking members 1520 and 1530 may alternatively be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads can be easily handled by workers.

In the same manner as that described above, the locking unit 1510 is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310. The first and second locking members 1520 and 1530 are inserted into the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322 and 1322a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 and are tightened to each other such that the heads 1522 and 1532 of the first and second locking members 1520 and 1530 are seated in the circular depression 1224 and 1324a having the locking holes 1222 and 1322a. Thus, the upper plate unit 1210 is strongly locked to the lower plate unit 1310.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 1100, the first locking member 1520 is loosened and removed from the second locking member 1530 so that the elements of the pallet 1100 can be easily disassembled from each other.

Because the upper plate unit 1210 can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled with and from the lower plate unit 1310 through a simple process, assembling and disassembling the elements of the pallet takes a short time, and the pallet can be easily kept in storage and easily moved.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 1610 for locking the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310 according to the third modification of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 1612, which is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 and communicates with the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322 and 1322a.

The locking unit 1610 further comprises a first locking member 1620, which comprises a head 1622 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 1624 longitudinally extending from the head 1622.

The locking unit 1610 further comprises a second locking member 1630, which comprises a head 1632 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 1634 longitudinally extending from the head 1632. The corrugated shank 1634 of the second locking member 1630 is forcibly fitted over and locked to the corrugated shank 1624 of the first locking member 1620. The first locking member 1620 and the second locking member 1630 are configured such that the corrugated shanks 1624 and 1634 have different diameters to thus realize forcible fitting. When the first and second locking members 1620 and 1630 are assembled with each other, the corrugated shanks 1624 and 1634 maintain a desired locking force therebetween. To disassemble the upper plate unit 1210 from the lower plate unit 1310, the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 are pulled in opposite directions.

The locking unit 1610, having the above-mentioned construction, can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as that described for the locking unit 1510, and further explanation of the process of assembling and disassembling the locking unit 1610 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the second locking member 1630 is fitted over the first locking member 1620, the corrugated shank 1634 of the second locking member 1630, which is placed outside, elastically expands in radial directions. Thereafter, when the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated shank 1634 of the second locking member 1630 elastically shrinks, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shank 1624 of the first locking member 1620.

Here, a washer 1640 may be provided around the neck of each of the first and second locking members 1620 and 1630, thus making the head 1622, 1632 a washer head.

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 1710 according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking leg member 1720, which is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310. A corrugated shank 1722, 1722a, which has a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member 1720, is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member 1720.

The locking unit 1710 further comprises a corrugated locking member 1730, which is forcibly fitted over each of the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a of the locking leg member 1720.

The locking unit 1710, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310 in the same manner as that described for the locking unit of FIG. 7, and further explanation of the function of the locking unit 1710 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a of the locking leg member 1720 are inserted into the respective locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322, 1322a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310 and the corrugated locking members 1730 are locked to the respective corrugated shanks at locations outside the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310, the locking force between the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a and the corrugated locking members 1730 is realized by the difference in diameter between the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a and the corrugated locking members 1730. To disassemble the upper plate unit 1210 from the lower plate unit 1310, the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 are pulled in opposite directions.

In other words, when the corrugated locking members 1730 are forcibly fitted over the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a of the locking leg member 1720, the corrugated locking members 1730 elastically expand in radial directions. When the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated locking members 1730 elastically shrink, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shanks 1722 and 1722a of the locking leg member 1720.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 1810 according to the fifth modification of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 1820, with a shank 1822 formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the spacing leg 1820 and having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the spacing leg 1820. The shank 1822 has external threads 1824.

Further, a nut 1830 is tightened on to each of the externally threaded shanks 1822 of the spacing leg 1820.

Here, a washer 1840 may be placed between each shank 1822 of the spacing leg 1820 and a corresponding nut 1830, thus strongly locking the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310.

The locking unit 1810, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 1210 to the lower plate unit 1310 in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the function of the locking unit 1810 is thus deemed unnecessary.

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a sixth modification of the locking unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 1910 according to the sixth modification of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a locking leg member 1920, which is placed between the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310. A shank 1922 is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking leg member 1920 such that the shanks 1922, having a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking leg member 1920, are inserted into the respective locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322, 1322a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310.

The locking unit 1910, having the above-mentioned construction, is used to assemble the upper and lower plate units into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 1910 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, in this modification, after the shanks 1922 of the locking leg member 1920 are inserted into the locking holes 1222, 1222a, 1322, 1322a of the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310, the ends of the shanks 1922 are bent through the same process as a conventional riveting process using a snapping tool, so that the shanks 1922 are locked to the upper and lower plate units 1210 and 1310.

To disassemble the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 from each other, the upper plate unit 1210 and the lower plate unit 1310 are levered in opposite directions using a tool designated therefor, so that the bent ends of the shanks 1922 of the locking leg member 1920 become straight and the upper plate unit 1210 can be disassembled from the lower plate unit 1310.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 21 through FIG. 24, the assembly type pallet 2100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper plate unit 2210, which comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 2220 and a plurality of vertical frames 2220a crossing each other to form a lattice structure. Each of the horizontal and vertical frames 2220 and 2220a of the upper plate unit 2210 is produced by bending a plate material into a longitudinal frame, with a plurality of longitudinal channels 2222, 2222a formed in the upper or lower surface of each frame 2220, 2220a and a plurality of locking holes 2224, 2224a formed through a middle one of the longitudinal channels 2222, 2222a.

The assembly type pallet 2100 further comprises a lower plate unit 2310, which comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 2320 and a plurality of vertical frames 2320a crossing each other to form a lattice structure. Each of the horizontal and vertical frames 2320 and 2320a of the lower plate unit 2310 is produced by bending a plate material into a longitudinal frame, with a plurality of longitudinal channels 2322, 2322a formed on the upper or lower surface of each frame 2320, 2320a and a plurality of locking holes 2324, 2324a formed through the middle one of the longitudinal channels 2322, 2322a.

In other words, the horizontal frames 2220 and 2320 and the vertical frames 2220a and 2320a have the same shape and cross each other to form a lattice structure, thus forming the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 having the same construction.

Here, the large-sized longitudinal channels 2222 and 2222a formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 2220 and 2220a of the upper plate unit 2210 are oriented upwards, while the large-sized longitudinal channels 2322 and 2322a formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 2320 and 2320a of the lower plate unit 2310 are oriented downwards.

Thus, the plurality of horizontal frames 2220 and 2320 and the plurality of vertical frames 2220a and 2320a are arranged such that they cross each other to form a lattice structure, and the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a thereof are aligned with each other, thus forming a pallet 2100.

Further, a support bracket 2410 is placed between the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 and the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 at each intersection, thus preventing the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 and the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a from being undesirably separated from each other.

Here, the support bracket 2410 is provided with a locking hole 2412, which is aligned with the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 when the bracket 2410 is installed in its place. The bracket 2410 is also provided with two horizontal bent parts 2414 and two vertical bent parts 2416 around the locking hole 2412.

Further, the horizontal bent parts 2414 and the vertical bent parts 2416 of the support bracket 2410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2222, 2222a, 2322, 2322a of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 and the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the horizontal bent parts 2414 be engaged with the large-sized longitudinal channels 2222, 2322 of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320, and that the vertical bent parts 2416 be engaged with the small-sized longitudinal channels 2222a, 2322a of the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a.

