CA2610536A1 - Shipping decks for transporting cargo - Google Patents

Shipping decks for transporting cargo Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2610536A1
CA2610536A1 CA002610536A CA2610536A CA2610536A1 CA 2610536 A1 CA2610536 A1 CA 2610536A1 CA 002610536 A CA002610536 A CA 002610536A CA 2610536 A CA2610536 A CA 2610536A CA 2610536 A1 CA2610536 A1 CA 2610536A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
shipping
deck
tile member
cargo
legs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002610536A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pamela Ann Barney
James M. Berquist
John P. Walters
Anastasia Kehr
Manuel J. Moroun
John E. Nemazi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CENTRAL TRANSPORT Inc
Original Assignee
CENTRAL TRANSPORT Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CENTRAL TRANSPORT Inc filed Critical CENTRAL TRANSPORT Inc
Publication of CA2610536A1 publication Critical patent/CA2610536A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61DBODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D3/00Wagons or vans
    • B61D3/04Wagons or vans with movable floors, e.g. rotatable or floors which can be raised or lowered
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/003Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0042Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0046Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0051Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/004Contents retaining means
    • B65D90/0073Storage racks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00014Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00049Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547Connections
    • B65D2519/00552Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B65D2519/00562Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736Details
    • B65D2519/00935Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/0094Details with special means for nesting or stacking nestable

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A shipping deck and shipping storage system Is disclosed. The shipping deck is a generally rectangular tile member formed of a plastic material.
The shipping deck is substantially planar to support cargo placed thereon. The shipping deck rests upon three or more adjacent cargo bars and a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extend from the tile member in order to limit the movement of the shipping deck and to allow for stacking of the shipping decks when not in use. The cargo bars secure within a track which is located on opposite walls of the shipping container. The shipping deck, the cargo bars, and the track within the shipping container form a system for shipping storage.

Description

BIEIIPPINGr DECKS FOR TRANSPORTING CARGO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a shipping deck for installation upon eargo bars which spans a shipping container used to transport cargo in a multi tier manner.
2. Background Art Cargo is comtnonly transl,orted In a variety of cotuainers such as a scmi-truck trailer, an enclosed truck box, a shipping container, a rail car or the like.
Frequently, it is not possible to stack cargo or pallets of cargo due to the nature of the goods. When the cargo is light, the floor space of the cabin is filled but load capacity lms not been reached. In order to increase the amount of cargo that can be transported without damagc, cargo bars arc uscd to span the container to stack multiple tier.s of cargo. Conventionally, plywood deck boards are placed atop the cargo bars to form a shclf=lika structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVIrNTION

The present invention provides a shipping deck which Is used to transport cargo within a shipping container. One embodiment of the shipping deck Is intended to be installed upon three or more adjacent horizontally spaced apart cargo bars which span the container. '1'he shipping deck is a gesnerally reCtatagular tile member formed of a plastic material. The tile member of the shipping deck has a substantially planar upper surface for supporting cargo placed thereon. The tile member also has a lower surface spaced below the upper surface. The lower surface provides a plurality of contact regions adapted to rest upon each of the tbree or more adjacent cargo bars. On the lower surface, a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extend proxiniate the contact regions in order to limit the inovemcnt of the tile I

member in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the cargo bar. When not in usc, the ahipping deck may be stacked with the legs of a second shipping deck nested within corresponding recesses in the upper surfaee of the shipping deck therebelow resulting in a low height, stable stack.

In another embodiment, a method of storing shipping decks In a stack arrangement within a container used to transport cargo is provided, The method provides nesting the legs of a second tile member within the legs of a first tile member. The first and second gcneraily rectangular tile members are formed of a plastic rnaterial and each have a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extending tYom a lower surface.

The above embodiments, and other embodiments, objects, features.
and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention whan taken In connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF'1'HE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a view of a shipping container with a system for storage of cargo therein in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an axiai end view of a shipping container with a system for storage of cargo therein in accordancc with the present invention;

FIGURE 3 is an axial side view of a siaipping containcr with a system for storage of cargo therein in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a view of a shipping container with a system for storage of cargo thcrcin in accordaace with the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a tcyp surface view of a plastic shipping deck in accordance with the present invention;

