PALLET, SUPERSTRUCTURE AND ASSEMBLY FOR MANAGING GOODS

Abstract

 The invention relates to a pallet (50) for coupling with a superstructure (52) for managing goods. The pallet comprises a rest platform (54), a plurality of supports (56) suitable for raising the rest platform with respect to a floor (58), and a perimeter channel (60) which develops around the rest platform. The pallet further comprises a plurality of snap joints (62) placed along the perimeter channel and comprised in the perimeter channel. The invention also relates to a superstructure suitable for being mounted on the pallet. The superstructure comprises a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall (86) comprises a lower edge (84) along which slots (88) suitable for engaging the snap joints and notches (90) suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall with transverse partitions (82) are obtained. Finally, the invention relates to an assembly (108) comprising a pallet and a superstructure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention refers to the sector of transporting and displaying goods by means of pallets or skids. Specifically, in accordance with a first aspect, the invention relates to a pallet intended to support a superstructure for managing goods, in accordance with a second aspect, the invention relates to a superstructure intended to be mounted on a pallet and finally, in accordance with a third aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising the pallet and the superstructure.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the sector of displaying goods for sale, e.g. in the context of the points of sale of the large-scale retail distribution, but also in the context of smaller points of sale up to the small shops, the use of display stands specially made for a specific product or product line is well known. These display stands are particularly suitable for use in the context of promotional campaigns, e.g. planned for the launch of a new product, as they allow one's products to stand out in particular compared to similar products arranged on normal sales shelves.

[0003] The display stands are also particularly popular because they can be made relatively cheaply, for example with simple corrugated cardboard templates cut or die-cut to size.

[0004] The display stands, since they are made for a specific product and for a specific promotion campaign, are hardly reusable for a different use and therefore have to be disposed of once disused.

[0005] In the display stand sector, the use of pallet-mounted display stands is also well known, which can therefore be distributed and moved already assembled and possibly already loaded with one's products, thus making it easier and faster to place the display stand in the point of sale.

[0006] In a widely known way, a pallet is a flat structure raised by means of spacers or supports in order to be able to be picked up, lifted and moved by means of forklifts, pallet jacks, and the like. The pallet therefore constitutes a raised support which, in addition to allowing easy handling, is also extremely useful for protecting the goods from dirt and humidity present on the ground. Therefore, once the pallet has been loaded with its goods, usually remains with them in all movements, whether they are intercontinental shipments or movements within the same warehouse, until the goods are unloaded and routed to other destinations.

[0007] The dimensions of the pallets are defined by specific regulations, so that each user can use any pallet received from other users together with the goods without difficulty. The pallet can be made of wood, cardboard or, more advantageously in the case of the display stands, of polymeric material.

[0008] The display stands intended to be mounted on pallets are usually made by means of corrugated cardboard templates cut or die-cut to size.

[0009] At present, it is estimated that out of the pallets used to support the display stands, only about 10% are intended to be reused several times, and that the remaining approx. 90% is of the single-use type to be disposed of as waste once disused.

[0010] European patent application number EP 3 269 657 A1, in the name of the same Proprietor, describes a pallet comprising constraint means for coupling with a superstructure, for example a display stand. Said constraint means comprise elastic fins, parallel to the rest platform, suitable for housing suitable flaps obtained by folding a lower portion of a vertical wall of the superstructure. Although this solution is widely appreciated, and although it ensures an effective coupling between the pallet and the relative superstructure, it does not meet all users' needs.

[0011] Therefore, the need is felt in the art for a pallet-superstructure assembly, which improves the characteristics of the known solutions in terms of reversibility of the interlocking systems, ease of reuse, robustness of use and flexibility of use. This would significantly reduce the amount of single-use pallets to be disposed of as waste.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0013] In particular, it is a task of the present invention to provide a pallet which allows a simple and firm coupling with a superstructure for managing goods.

[0014] Furthermore, a task of the present invention is to ensure that the pallet can be easily reused.

[0015] Another task of the present invention is to provide a superstructure for managing goods which allows simple and firm coupling with a pallet.

