ES3033117T3 - Metal profile, pallet and associated manufacturing process - Google Patents

Abstract

A metal profile (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) comprises a main body forming a first "dorsal" main face (3) and a second "ventral" main face (5). The cross-sections of the profile (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) form two lateral edges (7, 9) and two tubular portions (11, 13), each with a maximum width (AMT) equal to or less than 0.3 times the total length (LTO) of the cross-sections of the profile itself (1). Each tubular portion (11, 13) has a maximum height (AMT) comprised between 0.5 and 1 times the maximum height (AL) of the cross-sections of the profile itself (1). At or near its central axis, the cross-sections of the profile (1) form a central longitudinal groove (15) extending at least half of the total height (AL) of the profile (1). The profile (1) makes it possible to make very resistant and easy-to-assemble metal pallets. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Metal profile, loading platform and associated manufacturing process

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a metal profile obtainable by bending a metal sheet.

The profile is particularly suitable for making loading platforms for packaging, transporting and moving goods, as well as for making, for example, traffic signs, enclosures, railings, wall frames made of plasterboard, laminated wood or other composite walls or other metalwork structures.

State of the art

In relatively recent times, loading platforms—benches for transporting and moving goods—made of metal instead of the traditional wood they've been made of for decades, have become more common. The main requirements that a metal loading platform must—or should—meet are low cost, ease of production, repair, recycling, and disposal, and durability.

The numerous versions of metal loading platforms designed so far meet these requirements to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the loading platform variant in question, but not to the extent that they have led, until now, to a widespread use of these loading platforms compared to wooden ones in the transport and distribution of consumer goods and, more generally, of goods in the civil sector:

Today, wooden loading platforms are - at least in Europe - the most common type overall.

Some examples of known metal loading platforms are shown, for example, in Italian patent application PN2004A000037 or in South Korean utility model KR200417384 (application no. KR20060002911U). A further example of a known metal loading platform is disclosed in Chinese utility model no. CN2509097Y. The loading platform comprises metal profiles, each of which has tubular portions at its lateral edges, a central longitudinal groove at its centerline, and several lateral longitudinal grooves. An object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a metal profile suitable for producing metal loading platforms, and a metal loading platform obtained therefrom, which turns out to be an improvement compared to known metal loading platforms.

Summary of the invention

Such an object is achieved, according to the present invention, with a profile having the characteristics according to claim 1.

In a second aspect of the present invention, such an object is achieved by a loading platform having the features according to claim 14.

In a third aspect of the present invention, such an object is achieved by a process for manufacturing a metal profile having the characteristics according to claim 18.

In a loading platform according to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least some and preferably all of the profile sections (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) are generally straight. In a loading platform according to the invention, each lateral longitudinal groove (17, 19) has the following characteristics:

• a maximum width (WL) comprising between 0.02-0.1 times the overall width (WP) of the profile (1);

• a ratio (WL/HL) between the maximum width (WL) and the maximum depth (HL) between 0.3 and 1.7 times.

Other features of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The advantages obtainable with the present invention will become clearer to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of some particular exemplary embodiments of a non-limiting nature, illustrated with reference to the following schematic figures.

List of figures

Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a metal profile section according to a first particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged detail of the view in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of the section of Figure 1, observed according to a more longitudinal direction to the longitudinal axis AXP of the profile itself;

Figures 3A and 3B show an enlarged detail of Figure 3;

Figure 4 shows a top perspective view of a loading platform obtained from the profile of Figure 1, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the loading platform of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 4, representing some elements in transparency;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a connection base of the loading platform of Figure 4; Figure 8 shows a first perspective view of a metal profile section according to a second particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the profile of Figure 8 according to the ideal section plane IX-IX perpendicular to the axis of the profile itself;

Figure 10 shows a plan view of the dispensed layer or strip of film from which the profile of Figure 8 is obtained;

Figure 11 shows a detail of the section in Figure 9;

Figure 12 shows an enlarged detail of Figure 8;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a loading platform according to a third particular embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13A shows a perspective view of a detail of a base and of the ends of the portions of some profile sections of the loading platform of Figure 13;

Figure 14 shows an axial view of two disassembled and stacked profile sections, usable for assembling the loading platform of Figure 13;

Figure 14A shows an enlarged detail of the two profile sections of Figure 14;

Figure 15 shows a partially sectional perspective view of a plinth and of the ends of the portions of some profile sections of the loading platform of Figure 13, according to a section plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of some profile sections of the loading platform;

Figure 16 shows a side view of two loading platforms of the type in Figure 13, stacked one on top of the other; Figure 17 shows a bottom perspective view of a base and a profile section of the loading platform in Figure 13.

Detailed description

Figures 1-3, 3A, 3B show a metal profile according to a first particular embodiment of the present invention, denoted by the reference in general 1, 1A, 1B, 1C particularly suitable for making loading platforms - i.e. benches - for moving and transporting goods, loading platforms being moved through forklifts.

The 1, 1', 1" profile can additionally be used to make, for example, enclosures, mezzanines, raised floors, lattice frames - such as, for example, the shelves of loading platform supports (so-called frames) or the perimeter frames of loading platforms (so-called collars) - wall frames made of plasterboard, laminated wood or other composite walls or other structures, for example, made of metalwork, railings or traffic signs.