FI.GURE 6 is a side axial view of a plastic shipping dwk in accordancC with the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a top surface view of a plastic shipping deck in accordance with the present invention; and S FIGURE 8 is a top surface view of a plastic shipping deck in accordance with the present invention.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present tnvention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mercly cxeaaplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or rninimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein arc not to be interpreted as limitiag, but merely as a represcntative basis for the claims and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in tha art to utilize the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, a shipping container is illustrated and referenced by numeral 18. 'I'hc shipping container 18 has a storage system located within It. The storage system has a vertical track series 20 which is attached to opposing walls 22, 24 with tracks spacxd at predetcrmined intervals, generally every two fcet. The vertical track series 20 runs from the top of each opposing wall 22, 24 to the bottoin with tracks spaced at predetermined intervals, generally every two feet. The vertical track series 20 preferably spans the entire length of the shipping coutainer 18. Alternatively, one or more horizontal tracks may be provided on opposcd side walls of the container. A cargo bar 26 is attached at each end to opposed vertical tracks within the series 20 at both opposing side walls 22, 24.
Addttion-I csgu bars 2&, -90 arc attached to adjacxnt vertical tracks within the scries 20 at both opposing walls 22, 24. At least three cargo bars 26, 28, 30 may be at a I

uniForm height in order to support a shippi.ng deck 32. Additional cargo bar sets may be added tbroughout the shipping container 18 at the sam 1leight, or at a second or third uniform height to support a second shipping deck 32.

The shipping deck 32 is supported by three cargo bars 26, 28, 30 which are equally spaced. Although equally spaced cargo bars 26, 28, 30 are illustrated, varying distances between cargo bars are cotitemplated within the scope of the present invention when a shipping deck is created according to the present invention which is able to rest on the cargo bars. The lower surface of the shipping deck 32 eomes into contact with the cargo bars 26, 28, 30. The upper surface of the shipping deck 32 supports cargo. Additionally, cargo may be stored underneath the shipping deck 32. This increases the amount of cargo a shipping container may hold.

The shipping deck 32 is a tile member having a generaIIy rec.~tangular shape. Of course the invention contemplates any number of generally rectangular shapes witbin the spirit arid scope of the present invention. Additional shipping declcs 32 may bc placed on additional cargo bars throughout the ahipping container 18 to form a generally planar surPace wherein each shipping deck 32 serves a,c a tile member. Additionally, the shipping dcck 32 has multiple legs 34 which extend downwardly from the lower surface of the shipping deck 32. The multiple legs are generally located on opposing sides of each of the cargo bars 26, 28, 30 to limit the horizontal movement of the shipping deck 32 within the shipping container 18.
With reference now to Figure 2, an axial end view of the shipping container 18 of Figure 1 is illustrated with a system of storage of cargo therein. 'fhe vertical track series 20 is provided on opposing walls 22, 24 of the shipping container 18. A cargo bar 26 is attached to the vertical track within the series 20 at opposite walls 22, 24. The cargo bars 26, 28, 30 as shown in Figure 1, support two shipping decks 32.

With reference now to Figure 3, an axial side view within a shipping container is shown. A shipping deck 36 is fully shown, along with a partial view I

of a shipping deck 36'. This pattern may be repeated many timcs within a shipping container to create one tiled surface. Additional shipping decks may be located at additional levels within the shipping container.

The shipping decks 36, 36' are supported by three cargo bars 38, 40, and 42. The shipping decks have legs 44, 46 which limit the borizontal movement of the shipping decks 36, 38 within the shipping eontainer. There are perimeter legs 44 which arc located near the perimeter of the shipping decks 36, 38. The perimeter legs 44 are locateci to recxive a cargo bar 38, 42 therebetween. Additionally, there are central legs 46 which are generally located in the transverse and longitudinal ccntcr of the shipping deck 36. The central legs 46 are sized to receive a cargo bar 40.

Referring now to Figure 4, a shipping container 48 is illustrated with a system of storage for cargo therein. The system for storage provides a horizontal track 50 on opposite walis 52, 54 of the shipping container 48. Providing a horicontal track 50 allows flexibility in placing cargo bars 56, 58, 60 and when detcrmining a sizc fnr the shipping dcck 62. The cargo bars 56, 60 may be located at opposite sides of tlu shipping deck 62 and one cargo bar 58 may be located near the center of the shipping deck 62 to support it. The shipping deck 62 has multiple legs 64 whieh extend downwardly from the lowcr Furfacc of the sl7ipping deck 62.
The multiple legs are generally located on either side of the cargo bars 56, 58, 60 to limit the horizontal movement of the shipping deck 62 within the shipping container 48, within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With reference now to Figures 5 and 6, a shipping deck 66 is illustrated. Figure 5 is a top view of the shipping deck 66 and Figure 6 is a side axial view of the shipping deck 66. The shipping deck 66 may be formed out of a thermopiastic in order to roducc the weight of the shfpping deck 66 while niaintaining its structural integrity. This is desirable in the shipping field in order to increase the weight of the cargo. The prior art uses a plywood shipping deck which weighs about forty pounds. A shipping deck 66 made of a thermoptastic, for example polypropylene, weighs about sixteen pounds. When utilized as a system i.~