[0016] A further task of the present invention is to provide an assembly comprising a pallet and a superstructure for managing goods which ensures adequate overall robustness and high ease of use.

[0017] A further task of the present invention is to provide an assembly comprising a pallet and a superstructure for managing goods which ensures a coupling that is both firm and easy to disassemble.

[0018] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by a pallet, a superstructure and an assembly incorporating the features of the appended claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

[0019] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the pallet comprises a rest platform, a plurality of supports for raising the rest platform with respect to a floor, and a perimeter channel which develops around the rest platform.

[0020] Advantageously, the pallet further comprises a plurality of snap joints placed along the perimeter channel and comprised in the perimeter channel.

[0021] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the pallet further comprises constraint means for receiving a second superstructure. Preferably, these constraint means are arranged in an inner position with respect to the perimeter channel.

[0022] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the perimeter channel is defined by an inner side wall, a bottom wall and an outer side wall. Transverse partitions preferably join the outer side wall to the inner side wall crossing the perimeter channel. These transverse partitions achieve the purpose of increasing the compressive stiffness between the two walls of the perimeter channel.

[0023] Preferably, the bottom wall of the perimeter channel is interrupted in correspondence of each snap joint, forming as many discharge windows. These discharge windows also have the advantage of favouring the removal of any residues that remain in the perimeter channel, for example the portions of the vertical wall under each slot that are torn off during the removal of the superstructure.

[0024] In accordance with a possible embodiment, one or more of the supports for raising the rest platform comprises a seat suitable for housing a wheel.

[0025] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the rest platform comprises one or more inner slits. Preferably, the inner slits are arranged along the median lines of a rectangle inscribed in the rest platform.

[0026] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the superstructure is suitable for being mounted on a pallet described above. The superstructure comprises a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall comprises a lower edge along which slots suitable for engaging the snap joints and notches suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall with the transverse partitions are obtained.

[0027] Preferably, the superstructure is made using one or more among: cardboard sheets, corrugated cardboard sheets, sandwich sheets of polystyrene coated with cardboard, twin-wall webs of polymers like polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0028] Preferably, in correspondence of each slot, the vertical wall comprises tear off perforations which extend between the slot and the lower edge of the vertical wall. The tear off perforations are suitable for facilitating the tear of the portion of the vertical wall under each slot.

[0029] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the assembly comprises a pallet and a superstructure. In particular, the pallet comprises a rest platform, a plurality of supports for raising the rest platform with respect to a floor, a perimeter channel which develops around the rest platform. The pallet further comprises a plurality of snap joints placed along the perimeter channel and comprised in the perimeter channel, and a plurality of transverse partitions placed along the perimeter channel. The superstructure comprises a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall comprises a lower edge along which slots and notches are obtained. In particular, the slots are arranged in correspondence of the snap joints and are suitable for engaging the snap joints, and the notches are arranged in correspondence of the transverse partitions and are suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall with the transverse partitions.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the description of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention will be described below with reference to some examples, provided by way of non-limiting example, and illustrated in the appended claims. These drawings illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and reference numerals illustrating structures, components, materials and/or similar elements in different drawings are indicated by similar reference numerals, where appropriate.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising a display stand and a pallet, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a pallet, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the pallet of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the section made along the line IV-IV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of an assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 5, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the section made along the line VII-VII of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of an assembly similar to that of Figure 6, in a section similar to that of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the section made along the line IX-IX of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the section made along the line X-X of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the section made along the line XI-XI of Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of an assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 12, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 13, in a section similar to that of Figure 11;

Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 13, in a section similar to that of Figure 10;

Figure 16 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 of an assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of an assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 17, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 19 is a partial perspective view of an assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a partially assembled configuration;

Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 19, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 21 is a partial perspective view of an assembly comprising a display stand of a known type and a pallet in accordance with the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 22 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 21, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 23 is a partial perspective view of an assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, in a disassembled configuration;

Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of the assembly of Figure 21, in an assembled configuration;

Figure 25 is a view of a detail of a pallet in accordance with the invention in a first configuration;

Figure 26 is a view of the detail of Figure 25 in a second disassembled configuration; and

Figure 27 is a view of the detail of Figure 26 in the second assembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described hereinbelow in detail. It must in any case be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, the invention intends covering all the modifications, alternative and equivalent constructions that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0033] The use of "for example", "etc.", "or" indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unless otherwise indicated. The use of "includes" means "includes, but not limited to" unless otherwise indicated.

