PALLET SAFETY APPARATUS AND METHOD

A pallet safety marker apparatus to provide a visual warning of the presence of a pallet. The safety marker apparatus includes a base structured to be inserted under, around and/or on a corner of a pallet. A safety-marker post extends upwardly from the base and may include offset, tilting and/or telescopic segments and visual enhancements. A safety marker/topper secured to a top end of the post formed in a geometric shape with color, texture and/or luminescent patterns to provide a visually-distinct warning. The post and/or topper may be translucent or transparent with enclosed lighting to impart a visual warning. Extendable/retractable safety bands may be incorporated into the safety markers/toppers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to safety apparatus to provide visual notice of a potential safety hazard. More particularly, the disclosure relates to pallet-warning apparatus to provide visual warnings of the presence of a pallet in a specific area.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In today's world of global commerce, products and product packaging are shipped around the world, often on palletized loads. Pallets have a ubiquitous presence in the manufacturing world in particular. They provide a secure means to safely move products from manufacturers to the warehouses of distributors, wholesalers and retailers.

Although pallets facilitate the transport and organization of goods, there very presence provides an inherent safety hazard. By design, pallets are essentially flat and low to the ground. They are easily overlooked in a crowded warehouse or factory. When loaded with products, often, the only portions of the pallets visible are their sides. Two sides often are solid as they are part of the support structure for the slats that form the tops and bottoms of the pallet. The ends are left open, i.e., the ends of the frame pieces are not closed off to permit the forks of a fork lift or similar device to enable the pallet to be engaged for lifting. These open ends, although quite useful, also present a potential tripping hazard as a person's foot can slide into the open slots and potentially cause a fall.

When products are being manufactured, there also can be raw materials stored on pallets in the active work area. As raw materials are consumed, the pallets are emptied and become less visible. In such a state, they present a more significant tripping hazard, especially if positioned close to an active walkway, or even worse, near a sharp corner or where two designated walkways intersect. Conversely, as products are produced, in many cases, the finished products are stored on pallets. This process, of course, starts with an empty pallet filled over time. Such pallets also present a tripping hazard during the early stages of being filled.

Another safety hazard is the stacking of pallets, if only two or three are stacked, they can be below one's field of vision when walking within the vicinity of the pallets. Again, such an arrangement presents a tripping hazard. Pallets also are arranged in designated floor areas that are set apart with striping placed on the floor of a factory or warehouse. These floor areas are often square or rectangular patterns that have obvious sharply-defined corners. Pallets stored in the corners of these designated areas are of particular concern with respect to tripping and safety in general.

What is needed is a means to give a visual alert to passersby that a pallet is present. More particularly, what is needed is a visual warning apparatus set within one's field of vision to provide sufficient warning that a pallet is under foot or close. Such an apparatus should be easy to assemble, low-cost, require little or no maintenance, and be easily movable to promote use and reuse of the devices. These and other objects of the disclosure will become apparent from a reading of the following summary and detailed description of the disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect of the disclosure, a pallet safety apparatus or marker includes a solid base structured to be secured to a corner of a pallet. An elongate post extends upwardly from the base. Secured to a top of the post is a visually distinct safety-marker head or topper that can be formed in a variety of shapes, textures and colors to generate immediate attention from anyone passing by the marker. The safety-marker apparatus may be modular or comprised of fixed components.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the base is structured as a hinge with flanges to accommodate a variety of pallet shapes, especially differently-angled corners that result from different pallet shapes such as square and octagonal. In alternative embodiments, the base may be structured to be superposed about a pallet corner and/or placed on top of a pallet corner to provide the desired visual warning.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, the base is a weighted plate that sits on top of a pallet with side plates that extend downwardly to wrap around a pallet corner. In a still further aspect of the disclosure, the base may be formed with ratcheting features to enable the base to be compressively secured to a pallet corner. In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the base may be formed with an “L” shape to sit on the floor, registered against a pallet corner. A hook extension may be added to the L-shaped base for insertion into the open end of a pallet to register against an end-rim pallet framing member to releasably lock the base to the pallet corner.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the elongate post may be modified in a number of variations including telescopic to accommodate different elevational needs relative to a specific pallet or group of pallets. The elongate posts also may be offset within the field or outside the field of the pallet to which the safety-marker apparatus is attached to eliminate a potential bumping hazard. An offset post also may include telescopic portions to enhance the adjustability of the apparatus. The elongate post may be tiltable. These and other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from a review of the appended drawings and a reading of the following detailed description of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a pallet safety apparatus or marker, shown generally as10, includes a base12structured to be inserted under the corner of a pallet. Base12includes two triangular-shaped side plates16set at a 90° angle relative to one another. Bottom ends of the side plates16are secured together with a base plate18. A leading edge19of base plate18may be formed with a taper to facilitate insertion of base12under a pallet. In an alternate embodiment as shown inFIG.3, in place of base plate18of base12, side plates16′ each may be formed with a flange18′ extending inwardly from a bottom edge of each side plate16′. The leading edges of each flange18′ may be formed with a taper to facilitate insertion under a pallet corner. It should be understood that the overall shapes of side plates16and base plate12may diverge from the shown triangular shapes and remain within the scope of the disclosure. It further should be understood that the features of base plate12can be made to be solid or hollow and conform to any geometric shape and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Base12and base12′ each have further portions defining post-receiving bores or rings20,20′, respectively, dimensioned to receive a safety-marker post13. Post-receiving bores or rings20,20′ may be spaced with one positioned proximal to a lower end of the side plates16,16′ and a second positioned proximal to an upper end of side plates16,16′. Alternatively, a single, elongate post-receiving bore may be used to secure safety-marker post13. It should be understood that more than two post-receiving bores or rings20,20′ can be used to secure post13and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Allen screws (and the like), and corresponding threaded bores may be formed in the field of rings20,20′, the combination of which may be used to mechanically fix post13to base12,12′. In one alternative embodiment, a friction-fit attachment means may be used by setting the cross-sectional diameters of the rings20,20′ and/or the post13to have descending tapered cross-sectional diameters along their axial lengths. Adhesives, welding (sonic, arc, stick, etc.), or injection molding are further non-limiting illustrative alternative means that may be used to secure post13to base12,12′. The method used to secure post13to base12,12′ is in large part dependent upon the materials used to make the components. Polymer-based materials may involve injection molding whereas metal-based materials may involve the use of welding, adhesives and/or mechanical fasteners.