filling up a shipping container, the weight of the shipping system is decreased by about forty percent, which allows a shipper to increa.ge the weight of cargo shipped.
Any other suitable plastic is contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The shipping deck 66 may be manufactured through a variety of methods such as injection molding, or vacuum forming. Of course any suitable process to create a plastic shipping deck is contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention. These are automatic processes which allow for mass production of the shipping decks 66, The thermoplastic shipping deck 66 has an, upper surface 68 and a lower surface 70. The upper surface 68 supports the cargo and is generally planar.
The upper surface 68 may be a unitary surFace. The upper surface 68 may have a series of holes in it, which form a grate as illustrated. This design a,ilows for air and liquid to pass through the shipping deck 66. In the prior art, a plywood shipping deck absorb liquid, wh9ch tnay cause the plywood shipping deck to become moldy or have a foul odor. '1'hus, having a plastic shipping deck 66 which does not absorb liquids and may easily be cleaned with water and allowed to self dry is ideal.
Handle holes 71 are molded into the deck 66 at convenient locations.

The upper surface 68 of the shipping deck 66 may also have with a scrics of local depressions 69 Formed therein. The local depressions 69 formed in the upper surface 68 are gencraily located above the multiple legs 72. 74.

The multiple lcgs 72, 74 extend downwardly from the lower surface 70. The legs 72. 74 have a generally cup shape and are tapered so as to have a larger opening at the top than at the bottom. Local depressions 69 formed in the upper surface 68 are located generally above the legs 72, 74. The local depressions 69 may bc sized to receive legs of a second shipping deck, which makes thc shipping decks nestable, and adds an incremental thickness when stacked upon the first tile member. The incremental thickness may be one to three inches. Adding an incremental thickness of less than two inches is preferred. This allows for easy storage of a large amount of shipping decks when they are not in use. This is an improvement over the prior art shipping decks because they are not stackable in a stable manner. The prior art shipping decks also take up a great deal of space when not in use.

The lcgs 72, 74 have at ]cast one hole In their respective surfaces.
This allows for liquid to pass through the legs 72, 74 so that the liquid does not accumulate inside the lcgs 72, 74. The legs 72, 74 are generally located in two different areas. There are perimeter legs 72 which are located near the perimeter of the shipping deck 66. The perimeter legs 72 may bc located near a corner of the shipping deck 66. There are also central legs 74 which are generally located near a longitudinal and transverse center of the shipping deck 66. At least two central legs 74 are provided and up to four centCal legs 74 are contemplated within the scope of the invention. When at least two central legs 74 are provided, the central legs 74 may be located across a longitudinal axis or a transverse axis or both.

Near the perimeter of the shipping deck 66 at least two hand holes 76 are provided. A series of hand holcs 76 is illustrated around the entire perimcter of the shipping deck 66. Locating the handle holes 76 near the perimeter of the shipping deck 66 allows for easy handling of the shipping deck 66.

The shipping deck 66 may be square as illustrated. The shipping deck 66 may have a length of four feet with a width of four feet.

Rcferring now to Figure 7, interlocking embodiment of a shipping deck 78 is illustrated. The shipping deck 78 is a generally rectangular shape.
The shipping deck 78 has two sides where two projections 80 extend beyond the general perimeter of the shipping dcck 78, On the other sides of the shipping deck 78 are recesses 82 where the two projections 80 of an adjacent deck may interlock.
This would help to create a generally planar surface when the shipping decks 78 are a part of a system for shipping within a shipping container. The shipping deck also may include legs 84, 86, which allow the shipping dcek 78 to stack upon a second shipping deck, within the scope and spirit of this invention.
I

Now referring to Figure 8, yet another embodiment of a shipping deck 86 is illustrated with a top Qucface view. The shipping deok 86 ia a getierally rectangular shape. The shipping deck 86 t'na,y include lcgs 88. 90 which may allow the shipping deck 86 to stack upon a second shipping deck, within the spirit and scope of the current invention. The shipping deck 86 may also have at least two hand holes 92 located near the perimeter of tho shipping deck 86.

