Patent Application
20050108988
The present invention concerns a system for load unit creation, and more specifically a system based on two or more stations used to form the load units. Each load unit is formed of one or more separate packages.
Today it is common to use pallets of various forms and sizes as a base for different load units. Often so called EUR pallets made of wood are used. The pallets as such take up a relatively large place in storing, are heavy and may be cumbersome to handle. Furthermore, the EUR pallets are normally reused, which means that they often are returned without carrying any load. In order to avoid the drawbacks with the previously used systems based on EUR pallets or other forms of pallets it has been suggested that two or more smaller, separate loading members or loading ledges may be used in stead of EUR pallets or other pallets.
As the use of loading ledges has increased, the need of a suitable system and method for creation of separate loading units has been felt.
The system and method for creation of load units should preferably fulfil a number of demands. Thus, one object is that the system and method should be relatively easy to adapt to different situations, both concerning the level of automation and the form and size of the packages forming each load unit.
A further object is that the system and method should be possible to form, to run and maintain at a reasonable cost.
Still a further object is that the system and method should function with different transport means.
According to the present invention a system for load unit creation is established. Said system comprises two or more stations for forming the load units. In a method using said system a first station is used to collect and place one or more packages to form a suitable load unit. In further, at present preferred stations, loading ledges are placed on the load units and one or more straps and/or stretch wrapping are wound around the load units.
Further objects and advantages with the present invention will be obvious for a person skilled in the art when reading the detailed description below of presently preferred embodiments.
The invention will be described further below, by way of an example and with reference to the enclosed drawings.
In the drawings:
a to 1i show different load units formed by using the present invention;
The system and method of the present invention is based on the presumption that packages 1 of different sizes and shapes are used to form load units 4. Even tough the shown packages 1 all are of a general rectangular form, a person skilled in the art realises that it is possible to form load units 4 of packages having other general forms.
The present invention is based on the use of several stations 8-10, in which the load units 4 are successively formed. In a first station 8 one or more packages 1 are collected and placed in the form of each desired final load unit 4. In a second station 9 at least one loading ledge 2 is placed at each of two opposite lower edges of the load unit 4. In a third and final station 10 straps 7 and/or stretch wrapping or the like are wound one or more turns around the load unit 4, including the loading ledges 2.
The loading ledges 2 used are normally of the kind described in PCT/DK01/00748 or any corresponding load members. The loading ledges 2 have a generally L-shaped cross section. The loading ledges 2 are to be placed at a lower edge of a package or the like, in such a way that one part of each loading ledge 2 is placed under the package and one part along the side of said package. The part of the loading ledge 2 to be placed under the packages has protrusions to allow a lifting and/or transport means to be slid in under the package.
If e.g. the load units 4 are to be formed of several small packages 1, there may be a need for further stations. Thus, such further stations may include stations where subunits each furnished with loading ledges 2 are formed. (See e.g.
A person skilled in the art realises that the packages 1 and load units, respectively, may be transported to and between said stations in many different ways. Furthermore, the different stations may be totally or partly manual and/or automatic. The expression “totally automatic”, as used in this description, means that all actual handling of the packages 1 or load units 4 is done by a machine, robot or the like, which on the other hand may be driven automatically or be controlled by a person.
The packages 1 are normally stored in some kind of ware house. The first station 8 is normally placed in or adjacent the ware house or the like. In said first station 8 the appropriate number of packages 1 to form a load unit are collected. The load units 4 of the present invention may be formed of one single package 1 or by many packages 1. The desired size of the finished load units will govern the number of packages 1 used for each separate load unit 4.
In the embodiment of
In the station 9 comprising the machine for addition of loading ledges 2, a suitable number of loading ledges 2 are added to the load units 4. In
After the machine 5 furnishing the load units 4 with loading ledges 2 the load units are brought to the third station 10. In said station 10 the load units are furnished with straps 7 and/or stretch wrapping or the like. Normally, a machine, well known in the art, is used to furnish the load units 4 with straps 7, stretch wrapping or the like. However, it is also possible to apply the straps 7, stretch wrapping or the like in a more manual way.
When the load units 4 leave the third station 10, they are ready for transport in any suitable way. Thus, the load units 4 are forward to a container, lorry, truck or any other means of transportation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0201593-1 | May 2002 | SE | national |
