HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE CART FOR APPLYING REUSABLE WRAPPING DEVICE ON PALLETIZED MATERIALS

BACKGROUND
Field

Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to device for securing and supporting goods to be transported on a transportation carrier, such as a pallet. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a height adjustable cart for applying a reusable wrapping device on palletized materials or for removing a reusable wrapping device from palletized materials.

Description of the Related Art

Transportation carriers such as pallets are commonly used in the industry for moving loads for shipment. Various articles or containers are stacked on pallets to be moved from one place to another using a forklift or other mechanical device. One issue that may arise during transportation of the pallets is that the articles or containers can shift or fall that would require re-loading or even replacement of damaged articles or containers.

One solution to this issue is through the use of pallet wraps around pallets to hold the wrapped goods in position. However, it is usually tedious to apply such wrapping device on pallets. Additionally, when the pallets are large and tall, it becomes difficult for operators to apply applet wraps around the pallets.

Therefore, a need therefore exists for applying pallet wraps on large or tall palletized materials.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure generally relate to a height adjustable cart for applying a reusable wrapping device on palletized materials or for removing a reusable wrapping device from palletized materials.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising a frame and an adjustable wrap holder attached to the frame. The adjustable wrap holder comprises a wrap support, and an actuator attached between the frame and the wrap support to move the wrap support relative to the frame.

Some embodiments provide a foldable wrap holder including a first support bar, a second support bar, a third support bar, a first flexible belt connecting the first and second support bars, and a second flexible belt connecting the second and third support bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the implementations, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to implementations, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical implementations of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective implementations.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of a height adjustable cart at various positions according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1D and 1E are partial enlarged views of the height adjustable cart of FIGS. 1A-1C showing details of a foldable step ladder in the height adjustable cart.

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of a foldable wrap holder in a folded position according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the foldable wrap holder attached to a wrap holder of the height adjustable cart according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a schematic plan view of a reusable wrap used with the foldable wrap holder of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a schematic perspective view of a foldable wrap holder attached to the height adjustable cart according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of a height adjustable cart during various steps of operation.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one implementation may be beneficially incorporated in other implementations without further recitation. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary implementations of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes a wrapping device for securing goods on a transportation carrier such as a pallet. Details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2E and 3A-3D to provide a thorough understanding of various implementations of the disclosure. Many of the details, dimensions, angles and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular implementations. Accordingly, other implementations can have other details, components, dimensions, angles and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, further implementations of the disclosure can be practiced without several of the details described below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for applying reusable wrapping device on goods to be transported on a transportation carrier, such as a pallet. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a height adjustable cart for applying reusable wraps on and removing reusable wraps from palletized goods. Embodiments of the present disclosure further provide foldable wrap holders used to hold one or more reusable wraps. The foldable wrap holders may be interchangeably attached to the height adjustable cart for applying and/or removing reusable wraps. In some embodiments, the foldable wrap holder is attached to a frame of the cart, wherein the height of the frame is adjustable so that the cart can be used around pallets of various heights. When attached to the height adjustable cart, the foldable wrap holder can position a reusable wrap relative to the pallet load to allow easy application of the wrapping device around the pallet load. The height adjustable wrap holder can also be used to assist operators to unwrap a reusable wrap from a pallet load.

FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of a height adjustable cart 100 at various positions according to the present disclosure.

The height adjustable cart 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 is configured to support reusable wraps and position reusable wraps around three sides of pallet loads. The height adjustable cart 100 further includes an adjustable wrap holder 130 attached to the frame 110. The adjustable wrap holder 130 allows the height adjustable cart 100 to hold reusable wraps at various heights to handle pallet loads of various heights. In some embodiments, the frame 110 are set on wheels 120 so that the height adjustable cart 100 can be easily moved.

In some embodiments, the frame 110 may be a structure assembled from a plurality of beams. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C, the frame 110 is a U-shaped structure assembled from a plurality of vertical beams 112 and horizontal beams 114. The frame 110 may include four vertical beams 112 connected by two or more horizontal beams 114 between adjacent vertical beams 112 to form three panels. Particularly, the frame 110 includes two side panels connected by a back panel, and defining a rectangular space therein, with a front opening 122 between the side panels. In some embodiments, the frame 110 includes a handle 116 for steering the height adjustable cart 100 during operation. The handle 116 may be positioned on a panel facing the opening 122. In some embodiments, the dimension of the frame 110 is designed to receive standard pallets in the inner rectangular space. The front opening 122 allows standard pallets to enter and exit the height adjustable cart 100. Alternatively, dimensions of the frame 110 may be designed to handle pallet loads of non-standard sizes.