The 1.1', 1" profile is obtained by bending or otherwise cold deforming a sheet metal strip, for example made of steel or aluminum alloys.

Such a sheet can have thicknesses ranging, for example, from 0.2 to 2 millimetres, or from 0.3 to 1.5 millimetres, from 0.3 to 1.2 millimetres or from 0.45 to 0.6 millimetres.

Preferably, the 1.1', 1" profile is obtained by cold deforming a single strip of metal sheet.

Such a strip may be deformed on a suitable roll forming machine, i.e. a roll forming machine, provided with a plurality of rollers which progressively bend or otherwise deform the strip as it advances along the roll forming machine itself.

The axes of the rollers may be, for example, substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance of the strip in the roll forming machine, which direction is parallel to the axis AXP of the profile 1.

The sheet band forms the so-called main body of the 1.1', 1" profile.

The main body of the profile 1,1', 1" is bent so that it forms a first major face conventionally called "dorsal" 3 and a second major face 5 of the profile conventionally called "ventral", in which said major dorsal 3 and ventral 5 faces orient two directions in space opposite each other (figure 3).

The profile 1, 1', 1" forms cross-sections of generally substantially oblong shape, in which such cross-sections are related to ideal section planes perpendicular to the axis AXP of the profile 1, 1', 1".

Such cross sections form two side edges 7, 9, each of which is positioned at a respective end of said cross sections (Figure 2, 3).

At or near the two side edges 7, 9 the profile 1, 1', 1" forms two respective tubular portions 11, 13, each of which has a substantially hollow, tubular shape.

Each tubular portion 11, 13 is obtained by folding and bending over itself a strip of the sheet band so as to form closed cross sections (figure 2, 3), making the profile 1, 1', 1" particularly strong and resistant to bending; for this purpose, as for example in figure 3, 3A, the longitudinal edges of the sheet band are folded over more internal portions of the same band, so as to form tubular cross sections.

The tubular portions 11, 13 cause the outer edges of the profile 1, 1', 1" to be rounded, preventing them from exposing dangerous sharp edges of the sheet which could injure, even seriously, personnel handling the profile 1, 1', 1" or a loading platform 30, 30" obtained therefrom, or damage surrounding objects. Each tubular portion 11, 13 has a maximum width WTB substantially less than or equal to 0.3 times the overall length WP of the cross sections of the profile 1 itself; that is to say, in the profile 1 the WTB/WP ratio is preferably less than or equal to 0.3.

More preferably the WTB/WP ratio is between 0.15-0.27 times, and more preferably between 0.18-0.25 times, between 0.19-0.23 times or between 0.19-0.21 times or approximately equal to 0.20 times.

Preferably, the central groove 15 forms a central longitudinal rib 16 on the larger dorsal face 3 of the profile I, 1', 1" (Figure 3).

Preferably, the major dorsal face 3 forms at least one - and more preferably at least two - connection recesses 18, each of which is located on one side of both a respective tubular portion 11,13 and the central longitudinal rib 16.

More preferably, each connecting recess 18 is positioned between a respective tubular portion 11, 13 and the central longitudinal rib 16 (Figure 3).

For this purpose, each connection recess 18 may be delimited on one side of a respective tubular portion II, 13, on one side of the central rib 16 and by the connection portion 21.

Advantageously, each connection recess 18 of a first profile 1, 1', 1" is arranged to accommodate at least a part of the tubular portion 11, 13 of a second profile 1, 1', 1" which overlaps the first profile 1, 1', 1" orienting/facing the larger dorsal faces 3 of the two profiles.

In this way, it is possible to horizontally trap and constrain together several stacked loading platforms, in which the profile sections 1, 1A orient their larger dorsal faces 3 towards the outside of the loading platform 30, 30" itself (figure 4, 6, 16), thus making the stacking of loading platforms much more solid and stable. Each tubular portion 11, 13 has a maximum height HTB substantially comprised between 0.5-1 times the maximum height HP of the cross sections of the profile 1 itself; that is to say, in profile 1 the HTB/HP ratio is preferably comprised between 0.5-1 times.

More preferably the HTB/HP ratio is between 0.7-0.9 times, or between 0.80-0.85 times or between 0.83-0.84 times.

The cross-sections of the tubular portions 11,13 have a substantially oblong shape, extending longitudinally to the direction along which the general relative cross-section of the profile 1 extends (Figure 3).

For this purpose, the WTB/HTB ratio between the maximum height and length of each tubular portion 11, 13 is preferably between 0.3-2 times, and more preferably between 0.5-1.8 times, between 1.2-1.7 times, between 1.6-1.7 times or between 1.65-1.69 times.

Preferably, the ratio RDST/WT between the square root RDST of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion 11, 13 and the overall width WP of the profile 1 is comprised between 0.1-0.2 times, and more preferably comprising between 0.14-0.15 times or between 0.141-0.143 times and preferably equal to about 0.141 times.

The RDST/HP ratio between the square root RDST of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion 11,13 and the maximum height HP of the profile 1 is preferably between 0.8-1.3 times, and more preferably between 0.9-0.97 times or between 0.95-0.96 times and preferably equal to about 0.958 times.