Described in detail, when one support bracket 2410 is installed in the upper plate unit 2210 at each intersection, the horizontal bent parts 2414 of the support bracket 2410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2222 formed in the upper surface of a horizontal frame 2220 of the upper plate unit 2210. In the above state, the vertical bent parts 2416 of the support bracket 2410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2222a formed in the lower surface of a corresponding vertical frame 2220a.

Further, when the support bracket 2410 is installed in the lower plate unit 2310 at each intersection, the horizontal bent parts 2414 of the support bracket 2410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2322 formed in the lower surface of a horizontal frame 2320 of the lower plate unit 2310. In the above state, the vertical bent parts 2416 of the support bracket 2410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2322a formed in the upper surface of a corresponding vertical frame 2320a.

Here, the vertical bent parts 2416 of the support bracket 2410 are provided with respective locking rails 2418, which protrude inwards to face each other. When the vertical bent parts 2416 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 2222a, 2322a of the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a, the locking rails 2418 enable forcible fitting and prevent undesired movement of the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a.

Further, a spacing leg 2450, which constitutes a locking unit 2510, is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 and is locked to the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 using a locking bolt 2512 and a nut 2514, thus fastening the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 to each other.

Here, the spacing leg 2450 has a hollow cylindrical structure, which is open at the upper and lower ends thereof. A concave circular support 2452 is provided on each of the open ends of the spacing leg 2450. The concave circular support 2452 is provided with two bent parts 2454, which are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval equal to the width of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320, so that the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 is seated inside the bent parts 2454. A locking hole 2456 is formed through the center of the support 2452 such that the locking hole 2456 corresponds to the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 and the vertical frame 2220a, 2320a.

Further, the concave circular support 2452 may be welded to the open end of the cylindrical spacing leg 2450. Of course, the support 2452 may be fi ed to the open end of the cylindrical spacing leg 2450 through another fixing technique, rather than being limited to welding.

Further, the bent parts 2454 of the concave circular support 2452 are provided with respective locking rails 2457 and are engaged with respective locking grooves 2225, 2325 of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320.

Here, when the bent parts 2454 of the concave circular support 2452, having respective locking rails 2457, are engaged with the horizontal frame 2220, 2320, the bent parts 2454 elastically open outwards. Thus, the locking rails 2457 of the bent parts 2454 are inserted into the locking grooves 2225, 2325 of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320 and the bent parts 2454 elastically restore their closed state due to the restoring force thereof, thus being brought into firm engagement with the locking grooves 2225, 2325 of the horizontal frame 2220, 2320. Therefore, the spacing leg 2450 is locked to the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310.

Further, the locking unit 2510 further comprises the locking bolt 2512, which is passed through the spacing leg 2450 such that it protrudes outside either the upper plate unit 2210 or the lower plate unit 2310. The nut 2514 is tightened to the protruding end of the bolt 2512, and locks the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310.

In other words, the spacing leg 2450 is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 such that the horizontal frames 2220 and 2320 of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 are seated in the upper and lower supports 2452 of the leg 2450, and such that the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 are aligned with the locking hole 2456 of the spacing leg 2450. Thereafter, the leg 2450 is locked to the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 using the nut 2514 and bolt 2512. In the above state, it is preferred that the head of the bolt 2512 and the nut 2514 be seated in respective longitudinal channels 2222a and 2322a of the vertical frames 2220a and 2320a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310, so that neither the bolt 2512 nor the nut 2514 protrude outside the upper plate unit 2210 or the lower plate unit 2310.

Further, a washer 2516 may be installed between the bolt 2512 and the nut 2514 to strongly lock the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310.

Further, as described above, it is preferred that the spacing leg 2450 be configured to have a cylindrical shape. However, it should be understood that the spacing leg may have a polygonal column shape, such as a rectangular or a hexagonal column shape, without being limited to the cylindrical shape.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, which is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit 2510 may use a locking bolt 2512a having external threads formed on opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the locking bolt 2512a is passed through the spacing leg 2450 such that the opposite ends of the bolt 2512a protrude outside the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310. Thereafter, two nuts 2514a are tightened to the externally threaded ends of the bolt 2512a, thus firmly locking the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310.

The process of assembling and disassembling the assembly type pallet having the above-mentioned construction will be described hereinbelow.

The upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310, having the same shape and construction, are locked to each other using the support brackets 2410, the spacing legs 2450 and the locking units 2510. Described in detail, first, the lower plate unit 2310 is fabricated by arranging a plurality of horizontal frames 2320 and a plurality of vertical frames 2320a, such that the frames 2320 and 2320a cross each other to form a lattice structure. In the above state, one support bracket 2410 is installed between the horizontal frames 2320 and the vertical frames 2320a at each intersection such that the bracket 2410 is engaged with the longitudinal channels 2322 and 2322a. Thereafter, a plurality of spacing legs 2450 is placed on the intersections of the horizontal frames 2320 and the vertical frames 2320a, which are the points having respective support brackets 2410. Thereafter, the upper plate unit 2210, having the same construction as that of the lower plate unit 2310, is seated on the spacing legs 2450. To fabricate the upper plate unit 2210, a plurality of horizontal frames 2220 and a plurality of vertical frames 2220a are arranged to cross each other in a lattice arrangement, with one support bracket 2410 installed between the horizontal frames 2220 and the vertical frames 2220a at each intersection such that the bracket 2410 is engaged with the longitudinal channels 2222 and 2222a.

In the above state, the bolt 2512 of the locking unit 2510 is passed in one direction through the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 while passing through the locking hole 2456 of the spacing leg 2450 placed between the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310. Thereafter, the nut 2514 is tightened to the end of the bolt 2512, thus finishing the locking.

As described above, the upper plate unit 2210 is locked to the lower plate unit 2310 using the plurality of locking units, thus assembling the pallet 2100.

After assembling the pallet 2100, freight is loaded onto the pallet 2100 and the palleted freight is moved with a forklift truck.

Further, each of the horizontal frames 2220 and 2320 and the vertical frames 2220a and 2320a of the pallet 2100 is produced by bending a plate upwards and downwards to form the longitudinal channels 2222, 2222a, 2322, 2322a. Thus, the amount of material of the pallet 2100 can be reduced, and a light pallet 2100 can be realized, which reduces the cost of shipping freight, which would otherwise be increased by the increase in the gross weight of the palleted freight due to a heavy pallet.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 2100, the process of assembling the pallet 2100 is executed in reverse order. That is, the nuts 2514 are removed from the locking bolts 2512, so that the horizontal and vertical frames 2220, 2220a, 2320, 2320a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 can be easily and quickly disassembled from each other.

Thus, when the pallet 2100 is not used, or is kept in storage, the pallet 2100 can be handled in a disassembled state, in which the horizontal and vertical frames 2220, 2220a, 2320 and 2320a, the support brackets 2410, and the spacing legs 2450 are disassembled from each other, thus being easily stored, saving storage space and being easily handled by workers.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, each of the locking units 2610, which locks the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310 of the pallet 2100 according to the second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention, comprises a spacing leg 2450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 such that the spacing leg 2450 is aligned with the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a.