To improve the binding effect or frictional engagement between post13and post-receiving bores or rings20, a series of ridges may be formed on a bottom end of post13in the area inserted into rings20(shown inFIG.18). Alternatively, ridges may be formed on the internal surface area of rings20or formed on both the post and the rings. In a still further alternative embodiment as shown inFIG.18, rings20and post13may include removable locking pins29secured through bores formed in rings20and pin bores27formed in post13at selected points along the post to ensure full insertion of the post into the rings. This provides a means to easily disassemble the pallet marker apparatus to store when not in use and/or to move the apparatus to a different location. As shown inFIG.19, snap pin25secured in post13and snapped into a corresponding bore formed in ring20is yet another alternative means that may be used to releasably secure post13to base12.

Referring now toFIGS.4and5, in a further embodiment, a base12″ is structured to be superposed about a pallet corner. Base12″ includes a side plate16″ and a bottom plate18″ extending inwardly from a bottom end of side plate16″ with a tapered leading edge19″. A top plate22extends inwardly from a top end of side plate16″. A top-plate through-bore23is formed in top plate22proximal to side plate16″ and dimensioned to receive safety-marker post13. A base post-receiving ring20″ that defines a bore21is formed on a top surface of bottom plate18″ proximal side plate16″ and dimensioned to receive a bottom end of safety-marker post13. This embodiment of the base provides a more robust registration to a pallet that prevents tipping of the safety marker away from the pallet corner.

Referring now toFIGS.6-8, a base12″′ takes the form of a weighted base to be placed on the top of a pallet corner. In this embodiment, base12″′ is substantially triangular shaped although a square or rectangular shape can be used. A weighted top plate22″′ has two side plates16″′ that extend downwardly from side edges of top plate22″′. A partial or complete through-bore23″′ is formed at the apex of the triangle to receive safety marker post13. This base embodiment provides a means to secure the safety marker apparatus to a pallet heavily weighted with product for which it would be difficult to slide base12under the pallet corner.

Referring now toFIGS.26and27, in yet another embodiment of the base, a base, designated generally as12Vis structured in the form of an “L” with a first base arm12A and a second base arm12B so as to wrap around a pallet corner without being inserted under or over the corner. Base12Vis weighted to provide a stable base for the components of the safety-marker apparatus attached thereto. A partial or complete through-bore20Vis formed at the apex of the triangle to receive safety marker post13. Base12Vcan be used with any of the other post and safety-marker elements of the safety-marker apparatuses disclosed herein.

Referring now toFIG.30, in a further embodiment of the base, a base, designated generally as12VI, has the same first and second base arms,12A and12B, of base12V, however the angle theta formed by the arms is set to match the angle formed by the corner of a pallet that does not have 90° angle corners. A partial or complete through-bore20VIis formed at the apex of the triangle to receive safety marker post13. Base12VIcan be used with any of the other post and safety-marker elements of the safety-marker apparatuses disclosed herein.