[0034] The term "superstructure" refers to any element that can be superimposed and coupled with the pallet, such as a display stand, a packaging, a loading unit, or the like.

[0035] The invention is intended to be applied in the presence of the gravitational acceleration g, based on which the vertical direction and the horizontal directions are defined. The pallet, the superstructure and the assembly in accordance with the invention are intended, in use, to assume a predetermined position of use. Therefore, in the following discussion, it is understood that based on the gravitational acceleration g and on the position of use, the terms "above", "upper", "high" and the like are unambiguously defined with respect to the terms "below", "lower", "low" and the like.

[0036] With reference to the pallet of the invention, the term "inner" indicates a position relatively close to the centre of the pallet, while the term "outer" indicates a position relatively far from the centre of the pallet.

[0037] In the following, the term "floor" means any surface intended to support the pallet and the relative assembly during use. This surface may be defined by a flooring, either inner or outer with respect to a building, or it can be defined by other rest platforms such as for example raised platforms or shelving or the like.

[0038] With reference to the appended figures, a pallet 50 for coupling with a superstructure 52 for managing goods, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, is described.

[0039] The pallet 50 comprises:

• a rest platform 54;
• a plurality of supports 56 suitable for raising the rest platform 54 with respect to a floor 58; and
• a perimeter channel 60 which develops around the rest platform 54.

[0040] Furthermore, the pallet 50 comprises a plurality of snap joints 62 placed along the perimeter channel 60 and comprised in the perimeter channel 60.

[0041] The superstructure 52 intended to be coupled with the pallet 50 can be, for example, a display stand for displaying the goods to the public or a packaging for protecting the goods during transport. This superstructure 52 will be described in more detail below.

[0042] The pallet 50 of the invention shares many of the characteristics of the pallets of known type. In particular, the pallet 50 maintains the standard dimensions established by the regulations, so that it can be moved with the standard equipment widely used by professional users, such as forklifts, pallet jacks and the like. Advantageously, the pallet 50 is made of polymeric material, for example it can be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), preferably recycled. The polymeric material is particularly advantageous for the realization of some elements of the pallet 50 such as the snap joint 62 and the elastic fins 72 which will be described below.

[0043] The rest platform 54 is suitable for defining, in use, a uniform plane parallel to the floor 58, preferably horizontal. As can be appreciated from the appended figures, the upper surface of the rest platform 54 is flat as a whole, with the sole exception of a plurality of knurls 64 or friction protrusions suitable for counteracting the sliding of what rests on the rest platform 54. Possible shapes of the knurls 64 are visible by way of example in the appended figures, in particular in Figures 4 and 15.

[0044] Unlike the upper surface, as can be appreciated from the appended figures, the lower surface of the rest platform 54 comprises a plurality of stiffening elements 66, well known in the field of polymeric materials for making structures which at the same time have adequate mechanical characteristics and low wall thicknesses.

[0045] The rest platform 54 may advantageously comprise one or more inner slits 68. Preferably, the inner slits 68 are arranged along the median lines of a rectangle inscribed in the rest platform 54. These inner slits 68 allow suitable appendages to be housed which may be provided in some types of superstructures 52, typically in display stands.

[0046] In accordance with certain embodiments, the pallet 50 of the invention may advantageously also comprise other constraint means 70 intended to receive a second superstructure 52 (e.g. a display stand) of known type. Preferably such constraint means 70 are arranged in an inner position with respect to the perimeter channel 60, i.e. the constraint means 70 are preferably comprised between the perimeter channel 60 and the centre of the rest platform 54.

