AU660674B2

AU660674B2 - Plastic pallet

Info

Publication number: AU660674B2
Application number: AU16991/92A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dietmar Przytulla; Gunter Schubart
Original assignee: Mauser Werke GmbH
Current assignee: Mauser Werke GmbH
Priority date: 1991-05-16
Filing date: 1992-05-13
Publication date: 1995-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-13
Also published as: JPH06510508A; NO934073D0; DE9110315U1; FI935037A0; HUT65214A; DE59202040D1; HU9303243D0; EP0584133A1; FI935037A; AU1699192A; BR9206009A; CA2103152A1; ATE121695T1; DK0584133T3; EP0584133B1; NO934073L; JP3253615B2; DE9216019U1; WO1992020585A1; ES2072760T3

Abstract

A plastic pallet (10, 32) is disclosed for storing and transporting goods in a stable and distorsion-resistant manner in a modular system. The lower side of the upper board (12) is provided with ribs (14). Closed side walls (24) provided each with two recesses (26) for receiving the support forks of a fork stacker, and spacers (16) to which is soldered a thin bottom board (20), are formed in a single piece with the upper board (12). In the bottom pallet (32) for a pallet container are formed a collecting groove (40) in the middle of the surface (34) and a supporting strip (32) that runs around the whole outer circumferential area.

Description

OPI DATE 30/12/92 APPILN. ID 16991/92 -~AOJP DATE 11/02/93 PCT NUMBER PCT/EP92/01053 AU921 6991 INTERNATIONALE ZUSAMMENARBEIT AUF DEM GEBIET DES PATENTWESENS (PCi) (51) hnternationale Patentklassiikation 5: (11) Internationale Ver~ffentlichungsnummier: WO 92/20585 1 19/32 Al (43) Internationales Verdffentlieliungsdatum: 26. November 1992 (26.11.92) (21) Internationales Aktenzeichen: PCT/EP92/01053 (74) Anwalt: H-ERFORTH, Klaus; Mauser-Werke GmbH, Patentabteilung, Scbildgesstr. 71-163, D-5040 lBrfhl (DE).

(22) Internationalcs Anmeldedatum: 13. Mai 1992 (13.05.92) (81) Bestimmurigsstaaten: AT (europllisches Patent), AU, BE Priori tb tsdaten: (europflisches Patent), BF (QAPI Patent), BG, BJ (QAPI G 91 06 055.9 U 16. Mai 1991 (16.05,9 1) DE Patent), BR, CA, CF (QAPI Patent), CG (OAPI Patent), G 9108 561.5 U 12. Juli 1991 (12.07.9 1) DE CH (europflisches Patent), CI (OAPI Patent), CM (GA- G 91 10 315.0 U 21, August 1991 (21.08.91) DE P1 Patent), DE (europilisches Patent), OK (europiisches Patent), ES (europ~isches Patent), Fl, FR? (europtlisches Patent), GA (QAPI Patent), GB (europflisches Patent), (7 1) Aumelder 601 r alle Bestimmnungsstaaten ausser US): MAU- GN (OAP1 Patent), GR (europaisches Patent), HU, IT S"R-WERKE GMBH (DE/DE]; £hdes4--6 (europ~lisches Patent), JP, KP, KR, LK, LU (europfli- 304frBMtfljl~D y. sches Patent), MC (europf1isches Patent), ML. (QAPI Patent), MR (QAPI Patent), MW, NL (europtlisches Pa- Erfinder; und tent), NO, PL, RO, R 1 SD, SE (europilisclies Patent), Erfinder/Anmelder (nur fjr US) SCHUBART, Gunter SN (GAP] Patent), TD (QAPI Patent), TG (QAPI Pa- [DE/DE]; Waldstr. 12, D-6935 Waldbrunn PRZY- tent), US, TULLA, Dietmar [DE/DE]; Gustav-Heinemann-Str. 64, D-5014 Kerpen (DE).

Vcri~fentlicht SSa Mil internationalein Reclherclhenbericlit, _71I- 1 V o 2 p or Ablatif der ffir ,4nderuugen der Ansprilchc zugelassene rs.Vcrlffcndichung wird Wedorholi falls )indcntngen eintre4ffen.