The RDST/PRT ratio between the square root RDST of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion 11, 13 and the perimeter PRT of said tubular section 11, 13 is preferably comprised between 0.2-0.28 times, and more preferably comprised between 0.22-0.24 times or between 0.23-0.24 times and preferably equal to approximately 0.235 times.

Each tubular portion 11, 13 is obtained by folding over itself an edge or another strip of the sheet forming the profile 1, for example by folding the edge of the sheet over one of the connection portions 21 of the profile (Figure 3).

The two layers of sheet metal are then secured together, giving profile 1 particular strength and flex; alternatively, they can be, for example, riveted, nailed, welded, brazed, or bolted together.

The securing points are preferably oblong in shape, for example in the form of straight lines.

At or near its center line, the cross-sections of the profile 1 form a central longitudinal groove 15 in the dorsal 3 or ventral 5 main face which extends over at least half of the total height HP of the profile, and more preferably at least three-quarters, four-fifths or nine-tenths of the total height HP.

The central longitudinal groove 15 as well as the lateral grooves 17, 19 extend parallel or otherwise longitudinal to the axis AXP of the profile 1.

As in the embodiment of Figure 1-3, the central groove 15 extends substantially over the entire height HP of the profile 1.

If it is formed around its center line by a single layer of sheet, obviously if the profile portion 1 forms a central groove on the greater ventral face 5, it correspondingly forms a central longitudinal rib 16 on the greater dorsal face 3 (figure 3) and vice versa, if it forms a central longitudinal rib on the greater ventral face 5, it correspondingly forms a central groove on the greater dorsal face 3.

Preferably, the central groove 15 in its deepest and inner portion has a width WS1 less than or equal to 0.2 times the general width WP of the profile 1.

More preferably the WS1/WP ratio is between 0.15-0.3 times, or between 0.13-0.2 times, between 0.13-0.15 times or approximately equal to 0.12 times.

Such a width size WS1 is more than sufficient to place the fixing bases 33 on them.

The deepest and innermost portion of the central groove 15 is preferably flat in shape (Figure 3).

Preferably, the central groove 15 in its outermost portion has a width WS2 greater than or equal to 0.2 times the general width WP of the profile 1.

More preferably, the WS2/WP ratio is between 0.2-0.3 times, or between 0.23-0.35 times, between 0.23-0.27 times, between 0.22-0.24 times or approximately equal to 0.23 times.

Preferably, the WS2/WS1 ratio is between 1-2.5 times, and more preferably between 1.5-2 times, between 1.8-2 times, between 1.9-1.93 times and for example equal to 1.92 times.

The central longitudinal groove 15 has substantially widened, inclined (Figure 3) or otherwise progressively widening sides ideally moving outwards from its deepest region (Figure 3). The sides of the central longitudinal groove 15 have an inclination a[alpha], with respect to the direction along which the cross-sections of the profile 1 generally extend, preferably comprising between 30-85° and more preferably between 40-70°, between 60-70°, between 63-68° or between 65°-68°.

These inclinations give profile 1 a particular resistance to crushing.

Advantageously, the profile 1 forms at least one lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 which extends parallel or otherwise longitudinally to the longitudinal axis AXP of the profile 1 itself.

Each lateral longitudinal slot 17, 19 is arranged in one or more of the following positions:

• in one or more, or even in all tubular portions 11;

• in one or more, or even in all of the connection portions 21 of the profile 1, wherein each connection portion 21 extends between one of the tubular portions 11 and the central groove 15,

The sides of each lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 have an inclination 0 [theta], with respect to the direction along which the cross sections of the profile 1 generally extend, preferably comprising between 30-85° and more preferably between 40-70°, between 50-70°, between 55-65° or between 60°-70° (figure 3a).

Each lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 preferably has substantially V-shaped cross-sections, along part or substantially the entire length of the profile 1.

Each lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 has a height HL comprising between 0.25-0.7 times the maximum height HP of the profile 1; that is to say, the HL/HP ratio is preferably comprised between 0.25-0.7 times, and more preferably comprised between 0.3-0.5 times, between 0.3-0.4 times, between 0.36-0.38 times and for example approximately equal to 0.36 times.

Each lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 has a width WL comprising between 0.02-0.1 times the general width WP of the profile 1; in other words, the WL/WP ratio is preferably comprised between 0.02-0.1 times, and more preferably comprised between 0.04-0.09 times, between 0.05-0.08 times, between 0.06-0.08 times and for example approximately equal to 0.07 times.

The HL/HP ratio is preferably between 0.2-0.8 times, and more preferably between 0.3-0.6 times, between 0.3-0.4 times, between 0.35-0.45 times and for example equal to 0.36 times.

The WL/HL ratio is between 0.3-1.7 times, and more preferably between 0.4-1.5 times, between 0.7-1.4 times, between 1.1-1.4 times or between 1.3-1.4 times and for example equal to 1.34 times.