[0047] By way of example, the pallet 50 of the invention may comprise the constraint means 70 described in European patent application number EP 3 269 657 A1, in the name of the same Proprietor. In this case, the superstructure 52 of known type is constrained to the pallet 50 without occupying the perimeter channel 60 (see in particular Figures 21 and 22), which therefore remains free to receive a different superstructure 52, such as a packaging, for example a packaging of the so-called hood type (see Figures 23 and 24).

[0048] In a nutshell, in accordance with EP 3 269 657, the constraint means 70 may comprise elastic fins 72 which develop outwards substantially horizontally, or parallel to the rest platform 54. The elastic fins 72 are suitable for housing appropriate flaps 74 obtained by folding a lower portion of the vertical wall 86 of a superstructure 52 (see again Figures 21 and 22). For a more detailed description, the reader should refer to document EP 3 269 657.

[0049] The perimeter channel 60 is defined by an inner side wall 76, a bottom wall 78 and an outer side wall 80, which as a whole assume a U-shape in section (see in particular Figures 9 and 14). The inner side wall 76 defines the side of the perimeter channel 60 oriented towards the inside of the pallet 50 and is joined to a plurality of stiffening elements 66, described above, arranged below the rest platform 54. The inner side wall 76 of the perimeter channel 60 therefore has high stiffness and ensures to maintain an almost constant shape and position in the presence of the design loads. On the contrary, as can be seen again in the details of Figures 9 and 14, for a large part of its extension the outer side wall 80 is joined to the structure of the pallet 50 only by means of the bottom wall 78 of the perimeter channel 60. The outer side wall 80 is therefore a cantilever structure and as such cannot guarantee adequate stiffness. For this reason, transverse partitions 82 may be arranged which, crossing the perimeter channel 60, join the outer side wall 80 to the inner side wall 76 (see in this regard Figures 7, 8, 11 and 14). The transverse partitions 82 therefore allow an adequate stiffness to be given also to the outer side wall 80.

[0050] Preferably the pallet 50 in accordance with the invention is at least partially stackable. In other words, as the person skilled in the art can well understand, considering a plurality of identical pallets 50, the rest platform 54 of each pallet 50 defines certain cavities within which the supports 56 of another pallet 50 can be at least partially housed.

[0051] The perimeter channel 60 is suitable for housing the lower edge 84 of a vertical wall 86 of a superstructure 52, such as a display stand or package, for example. Preferably, the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 can be cut or die-cut to size. In accordance with an embodiment, the perimeter channel 60 may have a width comprised between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 8 mm.

[0052] In accordance with a second aspect, the invention relates to a superstructure 52 suitable for being mounted on a pallet 50, in particular on a pallet 50 which comprises a perimeter channel 60, a plurality of snap joint 62 placed along the perimeter channel 60 and comprised in the perimeter channel 60, and a plurality of transverse partitions 82 placed along the perimeter channel 60. The superstructure 52 of the invention comprises a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall 86 comprises a lower edge 84 along which slots 88 suitable for engaging the snap joints 62 and notches 90 suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall 86 with transverse partitions 82 are obtained.

[0053] As the person skilled in the art can easily understand, in order to be able to be correctly coupled in the envisaged manner, the superstructure 52 and the pallet 50 must assume a predefined reciprocal position between them. In describing some of the characteristics of superstructure 52, the following discussion refers to some of the characteristics of pallet 50, and vice versa. In these cases it is understood that the superstructure 52 and the pallet 50 are in the reciprocal predefined position for coupling (see for example Figures 5, 12, 16, 17 and 23).

[0054] Preferably, the slots 88 are openings obtained in the vertical wall 86 in proximity to and separated from the lower edge 84. In other words, each slot 88 is defined by a closed perimeter; the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 maintains its own continuity in proximity to each slot 88.

[0055] Preferably, the notches 90 are openings obtained in the vertical wall 86 in proximity to and facing the lower edge 84. In other words, each notch 90 is defined by a perimeter that is open on the lower edge 84; the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 interrupts its continuity in correspondence of each notch 90.