(54)Tit PLASTIC PALLET (54) Bezeichnung: KUNSTSTO FF- PALETTE (57) Abstract A plastic pallet (10, 32) is disclosed for storing and transporting goods in a stable and distorsion-resistant manner in a modular system. The346 lower side of the upper board (12) is provided with ribs Closed side walls (24) provided each with two recesses (26) for receiving the support forks of a fork stacker, and spacers (16) to which is soldered 4 ,1 a thin bottom board are formed in a single Li L piece with the upper board In the bo1:cao pal- let (32) for a pallet container are formed a collecting groove (40) in the middle of the surface (34) 83 and a supporting strip (32) that runs Pxound the 26 f whole outer circumferential area.

(57) Zusammnfassung I12ll Die Erlindung betrifft eine Kunststoff-Palette (10, 32) zur Lagerung und zumn Transport Von 3 Gfltern in stabiler und verwindungssteifer Kastenbauweise. Die Oberplatte (12) ist auf ibrer Unterseite mit ciner Verrippung (14) versehen; an die Oberplatte (12) sind weiterhin einstflckig die geschlossenen Seitenwandungen (24) mit jeweils zwei Ausnehmungcn (26) zumn Eingriff der Traggabein cines Gabelstaplers und die Abstandsst~cke (16) angeformt, an welche cine dilnne Bodenplatte (20) angeschweigt 1st. Ais Iodenpalette (32) rdr elnen Palettencontainer ist in der Mitte der Oberfl'dche (34) cine Sammelrinne (40) und eine im flullere6 Umnfangsbereich umlaufende Sttltzleiste (32) ausgeformt.

PLASTIC PALLET The invention refers to a plastic pallet for transporting and storing goods, including a planar, continuously closed upper plate provided with ribs on its underside, spacers which are aligned at right angles to the upper plate and arranged in the center, in the corner regions, and in the middle of every outer edge of the pallet, and a base part which is securely connected to the upper plate via the spacers, wherein openings are formed between the upper plate and base part and bet'een the spacers for allowing engagement by the forks of a fork stacker to thereby allow transportation of the pallet.

Pallets manufactured from plastic material are known in a great variety of forms. These pallets are generally provided with numerous openings and reliefs and with a distinct ribbing to economize on plastic material.

A plastic pallet of t ho-typo having the featres of .h przambloe f claim- is already known e.g. from EP-A-0 400 640. This known pallet has a planar, continuously closed upper plate which is provided on its underside with numerous spacers. Three runners serving as a base part are placed upon the spacers in longitudinal direction of the pallet at the edges and in the center respectively. An essential aspect is directed to the configuration of the -1F- *1f\ i "4L plug-in connections of this plastic pallet which is made of several parts. This pallet has good resistance to bending in the longitudinal direction of the runners, but not in the transverse direction.

It is an object of the present invention to eliminate these drawbacks and to provide a plastic pallet which is torsionally stiff and has a high loading capacity with respect to static and dynamic loads.

oin aGcor dah-he- enoLjuL yproviding the ba part of the pallet as a planar, continuously thin bse plate with openings/reliefs being arranged inside the bas plate. The provision of a continuous base plate allows the roduction of a pallet in a closed box-like construction wi h great torsional rigidity and resistance to bending in e longitudinal and transverse directions. In order to com lete the box-like construction, the pallet suitably has an outer, essentially closed, continuous side wall between th upper plate and the lower plate. Only two separate recesses re provided at a distance from one another in the side walls fr allowing engagement by the forks of a fork stacker or a li ting truck so that the pallet can be used as a conventional four- ay pallet.

Tn acordance with a featur of +h i ention.,-thebase...-.....

2- 2/1 The present invention provides a plastic pallet for storing and transporting goods, comprising a substantially planar, continuously closed upper plate, having an underside provided with ribs, and spacers, aligned at right angles to the upper plate and arranged in the center, in the corner regions and in the middle of each outer edge of the pallet, with at least one base part securely connected to the upper plate via the spacers wherein openings are formed between the upper plate and base part and between the spacers for allowing engagement by the forks of a fork lift so that the pallet becomes S"transportable, characterized in that the base part is "provided as a planar, continuous solid thin base plate with openings or reliefs therethrough and with a plate 15 thickness of 6 to 12mm.

The provision of a continuous, solid base plate allows the production of a pallet in a closed box-like *construction with great torsional rigidity and resistance to bending in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

In order to complete the box-like construction, the pallet preferably has an outer, essentially closed, continuous side wall between the upper plate and the lower plate.