The above-described lateral longitudinal grooves 17, 19 give the profile 1, 1', 1" particular resistance, particularly to compression and bending when the loading platform is loaded on its longer faces; besides being particularly effective for this purpose, the V-shape of its cross-section and the above-described size ratios facilitate its stacking - a significant advantage - while preventing the sheet from weakening and yielding excessively during the forming itself.

Advantageously, at least one lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 is formed in each tubular portion 11, 13; preferably such lateral longitudinal groove 17, 19 projects into a relative tubular portion 11, 13 (Figure 3).

Advantageously, at least one, and more preferably at least two lateral longitudinal grooves 17, 19 open towards the major dorsal face 3 (Figure 3).

Advantageously at least one, and more preferably at least two, lateral longitudinal grooves 17, 19 open up to the larger ventral face 5 (Figure 3).

Preferably, the cross-sections of each tubular portion 11, 13 have a substantially trapezoidal shape (Figure 3).

For this purpose, the cross-section of each tubular portion 11,13 is delimited by a proximal side 131 and a distal side 133 respectively arranged closer to and further away from the central longitudinal groove 15 (Figure 3B).

The proximal sides 131 and distal sides 133 may extend in a direction generally perpendicular or transverse to the direction along which the relative cross-section of the profile 1 generally extends (Figure 3B), although the proximal sides 131 and distal sides 133 are not necessarily planar in shape.

The HTPX/HTDX ratio between the overall HTPX height of the proximal side 131 and the overall HTDX height of the distal side 133 is between 1.5-2.5 times, and more preferably between 1.7-2.3 times, between 1.8-2.2 times or between 1.9-2.0 times and for example approximately equal to 1.93 times.

Advantageously the portion of the profile connecting each tubular portion 11, 13 to the respective connecting portion 21 forms a step 23 or other longitudinal protrusion further reinforcing the profile 1, 1', 1" to deflect, shear and compress stresses in the directions of the dorsal 3 and ventral 5 main faces; the steps or other longitudinal protrusions 23 may advantageously be used for orderly stacking (Figure 14, 14A), gripping and manipulating the profile with automatic and non-automatic production equipment, or for aligning, positioning it thereon or on assembly jigs or fixtures; in particular the steps or other longitudinal protrusions 23 horizontally constrain the loading pallets stacked upon one another making the stack much more stable, secure and orderly.

The cross-sections of the profile 1 are preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the longitudinal axis AXP of the profile itself and preferably perpendicular to the direction along which the cross-sections of the profile 1 generally extend (Figure 2, 3).

The greater dorsal face 3 and ventral face 5 can form support surfaces of different widths, for example the greater dorsal face 3 can form a wider support surface than that formed by the greater ventral face 5 (figure 3).

Preferably, the sides and surfaces of the profile 1 are as free as possible from holes and sheared areas, however they may have, for example, holes necessary to assemble different sections of it with each other or with other components, or other preferably small openings, for example so as not to excessively reduce the structural resistance of the profile 1.

The holes or other shears that house the nails, screws or rivets or that serve more generally to fix the different sections of profile 1 that make up the loading platform 30, 30" described below have a maximum length, width or diameter preferably less than or equal to 20 millimeters, and more preferably less than or equal to 15 millimeters, 10 millimeters or 5 millimeters.

Figures 4-7 and 13-17 show respectively a first and a second example of loading platform - i.e. bench - obtainable with profile 1.

Said loading platform, denoted by the reference generally 30, 30" preferably comprises a plurality of profile sections 1 arranged so as to form several rows of parallel sections or otherwise placed side by side.

The loading platform 30, 30" preferably comprises an upper loading platform formed by a first row or other first group of profile sections 1, 1A arranged parallel or otherwise longitudinal to each other.

The upper loading platform preferably comprises a second row or another second group of profile sections 1, 1B arranged parallel or otherwise longitudinal to each other and preferably perpendicular or otherwise transverse to the group of sections 1A.

Advantageously, the profile sections 1, 1A point upwards, or more generally towards the outside of the loading platform 30, 30", their larger face forming a wider support surface, for example the larger dorsal face 3.

Preferably, the loading platform 30, 30" further comprises a base which in turn comprises a third row or another third group of profile sections 1, 1C arranged parallel or otherwise longitudinal to each other and preferably parallel or otherwise longitudinal to the group of sections 1A.

The base preferably comprises a plurality of fixing bases 33 obtained, for example, from sheet metal boxes (Figure 7), squat tubular sheet sections (Figure 7) (or even blocks made of plastic, wood or other non-metallic materials).

Each fixing socket 33 may be, for example, substantially cubic, or otherwise preferably squat, in general shape (Figure 7).

Each fixing base 33 can be obtained, for example, by folding and folding over itself a layer of foil that has been suitably sheared or otherwise cut.

Each fixing base 33 may be made of a sheet of thickness greater than or equal to the sheet from which sections 1A, 1B, 1C; 1A", 1B", 1C" are made and, for example, between 0.6-1 millimeters.

Preferably, for this purpose, the sides of the fixing socket 33 surround, or otherwise extend around, a main loading axis AXZ, which is, during normal use, preferably substantially parallel to the vertical axis or otherwise to the main loading direction of the loading platform or is substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the upper loading platform of the loading platform 1,1', 1" is located.