Referring now toFIGS.31and32, in a still further embodiment of the disclosure, a base, designated generally as12VII, provides a means to secure a base to a pallet regardless the pallet's height or thickness. In this embodiment, base12VIIincludes a side plate16VIIand a bottom plate18VIIextending inwardly from a bottom end of side plate16VIIwith a tapered leading edge19VII. Side plate16VIIis formed with a plurality of vertically-stacked ratchet teeth17. A movable top plate22VIIextends inwardly from side plate16VII. Top plate22VIIis formed with an opening at a proximal end that enables the top plate to be fitted over side plate16VII. Extending into the field of the top plate opening is a fixed pawl72. Pawl72is positioned on top plate22VIIso as to extend into the field of ratchet teeth17.

By pulling top plate22VIIinwardly away from side plate16VIIand tipping a distal end of the top plate22upwardly, the top plate can be moved axially from one ratchet tooth17to another such that top plate22VIIcan be lowered to register against a top surface of a pallet when base12VIIis registered against a corner of a pallet. With the top plate secured against the pallet top, the base is firmly secured to the pallet and not subject to tipping or displacement.

A partial or complete through-bore23VII(not shown), is formed in a top surface of side plate16VIIto receive safety-marker post13. Alternatively, base post-receiving rings (not shown) may be used to receive the post. Like base12″, this embodiment of the base provides a more robust registration to a pallet that prevents tipping of the safety marker away from the pallet corner. It should be understood that a lead screw with corresponding threading may be substituted for the ratchet-teeth/pawl structure to incrementally raise and lower the top plate relative to the pallet.

Referring now toFIGS.33-36, in yet another aspect of the disclosure, a base, designated generally as10VIII, is structured to wrap around an end-frame board2of a pallet1. In this configuration, base10VIIIincludes two adjoining side plates16VIIIthat form an angle to register against a corner of a pallet. A base hook76extends from one of the side plates, substantially parallel to the other side plate so as to form a pocket that receives end-frame board2. The embodiment of the base is particularly useful when the pallet to which the base is to be secured is heavily loaded with materials and/or product making it difficult to slide one of the other base embodiments disclosed herein under the pallet corner. Use of the “hook” feature essentially releasably locks the base and associated safety-marker apparatus to the pallet in a manner that prevents tipping of the apparatus relative to the pallet. Base hook76may be any height as long as it can be fitted within the open end of a pallet and may be comprised of two or more segments like the tines of a fork.

Referring now toFIGS.37and38, in a still further aspect of the disclosure, a base, designated generally as10IX, includes a deflection hook that accommodates end-frame boards2having different thicknesses. More particularly, base10IXhas two adjoined side plates16IXthat form an angle to register against a corner of a pallet. A deflection base hook76IXis secured to a torsion spring pivot axle or spring-actuated hinge78that extends from one of the side plates, with deflection base hook76IXsubstantially parallel to the other side plate so as to form a pocket that receives end-frame board2. By securing the deflection base hook to a pivot axle, the base hook can be deflected, such as shown inFIG.38, to accommodate end-frame boards2with larger thicknesses than the space or pocket defined by side plate16IXand deflection base hook76IX. Like base12VIII, this embodiment of the base is particularly useful when the pallet to which the base is to be secured is heavily loaded with materials and/or product making it difficult to slide one of the other base embodiments disclosed herein under the pallet corner.

Referring again to the embodiment shown inFIG.1, post13takes the form of a single, cylindrical elongate solid or hollow pole secured at a lower end to base12. Although shown illustratively as having a round profile in cross-section, post13may be formed with any geometrical, cross-sectional shape such as those shown inFIG.10. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, post13is set at a selected height intended to fall within the field of vision of a passerby. It should be understood that post13may be set at any length and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now toFIG.9, to provide adjustability to the height of marker apparatus10, post13may be formed as a telescoping post13′. As used herein, identical reference characters having differently primed or unprimed variations and assigned to features of the disclosure are intended to identify different embodiments of the same feature. Post13′ includes two or more telescopic sections. An elongate telescopic base section30is secured at a lower end to base12. Telescopic base section30may be permanently affixed to base12or may be releasably secured to base12via an anchor post that includes a snap pin/bore combination securement means.

Telescopic base section30is hollow with an upper end open. A base pole-segment restriction ring31is formed on, or affixed to, the upper end to function as a stop. Restriction ring31defines illustratively, an annular opening having a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of telescopic base section30. It should be understood that telescopic base section30is described illustratively as having a circular or round shape in cross-section. It should be understood that base section30may have any geometrical cross-sectional shape and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

An optional intermediate telescopic section32is elongate and formed with a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the restriction ring annular opening. Secured to a bottom end of telescopic section32is an annular stop plate36dimensioned to slide within the hollow chamber of telescopic base section30. Stop plate36may be integral to intermediate telescopic section32or affixed to the bottom end of the section. When intermediate telescopic section32is fully extended, a top surface of stop plate36registers against a bottom surface of pole-segment restriction ring31to limit the travel of section32relative to telescopic base section30. In an alternative embodiment, rather than use the stop plate/restriction ring combination, a snap pin/bore combination securement means may be used to set the height of intermediate telescopic section32.