Only two separate recesses are provided at a distance from S• one another in the side walls for allowing engagement by the forks of a fork stacker or a lifting truck so that the pallet can be used as a conventional four-way pallet.

In accordance with another preferred feature of the invention, the base plate is made of two identical parts, and these parts as well as the upper plate are made in one piece with the molded ribs, the molded spacers, and the molded side walls by way of the cost-effective compression molding process. Since the base plate is made of two identical parts, only a small compression mold is required.

rsitaLeb, both parts of the base plate are rigidly welded with the upper plate along the spacers or side walls. This welding is preferably carried out by the reflector welding process which is known per se.

In order to prevent damage to the sharp corners of the pallet which are at greatest risk during use, the corners are sibly/ slanted slightly at an angle of approximately 450 or have a corresponding bevel in the vertical plane.

In accordance with a particular design as a chemicals pallet with dimensions of 1000 x 1200 x 145 mm, the pallet has a loading capacity of more than 2,500 kg for dynamic loads and 15,000 kg for static loads. A particular advantage of the plastic pallet according to the invention resides in the very thin design of the base plate, e.g. only approximately 8 mm thick, with the recesses in the side walls, and thus also the edge of the base plate, being flattened or bevelled at the edges for improved engagement by the forks of a fork stacker 3 or the running rails (carrying arms) of a lifting truck. The depth for engagement of these recesses in the side walls is roughly 90 mm so that the chemicals pallet is particularly suitable for the use with lifting trucks. The openings or reliefs arranged in the base plate are provided exclusively at slightly lifted pallets to allow passage of the rollers of a lifting truch31 For the storage of piece goods or small containers, e.g.

in high-shelf storehouses or to transport standardized containers, e.g. by truck, the pallet is constructed as a so-called Euro-pallet or pool-pallet with a length of 1200 mm and a width of only 800 mm. In a further slightly modified form, the pallet is constructed as a base frame for a pallet container and is provided with a groove formed in the surface of the upper plate so as to extend around the outer circumferential area for receiving the lower edge of the outer supporting shell of the pallet container. In this manner, the supporting shell is advantageously secured along a continuous circumferential Area in the radial direction so as to prevent an outward bulging of the inner container and supporting shell in the filled state. Further, a circumferentially extending support strip which projects out of the upper surface of the pallet and has a virtually triangular cross section is advantageously provided for supporting the inner container which is made of thin-walled plastic material. The side of -4the support strip facing the plastic inner container is rounded or shaped in a convex manner corresponding to the curvature of the inner container.

In a similar embodiment of the plastic pallet as a base frame or base plate for a pallet container with placed upon inner thin-walled plastic container and an outer reinforcing shell, e.g. of wire grating bars, which tightly encloses the plastic container, the pallet has a substantially planar and closed (uninterrupted) surface which is provided in vicinity of its outer edge or in its circumferential area with a raised supporting shoulder which extends at least partially along the circumference for contact and support of the inserted plastic container and for contact and support of the supporting shell of the pallet container which bears thereupon from outside.

This embodiment advantageously increases the resistance to fracture when falling even from great heights and prevents a lateral displacement of the filled plastic container relative to the base pallet at the moment of impact on the ground.

radial direction, this embodiment ca be additionally provided externally in front of the ;a-ised supporting shoulder with the groove described i claim 8 which is formed around the circumferen area for receiving the lower edge of the outer upL 5 5/1 To additionally secure the outer supporting shell in the radial direction, the pallet can additionally be provided with the groove formed in the planar upper surface so as to extend around the circumferential area for receiving the lower edge of the outer supporting shell.

e e *e*e In the following, the invention is explained in more detail and described with reference to the exemplified embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plastic pallet according to the invention as seen from above; Fig. 2 is a side view of the plastic pallet according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a top view of the lower base or base plate of the plastic pallet according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the underside of the pallet according to Fig. 1, with the base plate being partially broken away (cut) in the front area; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a further exemplified embodiment of the plastic pallet, according to the invention, for a pallet container; Fig, 6 is a side view of the pallet according to Fig. Fig. 7 is a top view of the pallet according to Fig. Fig. 8 is a side view of the pallet according to Fig. -6with a collecting trough formed therein; Fig. 9 is a top view of the lower base or base plate of the pallet according to Fig. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the underside of the pallet according to Fig. 5, with the base plate being partially broken away (cut) in the front area; Fig. 11 is a side view of another exemplified embodiment of the plastic pallet, according to the invention, with raised supporting shoulder for a pallet container; Fig. 12 is a top view of the pallet according to Fig. 11; Fig. 13" is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the marginal area of the pallet according to Fig. 11.