The locking unit 2610 further comprises a first locking member 2620, which is placed in the spacing leg 2450 and comprises a head 2622 at one end thereof, and an externally threaded shank 2624 extending from the head 2622.

The locking unit 2610 further comprises a second locking member 2630, which comprises a head 2632 at one end thereof and an internally threaded bushing 2634 extending from the head 2632, and engaging with the externally threaded shank 2624 of the first locking member 2620.

Here, the heads 2622 and 2632 of the first and second locking members 2620 and 2630 are preferably provided with polygonal slots 2626 and 2636, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, so that the first and second locking members 2620 and 2630 can be easily tightened or loosened.

Further, the heads 2622 and 2632 of the first and second locking members 2620 and 2630 may alternatively be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads 2622 and 2632 can be easily handled by workers.

In the same manner as that described above, the locking unit 2610 is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310. The first and second locking members 2620 and 2630 are inserted into the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 and are tightened to each other such that the heads 2622 and 2632 of the first and second locking members 2620 and 2630 are seated in the longitudinal channels 2222a and 2322a. In this way, the upper plate unit 2210 is strongly locked to the lower plate unit 2310.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 2100, the first locking member 2620 is loosened and removed from the second locking member 2630 so that the elements of the pallet 2100 can be easily disassembled from each other.

Because the upper plate unit 2210 can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled with and from the lower plate unit 2310 through a simple process, assembling and disassembling the elements of the pallet takes a short time, and the pallet can be easily kept in storage and easily moved.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 2710 for locking the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310 according to the third modification of the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 2450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 such that the spacing leg 2450 is aligned with the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a.

The locking unit 2710 further comprises a first locking member 2720, which comprises a head 2722 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 2724 longitudinally extending from the head 2722.

The locking unit 2710 further comprises a second locking member 2730, which comprises a head 2732 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 2734 longitudinally extending from the head 2732. The corrugated shank 2734 of the second locking member 2730 is forcibly fitted into and locked to the corrugated shank 2724 of the first locking member 2720. The first locking member 2720 and the second locking member 2730 are configured such that the corrugated shanks 2724 and 2734 have different diameters and can thus be force-fitted. When the first and second locking members 2720 and 2730 are assembled with each other, the corrugated shanks 2724 and 2734 maintain a desired locking force therebetween. To disassemble the upper plate unit 2210 from the lower plate unit 2310, the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 are pulled in opposite directions.

The locking unit 2710, having the above-mentioned construction, can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as that described above, and thus further explanation of the process of assembling and disassembling the locking unit 2710 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the second locking member 2730 is fitted into the first locking member 2720, the corrugated shank 2724 of the first locking member 2720, which is placed outside, elastically expands in radial directions. Thereafter, when the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated shank 2724 of the first locking member 2720 elastically shrinks, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shank 2734 of the second locking member 2730.

Here, a washer (not shown) may be provided around the neck of each of the first and second locking members 2720 and 2730, thus making the head 2722, 2732 a washer head.

Further, the heads 2722 and 2732 of the first and second locking members 2720 and 2730 are preferably provided with polygonal slots 2726 and 2736, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, so that the first and second locking members 2720 and 2730 can be easily tightened or loosened.

Further, the heads 2722 and 2732 of the first and second locking members 2720 and 2730 may alternatively be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads 2722 and 2732 can be easily manipulated by workers.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 2810 for locking the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310 according to the fourth modification of the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 2450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 such that the spacing leg 2450 is aligned with the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a.

The locking unit 2810 further comprises a locking bolt member 2820, which is placed inside the spacing leg 2450. A corrugated shank 2822, which has a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking bolt member 2820, is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking bolt member 2820.

The locking unit 2810 further comprises a corrugated locking member 2830, which is forcibly fitted over each of the corrugated shanks 2822 of the locking bolt member 2820.

The locking unit 2810, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310 in the same manner as that described for the locking unit of FIG. 27, and further explanation of the function of the locking unit 2810 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the corrugated shanks 2822 of the locking bolt member 2820 are inserted into the respective locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310 and the corrugated locking members 2830 are locked to the respective corrugated shanks at locations outside the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310, the locking force between the corrugated shanks 2822 of the locking bolt member 2820 and the corrugated locking members 2830 is realized by the difference in diameter between the corrugated shanks 2822 and the corrugated locking members 2830. To disassemble the upper plate unit 2210 from the lower plate unit 2310, the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 are pulled in opposite directions.

In other words, when the corrugated locking members 2830 are forcibly fitted over the corrugated shanks 2822 of the locking bolt member 2820, the corrugated locking members 2830 elastically expand in radial directions. When the fitting process is finished, the expanded corrugated locking members 2830 elastically shrink, thus realizing a strong locking force to the corrugated shanks 2822 of the locking bolt member 2820.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 2910 for locking the upper plate unit 2210 to the lower plate unit 2310 according to the fifth modification of the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 2450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 such that the spacing leg 2450 is aligned with the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324 and 2324a.

The locking unit 2910 further comprises a locking bolt member 2920, which is placed inside the spacing leg 2450. A shank 2922 is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking bolt member 2920 such that the shanks 2922 are inserted into the respective locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310.

The locking unit 2910, having the above-mentioned construction, assembles the upper and lower plate units into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 2910 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, in this modification, after the shanks 2922 of the locking bolt member 2920 are inserted into the locking holes 2224, 2224a, 2324, 2324a of the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310, the ends of the shanks 2922 are bent through the same process as a conventional riveting process using a snapping tool, so that the shanks 2922 are locked to the upper and lower plate units 2210 and 2310.

To disassemble the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 from each other, the upper plate unit 2210 and the lower plate unit 2310 are levered in opposite directions using a designated tool, so that the bent ends of the shanks 2922 of the locking bolt member 2920 become straight and the upper plate unit 2210 can be disassembled from the lower plate unit 2310.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 30 through FIG. 32, the assembly type pallet 3100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper plate unit 3210, which comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 3220 and a plurality of vertical frames 3220a which cross each other to form a lattice structure. Each of the horizontal and vertical frames 3220 and 3220a of the upper plate unit 3210 is produced by bending a plate material into a longitudinal frame, with a plurality of longitudinal channels 3222, 3222a formed in the upper or lower surface of each frame 3220, 3220a and a plurality of locking holes 3224, 3224a formed through a middle one of the longitudinal channels 3222, 3222a, and a longitudinal locking groove 3225, 32205a formed along each side surface of each frame 3220, 3220a.

The assembly type pallet 3100 further comprises a lower plate unit 3310, which comprises a plurality of horizontal frames 3320 and a plurality of vertical frames 3320a crossing each other to form a lattice structure. Each of the horizontal and vertical frames 3320 and 3320a of the lower plate unit 3310 is produced by bending a plate material into a longitudinal frame, with a plurality of longitudinal channels 3322, 3322a formed in the upper or lower surface of each frame 3320, 3320a and a plurality of locking holes 3324, 3324a formed through the middle one of the longitudinal channels 3322, 3322a, and a longitudinal locking groove 3227, 3227a formed along each side surface of each frame 3320, 3320a.