Formed or affixed to a top end of intermediate telescopic section32is an intermediate restriction ring35that defines a circular opening having a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of telescopic section32. Restriction ring35provides a means to limit the axial travel of any telescopic section secured within intermediate telescopic section32. If a restriction ring is not included with intermediate telescopic section32, a snap pin/bore combination can be used as an alternate means to set the extension height of any telescopic section secured within section32.

An elongate top telescopic section34is illustratively round in cross-section and has a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the circular opening defined by intermediate restriction ring35. A bottom end of top telescopic section34is formed with a top stop plate38having a cross-sectional diameter set to permit stop plate38to slide within either telescopic base section30or intermediate telescopic base section32, if present. When top telescopic section34is fully extended, a top surface of top stop plate38registers against a bottom surface of either restriction ring31or intermediate restriction ring35. A snap pin/bore combination may be used in place of the registration plate/restriction ring.

With any telescopic pole structure disclosed herein that uses a registration plate/restriction ring combination to limit the extension of successive telescopic segments, O-rings or detents may be used to maintain the telescopic segments in extended positions. If O-rings are used, an annular O-ring channel can be formed within the lower telescopic segment proximal a top end of the lower segment. The channel functions to hold an O-ring in place during translational movement of adjacent superposed telescopic segments. Due to the elastomeric properties of the O-rings, when a registration plate is urged toward the restriction ring, the registration plate, which has a cross-sectional diameter larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the circular opening defined by the O-ring in a relaxed state, compresses the O-ring into the telescopic segment inner wall and passes over it. Once the registration plate is fully above the O-ring, the O-ring decompresses and reduces the inner cross-sectional diameter of the lower telescopic section and functions as a shoulder that restricts downward movement of the upper telescopic section.

In an alternative means to releasably lock telescopic segments in extended orientations, detents may be formed on the inner walls of the lower telescopic segment proximal an upper end of the segment. For this embodiment, the registration plates are made of a semi-rigid material that permits some flexion of the registration plate when translating along the inner wall of a lower telescopic segment. Once the registration plate reaches the detent, the registration plate flexes outwardly to its maximum planar expansion orientation. The perimeter edge of the registration plate extends into the detent and releasably locks the extension of an upper telescopic segment relative to a lower telescopic segment. The O-ring and detent embodiments are meant to illustrative and non-limiting. Any other means known in the art to secure telescopic segments in extended and nested positions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS.28and29, in a still further embodiment of the disclosure, a twist-lock, telescopic safety-marker pole, designated generally as13V, is formed as a telescopic pole having a base telescopic segment13AV, a bottom end of which is secured to any of the safety-marker bases disclosed herein. An upper telescopic segment13BVhas a cross-sectional diameter smaller than a cross-sectional diameter of base telescopic segment13AVand fits within the lumen of the base telescopic segment. In this embodiment, rather than using retention rings and restrictions rings and registration plates to limit the extension of the telescopic segments, a twist-lock13C is used to selectively set the extension of the upper telescopic segment13BVrelative to base telescopic segment14AV.13A

Twist-lock13C applies a compressive pressure to the outer surface of base telescopic segment13AVto secure the segment against upper telescopic segment13BVvia rotation of the twist-lock. A tapered inner sleeve62defines a cylindrical channel having a cross-sectional diameter to fit over base telescopic segment13AVand is fixed to the base telescopic segment. Inner sleeve62has a bottom sleeve section64having threading on an outer surface and an upper tapered, slotted sleeve section66. The slots run along the axis of the telescopic segments, define flexible tabs67, and permit the upper section66to be compressed so as to reduce the cross-sectional diameter of the section.

An outer shell68has a lower section having threading formed on an inner wall surface that engages the threading of the inner sleeve's threaded section. Rotation of the outer shell, depending whether clockwise or counterclockwise, will translate the outer shell68axially relative to the inner sleeve62. A top shell section70is tapered. When outer shell68is rotated to move the shell downwardly over inner sleeve62, the tapered shell section70registers against flexible tabs67and urges them into the outer surface of upper telescopic section13BVand imparts a compressive force that creates a frictional engagement between twist lock13C and upper telescopic segment13BV. Counterrotation releases the compressive force and permits the telescopic segments to be axially extended or retracted.