Advantageously, the edges of the open ends of the fixing socket 33 form a plurality of axial projections 330 and a plurality of axial recesses 331 which extend or are otherwise located on surfaces parallel or otherwise longitudinal to the main load axis AXZ of the socket 33.

Advantageously, the edges of the open ends of the fixing socket 33 form one or more fixing projections 332, each of which is arranged to be fixed - for example by riveting, gluing or welding - to a profile section 1A, 1B and/or 1C.

Preferably, at least some of the fixing projections 332 extend or are located on surfaces substantially perpendicular or transverse to the main loading axis AXZ (Figure 7), allowing the profile sections 1A, 1B, 1C; 1A", 1B", 1C" to be firmly positioned and fixed thereon by means of rivets, screws or welds, increasing the resistance to vertical loads of the loading platform.

Each fixing base 33 preferably fixes three different profile sections 1 belonging to the three different groups of sections mentioned above: group sections 1A, 1B and 1C; 1A", 1B" and 1C".

The profile sections 1A of the first group or the first row can, for example, rest on the profile sections 1B of the second group or the second row.

The profile sections 1A of the first group or the first row and/or the profile sections 1B of the second group or the second row can be supported at a first end of the fixing bases 33.

The profile sections 1C of the third group are preferably spaced apart from the sections 1A and 1B, for example by bearing against a second end of the fixing bases 33, so that the goods placed on the upper loading platform of the loading platform 30 can be lifted and moved away from the ground, the floor or moisture, preferably forming together with the base sections 1C suitable openings arranged to receive the forks of a forklift, a crane, a mechanical arm or other lifting device.

The individual profile sections 1A, 1B, 1C can, for example, be fixed to each other and/or to the skirting boards 33 by means of screws, nails, rivets, welds, rivets, sheet metal flaps, welded or glued.

The loading platform 30 is particularly simple and economical to assemble, since it can effectively be assembled simply by sawing the sections 1A, 1B, 1C from longer bars and then fixing them together or to the bases 30 through extremely simple and economical techniques such as screwing, riveting or welding.

Advantageously, the profile sections 1A, 1B, 1C in the assembled and finished loading platform 30 are substantially straight and are not particularly bent so that their axis AXP has different orientations and inclinations in space on the various lines of the same section.

It is therefore very simple and inexpensive to set up small workstations producing and assembling the loading platform 30 close to the end users thereof, i.e. the producers of the most diverse goods to be loaded and packed on the loading platform 30, so as not to transport already finished bulky loads from loading platforms to the end users, and it is also very inexpensive to set up the workstations for assembling the loading platforms 30 directly in the production plants of the end users thereof.

Once cut by a simple saw, sections 1A, 1B, 1C can be easily assembled by hand, without the need for the expensive equipment required for machine bending more complex profiles of known type, which are too laborious to bend by hand, especially in large quantities or with high production rates.

The 30-foot loading platform is suitable for production both manually and in highly automated, high-productivity plants.

The straight and otherwise very simple shape of the profile sections that make up the loading platform 30 and their shaping by means of nails, screws, rivets, rivets and other fixing systems mentioned above allow the loading platform 30 to be repaired very easily and quickly - to disassemble it, removing nails, screws or rivets may be sufficient - allowing it to be reused many times, significantly extending its useful life and therefore its acquisition and operating costs and significantly reducing environmental pollution.

Therefore, the loading platform 30 described above perfectly meets the need for easily repairable loading platforms; the degree of popularity of this requirement is demonstrated by the rich and flourishing network of companies and laboratories that collect, repair, and resell used wooden loading platforms in Europe: this is a very active field that significantly contributes to reducing the economic and ecological costs of logistics and transport activities.

On the other hand, the difficulty of repair is a major drawback of plastic loading platforms, which are mainly used in some fields, such as the food or pharmaceutical industries, where some of their advantages, such as ease of washing and disinfection, become so important that they outweigh the difficulty of repair.

When they can no longer be repaired, loading platforms 30 can, for example, be recast.

The exemplary embodiments described above are subject to various modifications and variations without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

For example, the central longitudinal groove 15 as well as the lateral grooves 17, 19 may have substantially V-, U-, M- or W-shaped cross-sections.

As for example in the embodiment of Figure 4, 5, the upper loading platform of the loading platform 30 may comprise for example a first row or first group of five profile sections 1, 1A and three profile sections 1B of the second group; the base of the loading platform 30 may additionally comprise, for example, three profile sections 1C of the third group or of the third row; however, in embodiments not shown of a loading platform according to the invention, the loading platform and the base may also comprise numbers of profile sections 1A, 1B and 1C different from that of Figure 4, 5, for example two, three, four, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or even more sections.

The profile sections 1A, 1B and 1C may have a length generally, measured along the axis AXP, preferably comprising between 0.5-4 meters, or between 0.8-3 meters, between 0.8-2 meters, between 1-1.5 meters, between 1.1-1.2 meters.

The cross-sections of the tubular portions 11,13 may be not only substantially trapezoidal, but also have other oblong shapes.