In other words, the horizontal frames 3220 and 3320 and the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 have the same shape, and cross each other to form a lattice structure, thus forming the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 having the same construction.

Here, the large-sized longitudinal channels 3222 and 3222a formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 3220 and 3220a of the upper plate unit 3210 are oriented upwards, while the large-sized longitudinal channels 3322 and 3322a formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 3320 and 3320a of the lower plate unit 3310 are oriented downwards.

Thus, the plurality of horizontal frames 3220 and 3320 and the plurality of vertical frames 3220a and 3320a are arranged such that they cross each other to form a lattice structure, and the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a thereof are aligned with each other, thus forming a pallet 3100.

Further, a support bracket 3410 is placed between the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 and the vertical frame 3220a, 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 at each intersection, thus preventing the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 and the vertical frame 3220a, 3320a from being undesirably separated from each other.

Here, the support bracket 3410 is provided with a locking hole 3412, which is aligned with the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 when the bracket 3410 is installed in its place. The bracket 3410 is also provided with two horizontal bent parts 3414 and two vertical bent parts 3416 around the locking hole 3412.

Further, the horizontal bent parts 3414 and the vertical bent parts 3416 of the support bracket 3410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 3222, 3222a, 3322, 3322a of the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 and the vertical frame 3220a, 3320a. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the horizontal bent parts 3414 be engaged with the large-sized longitudinal channels 3222, 3322 of the horizontal frame 3220, 3320, while the vertical bent parts 3416 be engaged with the small-sized longitudinal channels 3222a, 3322a of the vertical frame 3220a, 3320a.

Described in detail, when one support bracket 3410 is installed in the upper plate unit 3210 at each intersection, the horizontal bent parts 3414 of the support bracket 3410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 3222 formed in the upper surface of a horizontal frame 3220 of the upper plate unit 3210. In the above state, the vertical bent parts 3416 of the support bracket 3410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 3222a formed in the lower surface of a corresponding vertical frame 3220a.

Further, when the support bracket 3410 is installed in the lower plate unit 3310 at each intersection, the horizontal bent parts 3414 of the support bracket 3410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 3322 formed in the lower surface of a horizontal frame 3320 of the lower plate unit 3310. In the above state, the vertical bent parts 3416 of the support bracket 3410 are engaged with the longitudinal channels 3322a formed in the upper surface of a corresponding vertical frame 3320a.

Further, a spacing leg 3450, which constitutes a locking unit 3510, is placed between the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 and is locked to the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 using a locking bolt 3512, thus fastening the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 to each other.

Here, the spacing leg 3450 has a hollow cylindrical structure, which is open at the upper and lower ends thereof. A rectangular support 3452 is fitted into each of the upper and lower open ends of the spacing leg 3450. The support 3452 is provided with two bent parts 3454, which are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval equal to the width of the horizontal frame 3220, 3320, so that the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 is seated inside the bent parts 3454. A locking rail 3454a is formed on the inner surface of the upper end of each of the bent parts 3454. A circular pressed embossment 3457 is formed at the center of the support 3452 and is fitted into each open end of the spacing leg 3450. When the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 is seated in the support 3452, the locking rails 3454a of the bent parts 3454 are locked into the longitudinal locking grooves 3225, 3325 of the horizontal frame 3220, 3320. A locking hole 3456 is formed through the center of the circular pressed embossment 3457 of the support 3452 such that the locking hole 3456 can be aligned with the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the horizontal frame 3220, 3320 and the vertical frame 3220a, 3320a.

Further, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the support 3452 close the open end of the cylindrical spacing leg 3450 by fitting the circular pressed embossment 3457 into the open end. However, the support 3452 may be integrated with the open end of the cylindrical spacing leg 3450 through a conventional method such as welding.

Further, the locking unit 3510 comprises an internal thread 3456a, which is formed on the inner surface of the locking hole 3456 of each of the upper and lower supports 3452. Thus, locking bolts 3515 are inserted downwards and upwards into the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 and are fastened to the internal threads 3456a of the upper and lower supports 3452.

Described in detail, the horizontal frames 3220 and 3320 of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 are seated in the upper and lower supports 3452 of the spacing leg 3450, respectively, such that the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 are aligned with the locking holes 3456 of the supports 3452 of the spacing leg 3450. Thereafter, the bolts 3512 are fastened to the supports 3452. In the above state, the bolts 3512 are seated in the longitudinal channels 3222a and 3322a of the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 such that the heads of the bolts 3512 do not protrude outside the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310.

Further, a washer 3516 may be provided around the neck of each of the locking bolts 3512, thus making the heads of the bolts 3512 a washer head capable of firmly locking the upper plate unit 3210 to the lower plate unit 3310.

Further, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the spacing leg 3450 have a cylindrical shape. However, it should be understood that the spacing leg may have a polygonal column shape, such as a rectangular column shape.

Further, a cover unit 3227, 3227a covers each of the opposite ends of the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310.

The cover units 3227 and 3227a, which cover the opposite ends of the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310, prevent breakage of the ends of the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a, such as battering, due to external impact.

Further, as shown in FIG. 33, which is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit 3510 may use a locking bolt 3512a, which is externally threaded at opposite ends thereof. The locking bolt 3512a is passed through the spacing leg 3450 such that the externally threaded ends protrude outside the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310. Thereafter, nuts 3514 are tightened to the protruding ends of the bolt 3512a, thus locking the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 to each other.

The process of assembling and disassembling the assembly type pallet having the above-mentioned construction will be described hereinbelow.

The upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310, having the same shape and construction, are locked to each other using the support brackets 3410, the spacing legs 3450 and the locking units 3510. Described in detail, first, the lower plate unit 3310 is fabricated by arranging a plurality of horizontal frames 3320 and a plurality of vertical frames 3320a such that the frames 3320 and 3320a cross each other to form a lattice structure. In the above state, one support bracket 3410 is installed between the horizontal frames 3320 and the vertical frames 3320a at each intersection, such that the bracket 3410 is engaged with the longitudinal channels 3322 and 3322a. Thereafter, a plurality of spacing legs 3450 is placed on the intersections of the horizontal frames 3320 and the vertical frames 3320a, which are the points having respective support brackets 3410. In the above state, the locking rails 3454 of each support 3452 are elastically engaged with the longitudinal locking grooves 3325 of a corresponding horizontal frame 3320. Thereafter, the upper plate unit 3210, having the same construction as that of the lower plate unit 3310, is seated on the spacing legs 3450. To fabricate the upper plate unit 3210, a plurality of horizontal frames 3220 and a plurality of vertical frames 3220a are arranged to cross each other in a lattice arrangement, with one support bracket 3410 installed between the horizontal frames 3220 and the vertical frames 3220a at each intersection such that the bracket 3410 is engaged with the longitudinal channels 3222 and 3222a. In the above state, the locking rails 3454 of each support 3452 of the spacing leg 3450 are elastically engaged with the longitudinal locking grooves 3225 of a corresponding horizontal frame 3220 of the upper plate unit 3210.