Referring now toFIG.11, in yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a post13″ is formed with an offset shaft to provide an enhanced safety measure when a pallet safety marker apparatus is used. Post13″ includes a base shaft40, the bottom end of which is secured to base12by any of the means described for post13. Base shaft40is positioned to have a substantially vertical orientation relative to the planar surface occupied by a pallet set on a floor or on ground. A horizontal shaft42is secured to, and extends horizontally from, a top end of base shaft40. Horizontal shaft42does not have to be any particular length but may extend illustratively six to twelve inches in length.

An upper shaft44extends substantially vertically from the end of horizontal shaft42opposite the end attached to base shaft40. By offsetting horizontal shaft42inwardly relative to the position of base12and base shaft40, a potential bumping obstacle is removed. Anyone walking closely by the corner of the pallet to which the marker apparatus is attached will not encounter the vertical shaft as it will be set back from the corner of the pallet. It should be understood that any embodiments of the safety-marker posts disclosed herein may be offset outwardly, outside the field of an attached pallet, and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now toFIG.12, in a further aspect of the disclosure, a post13″′ includes all the features of post13″ with additional elements. Like post13″, post13″′ includes a base shaft40, a horizontal shaft42extending horizontally away from a top end of base shaft40and a vertical upper shaft44extending substantially vertically from an end of horizontal shaft42. A second horizontal shaft46extends horizontally from a top end of upper shaft44. Second horizontal shaft46occupies substantially the same vertical plane occupied by horizontal shaft42such that the two horizontal shafts are aligned. A second vertical shaft48extends substantially vertically from an end of second horizontal shaft46and is substantially axially aligned with base shaft40. When a safety marker (disclosed in more detail hereinbelow), is placed on the top end of second horizontal shaft46, the safety marker is positioned substantially above the corner of any pallet to which the safety marker apparatus is releasably affixed. Post13″′ provides a means to align a safety marker above a pallet corner without providing a potential bump hazard as the main vertical segment of post13″′, i.e., upper shaft44, is offset or inset into the field of the pallet relative to the position of the pallet corner.

Referring now toFIG.16, in a further alternative embodiment of the post element of the safety marker apparatus, an inset telescopic post13IVincludes an upper shaft44IVformed from telescopic segments. Post13IVhas a base shaft40IVthat extends substantially vertically and is secured to base12at a bottom end. Extending horizontally inwardly from a top end of base shaft40IVis horizontal shaft42IV. A base upper shaft segment44IVA extends vertically from an inner end of horizontal shaft42IV. Base upper shaft segment44IVA is hollow to receive a top upper shaft segment44IVB.

Formed on, or integral to, base upper shaft segment44IVA is a restriction ring45. Restriction ring45defines a circular opening having a cross-sectional diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of base upper shaft segment44IVA. Like restriction ring35, restriction ring45provides a means to limit the axial travel of any telescopic section secured within base upper shaft segment44IVA. If a restriction ring is not included with base upper shaft segment44IVA, a snap pin/bore combination can be used as an alternate means to set the extension height of any telescopic section secured within base upper shaft segment44IVA.

Formed on, or secured to, a bottom end of top upper shaft segment44IVB is a stop plate47. Stop plate47may have any of the structural characteristics of stop plate38. Stop plate47has a cross-sectional diameter set to permit the stop plate to slide within base upper shaft segment44IVA. If an intermediate telescopic segment (not shown) is included in upper shaft44IV, top upper shaft segment44IVB is a stop plate47will reside in intermediate telescopic segment. When top upper shaft section44IVB is fully extended, a top surface of top stop plate47registers against a bottom surface of either restriction ring31or intermediate restriction ring35. A snap pin/bore combination may be used in place of the registration plate/restriction ring. The O-ring and detent embodiments disclosed herein also may be used to releasably fix the extension of upper shaft segment44IVB relative to base upper shaft segment44IVA.

Extending horizontally and outwardly from upper shaft44IVis second horizontal shaft46IV. Second horizontal shaft46IVextends horizontally from a top end of upper shaft44IV. Second horizontal shaft46IVoccupies substantially the same vertical plane occupied by horizontal shaft42IVsuch that the two horizontal shafts are aligned. A second vertical shaft48IVextends substantially vertically from an end of second horizontal shaft46IVand is substantially axially aligned with base shaft40IV. When a safety marker (disclosed in more detail hereinbelow), is placed on the top end of second horizontal shaft46IV, the safety marker is positioned substantially above the corner of any pallet to which the safety marker apparatus is releasably affixed. Post13IVprovides a means to align a safety marker above a pallet corner without providing a potential bump hazard as the main vertical segment of post13″′, i.e., upper shaft44IV, is offset or inset into the field of the pallet relative to the position of the pallet corner.

