PALLET CARRIER AND CONVERSION SET TO CONVERT A PALLET CARRIER

Abstract

 Pallet carrier for picking up a load placed on a pallet, the pallet carrier comprising a structural vertical member at a rear side of the carrier, at least two forkteeth arranged at the bottom side of the carrier, an elongate securing member, a first engagement member provided at the front side of the carrier, a second engagement member, wherein the second engagement member is configured and positioned to allow the securing member, which engages on the first and second engagement member, to extend from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the vertical member up to the second engagement member to secure the load against the vertical member by the securing member.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pallet carriers for picking up a load placed on a pallet.

[0002] A pallet carrier is commonly used for pallet handling, especially at construction sites or warehouses. A pallet is a portable platform for handling, storing or transporting a load, e.g. comprising construction materials, like stacking boxes, barrels and pipes, or packages. The pallet carrier is provided with forkteeth at the front which are configured to be inserted under the pallet in order to be carried by the pallet carrier. The load is placed on the platform of the pallet. Alternatively, the load may - according to prior art as well as according to the invention - be placed directly on the forkteeth of the pallet carrier.

[0003] In order to transport the load it is required that the load is sufficiently secured on the pallet carrier for safety reasons. Especially heavy loads present a dangerous situation to people around the pallet carrier, as well as damage to the surrounding. The height of the load can become relatively high, which increases the likelihood of the load shifting or falling off completely from the pallet carrier, e.g. during transportation. This is especially a problem in case the pallet carrier is hanging on a hoisting cable of a crane.

[0004] With known constructions, the load is tied to the pallet carrier by horizontally securing the load by means of a tension strap. This known manner of securing has the disadvantage that it results in an unstable construction, and therefore still unsafe situations occur during pallet transport.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pallet carrier for picking up a load placed on a pallet, wherein a safer construction is obtained to transport the load, or to provide at least an alternative pallet carrier.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is achieved by pallet carrier for picking up a load placed on a pallet, wherein a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side is defined for the load and the carrier; the pallet carrier comprising:

• a structural vertical member at the rear side of the carrier,
• at least two forkteeth:
  • arranged at the bottom side of the carrier,
  • configured to carry a pallet loaded with a load,
  • configured to be inserted under the pallet, and
  • extending, in a direction transverse to the vertical member, from the vertical member to the front side of the carrier,
• an elongate securing member,
• a first engagement member provided at the front side of the carrier,
• a second engagement member,

wherein the second engagement member is configured and positioned to allow the securing member, when the securing member engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member and when a pallet loaded with a load is placed on the forkteeth, to extend from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the second engagement member to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member.

[0007] As a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side is defined for the load and the carrier, the carrier has a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side and also the load has a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side. When a pallet loaded with a load is placed on the carrier, the topside of the carrier and the top side of the load will be on the same side of the assembly of carrier and load and will, so to say, face in the same direction. Similar the back side of the carrier and the backside of the load will be at the same side of the assembly of carrier and load, and will, so to say, face in the same direction, etcetera.

[0008] The pallet carrier according to the invention is configured to pick up a load placed on a pallet. The load has a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side and also the pallet carrier has a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side. The load may for example comprise construction materials, like stacking boxes filled or not filled with items, barrels and pipes, or batches of stones, bricks and other building cargo.

[0009] The pallet carrier comprises a structural vertical member at the rear side of the carrier. The structural vertical member may for example be vertical bar, like a mast or pole. Alternatively, the structural vertical member may for example be a vertical rectangular frame or plate.

[0010] The pallet carrier further comprises at least one forktooth or fork plate, in particular at least two forkteeth. The one forktooth or at least two forkteeth are arranged at the bottom side of the pallet carrier. The one forktooth or at least two forkteeth extend, in a direction transverse to the structural vertical member, from the structural vertical member to the front side of the carrier. Optionally, each forktooth is configured to be tilted with respect to structural vertical member such that an angle between the forktooth and the structural vertical member is adjustable. The angle between the forktooth and the structural vertical member is preferably about 90 degrees. The at least two forkteeth are preferably arranged parallel to each other. The at least two forkteeth are configured to be inserted under the pallet. The pallet is a portable platform for handling, storing or transporting the load. A typical pallet is a so called Euro pallet having the standard dimensions of 1200 x 800 mm, but pallets of different dimensions are conceivable as well.