[0056] The superstructure 52, such as for example a display stand or a packing, can preferably be made using cardboard sheets, corrugated cardboard sheets, sandwich sheets of polystyrene coated with cardboard or twin-wall webs of polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar. The superstructure 52 may be obtained from such materials by means of folding carton techniques such as cutting to size, die-cutting, shaping, interlocking folds and the like.

[0057] In accordance with the embodiments of the invention depicted in the appended figures, it can be noted how the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 can be introduced into the channel of the pallet 50 by means of a translation in its own plane.

[0058] In turn, the snap joints 62 placed along the perimeter channel 60 and comprised in the perimeter channel 60 are suitable for engaging corresponding slots 88 obtained along the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52.

[0059] The snap joints 62, comprised in the perimeter channel 60, preferably comprise so-called wolves' teeth, which are described below with particular reference to Figures 4, 7, 10 and 15.

[0060] The snap joints 62 are preferably supported by a lamella 92 which develops in a cantilevered manner in the plane of a side wall of the perimeter channel 60, preferably in the plane of the inner side wall 76. Each snap joint 62 defines a lower stop surface 94 and an upper wall 96 which is inclined downwards and inwards of the perimeter channel 60. When the snap joints 62 are at rest and the lamella 92 is in its undeformed configuration (i.e. in the absence of any significant external force), the lower stop surface 94 extends inside the perimeter channel 60. The fact that the lamella 92 is made in a cantilevered manner, i.e. that it is connected to the rest of the structure of the pallet 50 only along its lower side (see in particular Figure 7) gives it a certain elasticity. Preferably, to increase this elasticity, the bottom wall 78 of the perimeter channel 60 is interrupted in correspondence of each snap joint 62, forming as many discharge windows 98 (see in particular Figures 4, 7, 8, 10 and 15) which open downwards. Such discharge windows also have the advantage of favouring the removal of any residues that remain in the perimeter channel 60.

[0061] As mentioned above, in a superstructure 52 (typically a display stand) in accordance with the present invention, slots 88 in correspondence of the snap joints 62 and notches 90 in correspondence of the transverse partitions 82 are obtained along the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 (see in particular Figures 5, 8, 16, 17 and 19).

[0062] When the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 is introduced into the perimeter channel 60, the contact with the inclined upper wall 96 laterally deflects the snap joint 62 and the lamella 92, freeing the perimeter channel 60. In accordance with the embodiments of the appended figures, during this step the snap joints 62 are deflected outside the perimeter channel 60 and towards the inside of the pallet 50. By further introducing the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 into the perimeter channel 60, the slot 88 frees the snap joint 62 and thus the lamella 92 spontaneously returns to its undeformed position. In this way each snap joint 62 engages the respective slot 88 and thus prevents the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 from being extracted with a movement contrary to the insertion movement (see in particular Figures 8 and 10).

[0063] The notches 90 make it possible to avoid the interference with the transverse partitions 82 and thus allow the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 to be completely introduced into the perimeter channel 60, i.e. until the lower edge 84 comes into contact with the bottom wall 78 of the perimeter channel 60 (see Figures 8 and 9).

[0064] In another type of superstructure 52, along the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86, neither slots 88 in correspondence of the snap joint 62 nor notches 90 in correspondence of the transverse partitions are generally formed. This type of superstructure 52 could be, for example, a display stand of a generic known type, or a hood packaging intended to cover a different display stand already mounted on the pallet 50, such as for example that of Figures 21-22. In such cases, the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 is usually straight and continuous (see in particular Figures 12 and 23).

[0065] Also in this case, when the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 is introduced into the perimeter channel 60, the contact with the inclined upper wall 96 laterally deflects the snap joint 62 and the lamella 92, freeing the perimeter channel 60. In accordance with the embodiments of the appended figures, during this step the snap joints 62 are deflected outside the perimeter channel 60 and towards the inside of the pallet 50. The absence of the notches 90 prevents the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 from being introduced beyond the transverse partitions 82 (see in particular Figure 14). Furthermore, the absence of the slots 88 forces the snap joint 62 and the lamella 92 to remain in the deformed position. In this position, the elastic force presses the snap joint 62 on the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 defining a friction constraint (see in particular Figure 15).