Referring now toFIGS.40and41, in a further aspect of the disclosure, a tilt safety-marker post, designated generally as13VI, is structured to enable the post to be titled to facilitate removal of a safety-marker apparatus from under the corner of a pallet. More particularly, tilt safety-marker post13VIincludes a post base13AVIhaving a two-tier sloped distal end86. Secured to a lower end of the two-tier sloped distal end is a post hinge88having a torsion spring to maintain the hinge in a closed position absent the application of an opposing force. Tilt safety-marker post13VIfurther includes an upper post13BVIthat includes an upper two-tiered sloped proximal end90. Sloped proximal end90is secured to post hinge88as a lowermost end.

In a closed position, post base13AVIand upper post13BVIare aligned and occupy the same axially-oriented axis. This is the position of the tiltable post13VIwhen a safety-market apparatus is used to provide a warning function with respect to a pallet to which the apparatus is attached. To remove the safety-marker apparatus from a pallet, upper post13BVIis grasped and pulled away from pallet to rotate the upper post away from post base13AVI. By pulling the upper post away from the post base, the removal force applied to remove the apparatus from the pallet is lowered to post hinge88. As post hinge88is positioned in close proximity to the apparatus' base, which can be any of the apparatus bases disclosed herein, the removal force is applied more directly to the apparatus base as compared to a removal force applied to a single-piece post or even a telescopic post. By applying a similar removal force to a single-piece post or telescopic post, the force has to travel down the post to the apparatus base with much of the force, in the form of a vertical force vector, wasted as the force needed to remove the apparatus base from under a pallet is a horizontal force vector. By using a tilt safety-marker post, the angle between the vertical and horizontal force vectors is much smaller so that much more of the vertical force vector directly adds to the horizontal force vector to remove the apparatus base from the pallet. Thus, a smaller overall force is needed to remove the safety-marker base from the pallet.

With any of the posts disclosed herein, the surfaces of the posts may be formed, treated or wrapped to further enhance the safety warning effect. To that end, the posts may be formed, treated or wrapped with reflective materials and/or paints in solid, alternating dark and light-shaded stipes, patchwork color patterns, etc. to impart the intended visual effect. Moreover, the posts also can be made transparent or translucent and have fillers that impart distinct, visual attention-grabbing effects. In yet further alternative embodiments, the posts may include solar-powered, light-imparting diodes to attract the attention of, and impart a visual warning to, passersby. With such an embodiment, one or more solar panels, resident or remote from the posts, will be incorporated into the apparatus to provide the electrical current necessary to activate the diodes. Luminescent materials such as phosphors that absorb energy from light sources, including the sun during the day and emit light energy when in a dark or darkened environment, also may be used to construct the posts or other components of the safety-marker apparatuses disclosed herein. Other light-imparting devices also may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

With respect to dimensional aspects of the disclosed posts, any cross-sectional and elongate dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure. For purposes of illustration, non-limiting dimensions for the disclosed posts can include cross-sectional diameters of from about ⅛ inch to about ½ inch. Further illustrative, non-limiting dimensions for the length of the posts can include lengths from about 24 inches to about 72 inches. With respect to the selection of post dimensions, the goal is to elevate the safety marker/topper (disclosed in more detail hereinbelow), to fall within the field of vision of a passerby. Such dimensional selection can take into account standardized dimensional values used in industry with respect to safety standards.

Referring again toFIG.1, a safety marker or topper14is secured to a top end of any post disclosed herein including post13, post13′, post13″, post13″′ and post13IV. Topper14is constructed to impart a visually distinct, attention-attracting image that functions as a warning. To gain the immediate attention of a passerby, topper14is formed with surface treatments and/or made from materials that impart high visibility and distinct resolution relative to anything else in the immediate vicinity of the safety marker. This includes materials that are reflective, light-refractive, glowing, and/or brightly colored to capture one's attention in one's field of vision during ambulation or any type of movement around empty or product-laden pallets. In an alternate embodiment, safety marker/topper14may be constructed with a translucent or transparent outer shell with fillers that impart distinct, visual attention-grabbing effects such as solar-powered or battery-powered diodes or other lighting elements as is well known in the art.

With respect to the geometric aspects of safety marker/topper14, shapes that run the gamut of geometric configurations may be used. Illustrative, non-limiting examples include spherical, pyramidal, triangular, square (two- and three-dimension), rectangular (two- and three-dimension), conical, frusto-conical, ovoid, truncated icosahedron and the like. The marker/toppers may be solid and made from such materials as Styrofoam, or hollow and made from rigid, semi-rigid polymers, or inflatable plastics. As shown inFIG.1, a spherically-shaped topper14may be used to provide omnidirectional attraction and warning. In another embodiment shown inFIG.13, a safety marker/topper14′ may be formed as two square and/or rectangular panels50joined together and set at an approximately 90° angle to provide warning in two directions that represent the two sides of a pallet that intersect to form a corner.