As, for example, in the embodiment of Figure 8, a profile 1' according to the invention can be obtained by folding - for example, in a roll forming line - not only a substantially flat layer or strip of foil, but also layers or strips of foil of the grooved surface or in which suitable reliefs and cavities have been formed, for example through rolling and/or drawing and/or scraping performed by a scraping machine.

Advantageously, profile 1' can be obtained by the following operations:

5.1) forming a plurality of ridges (900) extending parallel or otherwise substantially positioned next to each other in a sheet, where at least part of the ridges (900) change direction forming in the sheet at least a first substantially acute angle (y [gamma]);

5.2) folding the sheet so that it forms at least two side faces (500) and at least one folded corner (700) connecting the side faces (500) and being placed between them, so that:

• the corner fold (700) and the at least two side faces (5) extend longitudinally with respect to the profile (1');

• the vertex of the at least one first substantially acute angle (<y>[gamma]) lies at least in one of the folded corners (700);

• the line of such ridges (900) closest to a corner fold (700) is oblique with respect to said corner fold (700), where such obliqueness refers to second and third angles ($, ^ [phi, psi]) the ridges (900) and the corner fold (700) form one of the lateral faces (500).

Preferably, profile 1' is obtained by the following operations:

5.3) form a plurality of grooves (1100) in the sheet such that:

• the ridges (900) and grooves (1100) extend parallel or are otherwise substantially positioned next to each other;

• a plurality of ridges (900) are each flanked on both sides by at least one pair of grooves (1100);

• a plurality of grooves (1100) are each flanked on both sides by at least one pair of ridges (900);

• at least part of the ridges (900) and the grooves (1100) change direction, also forming in the sheet at least the first substantially acute angle (y [gamma]);

5.4) Fold the sheet to form the side edges (7, 9), the tubular portions (11, 13) and the central longitudinal groove (15).

Operation S.4) can be carried out, for example, by means of the aforementioned roller machine, i.e. the scraping machine.

Preferably, the first substantially acute angle (<y>[gamma]) is less than or equal to 90°.

Preferably, at least one of the second and third angles ($, ^ [phi, psi]) is less than or equal to 45°, 35°, 30° and even more preferably between 5°-25°.

Preferably, the first angle y [gamma] formed by the ridges 900 before operation S.4) is approximately equal to the sum of the second and third angles $, ^ [phi, psi].

Preferably, the height HC of the ridges (900) measured with respect to the bottom of the two grooves (1100) adjacent to them is between 0.2-2 millimeters and/or between 0.5-4 times the thickness SL of the sheet.

Preferably, the pitch of the PC ridges is between 2-40 millimeters and/or between 2-40 times the thickness SL of the sheet.

Preferably, the ridges (900) and the grooves (1100) follow V-shaped or zigzag paths on the profile 1'.

Preferably, all ridges 900 change direction forming in the sheet or band layer at least the first substantially acute angle and [gamma].

Preferably, as shown in Figures 8-12, the profile 1' forms a plurality of substantially acute angles and [gamma] whose vertices are aligned in one or more preferably straight and parallel rows, or otherwise longitudinal to the profile 1' itself.

Advantageously, the ends of the metal profile 1", 1A", 1B", 1C" form one or more control strips 25, 27, 29 preferably obtained by bending the sheet that forms the profile itself (figure 13, 13A, 14, 14A).

On the mounted loading platform 30" the control strips 25, 27, 29 are advantageously arranged to extend around and cover at least some edge lines of a respective fixing base 33 (Figure 13, 13A).

On the mounted loading platform 30" the control strips 25, 27, 29 advantageously rest - or are arranged for this purpose - against one or more portions of the edges of a respective fixing socket 33, more preferably against one or more axial projections 330 (figure 13, 13A).

Advantageously, the control strips 25, 27, 29 are arranged to rest against the one or more axial projections 330 in a direction parallel and/or perpendicular - and more preferably in both directions - to the surface on which such axial projections 330 substantially lie.

Advantageously, the ends of the metal profile 1", 1A", 1B", 1C" form one or more recesses 250, 270 arranged to receive portions of the edges of a respective fixing socket 33, receiving said edges of the socket 33 transversely so as to prevent or otherwise limit deflections of said edges of the socket 33 both towards the inside and towards the outside of the socket 33 itself (Figure 13A).

In this way, the ends of the metal profile sections 1A", 1B", 1C" almost eliminate, or otherwise noticeably limit the bending deformations and lateral projections of the control strips 25, 27, 29 and more generally of the side walls of the fixing bases 33, causing the sheet of the bases 33 to be subjected for the most part or otherwise to a large extent to compressive stresses and to become stiffer, thus noticeably increasing the compressive strength of the bases 33 and of the entire loading platform 30"; In particular, the sheet of the plinths 33 can be mostly or largely subjected to compression stresses when transmitting the thrust of the ground on which the loading platform 30 rests to the metal profiles 1A", 1B", 1C", and vice versa when transmitting the pressure of the metal profile sections 1A", 1B", 1C" to the ground on which the loading platform 30 rests.

Thanks to the above measures, the 30" pallet is able to withstand vertical compression and bending loads when lifted onto the forks of a forklift, equal to equivalent pallets made of much heavier wood—for example, so-called EPALs—or plastic.