In the above state, the bolts 3512 of the locking unit 3510 are inserted into the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 such that the bolts 3512 are fastened to the internal threads 3456a of the locking holes 3456 of the upper and lower supports 3452 of the spacing leg 3450 that is located between the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310.

As described above, the upper plate unit 3210 is locked to the lower plate unit 3310 using the plurality of locking units 3510, thus assembling the pallet 3100.

After assembling the pallet 3100, freight is loaded onto the pallet 3100 and the palleted freight is moved with a forklift truck.

Further, each of the horizontal frames 3220 and 3320 and the vertical frames 3220a and 3320a of the pallet 3100 is produced by bending a plate upwards and downwards to form the longitudinal channels 3222, 3222a, 3322, 3322a. Thus, the amount of material of the pallet 3100 can be reduced and a light pallet 3100 can be realized, which reduces the cost of shipping freight, which would otherwise be increased by an increase in the gross weight of the palleted freight due to a heavy pallet.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 3100, the process of assembling the pallet 3100 is executed in reverse order. That is, the locking bolts 3512 are loosened and removed from the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310, and, thereafter, the horizontal and vertical frames 3220, 3220a, 3320, 3320a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 are sequentially levered by a worker in opposite directions. Thus, the locking rails 3454 of the supports 3452 are elastically removed from the locking grooves 3222 and 3322 of the horizontal frames 3220 and 3320, so that the frames can be easily and quickly disassembled from each other.

Thus, when the pallet 3100 is not used, or is kept in storage, the pallet 3100 can be handled in a disassembled state, in which the horizontal and vertical frames 3220, 3220a, 3320 and 3320a, the spacing legs 3450, and the locking bolts 3512 are disassembled from each other, thus being easily stored, saving storage space and being easily handled by workers.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 3610 for locking the upper plate unit 3210 to the lower plate unit 3310 according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 3450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 such that the spacing leg 3450 is aligned with the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324 and 3324a.

The locking unit 3610 further comprises a first locking member 3620, which is inserted into the locking holes 3224 and 3224a of the upper plate unit 3210 to be placed in the spacing leg 3450, and comprises a head 3622 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 3624, longitudinally extending from the head 3622.

The locking unit 3610 further comprises a second locking member 3630, which is inserted into the locking holes 3324 and 3324a of the lower plate unit 3310 to be placed in the spacing leg 3450, and comprises a head 3632 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 3634 longitudinally extending from the head 3632. The corrugated shank 3634 of the second locking member 3630 is forcibly fitted into and locked to the corrugated shank 2624 of the first locking member 3620. The first locking member 3620 and the second locking member 3630 are configured such that the corrugated shanks 3624 and 3634 have different diameters, to thus enable forcible fitting. When the first and second locking members 3620 and 3630 are assembled with each other, the corrugated shanks 3624 and 3634 maintain a desired locking force therebetween. To disassemble the upper plate unit 3210 from the lower plate unit 3310, the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 are pulled in opposite directions.

The locking unit 3610, having the above-mentioned construction, can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the process of assembling and disassembling the locking unit 3610 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the second locking member 3630 is fitted into the first locking member 3620, the corrugated shank 3624 of the first locking member 3620, which is placed outside, elastically expands in radial directions. Thereafter, when the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated shank 3624 of the first locking member 3620 elastically shrinks, thus realizing a strong locking force to the corrugated shank 3634 of the second locking member 3630.

Further, the heads 3622 and 3632 of the first and second locking members 3620 and 3630 are preferably provided with polygonal slots 3626 and 3636, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, so that the first and second locking members 3620 and 3630 can be easily tightened or loosened.

Further, the heads 3622 and 3632 of the first and second locking members 3620 and 3630 may alternatively be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads 3622 and 3632 can be easily manipulated by workers.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 3710 for locking the upper plate unit 3210 to the lower plate unit 3310 according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 3450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 such that the spacing leg 3450 is aligned with the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324 and 3324a.

The locking unit 3710 further comprises a locking bolt member 3720, which is placed inside the spacing leg 3450. A corrugated shank 3722, which has a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking bolt member 3720, is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking bolt member 3720.

The locking unit 3710 further comprises a corrugated locking member 3730, which is forcibly fitted over each of the corrugated shanks 3722 of the locking bolt member 3720.

The locking unit 3710, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 3210 to the lower plate unit 3310 in the same manner as that described for the locking unit of FIG. 33, and further explanation of the function of the locking unit 3710 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the corrugated shanks 3722 of the locking bolt member 3720 are inserted into the respective locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 and the corrugated locking members 3730 are locked to the respective corrugated shanks at locations outside the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310, the locking force between the corrugated shanks 3722 of the locking bolt member 3720 and the corrugated locking members 3730 is realized by the difference in diameter between the corrugated shanks 3722 and the corrugated locking members 3730. To disassemble the upper plate unit 3210 from the lower plate unit 3310, the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 are pulled in opposite directions.

In other words, when the corrugated locking members 3730 are forcibly fitted over the corrugated shanks 3722 of the locking bolt member 3720, the corrugated locking members 3730 elastically expand in radial directions. When the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated locking members 3730 elastically shrink, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shanks 3722 of the locking bolt member 3720.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 3810 for locking the upper plate unit 3210 to the lower plate unit 3310 according to the fourth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 3450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 such that the spacing leg 3450 is aligned with the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324 and 3324a.

The locking unit 3810 further comprises a locking bolt member 3820, which is placed inside the spacing leg 3450. A punched shank 3822 is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking bolt members 3820 such that the shanks 3822 are inserted into the respective locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 prior to being punched.

The locking unit 3810, having the above-mentioned construction, assembles the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310 into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 3810 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, in this modification, after the shanks 3822 of the locking bolt member 3820 are inserted into the locking holes 3224, 3224a, 3324, 3324a of the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310, the ends of the shanks 3822 are bent through the same process as a conventional riveting process using a snapping tool, so that the shanks 3822 are locked to the upper and lower plate units 3210 and 3310.

To disassemble the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 from each other, the upper plate unit 3210 and the lower plate unit 3310 are levered in opposite directions using a designated tool, so that the bent ends of the punched shanks 3822 of the locking bolt member 3820 are made straight, and the upper plate unit 3210 can be disassembled from the lower plate unit 3310.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly type pallet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is an enlarged exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the assembly type pallet according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 37 through FIG. 39, the assembly type pallet 4100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper plate unit 4210, which is fabricated by crossing a plurality of long horizontal frames 4220 with a plurality of long vertical frames 4220a to form a lattice structure.

Here, a plurality of large-sized and small-sized longitudinal channels 4222 and 4222a is formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal frames 4220 and the vertical frames 4220a of the upper plate unit 4210, with a plurality of locking holes 4224, 4224a formed in the middle one of the longitudinal channels 4222 and 4222a.

Further, each of the horizontal frames 4220 and the vertical frames 4220a is produced by bending a longitudinal plate using a press. A locking rail 4223 is formed along the inner surface of each of the outside longitudinal channels 4222 and 4222a.

Further, a lower plate unit 4310 is placed below the upper plate unit 4210 at a location spaced apart from the upper plate unit 4210. The lower plate unit 4310 is fabricated by crossing a plurality of long horizontal frames 4320 with a plurality of long vertical frames 4320a to form a lattice structure.