The shipping deck 86 may be twin shcet thermo formed from extruded sheet. The shipping deck may be formcd with a top layer 94 and a bottom layer 96. The top layer 94 and bottom layer 96 may be held together by using an edge flange 100 and posts 102, which join the top layer'94 and the bottom layer 96 via a weld or an adhesive joint. The top layer 94 and bottom layer 96 have a hollow cavity 98 therebetween.

In sumniary, the present invention provides shipping decks used within a storage system to transport cargo which are stackeble when not in use, light in wcight, casy to clcan, easy to roanufaeture, and provide sound structucal integrity.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the Invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes inay be made without departing troin the spirit and scope of the invention.
I

Claims (20)

1. A shipping deck for installation upon three or more adjacent horizontally spaced apart cargo bars which generally, horizontally, transversely span a container used to transport cargo, the shipping deck comprising:
a generally rectangular tile member formed of a plastic material having:
a substantially planar upper surface for supporting cargo, the upper surface provided with a series of local depressions formed therein, a lower surface spaced below the upper surface providing a plurality of contact regions adapted to rest upon each of the three or more adjacent cargo bars, and a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extending from the lower surface proximate the contact regions to cooperate with each of the three or more adjacent cargo bars to limit movement of the tile member in a forward horizontal direction perpendicular to the cargo bar;
wherein a plurality of shipping decks may be stacked in a vertical manner with the downwardly projecting legs nested within the depressions formed in the shipping deck positioned immediately there below.
2. The shipping deck of claim I wherein the tile member is generally symmetrical about a diagonal line extending between opposed corners.
3. The shipping deck of claim 1 further comprising a series of handle openings formed through the tile member adjacent to and spaced about an outer peripheral region of the tile member.
4. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the tile member is formed of injection molded thermoplastic.
5. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the tile member is twin sheet thermo formed from an extruded sheet.
6. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the tile member is generally square shaped.
7. The shipping dock of claim 6 wherein the tile member is approximately four foot by four foot square.
8. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the tile member is unitary.
9. The shipping deck of claim 8 wherein the tile member is a plastic injection molded part.
10. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the legs are generally cup-shaped and downwardly tapered such that the shipping deck may be nested when stacked upon a second shipping deck.
11. The shipping deck of claim 10 wherein the tile member adds an incremental thickness of one to three inches when stacked upon the second tile member.
12. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the tile member is provided with an open grate to allow air and liquid to pass through.
13. The shipping deck of claim 12 wherein the legs are each provided with at least one drain hole to prevent liquid accumulation.
14. The shipping deck of claim 1 wherein the plurality of legs further comprise:
a plurality of perimeter legs, the perimeter legs being spaced about a perimeter of the tile member; and at least one central leg extending from a central region of the tile member.
15. The shipping deck of claim 14 wherein the plurality of perimeter legs further comprise at least four perimeter legs spaced laterally near a corner of the tile member.
16. The shipping deck of claim 14 further comprising at least two central legs wherein the at least two central legs are spaced about a longitudinal and a transverse center axis of the shipping deck for receiving a center cargo bar.
17. A cargo shipping system comprising:
a series of vertical tracks provided along two opposite walls within an enclosed shipping container, the tracks being spaced apart each providing a plurality of attachment points at various heights;
at least three cargo bars sized to be received within tracks on opposed walls, the cargo bars being secured to the track at a common height such that at least one shipping deck can be placed thereon creating a generally planar surface;
and two or more shipping docks sized to fill an area between opposite walls of a shipping container, the two or more shipping decks each having a generally rectangular tile member formed of a plastic material each tile member having:
a substantially planar upper surface, for supporting cargo placed thereon, the upper surface provided with a series of local depressions formed therein, a lower surface spaced below the upper surface providing a plurality of contact regions adapted to rest upon the three or more cargo bars, and a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extending from the lower surface proximate the contact regions to limit movement of the tile member in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the cargo bar.
18. The cargo shipping system of claim 17 wherein the plurality of legs further comprise:
a plurality of perimeter legs, the perimeter legs being spaced about an inboard perimeter of the tile member to engage at least two of the outermost cargo bars; and at least two central legs extending from a central region of the tile member to cooperate with opposed sides of a centrally located cargo bar.
19. A method of storing shipping decks within a container used to transport cargo comprising:
providing a first generally rectangular tile member formed of a plastic material having a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extending from a lower surface;
providing a second generally rectangular tile member formed of a plastic material having a plurality of downwardly projecting legs extending from a lower surface; and stacking the tile members when not in use;
wherein the legs of the second tile member nest within the legs of the first tile member.
20. The method of storing shipping decks of claim 19 wherein a single tile member has a height of 2-5 inches and when stacked, the second tile member adds an incremental thickness of less than one half of the height of the tile.
CA002610536A 2006-11-13 2007-11-13 Shipping decks for transporting cargo Abandoned CA2610536A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/598,562 2006-11-13
US11/598,562 US20080112771A1 (en) 2006-11-13 2006-11-13 Shipping decks for transporting cargo