Indeed, it has been discovered that the 30" pallet can have a weight approximately equal to two-thirds of the weight of a wooden pallet having the same compressive and flexural strength, and approximately half the weight of a plastic pallet having the same compressive and flexural strength.

The values of compressive and flexural strength of the 30" loading platform and the wooden and plastic loading platforms have been obtained by testing them in accordance with the UNI EN ISO 8611 standard and correspond respectively to the resistance to static vertical load and to the dynamic (vertical) load assured defined by the standard.

The control strips 25, 27, 29 significantly reduce the sharp edges of both the metal profile sections 1A", 1B", 1C" and the fixing bases 33, significantly reducing the risk of injury to workers when handling the loading platform, also facilitating and speeding up the movement of the loading platform 30.

Advantageously, the fixing base 33 is provided, in what is its lower part during normal use, with one or more fixing tabs 31 each of which is folded towards the interior of the base 33 itself and fixed, for example by welding, one or more screws 35 or one or more rivets, on the sides of a metal profile section 1A", 1B", 1C" (figure 13).

The tab 31 may be positioned on a portion of one side of the profile section 1A", 1B", 1C".

By fixing the tab 31, the sliding of the profile section 1A", 1B", 1C" relative to the plinth 33 is prevented when the loading platform 30" is subjected to bending-stress, for example in the dynamic resistance test according to the aforementioned UNI EN ISO 8611 standard, stiffening and notably increasing the resistance of the loading platform 30"; notably reinforcing the assembly of both; the author of the present invention has been able to obtain up to 50% increases in resistance to dynamic loading and a comparable reduction, i.e. about 50%, in bending.

Each fixing tab 31 can be more or less wide and fixed to the relative profile section 1A, 1B, 1C; 1"A, 1"B, 1"C by means of one or more rivets, one or more screws, one or more welding or gluing points or lines.

Preferably, the various fixing projections 332 of a base 33 make it possible to fix the latter on or near the lateral - that is to say longitudinal - edges of a metal profile section 1A", 1B", 1C", and more preferably through at least two - and more preferably at least three - screws, rivets 35 or tapes or welding points for each lateral edge of the metal profile section 1A", 1B", 1C" (figure 15, 17), contributing to notably reinforcing the loading platform 30".

Rivets facilitate the automation of the 30" loading platform assembly and ensure greater strength of the connections.

Advantageously, one or more drainage holes 37 are formed in the metal profile sections 1A, 1B, 1C; 1A", 1B", 1C" to allow water, if any, to escape, preventing its stagnation (figure 17).

Preferably, the drain holes 37 are arranged in the fixing bases 33 to allow water to drain from the inside of the bases 33 (Figure 17).

Each reference in this disclosure to "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment" means that a particular feature or structure described in connection with such embodiment is encompassed in at least one embodiment of the invention and in particular in a particular variant of the invention as defined in a main claim.

The fact that such expressions appear at various stages of the disclosure does not mean that they necessarily refer only to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, where a feature, element or structure is described in relation to a particular embodiment, it is noted that the application of such feature, element or structure to other embodiments is within the competence of those skilled in the art.

Numeric references that differ only by different single quotation marks, e.g., 21', 21", 21™, when not otherwise specified denote different variations of an item referred to in the same way.

Furthermore, the details are replaceable by technically equivalent elements.

For example, the materials used, as well as the size, can be any depending on the technical requirements.

It should be understood that an expression such as "A comprises B, C, D" or "A is made up of B, C, D" encompasses and also describes the particular case where "A consists of B, C, D".

The expression "A comprises an element B", unless otherwise specified, should be understood as "A comprises one or more elements B".

References to a "first, second, third, ... nth entity" are only intended to distinguish them from each other but the indication of the nth entity does not necessarily mean the existence of the first, second, .... (n-1)th entity.

The examples and lists of possible variants in this application should be understood as non-exhaustive lists.

Claims (17)