[0011] The pallet carrier further comprises an elongate securing member. The securing member may for example be one or more of the following: a lashing strap, a cable, a rope or any other elongate securing member suitable for lashing a load on the carrier. Preferably, the securing member comprises one or more lashing straps with quick release, because a lashing strap is - as is known from prior art - easy to tension and also easy to release when unloading the pallet from the carrier.

[0012] The pallet carrier further comprises a first engagement member. The first engagement member is provided at the front side of the pallet carrier. Preferably, the first engagement member is provided at the free end of each forktooth. The securing member is configured to engage on the first engagement member.

[0013] The pallet carrier further comprises a second engagement member, which may according to an embodiment of the invention be provided at the rear side and/or at the upper side of the carrier. The securing member is configured to engage on the second engagement member. The second engagement member is configured and positioned to allow the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, to extend from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load. Subsequently, the securing member extends over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the second engagement member in order to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member, e.g. by tensioning or lashing the securing member.

[0014] By having this arrangement of the securing member, the load is vertically secured on the pallet carrier by the securing member. In other words, the securing member secures the load in backward direction against the structural vertical member and in downward ditrection against the one or more forkteeth. When the load is vertically secured on the pallet carrier, a safer construction is obtained to transport the load with the pallet carrier, for example during hoisting of the pallet carrier carrying the load placed on the pallet by means of a hoisting cable.

[0015] Furthermore, the pallet carrier according to the invention allows the transportation of different types of loads, e.g. having different dimensions or shapes, while obtaining a safe securing of the load with respect to the carrier.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second engagement member is attached or configured to be attached to the structural vertical member. By attaching the second engagement member to the structural vertical member, the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, extends from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the structural vertical member. By doing so, the securing member extends over the full height of the load and over the top of the load, so that the securing member secures the load backwardly against the structural vertical member and downwardly against the at least one forktooth.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the second engagement member is located at the rear side of the pallet carrier. By having the second engagement member at the rear side of the pallet carrier, the second engagement is freely accessible for an user, also in case a relatively high load is arranged on the pallet carrier. Consequently, it is easier to allow the securing member to engage on the second engagement member. Preferably, the second engagement member is located at the bottom side of the pallet carrier. In a further embodiment, the second engagement member may be located behind the structural vertical member so that the structural vertical member is, viewed in horizontal direction, between the second engagement member and the load.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the second engagement member is provided on the forktooth. According to this embodiment, the second engagement member is located at the rear side of the pallet carrier, viewed from the front side to the rear side, behind the structural vertical member. By providing the second engagement member on the forktooth located at the rear side of the pallet carrier, the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, extends from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the rear side of the structural vertical member, and subsequently vertically along the rear side of the load, in downward direction to the forkfooth. By doing so, the securing member extends over the front side, top side and rear side of the load in order to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member. This has the advantage of obtaining an even more firmly securing arrangement of the load.

[0019] In an embodiment, the pallet carrier further comprises a boom. The boom is arranged at a distance above the forkteeth and transverse with respect to the structural vertical member to allow the pallet loaded with the load to be received between the forkteeth and the boom. The boom extends from the structural vertical member in the direction of the front side of the pallet carrier. The boom is configured for attachment to a hoisting cable to allow hoisting of the pallet carrier. For example, the boom comprises a ring, adapted to receive a hoisting cable or crane hook of a crane configured to hoist the pallet carrier.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the second engagement member is attached or configured to be attached to the boom. According to this embodiment, the second engagement member is arranged at a distance from the structural vertical member. By attaching the second engagement member to the boom, the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, extends from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the second engagement member. By doing so, the securing member extends over the front side and at least part of the top side of the load in order to secure the load against the structural vertical member and against the forkteeth by means of the securing member.