Here, a plurality of large-sized and small-sized longitudinal channels 4322 and 4322a is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal frames 4320 and the vertical frames 4320a of the lower plate unit 4310, with a plurality of locking holes 4324, 4324a formed in the middle one of the longitudinal channels 4322 and 4322a.

Further, each of the horizontal frames 4320 and the vertical frames 4320a is produced by bending a longitudinal plate using a press. A locking rail 4323 is formed along the inner surface of each of the outside longitudinal channels 4322 and 4322a.

The horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 and the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 have the same shape and cross each other to form a lattice structure, thus forming the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 having the same construction.

Here, the large-sized longitudinal channels 4222 and 4222a, formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 4220 and 4220a of the upper plate unit 4210, are oriented upwards, while the large-sized longitudinal channels 4322 and 4322a, formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 4320 and 4320a of the lower plate unit 4310, are oriented downwards.

Further, a cover unit 4227 covers each end of the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310. The cover unit 4227 is provided with channels 4227a corresponding to the longitudinal channels 4222a and 4322a of the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a.

Thus, the plurality of horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 and the plurality of vertical frames 4220a and 4320a are arranged such that they cross each other to form a lattice structure, and the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324, 4324a thereof are aligned with each other, thus forming a pallet 4100.

Further, a spacing leg 4450, which constitutes a locking unit 4510, is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 and is locked to the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 using a locking bolt 4512, thus fastening the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 to each other.

Here, the spacing leg 4450 is produced by bending a plate into a cubic column, which is open at the upper and lower ends thereof. A plurality of locking rails 4452 is formed on the outer surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the spacing leg 4450, and engages with the locking rails 4223 and 4323, which are formed on the outside longitudinal channels 4222 and 4322 of the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310. The upper and lower ends of the front and rear walls of the spacing leg 4450 between the sidewalls having the locking rails 4452 are partially cut and bent outwards, thus forming upper and lower seats 4454. Thus, the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 are seated in the upper and lower seats 4454.

Further, the locking unit 4510 comprises a locking bolt 4512, which is passed in one direction through the spacing leg 4450 such that the bolt 4512 protrudes outside the upper plate unit 4210 or the lower plate unit 4310. A nut 4514 is tightened to the protruding end of the locking bolt 4512, thus locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310.

Described in detail, the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 are seated in the respective seating surfaces 4452a of the spacing leg 4450. In the above state, the locking rails 4452 of the spacing leg 4450 are fitted into the outside longitudinal channels 4222 and 4322 of the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 and are engaged with the locking rails 4223 and 4323 of the outside horizontal frames 4220 and 4320. Thereafter, the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 and the spacing legs 4450 are assembled with each other using locking bolts 4512 and nuts 4514. In the above state, the heads of the bolts 4512 and the nuts 4514 are seated in the longitudinal channels 4222a and 4322a of the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 such that the heads of the bolts 4512 and the nuts 4514 do not protrude outside the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310.

Further, a washer 4516 may be provided between each of the locking bolts 4512 and a corresponding nut 4514, thus firmly locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310.

In the present invention, the locking unit 4510 for locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 may comprise rivets 4513.

Described in detail, a plurality of locking slots 4454a is formed in each of the upper and lower seats 4454 of each spacing leg 4450, while a plurality of locking slots 4225, 4225a, 4325, 4325a, is formed in the horizontal and vertical frames 4220, 4320, 4220a, 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 at locations corresponding to the locking slots 4454a of the seats 4454 of the spacing leg 4450. Thereafter, the horizontal and vertical frames 4220 and 4220a of the upper plate unit 4210 are seated on the upper seat 4454 of the spacing leg 4450 such that the locking slots 4225 and 4225a of the upper plate unit 4210 are aligned with the locking slots 4454a of the upper seat 4454. Thereafter, the locking slots 4454a of the upper seat 4454 of the spacing leg 4450 are locked to the locking slots 4225 and 4225a of the upper plate unit 4210 using rivets 4513 and a snapping tool, thus locking the spacing leg 4510 to the upper plate unit 4210. The lower plate unit 4310 is locked to the lower seat 4454 of the spacing leg 4450 in the same manner as that described for the process of locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the upper seat 4454 of the spacing leg 4450.

Thus, in this embodiment, the horizontal frame 4220 and the vertical frame 4220a of the upper plate unit 4210 and the horizontal frame 4320 and the vertical frame 4320a of the lower plate unit 4310 may be locked to the upper and lower seats 4454 of the spacing leg 4450 using rivets 4513. Alternatively, the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 may be locked to the spacing legs 4450 using the locking bolts 4512 and the nuts 4514.

Further, as shown in FIG. 40, which is a sectional view illustrating a first modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit 4510 may use a locking bolt 4512a having external threads formed on opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the locking bolt 4512a is passed through the spacing leg 4450 such that the opposite ends of the bolt 4512a protrude outside the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310. Thereafter, two nuts 4514a are tightened to the externally threaded ends of the bolt 4512a, thus firmly locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310.

The process of assembling and disassembling the assembly type pallet having the above-mentioned construction will be described hereinbelow.

The upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310, having the same shape and construction, are locked to each other using the spacing legs 4450 and the locking units 4510. Described in detail, first, the lower plate unit 4310 is fabricated by arranging a plurality of horizontal frames 4320 and a plurality of vertical frames 4320a, such that the frames 4320 and 4320a cross each other to form a lattice structure. Thereafter, a plurality of spacing legs 4450 is installed on the respective intersections of the horizontal frames 4320 and the vertical frames 4320a. In the above state, the locking rails 4452 of each of the spacing legs 4450 are engaged with the locking rails 4323 of the outside longitudinal channels 4322 of the horizontal frame 4320 of the lower plate unit 4310. Thereafter, the upper plate unit 4210, having the same construction as that of the lower plate unit 4310, is locked to the upper seats 4454 of the spacing legs 4450. In the above state, a plurality of horizontal frames 4220 and a plurality of vertical frames 4220a are arranged to cross each other in a lattice structure, and the locking rails 4223 of the outside longitudinal channels 4222 of the horizontal frame 4220 are engaged with the locking rails 4452 of the upper seat 4454 of the spacing leg 4450, thus locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the spacing legs 4450.

In the above state, the bolt 4512 of the locking unit 4510 is passed in one direction through the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324, 4324a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310. Thereafter, the nut 4514 is tightened to the end of the bolt 4512, thus finishing the locking.

As described above, the upper plate unit 4210 is locked to the lower plate unit 4310 using the plurality of spacing legs 4450 and the plurality of locking units 4510, thus assembling the pallet 4100.

After assembling the pallet 4100, freight is loaded onto the pallet 4100 and the palleted freight is moved with a forklift truck.

Further, each of the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 and the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a of the pallet 4100 is produced by bending a plate upwards and downwards to form the longitudinal channels 4222, 4222a, 4322, 4322a. Thus, the amount of material of the pallet 4100 can be reduced, and a light pallet 4100 can be realized, which reduces the cost of shipping freight, which would otherwise be increased by an increase in the gross weight of the palleted freight due to a heavy pallet.