In some embodiments, the frame 110 further includes one or more guide arms 118 extending from the back panel towards the opening 122. The guide arms 118 may be beams attached to horizontal beams 114 on the back panel of the frame 110. The guide arms 118 are positioned at a lower portion of the frame 110. As discussed below, during operation, the guide arms 118 enter into openings of a pallet support to align the height adjustable cart 100 with pallets loads.

In some embodiments, the wheels 120 are attached to the lower most horizontal beams 114 of the side panels. The wheels 120 may be any suitable wheel structures. In some embodiments, the wheels 120 may be swivel casters to allow easy manipulation. Alternatively, the wheels 120 may be attached to the guide arms 118.

The adjustable wrap holder 130 may include a wrap support 132 movably attached to the frame 110. The wrap support 132 is configured to support one or more reusable wrap thereon. In some embodiments, the wrap support 132 is attached to the frame 110 by an actuator 134. The actuator 134 may be attached to any part of the frame 110, for example one of the horizontal beams 114 of the frame 110. The actuator 134 is configured to move the wrap support 132 vertically relative to the frame 110 so that the reusable wraps on the wrap support 132 also move vertically relative to the frame 110. In some embodiments, the actuator 134 may include a cylinder attached between the frame 110 and the wrap support 132. In some embodiment, the actuator 134 may be driven by a motor 136. Other suitable mechanisms, such as a worm gear mechanism, a scissor lift, a hydraulic lift, may be used in place of a cylinder. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1C, the adjustable wrap holder 130 includes two actuators 134 attached to two side planes respectively. Alternatively, only one actuator 134 may be used, for example, one actuator is attached to the back panel or one of the side panels.

The wrap support 132 may be moved vertically relative to the frame 110 by controlling the actuator 134. In some embodiments, a controller is used to control the actuator 134 to move the wrap support 132 up and down. In some embodiments, the controller may be connected to the actuator 134 by wired connection. In other embodiments, the actuator 134 may be controlled by a remote controller or by an App in a handheld device via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth communication.

In some embodiments, the adjustable wrap holder 130 includes a guide 138 along each of the actuator 134. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the guide 138 is a scissor lift structure. Alternatively, other suitable structures, such as sliding blocks and guiding posts, can be used in place of the scissor lift structure in FIGS. 1A-1C.

In some embodiments, a cover 140 may be positioned around the actuator 134 and the guide 138 to prevent dust and/or entanglement with loose objects in surrounding environment during operation.

In some embodiments, the wrap support 132 is configured to receive a foldable wrap holder 142, which can be removably secured to the wrap support 132. The foldable wrap holder 142 may hold two or more reusable wraps to place or remove multiple reusable wraps together. One embodiments of the foldable wrap holder 142 is described in FIGS. 2A-2B below.

In some embodiments, the height adjustable cart 100 includes a step ladder assembly 150. The step ladder assembly 150 allows operators to step up and reach upper portions of the pallet loads during operation. In one embodiment, the step ladder assembly 150 is a foldable structure attached to the frame 110. The step ladder assembly 150 may be movably attached to one of the vertical beams 112, such as the vertical beam 112 at the opening 122, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. In FIG. 1A, the step ladder assembly 150 is in a folded position. The step ladder assembly 150 can be secured to the folded position when not in use. In FIG. 1C, the step ladder assembly 150 is unfolded to a working position. In FIG. 1B, the step assembly 150 is in a transitional position between the folded position in FIG. 1A and the working position in FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 1D and 1E are partial enlarged views of the height adjustable cart 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C showing details of a foldable step ladder assembly 150. The step ladder assembly 150 may include one or more steps. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1E, the step ladder assembly 150 includes two steps 154, 152. Each of the steps 154, 152 may include a board having a stepping surface and is attached to the vertical beam 112 on one end. In some embodiments, each step 154, 152 is attached to the vertical beam 112 by a hinge 157.

In some embodiments, the step 154 is long enough to reach across the opening 122 and latch to a support post 156 extending from the vertical beam 112 on the opposing side of the opening 122. A notch 153 may formed on a distal end of the step 154. When in use, as shown in FIG. 1C, the notch 153 receives the opposing vertical beam 112 therein so that the step 154 rests on the support post 156 extending from the opposing vertical beam 112. In some embodiments, the step 154 may include two or more pieces arranged in telescope. As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1F, the step 154 includes a telescoping piece 155, and the notch 153 is formed at the end of the telescoping piece 155.