[0066] Preferably, the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 in accordance with the invention further comprises, in correspondence of each slot 88, tear off perforations 100 (see Figure 16) which extend between the slot 88 and the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86; the tear off perforations 100 are suitable for facilitating the tear of the vertical wall portion 86 under each slot 88. In fact, once the snap joint 62 engages the respective slot 88, it is no longer possible to easily extract the vertical wall 86 from the perimeter channel 60. For this purpose, in the presence of the tear off perforations 100, by applying an adequate force it is possible to tear off the portions of vertical wall 86 under each slot 88. This allows the superstructure 52 to be freed from the snap joints 62 and removed from pallet 50. Subsequently, the torn portions can be easily removed from the perimeter channel 60, also thanks to the discharge windows 98. This allows the pallet 50 of the invention to be made readily available for a subsequent use, typically for coupling with a different superstructure 52.

[0067] In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, such as, for example, the one depicted in Figures 19 and 20, the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 of the superstructure 52 has a limited extension with respect to the overall extension of the vertical wall 86 itself. Preferably, the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 has an extension limited to respective fins 102 within which the slots 88 are arranged. In other words, in such embodiments, the notches 90 completely occupy the portion comprised between two adjacent fins 102. This embodiment of the superstructure 52 is particularly advantageous in the case in which the fins 102, which define the lower edge 84 of the vertical wall 86 and the slots 88, are obtained by die-cutting or other folding carton techniques from the same sheet that constitutes the horizontal bottom wall of the superstructure 52. In this way, in fact, since the fins 102 correspond to respective voids in the horizontal bottom wall of the superstructure 52, the limited extension of the fins 102 makes it possible to ensure an adequate robustness of the horizontal bottom wall of the superstructure 52.

[0068] In the embodiment of Figures 19 and 20, the superstructure 52 (which in the specific case assumes the shape of a box) the upper edge of the vertical wall 86 preferably comprises recesses suitable for receiving the fins 102 of an identical superstructure 52. In other words, the box-shaped superstructure 52 of Figures 19 and 20 represents a modular element which allows a display stand of variable height to be realized by stacking a plurality of boxes one on top of the other.

[0069] In accordance with some embodiments of the pallet 50, one or more of the supports 56 intended to raise the rest platform 54 comprises a seat 104 suitable for housing a wheel 106. Advantageously, the seat 104 is arranged to face onto the lower portion of the support 56, i.e., onto the portion that in use rests on the floor 58. In this respect, see for example Figures 25, 26 and 27 which show, in a view from below, the detail of the support 56 when the pallet 50 is lifted with respect to the floor 58.

[0070] Preferably the seat 104 obtained in the support 56 of the pallet 50 has a C-shaped configuration turned downwards, suitable for snap-engaging the wheel 106. For example, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in the appended Figures 26 and 27, the wheel 106 comprises two cylindrical extensions which develop along the axis of rotation X. In this embodiment, the seat 104 has a C-shaped configuration turned downwards, suitable for housing the wheel 106 and for snap-engaging the two cylindrical extensions. In this embodiment the seat 104 is suitable for housing the wheel 106 in a removable manner.

[0071] In accordance with a third aspect, the invention relates to an assembly 108 comprising a pallet 50 and a superstructure 52 in accordance with what is described above. In particular, the assembly 108 in accordance with the invention comprises a pallet 50 which in turn comprises:

• a rest platform 54;
• a plurality of supports 56 suitable for raising the platform with respect to a floor 58; and
• a perimeter channel 60 which develops around the rest platform 54; wherein the pallet 50 further comprises:

  - - a plurality of snap joints 62 placed along the perimeter channel 60 and comprised in the perimeter channel 60; and

  - - a plurality of transverse partitions 82 placed along the perimeter channel 60;

  and a superstructure 52 comprising a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall 86 comprises a lower edge 84 along which slots 88 and notches 90 are obtained, wherein:
  • the slots 88 are arranged in correspondence of the snap joints 62 and are suitable for engaging the snap joints 62; and
  • the notches 90 are arranged in correspondence of the transverse partitions 82 and are suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall 86 with the transverse partitions 82.