The cover units 4227, which cover the opposite ends of the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310, prevent breakage of the ends of the vertical frames 4220a and 4320a due to external impact such as battering.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 4100, the process of assembling the pallet 4100 is executed in reverse order. That is, the nuts 4514 are removed from the locking bolts 4512, so that the horizontal and vertical frames 4220, 4220a, 4320, 4320a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 can be easily and quickly disassembled from each other. In the above state, to disassemble the spacing legs 4450 and the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320 of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 from each other, each of the spacing legs 4450 is moved in one direction such that the locking rails of the spacing leg 4450 are removed from the locking rails 4223 and 4323 of the horizontal frames 4220 and 4320. The process of disassembling the pallet 4100 is thus finished.

Thus, when the pallet 4100 is not used, or is kept in storage, the pallet 4100 can be handled in a disassembled state, in which the horizontal and vertical frames 4220, 4220a, 4320 and 4320a and the spacing legs 4450 are disassembled from each other, thus being easily stored, saving storage space and being easily handled by workers.

FIG. 41 is a sectional view illustrating a second modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, each of the locking units 610, which locks the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 of the pallet 4100 according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, comprises a spacing leg 4450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 such that the spacing leg 4450 is aligned with the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324 and 4324a.

The locking unit 4610 further comprises a first locking member 4620, which is placed in the spacing leg 4450 and comprises a head 4622 at one end thereof, and an an internally threaded bushing 4624 extending from the head 4622.

The locking unit 4610 further comprises a second locking member 4630, which comprises a head 4632 at one end thereof and an externally threaded shank 4634 extending from the head 4632, and engages with the internally threaded bushing 4624 of the first locking member 4620.

Here, the heads 4622 and 4632 of the first and second locking members 4620 and 4630 may be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads 4622 and 4632 can be easily handled by workers.

In the same manner as that described above, the locking unit 4610 is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310. The first and second locking members 4620 and 4630 are inserted into the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324 and 4324a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 and are tightened to each other such that the heads 4622 and 4632 of the first and second locking members 4620 and 4630 are seated in the longitudinal channels 4222a and 4322a. Thus, the upper plate unit 4210 is strongly locked to the lower plate unit 4310.

Further, to disassemble the pallet 4100, the first locking member 4620 is loosened and removed from the second locking member 4630, so that the elements of the pallet 4100 can be easily disassembled from each other.

Because the upper plate unit 4210 can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled with and from the lower plate unit 4310 in a simple process, assembling and disassembling the elements of the pallet takes a short time, and the pallet can be easily kept in storage and easily moved.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view illustrating a third modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 4710 for locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 4450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 such that the spacing leg 4450 is aligned with the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324 and 4324a.

The locking unit 4710 further comprises a first locking member 4720, which comprises a head 4722 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 4724 longitudinally extending from the head 4722.

The locking unit 4710 further comprises a second locking member 4730, which comprises a head 4732 at one end thereof and a corrugated hollow shank 4734 longitudinally extending from the head 4732. The corrugated shank 4734 of the second locking member 4730 is forcibly fitted into and locked to the corrugated shank 4724 of the first locking member 4720. The first locking member 4720 and the second locking member 4730 are configured such that the corrugated shanks 4724 and 4734 have different diameters, to thus enable forcible fitting. When the first and second locking members 4720 and 4730 are assembled with each other, the corrugated shanks 4724 and 4734 maintain a desired locking force therebetween. To disassemble the upper plate unit 4210 from the lower plate unit 4310, the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 are pulled in opposite directions.

The locking unit 4710, having the above-mentioned construction, can be assembled and disassembled in the same manner as that described above and further explanation of the process of assembling and disassembling the locking unit 4710 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the second locking member 4730 is fitted into the first locking member 4720, the corrugated shank 4724 of the first locking member 4720, which is placed outside, elastically expands in radial directions. Thereafter, when the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated shank 4724 of the first locking member 4720 elastically shrinks, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shank 4734 of the second locking member 4730.

Here, a washer (not shown) may be provided around the neck of each of the first and second locking members 4720 and 4730, thus increasing the locking force of the locking members 4720 and 4730.

Further, the heads 4722 and 4732 of the first and second locking members 4720 and 4730 are preferably provided with polygonal slots 4726 and 4736, such as rectangular or hexagonal slots, so that the first and second locking members 4720 and 4730 can be easily tightened or loosened.

Further, the heads 4722 and 4732 of the first and second locking members 4720 and 4730 may alternatively be polygonal heads, such as rectangular or hexagonal heads, so that the heads 4722 and 4732 can be easily manipulated by workers.

FIG. 43 is a sectional view illustrating a fourth modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 4810 for locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 according to the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 4450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 such that the spacing leg 4450 is aligned with the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324 and 4324a.

The locking unit 4810 further comprises a locking bolt member 4820, which is placed inside the spacing leg 4450. A corrugated shank 4822, which has a diameter smaller than that of the body of the locking bolt member 4820, is formed on each of the upper and lower ends of the locking bolt member 4820.

The locking unit 4810 further comprises a corrugated locking member 4830, which is forcibly fitted over each of the corrugated shanks 4822 of the locking bolt member 4820.

The locking unit 4810, having the above-mentioned construction, locks the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 in the same manner as that described for the locking unit of FIG. 41, and further explanation of the function of the locking unit 4810 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, it should be understood that, when the corrugated shanks 4822 of the locking bolt member 4820 are inserted into the respective locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324, 4324a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 and the corrugated locking members 4830 are locked to the respective corrugated shanks at locations outside the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310, the locking force between the corrugated shanks 4822 of the locking bolt member 4820 and the corrugated locking members 4830 is realized by the difference in diameter between the corrugated shanks 4822 and the corrugated locking members 4830. To disassemble the upper plate unit 4210 from the lower plate unit 4310, the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 are pulled in opposite directions.

In other words, when the corrugated locking members 4830 are forcibly fitted over the corrugated shanks 4822 of the locking bolt member 4820, the corrugated locking members 4830 elastically expand in radial directions. When the fitting process is completed, the expanded corrugated locking members 4830 elastically shrink, thus realizing strong locking force to the corrugated shanks 4822 of the locking bolt member 4820.

FIG. 44 is a sectional view illustrating a fifth modification of the locking unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, the locking unit 4910 for locking the upper plate unit 4210 to the lower plate unit 4310 according to the fifth modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a spacing leg 4450, which is placed between the upper plate unit 4210 and the lower plate unit 4310 such that the spacing leg 4450 is aligned with the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324 and 4324a.

The locking unit 4910 further comprises a locking bolt member 4920, which is placed inside the spacing leg 4450 and is fitted into the respective locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324, 4324a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310.

The locking unit 4910, having the above-mentioned construction, assembles the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 into a pallet in the same manner as that described above, and further explanation of the locking process using the locking unit 4910 is thus deemed unnecessary.

However, in this modification, after the locking bolt member 4920 is inserted into the locking holes 4224, 4224a, 4324, 4324a of the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310, the opposite ends of the locking bolt member 4920 are bent through the same process as a conventional riveting process using a snapping tool, so that a punched part 4922 is formed at each end of the locking bolt member 4920, thus strongly locking the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 to each other.