[0021] In an embodiment, the pallet carrier further comprises a horizontal bar attached or configured to be detachably attached to the vertical structural member. Preferably, the horizontal bar is attached to the top side of the structural vertical member. For example, the horizontal bar is configured to be used to guide the securing member extending from the first engagement member to the second engagement member, e.g. provided at the rear side of the forktooth. The horizontal bar may serve as a guide for the elongate securing member(s) to prevent the securing member so to say to cut itself into the load. The horizontal bar may be directly attached to the structural vertical member, but the horizontal bar may also be indirectly attached to the structural vertical member, for example via the boom.

[0022] In a further embodiment the horizontal bar may comprise a vertical passage configured to receive a vertical bar of the structural vertical member. This allows easy and reliable mounting of the horizontal bar to the structural vertical member and may optionally allow the horizontal bar to be adjusted in height with respect to the structural vertical member.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the second engagement member is provided on the horizontal bar. By providing the second engagement member to the horizontal bar attached to the structural vertical member, the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, extends from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the horizontal bar. By doing so, the securing member extends over the front side and at least part of the length of the load, defined from the front side to the rear side of the load, in order to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member.

[0024] This embodiment is in particular advantageous, because no modifications are required on the pallet carrier to attach the horizontal bar on the structural vertical member. Further, the position of the horizontal bar relative to the structural vertical member is adjustable such that the position of the horizontal bar relative to the structural vertical member can be chosen in function of the load being to be secured on the pallet carrier.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first engagement member comprises one or more of the following: a hook attached to the securing member, a hook attached to the forktooth, an eye, a recess, an opening, or a pin. For example, the first engagement member is an opening provided at the front side of the forktooth, wherein a pin is arranged in the opening. The pin allows the securing member, e.g. having a hook at a free end, to be attached to the pin.

[0026] Alternatively, the first engagement member is an opening, through which the securing member is configured to pass through. Subsequently, the securing member is being looped around the opening in the direction of the structural vertical member in order to tie a knot in the securing member.

[0027] Alternatively, the first engagement member is a hook attached to or provided at the frontside the forktooth. The securing member is configured to be tied to the hook. Alternatively or additionally, the securing member comprises a hook at its free end, which hook of the securing member is configured to be coupled to the hook attached to or provided at the front side the forktooth.

[0028] In an embodiment, the second engagement member comprises one or more of the following: a hook attached to the securing member, a hook attached to the structural vertical member, a hook attached to the forktooth, an eye, a recess, an opening, or a pin. For example, the second engagement member is a pin arranged at the rear side of the forktooth. The pin allows the securing member, e.g. having a hook at a free end, to be attached to the pin.

[0029] Alternatively, the second engagement member is an opening, e.g. provided at the rear side of the forktooth, through which the securing member is configured to pass through. Subsequently, the securing member is being looped around the opening in the direction of the top side of the structural vertical member in order to tie a knot in the securing member.

[0030] Alternatively, the second engagement member is an eye attached to or provided at the top side of the structural vertical member. Alternatively, the eye is provided on the detachable horizontal bar attached to the structural vertical member, e.g. the horizontal bar is attached to the top side of the structural vertical member. The securing member is configured to be tied to the eye. Alternatively or additionally, the securing member comprises a hook at its free end, which hook of the securing member is configured to be engaged on the eye.

[0031] In an embodiment, the structural vertical member is telescopic to set a height of the structural vertical member. The height of the structural vertical member is configured to be adjusted in view of the dimension of the load. In case the height of the load is relatively high, the height of the structural vertical member is for example set at a maximum height, which is preferably between 1.25 m and 1.9 m. In case the height of the load is relatively low, the height of the structural vertical member is for example set at a minimum height, which is preferably between ...