The step 152 is shorter than the step 154. The step 152 may be long enough to accommodate one or two feet of operators. The step 152 may be connected to the step 154 by al link 158. In some embodiments, the step 152 may be omitted. In other embodiments, more steps similar to the step 152 may be included to allow increased range of the step ladder assembly 150.

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view of the foldable wrap holder 142 according to the present disclosure. The foldable wrap holder 142 may be used to support, transport, and store two more reusable wraps. In some embodiments, a plurality of reusable wraps may be stacked together in the foldable wrap holder 142.

The foldable wrap holder 142 may include support bars 202 connected by flexible belts 204. The support bars 202 may be formed from a material with some rigidity, such as plastic, metal, cardboard, etc. Each support bar 202 may include one or more hanging pegs 206. The hanging pegs 206 is configured to hang reusable wraps. The belts 204 may be formed from bendable materials, such as plastic, polymer, fabric, or other suitable material. The belts 204 allow the foldable wrap holder 142 to fold up, alone or with reusable wraps.

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of the foldable wrap holder 142 attached to the wrap support 132 of the height adjustable cart 100 according to the present disclosure. The wrap support 132 may include a U-shaped body 208 having alignment features 210. Each of the alignment features 210 may have an upward notch 212 for receiving the hanging pegs 206 of the foldable wrap holder 142. The foldable wrap holder 142 may be secured to the wrap support 132 by dropping the hanging pegs 206 into the corresponding notches 212 of the wrap support 132.

FIG. 2C is a schematic plan view of a reusable wrap 220 used with the foldable wrap holder of FIG. 2A. The reusable wrap 220 generally includes a flexible wrap body 222. In some embodiments, the reusable wrap 220 includes one or more horizontal straps 226 extending from one end of the flexible wrap body 222. The wrap body 222 is generally rectangular in shape and sized to circumvent or encircle most of the goods on a transportation carrier, such as a pallet. The wrap body 222 may use other shape, e.g., square, trapezoid, or polygons, so long as the reusable wrap 220 can wrap around the goods and the pallet and prevent the goods from unwanted movement or shifting during transportation. The wrap body 222 can be a solid sheet of cloth (e.g., non-mesh plastic cloth) that is flexible and transparent, if desired.

One or more horizontal buckle groups 228 are attached to the wrap body 222 on the opposite end of the flexible wrap body 222 from the horizontal straps 226. Each horizontal buckle group 228 includes one or more buckles which can be fastened with a strap 226. Additional buckles may be used to allow the reusable wrap 220 to fit with pallet loads of different dimensions. When wrapped around a pallet, each of the horizontal straps 226 is fastened to a buckle in the corresponding horizontal buckle group 228.

In some embodiments, the wrap body 222 may include a plurality of slits 224 formed along the upper end. The slits 224 are configured to receive hanging pegs 206 on the foldable wrap holder 142 therefore allowing the wrap body 222 to hang from the foldable wrap holder 142. In some embodiment, the slits 224 on the side sections may be formed in a group of multiple adjacent slits to provide alignment tolerance with the foldable wrap holder 142.

FIG. 2D is a schematic perspective view of the foldable wrap holder 142 attached to the height adjustable cart 100 according to the present disclosure. One or more reusable wraps 220 hang from the hanging pegs 206 of the foldable wrap holder 142. As shown in FIG. 2D, the height adjustable cart 100, with reusable wraps 220 lined three sides, is ready for operation.

It should be noted that other reusable wraps may be used with the height adjustable cart 100 according to the present disclosure. For example, reusable pallet wraps set forth in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/600,498, filed on Oct. 12, 2019, entitled “Device for Securing Palletized Materials”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/738,281, filed on Jan. 9, 2020, entitled “Apparatus and methods for applying reusable wrapping device on palletized materials”, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of the height adjustable cart 100 during various steps of operation. In FIG. 3A, the height adjustable cart 100 is being moved towards a pallet load 300 to be wrapped. The pallet load 300 includes a pallet block 302 for supporting material to be transferred and a load 310 including material to be transferred. The load 310 may include one or more multiple packages stacked together in a substantially column form.

The pallet block 302 may have a supporting board with openings 304, 306 below the supporting board so that forklifts can come under the pallet load 300. As shown in FIG. 1A, the openings 306 may be wheel openings that allow wheeled equipment to enter. The pallet block 302 typically comes in standardized sizes, for example, may be 42 inches by 42 inches, or 48 inches by 48 inches, 42 inches by 48 inches. The height of the pallet load 300 may vary according to needs. In some situation, the height of the pallet load 300 may be greater than human operator can reach, for example, greater than 2 meters. In FIG. 3A, the height adjustable cart 100 is positioned to have the opening 122 facing one side of the pallet load 300 so that the guide arms 118 of the height adjustable cart 100 align with the openings 306.