In a yet further embodiment as shown inFIG.14, a safety marker/topper14″ includes the same panels50with warning triangles52affixed to the outer surfaces of the panels. To further enhance the visual effect of the triangles52, the triangles may be colored differently than the color of panels50and/or be formed from reflective materials to further grab the attention of anyone passing by the pallet to which the safety marker apparatus is attached. The triangles also may be formed as triangular frames with removable inserts that can be varied in terms of color pattern, wording, etc. In a still further embodiment, a safety marker/topper14″′ may be covered in a series of alternating, differently-colored stripes,52and54, to form a chevron pattern. The stripes also may be formed from reflective materials to enhance the visual attraction effect. It should be understood that shapes other than the warning triangle shape may be used to impart a warning notification and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

The means used to mount any of the safety marker/toppers disclosed herein will depend, at least in part, on the materials and shapes used for the component. For solid, spherical safety markers/toppers, a bore hole can be formed in the bottom of the component to receive a top of the safety-marker posts disclosed herein. For hollow and/or inflatable embodiments, a plate (not shown) may be formed on, or secured to, a top of the safety-marker posts to support the safety markers/toppers. Adhesives or sonic welding may be used to secure the safety markers/toppers to the plate. The plate also may be used with mechanical fasteners to secure a solid safety marker/topper to a safety-marker post. Apart from these illustrative, non-limiting examples, the means used to secure the safety markers/toppers to the safety-marker posts can be any means known in the art to secure objects to posts.

Referring now toFIG.17, in a further aspect of the disclosure, a safety marker apparatus10′ includes a hinged base12′ consisting of two leaves or side plates16′ joined together via a barrel, shown generally as11, formed of interlocking knuckles15. A bottom end of safety-marker post13′ functions as a pin securing the side plates together. Extending inwardly from a bottom edge of each side plate16′ is a flange18′ each of which may be formed with a tapered leading edge to facilitate insertion under a pallet corner. A safety marker or topper14′ is secured to a top end of safety-marker post13′. This safety marker provides a base adaptable to differently configured pallets. For an octagonal pallet, the hinged slide plates can be rotated to register against the sides of the pallet that intersect to form a corner with an angle less than 90°.

Referring now toFIGS.20and21, in a further aspect of the disclosure, a safety-marker apparatus, designated generally as10″, includes a pair of extension arms to provide a visual warning that highlights or signifies the edges or sides of a pallet. More particularly, safety-marker apparatus10″ has a base12″ that may be formed in accordance with any of the apparatus bases disclosed herein. Base12″ is secured to a pallet1. A safety-marker post13″ extends upwardly from base12″. One or more horizontal extension arms13A extend laterally from post13″ and may be set at a 90° angle, if two horizontal extension arms are used, to match the angle of the corner formed by the intersecting sides of a pallet. It should be understood that the angle may be modified to any other angle to match the angle formed by a pallet corner.

Extending upwardly from distal ends of horizontal extension arms13A are vertical extension arms13B. The upward extensions may be of any length so as to fall within the field of vision of a passerby and may be set to be substantially vertical or any vertically offset orientation to position the extension arm above a pallet side. Attached to a top, distal end of each vertical extension arm13B and a top of post13″ are safety markers14″. Safety markers14″ may take the form of any of the safety markers disclosed herein. A safety-marker apparatus10″ can be placed at each corner of a pallet or to any exposed pallet corner to provide a complete visual warning of the pallet's presence and spatial location relative to a passerby seeing the safety marker apparatus.

Referring now toFIG.22, in a further embodiment of the safety-marker apparatus shown inFIGS.20and21, a safety-marker apparatus, designated generally as10″′, includes the same features as safety-marker apparatus10″ with the addition of extendable/retractable safety bands. More particularly, safety-marker apparatus10″′ includes a base12″′ structured to be secured to a pallet. A safety-marker post13″′ extends upwardly from base12″′ and is secured to the base via post-receiving bores or rings20″′. One or more horizontal extension arms13A″′ extend laterally from post13″′. If two horizontal extension arms are used, the extension arms may be set at a 90° angle or at any angle that matches the angle formed by the pallet corner to which the safety-marker apparatus is attached.

Extending upwardly from a distal end of each horizontal extension arm is a vertical extension arm13B″′. Like vertical extension arms13B, horizontal extension arms13B″′ may be any length and set to be substantially vertical or to any vertically-offset orientation so as to be positioned above a side of a pallet. Attached to a top, distal end of each vertical extension arm13B″′ and a top of post13″′ are safety markers14″′. Safety markers14″′ may take the form of any of the safety markers disclosed herein.

