Strapped Loads with Spacers Aid Mechanical Handling
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KNOWN as a non-returnable pallet system, a method of assembling packs of collapsed fibre-board cartons has been evolved by the Alliance Box Co., Ltd., Warrington, Lancs. The method is designed for handling by fork-lift truck, to enable loads to be offered in unit sizes stipulated by the customer and provides the advantages of normal pallet loading without the complication of back-loading timber pallets.
The system could readily be applied to the transport of full cartons and to other types of load divisible into sections.
Each carton load comprises two tiers, separated by a number of spacers, which arc arranged to afford, entry of the lifting fcirks from any side. The number of sections of each tier varies according to customer requirements regarding size, but in a typical case may be six or nine packs.
The spacers are paper tubes, made from reel centres, and are capable of withstanding a high crushing load.
A load is assembled on a timber platform in which two sets of two grooves are cut at right-angles. Two lengths of corrugated fibre-board are arranged on the platform in line with the grooves, and the load sections of the lower tier are placed on the .boards. The 'paper-tube spacers are located between fibre-board strips to separate the two tiers and the pack is also overlaid with fibre-board. Steel strapping is then inserted into the grooves of the platform under the pallet and wrapped over the top of the pack. Finally, the straps are secured with a ten. sioner and the assembly is ready for handling by fork-lift truck.
Although " palleting " in this way adds to the cost of delivery, an increasing number of customers arc stipulatine that cartons be dispatched in haled units because it facilitates storage and internal movements. The normal height of a load unit is about 4 ft. 6 in, and the pallets are stacked three-high on a lorry. Employing either type of pallet loading affords a reduction in vehicle turn-round time at the factory and customers' premises compared with the delivery of a consignment comprising individually loaded carton packs. Apart from the extra work involved in arranging the return of standard pallets, the cost of repairs is considerable.
Sets of fibre-hoard sections and papertube spacers would be marketed by the company if the demand warranted production in quantity. An associated concern, the Alliance Box Co. (Midlands), Ltd., of Tamworth. produce the company's full range of fibre-board cartons and also employ the non-returnable pallet method of load assembly for a substantial proportion of outgoing loads.