In Fig. 1, a rectangular plastic pallet having a completely closed, uninterrupted, smooth and planar upper plate 12 is designated by reference numeral 10. To ensure good protection against slipping, the surface of the upper plate 12 can be roughened, i.e. provided for example with ripples or grain.

The corners of the pallet 10 are slightly slanted (by -7approximately 20 30 mm).

The outer side walls 24 extending vertically relative to the upper plate 12 and base plate 20 are likewise continuously smooth and planar, as can be seen from Fig. 2, with each side wall 24 having two separate and spaced recesses 26 for engagement by the forks of a fork stacker or the carrying arms of a lifting truck.

The four-way pallet or double-deck pallet which is constructed in a torsionally rigid box-type manner as a Euro-pallet or pool pallet preferably has approximate dimensions of 800 x 1200 x 145 mm. For use as a chemicals pallet its length/width dimensions are roughly 1000 x 1200 x 145 mm.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the base part is also designed as a planar, continuous thin base plate 20 and four substantially rectangular openings or reliefs 22 are provided only on the inside of the base plate 20 to permit passage of the rollers of a lifting truck because the plastic Ipallet according to the invention should be suitable in particular for use with lifting trucks in warehouses or high-shelf storehouses.

Therefore, the base plate 20 is also comparatively thin (approximately only 8 mm thick) with a sharply beveled entrance edge.

-8- The perspective (isometric) view of the plastic pallet in Fig. 4 shows the ribs 14 aligned at right angles on the underside of the upper plate 12 (upper base). It can also be seen that the flat base plate 20 is produced from two identical parts 28 which bear upon each other so as to be flush (closed) along a central partition seam. A plurality of spacers 16 projecting out of the ribs 14 on the underside of the upper plate 12 are arranged in the center of the pallet, in its corner regions, and in the center of each outer edge (side wall) of the pallet. However, the ribs between the spacers could also be constructed so as to slope at an angle of 450°.

According to the invention, the upper plate 12 is made in a single piece by way of compression molding in one working step with the ribbing 14, the spacers 16, and all side walls 24, as are both parts 28 of the base plate 20. The three parts of the pallet are then, preferably by way of reflector welding process, securely and nondetachably welded together. In this manner, the torsionally rigid and bending-resistant box shape of the plastic pallet according to the invention is realized with an extremely thin stringer.

Another embodiment of the plastic pallet according to the invention is shown in Fig. 5. This particular plastic pallet 32 is constructed as a base frame for a pallet 9 container and is provided with an inner thin-walled plastic container (volumetric capacity of approximately 1000 1) and a supporting shell of sheet metal, steel-wire grating or a cardboard shell of rolled and glued kraft paper) which rigidly encloses the plastic container. A groove 36 8 mm wide) which extends around the circumferential area is formed or pressed into the planar surface 34 of the pallet 32 for receiving the lower edge of the supporting shell of the pallet container. This groove 36 provides a secure seat for the supporting shell of the pallet container and a secure fastening to protect against radial forces, e.g. forces causing an outwardl bulging at the straight side edges and tersile forces directed inward in the corner areas.

Further, a circumferentially extending strip 3P which has an approximate triangular cross section and projects out of the surface 34 of the pallet 32 is provided on the inside of the groove 36 for advantageously supporting the lower edge of the inner plastic container. Small rectangular molded-in portions with bores for threaded screws are preferably provided in the corner are.s of the pallet. Holding clamps are inserted in these molded-in portions and the supporting shell can accordingly be fastened or screwed onto the pallet 32 so as to be secured against the influence of axial tensile forces. A collecting trough 40 which extends in a straight line with increasing depth toward the front outer 10 edge of the pallet is provided in the center of the pallet 32. A run-off groove formed in a corresponding manner in the lower base of the thin-walled plastic container arranged thereon adjoins this trough 40 and leads to the lateral outlet valve of the plastic container on the base side so as to ensure a complete emptying of the container. The upper deck of the pallet 32 can suitably be provided with stamped inserts in the same location in one or more corner areas at the bevel 30 for placement of customer-specific data, such as date of manufacture, company logo, license number, customer logo, etc.