In FIG. 3B, the height adjustable cart 100 is moved towards the pallet load 300 to surround the pallet load 300 from three sides. As shown in FIG. 3B, the reusable wrap 220 hanging on the height adjustable cart 100 also surrounds the pallet load 300. At this stage, the wrap support 132 may be raised or lowered to position the reusable wrap 220 at a level suitable for wrapping around the pallet load 300.

In FIG. 3C, the reusable wrap 220, previously hang in on the wrap support 132, is pulled off from the wrap support 132 and wrapped around the pallet load 300 to secure the goods. The reusable wrap 220 may be applied on the pallet load 300 by securing one or more horizontal straps 226 to the corresponding buckle groups 228 while the reusable wrap 220 is still hanging from the wrap support 132. In other words, the height adjustable cart 100 “holds” the reusable wrap 220 in place while the reusable wrap 220 is being applied. As a result, the reusable wrap 220 may be easily applied by a single operator.

In some embodiments, when the pallet load 300 is too height for the operator to make the by securing one or more horizontal straps 226 to the corresponding buckle groups 228 around the upper portion of the pallet load 300, the step ladder assembly 150 may be unfolded, the operator can then stand on the steps 152, 154 to reach the upper portion of the pallet load 300.

In FIG. 3D, after the pallet load 300 is secured by the reusable wrap 220, the step ladder assembly 150 can be folded back, and the height adjustable cart 100 can be moved away from the pallet load 300.

If there are more reusable wraps 220 hanging on the height adjustable cart 100, the height adjustable cart 100 can be moved to other pallet loads that need wrapping. If there are no more reusable wraps 220 hanging on the height adjustable cart 100, the foldable wrap holder 142 may be removed from the height adjustable cart 100. A new foldable wrap holder 142 with reusable wraps stacked thereon may be installed to the height adjustable cart 100 for more wrapping.

The height adjustable cart 100 may also be used to remove a reusable wrap from a pallet load. For example, the height adjustable cart 100 can be moved to surround the wrapped pallet load from three sides with the straps and buckle groups facing out. The operator can then adjust the wrap support 132 of the height adjustable cart 100 to a suitable level, unbuckle the straps and the buckles on the top portion, push the hanging pegs 206 through the slits on the reusable wrap. Then unbuckle the remainder of the buckles and straps to unwrap the pallet load. When the reusable wrap is free from the pallet load, it will be hanging to the wrap support 132. The height adjustable cart 100 can then be moved away from the unwrapped pallet load to other wrapping or unwrapping operations.

The height adjustable cart according to the present disclosure provides various advantages. The height adjustable cart may be used to handle pallet loads of different heights, thus provide flexibility. The height adjustable cart also allows operators to wrap and unwrap high pallet loads with ease. The wrap holder of the height adjustable cart also allows a single operator to wrap a large pallet load.

In some embodiments, the wrap support is vertically movable relative to the frame.

In some embodiments, the wrap support comprises a U-shaped body, and one or more alignment features for receiving a foldable wrap holder therein.

In some embodiments, the foldable wrap holder includes three support bars connected by two flexible belts.

In some embodiments, each support bar includes one or more hanging pegs for hanging one or more reusable wraps thereon.

In some embodiments, each of the alignment features include a notch for receiving a hanging peg therein.

In some embodiments, the actuator includes two pistons, each piston has a first end connected to the frame, and a second end connected to the wrap support.

In some embodiments, the adjustable wrap holder further comprises a guide disposed between the wrap support and the frame.

In some embodiments, the guide comprises a scissor lift.

In some embodiments, wherein the adjustable wrap holder further comprises a cover over the actuator.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a step ladder assembly attached to the frame.

In some embodiments, the step ladder assembly comprises a first step board having a proximal end connected to the frame by a hinge and a distal end for latching to a support member, and the support member is attached to the frame.

In some embodiments, the first step board includes two or more pieces arranged in telescope.

In some embodiments, the step ladder assembly further comprises a second step board pivotably attached to the frame, wherein the second step board is shorter than the first step board.

In some embodiments, the step ladder assembly further comprises a link connected between the first step board and the second step board.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes one or more guide arms attached to the frame, wherein the guide arms are positioned to align with openings of standard pallet blocks.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes wheels attached to the frame.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a handle for steering.

In some embodiments, each of the first, second, and third support bar includes a hanging peg.

While the foregoing is directed to implementations of the present disclosure, other and further implementation of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE CART FOR APPLYING REUSABLE WRAPPING DEVICE ON PALLETIZED MATERIALS

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)