Dunnage bar fitting

Abstract

 A fitting for a dunnage bar 1 has two parts 2 and 3. The bar is fixed to part 2 and part 3 is fixed to a pallet. The parts of the fitting co-operate resiliently to provide a snap-on snap-off engagement.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dunnage bar fitting whereby dunnage bars may be fixed to a support structure such as a pallet.

[0002] Dunnage bars are mounted on pallets to provide location and cushioned support for an array of panels which may be, for example, vehicle body panels being transported in a vehicle manufacturing process. The dunnage bars are often of a regular convoluted form and have generally been constructed of bent steel strips coated with a cushioning layer of polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyurethane, for example. Recently, however, solid polyurethane in moulded form has been used.

[0003] Currently dunnage bars are welded or riveted to the pallet. This present obvious difficulties in replacing the dunnage bars as a result of wear or because different shapes are required. Also, the pallet finish is spoiled, particularly when welding is involved. The present invention seeks to provide a solution.

[0004] According to the invention there is provided a dunnage bar fitting comprising two parts, one part being fixed to or integral a dunnage bar support structure, such as a pallet, and the other part being fixed to a dunnage bar, the two parts of the fitting co-operating resiliently to provide a snap-on, snap-off engagement.

[0005] It is envisaged that a dunnage bar may be provided with a number of discrete spaced fittings. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention there is a single continuous fitting running the length of the dunnage bar, one part being a channel section and the other part being a lid which snaps on to the mouth of the channel. Conveniently the channel section is fixed to the support structure and the lid is fixed to the dunnage bar. The reverse can be true. Any suitable material or materials may be chosen for the resilient fitting. Conveniently, for example, the channel section may be of steel and the lid of plastics.

[0006] With the use of steel-backed dunnage bars the respective part of the snap-on fitting may be riveted to the bar. In the case of solid polyurethane dunnage bars the respective part of the snap-on fitting may be moulded in to the bar or adhered thereto.

[0007] The invention will further be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a dunnage bar assembly embodying a fitting in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement in accordance with the invention.

[0008] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a dunnage bar assembly which comprises a dunnage bar 1 fixed to a first part 2 of two-part fitting having a second part 3. Bar 1 has a steel strip 1a which is coated with a cushioning layer 1b of PVC. The bar is riveted at spaced points 4 to the part 2 which is a PVC extrusion.

[0009] Part 3 of the fitting is a steel channel section and Figure 2 shows that there are inwardly directed lips 3a at the mouth of the channel. Part 2 forms a lid to the channel section and is formed with external and internal depending strips 2a, 2b respectively. Strips 2b are curved to provide resilient engagement of the lips 3a.

[0010] Figure 3 shows an arrangement in which the dunnage bar 1 is formed of solid polyurethane and the part 2 is moulded into the bar and retained by "F" shaped keys 5.

Claims

1. A dunnage bar fitting comprising two parts, one part being fixed to or integral with a dunnage bar support structure, such as a pallet, and the other part being fixed to a dunnage bar, the two parts of the fitting co-operating resiliently to provide a snap-on, snap- off engagement.

2. A dunnage bar fitting as claimed in Claim 1 wherein there is a single continuous fitting running the length of the dunnage bar, one part being a channel section and the other part being a lid which snaps on to the mouth of the channel.

3. A dunnage bar fitting as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the channel section is fixed to the support structure and the lid is fixed to the dunnage bar.

4. A dunnage bar fitting as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the dunnage bar is riveted to the respective part of the fitting.

5. A dunnage bar fitting as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the dunnage bar is solid polyurethane and the respective part of the snap-on fitting is moulded in to the bar adhered thereto.

Drawing