The side view of Fig. 6 clearly illustrates the enlarged bevel 30 at the carner areas in the vertical plane.

The top view of the plastic pallet 32 according to Fig. 7 more clearly illustrates the shape of the molded groove 36, with the support strip 36 adjoining at the inside.

Fig. 8 again shows the side view of the plastic pallet 32 with the trough 40 opening at the front. Fig. 9, which is a view of the pallet 32 from the bottom, also shows that the base plate 20 is made of from two identical parts 28, which for manufacturing reasons is advantageous. Certainly, the base plate could also be made as a single piece plate.

11 Fig. 10 shows again a perspective view of the pallet 32 onto the base side, with a portion of the base plate 28 being broken away to better show the ribs 14. In this manner, also the spacers 16 in the center, in the corner regions, and at the outer edges of the pallet are clearly depicted. The base plate 20 or the parts 28 of the base plate are massive but yet have a plate thickness between approximately 6 mm and 12 nmm, preferably approximately 8 mm, with the base plate 20 being made from the same material (plastic material) as the upper plate. To increase the material strength and the modulus of elasticity, the base plate can also be additionally provided with suitable fillers, e.g. incorporated fiber material, woven matting, wire inserts or the like as tie rods or stays.

A further advantageous embodiment of the plastic pallet is shown in a side view in Fig. 11 and in a top view in Fig. 12.

This particular pallet configuration is likewise provided as a base pallet or base frame for a pallet container having an inner thin-walled plastic container with central upper filling opening and lateral lower outlet valve, an outer supporting shell which tichtly encloses the plastic container and is made of e.g. sheet steel, wire-grating mesh, metal pipe frame or the like, and the said base pallet. In the circumferential area of the pallet surface 34 is a supporting shoulder 44 which is raised and projects from the upper surface 34. This supporting shoulder 44 could be e.g. a prefabricated injection 12 molded part in the shape of a partial ring which is fastened (glued, welded and/or screwed on) to the pallet surface. It is preferred however to mold the supporting shoulder 44 in one piece or integrally with the upper plate 12 of the pallet during its manufacture in a cost-effective manner in a same working step. If the filled pallet container falls obliquely on its lateral edge, e.g. from the loading surface of a truck, the supporting shoulder 24 prevents a displacement of the inner plastic container relative to the plastic pallet and circumvents damage to or tearing of the fastening means of the outer supporting shell of the base pallet.

As a result of the pallet design according to the invention other conventional auxiliary means such as under-shells or inserted damping mats with a raised edge area or parts of foamed polysterene, etc. can be omitted.

Th( circumferentially extending supporting shoulder 44 is interrupted only in the area of the opening of the molded trough 40 or at the location of the outlet valve of the inner plastic container. The height of the supporting shoulder 44 is between 30 mm and approximately 120 mm, but preferably between 60 and 80 mm. However, the supporting shoulder 44 could also be provided only in the front half of the pallet around the outlet valve. Another circumferentially extending supporting shoulder could have a different height, e.g. a 13 height of roughly 70 mm in the front half of the pallet and a height of only approximately 30 mm in the rear half of the pallet and the transition can be made continuously.

The dimensions of the plastic pallets for pallet containers are e.g. 1160 x 1160 mm for a (cubical) oval-round container, although pallet dimensions of 1000 x 1200 mm can also be used for a 1000 1 rectangular container. The outlet valve and opening area of the trough 40 can then be located on a narrower side of the pallet.

As can further be seen from Fig. 12, the closed (i.e.

uninterrupted) surface 34 of the plastic pallet is provided on the side of the pallet where the outlet valve is located or parallel thereto with a surface area 46 which is raised relative to the supporting shoulder 44. Further, the surface 34 of the pallet has a slight downward inclination along the surface toward the center of the trough 40, i.e. is provided with a slight downward gradient, to improve the emptying of remainders from the inner plastic container by adapting to its corresponding base configuration. The height of the gradient from the lateral supporting shoulder 44 to the center of the trough 40 is approximately 8 to 12 mm.