[0032] In an embodiment, the pallet carrier is a pallet hook. The pallet hook comprises the boom. The boom is arranged at a distance above the forkteeth and transverse with respect to the structural vertical member to allow the pallet loaded with the load to be received between the forkteeth and the boom. The boom extends from the structural vertical member in the direction of the front side of the pallet hook. The pallet hook comprises an engagement eye for a hoisting cable or hoisting cable hook. The engagement eye is provided at the boom of the pallet hook.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention further pertains to a conversion set to convert a pallet carrier to a pallet carrier according to the invention. The conversion set comprises at least two forktooth attachments. Each forktooth attachment comprises an elongate section with an elongate recess configured to receive the forktooth. A first end of the elongate section is provided with the first engagement member, the first end being associated to the end of the forktooth at the front side of the pallet carrier. A second end of the elongate section is provided with the second engagement member, the second end being associated to the end of the fork tooth at the rear side of the pallet carrier.

[0034] The forktooth attachment is configured to be attached to the forktooth. The elongate section with the elongate recess is for example a box beam or profile having a U-shaped cross-section or having a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the elongate section is made out of steel. When the forktooth attachment is attached to the forktooth, the first end of the elongate section is associated with the free end of the forktooth at the front side of the pallet carrier, and the second end of the elongate section is associated with the end of the forktooth at the rear side of the pallet carrier. The second engagement member provided at the second end of the elongate section is configured to allow the securing member, which engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member, to extend from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the second engagement member to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member.

[0035] In an embodiment, the forktooth attachment is configured to be releasably attached to the forktooth. The elongate section is for example provided with one or more apertures arranged over the length of the elongate section between the first end and the second end of the elongate section. The one or more apertures are configured to receive a bolt or pin in order to attach the forktooth attachment to the forktooth. Alternatively or additionally, the second engagement member is a bolt or pin configured to attach the forktooth attachment to the forktooth. Alternatively, the forktooth attachment is welded or glued to the forktooth.

[0036] In an embodiment, the conversion set further comprises a horizontal bar to be attached to the structural vertical member. The horizontal bar may be configured to be detachably attached to the structural vertical member. The horizontal bar may further be configured to be attached to the top side of the structural vertical member. For example, the horizontal bar is configured to be used to guide the securing member extending from the first engagement member to the second engagement member.

[0037] In an embodiment, the horizontal bar may comprise a vertical passage configured to receive a vertical bar of the structural vertical member.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, the invention further relates to an assembly comprising a crane having a hoisting cable provided with a crane hook, and wherein the assembly further comprises:

• a pallet carrier according to one of the first aspect of the invention, or
• a pallet carrier, such as pallet hook, provided with a conversion set according to the second aspect of the invention.

For transporting, e.g. for hoisting the pallet carrier, the pallet carrier may, for example, comprise a boom. The boom is arranged at a distance above the forkteeth and transverse with respect to the structural vertical member to allow the pallet loaded with the load to be received between the forkteeth and the boom. The boom extends from the structural vertical member in the direction of the front side of the pallet carrier. The crane comprises the hoisting cable provided with the crane hook which is configured for attachment to the boom to allow hoisting of the pallet carrier. For example, the boom comprises a hoisting body, e.g. an attachment ring, adapted to receive the crane hook provided at the hoisting cable.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention further pertains to a use of a pallet carrier according to the first aspect of the invention for hoisting a load by means of a crane with a hoisting cable.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the invention further pertains to a use of a conversion set according to the second aspect of the invention to convert a pallet carrier, such as a pallet hook, into a pallet carrier according to the first aspect of he invention.

[0041] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to figures, in which in a non-limiting manner exemplary one or more embodiments of the invention will be shown. The same reference numerals in different figures indicate the same characteristics in different figures.

[0042] In the figures:

Fig. 1: Schematically shows a perspective view of a pallet carrier according to the invention for picking up a load placed on a pallet, wherein a load is carried by two forkteeth;

Fig. 2: Schematically shows a side view of the pallet carrier according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3: Schematically shows a conversion set to convert a pallet carrier to a pallet carrier according to the invention.

[0043] Figs. 1-2 schematically show a perspective view (fig. 1) and a side view (fig. 2) of a pallet carrier according to the invention, the pallet carrier 100 being loaded with a load 101 placed on a pallet 110, which in turn is carried by the forkteeth 103 of the pallet carrier. The load 101 and the carrier 100 both have a top side 111a, a bottom side 111b, a front side 111c and a rear side 111d. The load 101 may for example comprise stacking boxes containing construction materials. In the shown embodiment, the pallet carrier 100 is a pallet hook.