Secured within the safety marker14″′ is a rolled expandable/retractable safety band60. Safety band60extends out of one side of the safety marker and has a leading end with a buckle tongue56or similar attachment. Secured to the safety marker at a point opposite the exit point or area of the safety band is a safety band buckle58having features to receive and releasably engage buckle tongue56. In an alternate embodiment, two safety bands60are secured in a center safety marker14″′, the safety marker secured to the top of post13″′. In this embodiment, each safety band extends out of a dedicated slot in the safety marker with the slots formed on opposite sides of the safety marker. These safety bands each have a buckle tongue56. Each safety marker14″′ secured to one of the vertical extension arms13B″′ has a buckle58secured thereto and positioned to face one of the safety bands60. To create an extended barrier or safety warning, the safety bands60may be extended and secured to safety buckles58via engagement with buckle tongues56as shown inFIG.22.

Referring now toFIGS.23and24, in yet another aspect of the disclosure, a safety-marker, designated generally as10IV, has a base10IVthat may take the form of any base disclosed herein. A safety-marker post13IVextends substantially vertically from base10IVand is secured to the base via one or more post-receiving bores or rings20IV. Secured to a top of safety-marker post13IVis a safety marker14IV. Secured within safety marker14IVis a rolled expandable/retractable safety band60. Safety band60extends out of one side of the safety marker and has a leading end with a buckle tongue56or similar attachment. Secured to the safety marker at a point opposite the exit point or area of the safety band is a safety band buckle58having features to receive and releasably engage buckle tongue56.

As shown inFIG.24, safety-marker apparatus10IVprovides a means to fully encircle a pallet with a continuous safety warning by setting a safety-marker apparatus10IVat each corner. Next each safety band60is extended from one safety-marker14IVto an adjacent safety marker14IV(opposite the safety band). Each safety band60is secured via tongue56of the safety band to the latter safety marker via the safety band buckle58of the latter safety marker. By securing each safety band to a safety band buckle of an adjacent safety marker, a pallet can be completely surrounded by the safety apparatus as shown inFIG.24. Any passerby coming from any direction will see the visual warning provided by the combined safety-marker apparatuses.

Safety marker apparatus10IValso provides a means to establish a continuous safety warning to sets of pallets. In an illustrative example shown inFIG.25, two pallets are positioned adjacent one another. The far corners of the pallets have a safety-marker10IVsecured thereto. A safety band60of one of the safety marker apparatuses is extended and attached to the other safety marker apparatus. This provides a continuous safety warning “wall” along the joined lengths of the pallets1. Moreover, use of safety bands60enables the safety-marker apparatuses to have multiple additional uses.

As illustrative, non-limiting examples, the safety bands can be imprinted with warning labels, expiration labels with expiration dates, instructions, etc. Provided with these label features, the safety-marker apparatuses10IVcan be placed in front of, or around, specific pallets to provide warnings/instructions for materials and/or goods stored on the pallets. For example, in a grocery-store setting, a group of pallets can be cordoned off with safety marker apparatuses that indicate the expiration date of the food stuffs on the pallet.

Referring now toFIG.39, in another embodiment of the disclosure, a safety-marker apparatus, designated generally as10V, has the same features as safety-marker apparatus10with the inclusion of an apparatus removal cord. More particularly, safety-marker apparatus10has a base12V, a safety-marker post13Vand a safety marker head14V. Added to these features is an apparatus removal cord80. A distal end of removal cord80may be formed as a loop82to facilitate grasping of the cord. A proximal end84is fixed to base12Vvia any means known in the art such as tied to hook loop (not shown) and secured via adhesive and/or mechanical fastener. Apparatus removal cord80provides a means to facilitate the removal of safety-marker apparatus10Vfrom a pallet to which the apparatus is secured by providing a means to apply a removal force directly to the base. To store the cord when not in use, the cord may be wrapped around post13V, secured to a hook or similar component, or incorporated into a retractable, coil-spring operated cord retention housing such as those commonly found on lawn mowers. Any means used to store the cord should be deemed within the scope of the disclosure.

Each of the components of the pallet safety marker apparatus can be manufactured from a variety of materials and remain within the scope of the disclosure. Metals such as iron, steel, stainless steel, magnesium enhanced metals, aluminum and the like may be used. Polymers in the broad categories of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers that include specific polymers such as ABS, polycarbonate, RPVC, PVC, Styrofoam, polypropylene, polyethylene and nylon may be used to make any of the individual components. Any of the components disclosed herein can be made to be solid or hollow. To facilitate insertion and removal of the safety-marker apparatuses disclosed herein, components of the apparatuses, such as the bases, may be formed with or coated with materials exhibiting natural lubricity and/or low friction characteristics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with several embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it should be readily understood that the pallet safety marker apparatuses disclosed herein may be used in association with other devices and articles in various fields in order to provide the same visual warning effect. The safety marker apparatuses are applicable to both factory settings and construction settings among many possible applications. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications and usages that come within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.