1. Metal profile (1, 1', 1") comprising a main body obtained by bending a metal sheet that forms a first major face (3) conventionally called "dorsal" and a second major face (5) of the profile conventionally called "ventral", in which said major dorsal (3) and ventral (5) faces are oriented in two directions in space opposite each other, and in which: - the profile (1, 1', 1") forms substantially oblong cross-sections that accommodate two lateral edges (7, 9), each of which is positioned at a respective end of said cross-sections; - at or near the two side edges (7, 9) the profile (1) forms two respective tubular portions (11, 13), each of which has a substantially tubular shape; - each tubular portion (11, 13) has a maximum width (WTB) less than or equal to 0.3 times the overall length (WP) of the cross-sections of the profile itself (1); and/or - each tubular portion (11, 13) has a maximum height (HTB) substantially comprised between 0.5-1 times the maximum height (HP) of the cross sections of the profile itself (1); - each tubular portion (11, 13) is obtained by folding over itself an edge or other strip of the sheet forming the profile (1), wherein the two layers of metal sheet are subsequently secured together or riveted, nailed, welded, brazed or screwed; and also - at or near their centre line the cross sections of the profile (1) form a central longitudinal groove (15) on the dorsal (3) or ventral (5) major face extending along at least half of the overall height (HP) of the profile (1); in which: F1) at least in some of its cross sections at least one lateral longitudinal groove (17, 19) is formed which extends parallel or in any case longitudinally to the axis (AXP) of the profile itself (1) and is arranged in one or more of the following positions: - at least in one of the tubular portions (11, 13); - in at least one connecting portion (21) of the profile extending between one of the tubular portions (11, 13) and the central longitudinal groove (15); F2) the cross-sections of the tubular portions (11, 13) have a substantially oblong shape, extending longitudinally to the direction along which the relative cross-section in general of the profile (1) extends; F3) each lateral longitudinal groove (17, 19) has a maximum depth (HL) between 0.25-0.7 times the maximum height (HP) of the profile; and - a maximum width (WL) between 0.02-0.1 times the total width (WP) of the profile (1); and - a ratio (WL/HL) between the maximum width (WL) and the maximum depth (HL) of between 0.3 and 1.7 times; F4) the central longitudinal groove (15) has substantially widened, inclined or otherwise progressively widening sides, ideally moving outwards from its deepest area; F5) the cross-section of each tubular portion (11, 13) is delimited by a proximal side (131) and a distal side (133) respectively arranged closer to and further away from the central longitudinal groove (15); F6) the HTPX/HTDX ratio between the overall HTPX height of the proximal side (131) and the overall HTDX height of the distal side (133) is between 1.5-2.5 times. 2. Profile (1) according to claim 1, whose cross sections are substantially symmetrical with respect to an ideal plane passing through the longitudinal axis (AXP) of the profile (1) itself. 3. Profile (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central longitudinal groove (15) extends along the entire general height (HP) of the profile (1). 4. Profile (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the maximum width (WTB) of each tubular portion (11, 13) is greater than or equal to 0.15 times the overall length (WP) of the cross sections of the profile (1) itself. 5. Profile (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central longitudinal groove (15) has one of the following cross sections: substantially V-shaped, U-shaped, M-shaped or W-shaped cross sections. 6. Profile according to claim 1, wherein the lateral groove (17) arranged in at least one connection portion (21) of the profile extending between one of the tubular portions (11, 13) and the central longitudinal groove (15) has one of the following cross sections: a substantially V-shaped, U-shaped, M-shaped or W-shaped cross section. 7. Profile according to claim 1, wherein the lateral groove (19) arranged at least in one of the tubular portions (11, 13) has one of the following cross sections: a substantially V-shaped, U-shaped, M-shaped or W-shaped cross section. 8. Profile according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the profile connecting each tubular portion (11, 13) to the respective connection portion (21) forms a step (23) or other longitudinal prominence which further reinforces the profile (1, 1', 1") to deflect, shear and compress stresses in the directions of the major dorsal (3) and ventral (5) faces, wherein said step or other longitudinal prominence (23) is configured for one or more of the following uses: - for neat stacking of profiles (1, 1', 1") on automatic and non-automatic production equipment; - for aligning profiles (1, 1', 1") on automatic and non-automatic production equipment or on assembly jigs or fixtures; - for positioning the profile (1, 1', 1") in automatic and non-automatic production equipment or in assembly jigs or fixtures. 9. Profile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio (RDST/WT) between the square root (RDST) of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion (11, 13) and the overall width (WP) of the profile (1) is between 0.1-0.2 times. 10. Profile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio (RDST/WT) between the square root (RDST) of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion (11, 13) and the overall width (WP) of the profile (1) is comprised between 0.141-0.143 times. 11. Profile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio (RDST/HP) between the square root (RDST) of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion (11, 13) and the maximum height (HP) of the profile (1) is between 0.8-1.3 times. 12. Profile according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio (RDST/HP) between the square root (RDST) of the cross-sectional area of each tubular portion (11, 13) and the maximum height (HP) of the profile (1) is between 0.95-0.96 times. 13. Loading platform (30, 30") for packing, moving and transporting goods comprising a plurality of profile sections (1) according to any one of claims 1-12. 14. Loading platform (30, 30") according to claim 13, wherein the profile sections (1) form several rows and the sections (1) of each row are arranged substantially parallel or otherwise flanked by each other. 15. Loading platform (30, 30") according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: - the profile sections (1) form at least three rows; - a first row of sections (1A) forms a loading platform on which the goods to be packed, moved and/or transported are placed; - a third row of sections (1C) forms a base through which the loading platform (30) can be supported on a floor, floor, shelf or other support; - a second row of sections (1B) is placed between the first row (1A) and the third row of sections (1C); - the sections of one of the three rows are perpendicular or transverse to the sections of at least one other of the three rows of sections. 16. Loading platform (30, 30") according to any one of claims 13-15, comprising a plurality of fixing sockets (33) for fixing and connecting the plurality of profile sections (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) to each other, and the fixing sockets (33) are fixed to one or more profile sections (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) by one or more of the following systems: screws, screwing, rivets, nails, secured, sheet metal flaps, gluing, welding, brazing, plastic co-molding. 17. Process for manufacturing a metal profile (1, 1', 1"), according to any one of claims 1-12, comprising the step of obtaining said metal profile (1, 1', 1") through cold deformation of a single strip of metal sheet in a roll forming machine or other suitable roller machine.