[0044] Now referring to Figures 1-2, the pallet hook 100 will be further described.

[0045] The pallet carrier 100 comprises a structural vertical member 102 at the rear side 111d of the pallet carrier 100. In this example, the structural vertical member 102 comprises a vertical bar 112, which may be called a mast, and a vertical rack 113. It is noted that the rack 113 may also be absent or replaced by a vertical plate. The structural vertical member 102 is in this example telescopic to set a height of the structural vertical member 102. The height of the structural vertical member 102 is configured to be adjusted in view of the dimension of the load 101. In case the height of the load 101 is relatively high, the height of the structural vertical member 102 is for example set at a height of 1.9 m, the maximum height of the structural vertical member. In case the height of the load 101 is relatively low, the height of the structural vertical member 102 is for example set at a height of 1,25 m, the minimum height of the structural vertical member.

[0046] The pallet carrier 100 further comprises two forkteeth 103. The forkteeth 103 are arranged at the bottom side 111b of the pallet carrier 100. The two forkteeth 103 extend, in a direction transverse to the structural vertical member 102, from the structural vertical member 102 to the front side 111c of the pallet carrier 100. Optionally, each forktooth 103 is configured to be tilted with respect to structural vertical member 102 such that an angle between the forktooth 103 and the structural vertical member 102 is adjustable. The angle between the forktooth 103 and the structural vertical member 102 is preferably about 90 degrees. The forkteeth 103 are arranged parallel to each other. The forkteeth 103 are configured to be inserted under the pallet.

[0047] The pallet carrier 100 further comprises a boom 104. The boom 104 is arranged at a distance above the forkteeth 103 and transverse with respect to the structural vertical member 102 to allow the pallet loaded with the load 101 to be received between the forkteeth 103 and the boom 104. The boom 104 extends from the structural vertical member 102 in the direction of the front side 111c of the pallet carrier 100. The boom 104 is configured for attachment to a hoisting cable (not shown) to allow hoisting of the pallet carrier 100. The hoisting may be done by a crane or any other suitable hoisting device. The boom 104 comprises an attachment ring 104a adapted to receive the hoisting cable, e.g. of a crane, configured to hoist the pallet carrier 100. The pallet carrier 100 can be used for hoisting the load by means of a crane with the hoisting cable.

[0048] The pallet carrier 100 further comprises an elongate securing member 106. The securing member 106 comprises two lashing straps: one lashing strap associated to each forktooth 103. The lashing strap is easy, efficient and reliable to use.

[0049] The pallet carrier 100 further comprises a first engagement member 107 for each forktooth 103. The first engagement member 107 is provided at the front side 111c of the pallet carrier 100. The first engagement member 107 is provided at the free end of each forktooth 103. The first engagement member 107 is in this example an opening with a pin is arranged in the opening. The pin allows the lashing strap 106 having a hook at its free end to be attached to the pin.

[0050] The pallet carrier 100 further comprises a detachable horizontal bar 108. The horizontal bar 108 is attached to the structural vertical member 102. The pallet carrier 100 further comprises a second engagement member 109 which comprises a pulley for each lashing strap 106. The pulleys 109 are arranged on either side of the horizontal bar 108 relative to the structural vertical member 102. Each lashing strap 106 is configured to be engaged on the pulley 109 by tensioning or lashing the lashing strap 106 around the pulley 109.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the second engagement member 109 is attached or configured to be attached to the boom 104, and/or to the structural vertical member 102 and/or on the rear side of the pallet carrier 100, and/or on the rear side of the forktooth 103.