To disassemble the upper plate unit 4210 from the lower plate unit 4310, the upper and lower plate units 4210 and 4310 are levered in opposite directions using a designated tool, so that the punched parts 4922 of the locking bolt member 4920 become straight, and the upper plate unit 4210 can be disassembled from the lower plate unit 4310.

Although the preferred embodiments of the assembly type pallet according to the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present invention provides an assembly type pallet, elements of which are configured as disassemblable elements, thus being easily moved and stored, and realizing a light pallet, thereby reducing the cost of shipping freight, which may be increased by an increase in the gross weight of palleted freight caused by a heavy pallet.

Claims

1. An assembly type pallet comprising an upper plate unit and a lower plate unit, wherein the upper and lower plate units are locked to each other using a locking unit.

2. The assembly type pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower plate units have the same construction, with a plurality of pressed embossments having respective locking holes formed on a surface of each of the upper and lower plate units, and wherein the upper and lower plate units are placed opposite each other.

3. The assembly type pallet according to claim 2, wherein each of the upper and lower plate units is provided with a bent part along an edge thereof.

4. The assembly type pallet according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower plate units have the same construction, each of the upper and lower plate units comprising a plurality of longitudinal horizontal frames and a plurality of longitudinal vertical frames, with a plurality of locking holes formed in each of the horizontal and vertical frames, wherein the horizontal and vertical frames are arranged to cross each other and form a lattice structure.

5. The assembly type pallet according to claim 4, wherein each of the horizontal frames and the vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units is provided with a longitudinal space therein such that the longitudinal space is open at opposite ends of the frame, with a locking hole formed in each of the horizontal and vertical frames at an intersection of the horizontal and vertical frames, and a depression formed around the locking hole and having a diameter larger than that of the locking hole.

6. The assembly type pallet according to claim 4, further comprising:

a cover unit for covering each open end of the horizontal and vertical frames.

7. The assembly type pallet according to claim 6, wherein the cover unit is provided with locking lugs, and each open end of the horizontal and vertical frames is provided with locking slots in upper and lower sides thereof, so that when the cover unit covers the open end of the horizontal and vertical frames, the locking lugs are inserted into the locking slots.

8. The assembly type pallet according to claim 1, wherein the locking unit comprises: a spacing leg placed between the upper and lower plate units and communicating with the locking holes of the upper and lower plate units; and a nut and a bolt provided in the spacing leg to lock the upper and lower plate units to each other.

9. The assembly type pallet according to claim 8, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a bolt passing through the spacing leg such that opposite ends of the bolt protrude outside the upper and lower plate units; and

a nut tightened to each end of the bolt protruding outside the upper and lower plate units, thus locking the upper and lower plate units to each other.

10. The assembly type pallet according to claim 9, further comprising: a washer provided between the bolt and the nut.

11. The assembly type pallet according to claim 8, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a first locking member placed in the spacing leg and comprising a head at one end thereof and an externally threaded shank extending from the head; and

a second locking member comprising a head at one end thereof and an internally threaded bushing engaging with the externally threaded shank of the first locking member.

12. The assembly type pallet according to claim 8, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a first locking member placed in the spacing leg and comprising a head at one end thereof and a corrugated shank longitudinally extending from the head; and

a second locking member comprising a head at one end thereof and a corrugated shank engaging with the corrugated shank of the first locking member through fitting.

13. The assembly type pallet according to claim 9, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a locking leg member, with a corrugated shank formed on each of upper and lower ends of the locking leg member and having a diameter smaller than that of a body of the locking leg member; and

a corrugated locking member tightened to the corrugated shank of the locking leg member through fitting.

14. The assembly type pallet according to claim 13, further comprising:

a spacing leg placed between the upper and lower plate units and covering the locking leg member.

15. The assembly type pallet according to claim 9, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a locking leg member, with a shank having external threads formed on each of upper and lower ends of the locking leg member; and

a nut tightened to the shank of the locking leg member in a screw engagement.

16. The assembly type pallet according to claim 15, further comprising:

a spacing leg placed between the upper and lower plate units and covering the locking leg member.

17. The assembly type pallet according to claim 8, wherein the locking unit comprises:

a locking leg member, with a shank having a diameter smaller than that of a body of the locking leg member and formed on each of upper and lower ends of the locking leg member and inserted into the locking holes of the upper and lower plate units, wherein ends of the shanks are bent to be locked to the upper and lower plate units.

18. The assembly type pallet according to claim 17, further comprising: a spacing leg placed between the upper and lower plate units and covering the locking leg member.

19. The assembly type pallet according to claim 1, wherein each of the horizontal and vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units is provided with a longitudinal channel in an upper or lower surface thereof, with a locking hole formed at each intersection of the horizontal and vertical frames.

20. The assembly type pallet according to claim 19, further comprising:

a cover unit fitted into each end of each horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units, such that the cover unit is fitted into the longitudinal channel of the horizontal frame.

21. The assembly type pallet according to claim 19, further comprising:

a spacing leg installed such that the leg communicates with the locking holes of the horizontal and vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units; and

a bolt passed through the spacing leg and locked to the upper and lower plate units using a nut, thus locking the upper and lower plate units to each other.

22. The assembly type pallet according to claim 21, wherein each of the horizontal frames of the upper and lower plate units is provided with a locking slot on each end thereof.

23. The assembly type pallet according to claim 22, wherein each of upper and lower open ends of the cylindrical spacing leg is covered with a support, wherein the support is provided with a locking hole in a center thereof and with a bent part having a locking rail, and seats a horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units therein.

24. The assembly type pallet according to claim 21, wherein the spacing leg is configured to have a cylindrical shape having upper and lower open ends and is closed by a support at each of the upper and lower ends thereof, wherein the support comprises a bent part having a locking rail on an inner surface thereof, with a circular pressed embossment formed in the support and provided with a locking hole in a center thereof, the circular pressed embossment being engaged with each of the upper and lower open ends of the spacing leg.

25. The assembly type pallet according to claim 24, further comprising:

a support bracket placed between the horizontal frame and the vertical frame of each of the upper and lower plate units.

26. The assembly type pallet according to claim 25, wherein the support bracket comprises: a locking hole formed through a center thereof, and a horizontal bent part and a vertical bent part, bent upwards and downwards, respectively, at locations around the locking hole.

27. The assembly type pallet according to claim 21, wherein the spacing leg is configured as a cubic column shape having open upper and lower ends, with locking rails formed on an outer surface of the open upper and lower ends of the spacing leg and engaged with the longitudinal channels of the horizontal frames of the upper and lower plate units, and a seat formed by bending front and rear walls of the spacing leg outwards between sidewalls of the spacing leg having the locking rails at each of the open upper and lower ends of the spacing leg, so that a horizontal frame of the upper and lower plate units is seated in the seat.

28. The assembly type pallet according to claim 27, wherein the seat of the spacing leg is provided with a locking slot, and each of the horizontal frames and the vertical frames of the upper and lower plate units is provided with a locking slot corresponding to the locking slot of the seat, so that the upper and lower plate units are locked to the upper and lower seats of the spacing leg using rivets.