[0072] As the person can well understand from the above description, the invention allows to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0073] In particular, the invention makes available a pallet which allows a simple and firm coupling with a superstructure for managing goods.

[0074] Furthermore, the invention ensures that the pallet can be easily reused.

[0075] Furthermore, the present invention makes available a superstructure for managing goods which allows a simple and firm coupling with a pallet.

[0076] Furthermore, the present invention makes available an assembly comprising a pallet and a superstructure for managing goods which ensures an adequate overall robustness and a high ease of use.

[0077] Finally, the present invention makes available an assembly comprising a pallet and a superstructure for managing goods which ensures a coupling which is both firm and easy to disassemble.

[0078] All the details described above can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. At the same time, the technical characteristics described by way of example in relation to a specific embodiment can be extrapolated and applied to other embodiments.

[0079] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Pallet (50) for coupling with a superstructure (52) for managing goods, comprising:

- a rest platform (54);

- a plurality of supports (56) suitable for raising the rest platform (54) with respect to a floor (58); and

- a perimeter channel (60) which develops around the rest platform (54); wherein the pallet (50) further comprises a plurality of snap joints (62) placed along the perimeter channel (60) and comprised in the perimeter channel (60).

2. Pallet (50) according to claim 1, further comprising constraint means (70) intended to receive a second superstructure (52), such constraint means (70) being preferably arranged in an inner position with respect to the perimeter channel (60).

3. Pallet (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the perimeter channel (60) is defined by an inner side wall (76), a bottom wall (78) and an outer side wall (80), and wherein transverse partitions (82) joint the outer side wall (80) to the inner side wall (76) crossing the perimeter channel (60).

4. Pallet (50) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bottom wall (78) of the perimeter channel (60) interrupts in correspondence of each snap joint (62), forming as many discharge windows (98).

5. Pallet (50) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the supports (56) intended to raise the rest platform (54) comprises a seat (104) suitable for housing a wheel (106).

6. Pallet (50) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the rest platform (54) comprises one or more inner slits (68), wherein the inner slits (68) are preferably arranged along the median lines of a rectangle inscribed in the rest platform (54).

7. Superstructure (52) suitable for being mounted on a pallet (50) comprising a perimeter channel (60), a plurality of snap joints (62) placed along the perimeter channel (60) and comprised in the perimeter channel (60) and a plurality of transverse partitions (82) placed along the perimeter channel (60), the superstructure (52) comprising a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall (86) comprises a lower edge (84) along which slots (88) suitable for engaging the snap joints (62) and notches (90) suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall (86) with the transverse partitions (82) are obtained.

8. Superstructure (52) according to claim (7), wherein the superstructure (52) is made using one or more among: cardboard sheets, corrugated cardboard sheets, sandwich sheets of polystyrene coated with cardboard, twin-wall webs of polymers like polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

9. Superstructure (52) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, in correspondence of each slot (88), the vertical wall (86) comprises tear off perforations (100) which extend between the slot (88) and the lower edge (84) of the vertical wall (86), the tear off perforations (100) being suitable for facilitating the tear of the portion of vertical wall (86) under each slot (88).

10. Assembly (108) comprising a pallet (50) and a superstructure (52), wherein the pallet (50) comprises:

- a rest platform (54);

- a plurality of supports (56) suitable for raising the rest platform (54) with respect to a floor (58); and

- a perimeter channel (60) which develops around the rest platform (54);

- a plurality of snap joints (62) placed along the perimeter channel (60) and comprised in the perimeter channel (60); and

- a plurality of transverse partitions (82) placed along the perimeter channel (60);

and wherein the superstructure (52) comprises a plurality of vertical walls, wherein at least one vertical wall (86) comprises a lower edge (84) along which slots (88) and notches (90) are obtained, wherein:

- the slots (88) are arranged in correspondence of the snap joints (62) and are suitable for engaging the snap joints (62); and

- the notches (90) are arranged in correspondence of the transverse partitions (82) and are suitable for preventing the interference of the vertical wall (86) with the transverse partitions (82).

Drawing