[0052] By providing the second engagement member 109 on the horizontal bar 108, which is attached to the structural vertical member 102, the securing member 106, which engages on the first engagement member 107 and on the second engagement member 109, extends from the first engagement member 107 vertically along the load 101 to the top side 111a of the load 101 and subsequently over the load 101 in the direction of the structural vertical member 102 up to the horizontal bar 108. By doing so, the securing member 106 extends over the front side 111c and at least part of the length of the top side of the load 101 in order to secure the load 101 against the structural vertical member 102 as well as against the forkteeth 103 by means of the securing members 106. In this example the securing members are lashing straps, but also robes, cables or other suitable elongate members are conceivable.

[0053] This embodiment is in particular advantageous, because no modifications are required on the pallet carrier 100 to attach the horizontal bar 108 on the structural vertical member 102. Further, the position of the horizontal bar 108 relative to the structural vertical member 102 is adjustable such that the position of the horizontal bar 108 relative to the structural vertical member 102 can be chosen in function of the load 101 being to be secured on the pallet carrier 100.

[0054] By having this arrangement, the load 101 is vertically secured on the pallet carrier 100 by the securing member 106. The securing members 106 push the load towards and/or against the structural vertical member as well as towards and/or against the forkteeth. When the load 101 is vertically secured on the pallet carrier 100, a safer construction is obtained to transport the load 101 with the pallet carrier 100, for example during hoisting of the pallet carrier 100 carrying the load 101.

[0055] Furthermore, the pallet carrier 100 according to the invention allows the transportation of different types of loads, e.g. having different dimensions or shapes, while obtaining a safe securing of the load 101.

[0056] Additionally, it is less time consuming to secure the load 101 on the pallet carrier 100 while the securing arrangement is able to extend the lifetime of parts of the pallet carrier 100, e.g. of the lashing straps, which is beneficial for economic reasons.

[0057] Fig. 3 schematically shows a conversion set to convert a pallet carrier to a pallet carrier according to the invention. The conversion set 200 comprises two forktooth attachments 203. Each forktooth attachment 203 comprises an elongate section 203a with an elongate recess 203b configured to receive the forktooth 103. A first end 204 of the elongate section 203 is provided with the first engagement member 207, the first end 204 being associated to the end of the forktooth 103 at the front side 111c of the pallet carrier 100. A second end 205 of the elongate section 203 is provided with the second engagement member 209, the second end 205 being associated to the end of the forktooth 103 at the rear side 111d of the pallet carrier 100.

[0058] The forktooth attachment 203 is configured to be attached to the forktooth 103. The elongate section 203a with the elongate recess 203b is beam profile having a U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the elongate section 203a is made out of steel. The forktooth attachments 203 may for example be welded or glued to the forkteeth 103. But it is also possible to detachably attach the forktooth attachments to forkteeth, as is shown in figs. 1-2.

[0059] The first engagement member 207 is an opening 207a wherein a pin 207b is arranged in the opening 207a. The pin 207b allows the securing member 106, e.g. having a hook at its free end, to be attached to the pin 207b. Alternatively, the securing member 106 is configured to pass through the opening 207a. The securing member 106 is subsequently being looped around the opening 207a in the direction of the structural vertical member 102 in order to tie a knot in the securing member 106. Alternatively, the first engagement member 207 is a hook. The securing member 206 is configured to be tied or attached to the hook.

[0060] In the shown embodiment, the second engagement member 209 is a pin releasably attached to the second end 205 of the elongate section 203a by means of a locking pin 209a. The pin allows the securing member 106, e.g. having a hook at a free end, to be attached to the pin.

[0061] The second engagement member 209 provided at the second end of the elongate section 203a is configured to allow the securing member 106, which engages on the first engagement member 207 and on the second engagement member 209, to extend from the first engagement member 207 vertically along the load 101 to the top side 111c of the load 101 and subsequently over the load 101 in the direction of the structural vertical member 102 up to the second engagement member 209 to secure the load 101 against the structural vertical member 102 by the securing member 106.

[0062] The conversion set 200 further comprises the detachable horizontal bar 108. The horizontal bar 108 is configured to be attached to the structural vertical member 102, preferably to the top side of the structural vertical member 102. For example, the horizontal bar 108 is configured to be used to guide the securing member 106 extending from the first engagement member 207 to the second engagement member 209.