As is further indicated in Fig. 12 by black dots, a plurality of bores, e.g. eight bores as indicated in the 14 drawing, which traverse the pallet can be provided at the outer marginal area 42 in front of the supporting shoulder 44, with elongated vertical grating bars of a grating-type supporting shell being guided therethrough and secured to the pallet from below., Fig. 13 shows an enlarged view, taken along the section line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12, of the marginal area, with the supporting shoulder 44 being raised in one piece from the upper plate of the pallet. In this manner, the configuration of the raised surface region 46 from the upper surface 34 of the pallet can be seen more clearly. The supporting shoulder 44 has a slanted upper edge 48 to adapt to the inserted plastic container. The planar marginal area 42 in which the aforementioned bores are provided for receiving the elongated vertical grating bars is shown on the outside in front of the supporting shoulder 44. However, the groove 36 described in claim 8 for receiving the lower edge of the reinforcing shell of the pallet container could also be additionally molded into the marginal area 42.

Finally, the plastic pallet 10 or 32 according to the invention is suitably made entirely of regenerated recycled plastic recycled PE). Such a pallet weighs approximately 25 kg and is preferably colored black. This affords a good opportunity to assign a new use for recovered 15 canister or drum material high molecular weight low-pressure PE) which can no longer be utilized to maka new containers because of impurities. The features described above are applicable in any combination for all pallet designs.

16 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS pallet 12 upper plate 14 ribs (12) 16 spacers (12) 18 base part base plate 22 relief 24 side wall (12) 26 recess (24) 28 parts bevel 32 pallet for pallet container 34 surface (32) 36 groove (34) 38 strip (34) trough (34) 42 marginal area/outer step 44 supporting shoulder raised surface area (34) 48 slanted upper edge (44) 17

Claims

3. A plastic pallet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pallet has a continuous side 20 wall at its outer side between the upper plate and the base plate, which side wall has two separate recesses for allowing engagement by the forks of a fork stacker of lifting truck.
4. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base plate is made of two parts, with these parts as well as the one-piece upper plate with ribs, spacers, and side walls are made by way of compression molding. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two parts of the base plate are securely welded with the upper plate along the spacers or side walls, preferably by way of reflector welding process.
6. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the corners of the pallet are 19 beveled at an angle of approximately 450 or have a bevel extending in the vertical plane.
7. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a construction as so-called Euro-pallet or pool pallet with length/width dimensions of 1200 x 800mm.
8. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a construction as so-called chemicals pallet with length/width dimensions of 1200 x 1000mm.
9. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pallet, in a construction as a base frame for a pallet container, has a groove formed in the planar upper surface so as to extend around the outer circumferential area for receiving the lower edge of 15 the outer supporting shell of the pallet container.
10. A plastic pallet as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that a circumferentially extending strip which projects out of the upper surface of the pallet and has a substantially triangular cross section is provided on the 20 inside of the groove.
11. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of claims 8 or characterized in that a trough which extends in a straight line with increasing depth toward the outer edge of the pallet is provided in the center of the pallet.
12. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parts of the base plate and the upper plate are made entirely from regenerated or recycled plastic material.
13. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base plate is made of a same material as the upper plate, but is provided in addition with suitable filler material or fiber material for increasing the material strength and modulus of elasticity.
14. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that tht pallet, in a construction as a base pallet or bse frame for a pallet container, has a substantially planar and closed surface which includes in the vicinity of its outer edge or in its circumferential area a raised supporting shoulder extending at least partially about the circumference for contact and support of the inserted plastic container of the pallet container. A plastic pallet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substantially planar surface of the pallet upper plate has a slight slope and is slightly inclined downwardly toward the central trough.
16. A plastic pallet substantially as hereinbefore 15 described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this llth day of April 1995 MAUSER-WERKE GmbH Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: RICE CO. F.B. RICE CO. ee* o f v, ABSTRACT The invention relates to a plastic pallet (10, 32) in a stable and torsionally rigid box-like construction for storing and transporting goods. The upper plate (12) is provided on its underside with ribj Closed side walls (24),.each having two recesses (26) for engagement by the carrying forks of a fork stacker, and the spacers (16) to which a thin base plate (20) is welded are formed in a single piece with the upper plate In the base pallet (32) for a pallet container are formed a collecting trough (40) in the center of the upper surface (34) and a supporting strip (32) extending at the outside around the circumferential area. 23