Claims

1. Pallet carrier for picking up a load placed on a pallet,

wherein a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side is defined for the load and the carrier;

the pallet carrier comprising:

- a structural vertical member at the rear side of the carrier,

- at least two forkteeth:

- arranged at the bottom side of the carrier,

- configured to carry a pallet loaded with a load,

- configured to be inserted under the pallet, and

- extending, in a direction transverse to the structural vertical member, from the structural vertical member to the front side of the carrier,

- an elongate securing member,

- a first engagement member provided at the front side of the carrier,

- a second engagement member,

wherein the second engagement member is configured and positioned to allow the securing member, when the securing member engages on the first engagement member and on the second engagement member and when a pallet loaded with a load is placed on the forkteeth, to extend from the first engagement member vertically along the load to the top side of the load and subsequently over the load in the direction of the structural vertical member up to the second engagement member to secure the load against the structural vertical member by the securing member.

2. Pallet carrier according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement member is attached or configured to be attached to the structural vertical member.

3. Pallet carrier according to claim 2, wherein the second engagement member is located at the rear side of the carrier, preferably at the bottom side of the carrier.

4. Pallet carrier according to claim 3, wherein the second engagement member is provided on the forktooth.

5. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pallet carrier further comprises a boom arranged at a distance above the forkteeth and transverse with respect to the structural vertical member to allow a said pallet loaded with a load to be received between the forkteeth and the boom, wherein the boom extends from the structural vertical member in the direction of the front side of the pallet carrier, wherein the boom is configured for attachment to a hoisting cable to allow hoisting of the pallet carrier.

6. Pallet carrier according to claim 5, wherein the second engagement member is attached or configured to be attached to the boom, and wherein the second engagement member is arranged at a distance from the structural vertical member.

7. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pallet carrier further comprises a horizontal bar attached or configured to be detachably attached to the structural vertical member, preferably to the top side of the structural vertical member.

8. Pallet carrier according to claim 7, wherein the horizontal bar comprises a vertical passage configured to receive a vertical bar of the structural vertical member.

9. Pallet carrier according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second engagement member is provided on the horizontal bar.

10. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing member is a lashing strap.

11. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement member comprises one or more of the following: a hook attached to the securing member, a hook attached to the forktooth, an eye, a recess, an opening, or a pin.

12. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second engagement member comprises one or more of the following: a hook attached to the securing member, a hook attached to the structural vertical member, a hook attached to the forktooth, an eye, a recess, an opening, or a pin.

13. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the structural vertical member is telescopic to set a height of the structural vertical member.

14. Pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pallet carrier is a pallet hook having an engagement eye for a hoisting cable or hoisting cable hook.

15. Conversion set to convert a pallet carrier to a pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims 1-14, the set comprising at least two forktooth attachments,

wherein each said forktooth attachment comprises an elongate section with an elongate recess configured to receive a said forktooth,

wherein a first end of the elongate section is provided with a said first engagement member, the first end being associated to the end of the fork tooth at the front side of the carrier, and

wherein a second end of the elongate section is provided with a said second engagement member, the second end being associated to the end of the fork tooth at the rear side of the carrier.

16. Set according to claim 15, wherein the forktooth attachment is configured to be releasably attached to the forktooth.

17. Set according to claim 15 or claim 16 further comprising a horizontal bar configured to be attached, such as detachably attached, to the structural vertical member, preferably to the top side of the structural vertical member.

18. Set according to claim 17, wherein the horizontal bar comprises a vertical passage configured to receive a vertical bar of the structural vertical member.

19. Assembly comprising a crane having a hoisting cable with a crane hook,
wherein the assembly further comprises:

- a pallet carrier according to one of the preceding claims 1-14, or

- a pallet carrier, such as pallet hook, provided with a conversion set according to one of the claims 15-18.

20. Use of a pallet carrier according to any of the preceding claims 1-14 for hoisting a load by means of a crane with a hoisting cable.

21. Use of a conversion set according to one of the claims 15-18 to convert a pallet carrier, such as a pallet hook, into a pallet carrier according to one of the claims 1-14.

Drawing