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2610536A1 true CA2610536A1 (en) 2008-05-13

Family

ID=39369360

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002610536A Abandoned CA2610536A1 (en) 2006-11-13 2007-11-13 Shipping decks for transporting cargo

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20080112771A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2610536A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9221580B2 (en) * 2013-06-10 2015-12-29 Rehrig Pacific Company Multiple pallet assembly
US9796324B2 (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-10-24 Ancra International Llc Multi-use panel for bulkhead

Family Cites Families (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3187689A (en) * 1961-10-20 1965-06-08 Kunststoffwerk Erbach G M B H Pallet
US3352595A (en) * 1965-09-20 1967-11-14 Unarco Industries Lading separating apparatus
US3433184A (en) * 1967-12-11 1969-03-18 Allan Addy Nestable pallets
US3526195A (en) * 1968-07-29 1970-09-01 Borg Warner Pallet
US3680495A (en) * 1970-10-12 1972-08-01 Hi Line Plastics Inc Pallet structure
US3875871A (en) * 1973-03-29 1975-04-08 Acf Ind Inc Multi-level transportation vehicle
US3905309A (en) * 1974-09-12 1975-09-16 Leslie D Suter Second deck system
GB1512450A (en) * 1975-05-06 1978-06-01 Mitsubishi Chem Ind Plastics pallet
US3986462A (en) * 1975-05-14 1976-10-19 Heft Kenneth W Deck structure for racks
US4067263A (en) * 1976-07-19 1978-01-10 Brooks & Perkins, Incorporated Cargo system with restraint bar
US4189125A (en) * 1978-12-08 1980-02-19 Little Jim E Ground support pads for mobile structures
US4519508A (en) * 1983-06-08 1985-05-28 Leggett & Platt, Incorporated Shelf structure for a display rack
US4688976A (en) * 1984-06-04 1987-08-25 Ppg Industries, Inc. Shipping facility having rail mounted A-frames for supporting sheets
US4838176A (en) * 1988-08-24 1989-06-13 Bowser Pallet Co. Nesting and stacking pallet
ES2105118T3 (en) * 1992-11-13 1997-10-16 Cadillac Products PLASTIC MATTER PLATFORM.
DE9217413U1 (en) * 1992-12-19 1994-04-14 Fahrion, Otmar, 70806 Kornwestheim Stackable packaging unit
US5375534A (en) * 1993-05-24 1994-12-27 Adams; Thomas F. Intermediate deck structure for vehicles
US5341748A (en) * 1993-07-19 1994-08-30 Liu Cheng Chia Stackable pallet
US5549056A (en) * 1994-03-31 1996-08-27 Cadillac Products, Inc. Load distributor for pallets
US5566624A (en) * 1995-08-15 1996-10-22 Trienda Corporation Twin-sheet thermoformed pallet with high stiffness deck
US5809905A (en) * 1995-09-05 1998-09-22 Plastic Pallet Production, Inc. Vertical interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction
US6029583A (en) * 1996-07-02 2000-02-29 Allibert-Contico, L.L.C. Pallet with attachable upper and lower members
US5941667A (en) * 1997-01-07 1999-08-24 Hardison; Charles H. Apparatus for supporting and stabilizing cargo
US5807047A (en) * 1997-03-04 1998-09-15 Collins And Aikman Products, Co. Cargo transport assembly including retaining bracket for cargo support beam
US5964163A (en) * 1997-12-05 1999-10-12 Zag Industries Ltd. Shelving system
US6062780A (en) * 1998-04-09 2000-05-16 Petelka; Brian W. Adjustable decking system
US5921188A (en) * 1998-06-29 1999-07-13 Kohlhaas; Frank A. Nestable single deck pallet
US6289823B1 (en) * 1999-08-18 2001-09-18 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
US6910668B2 (en) * 2001-06-12 2005-06-28 Aero Industries, Inc. Molded deck board
US6585306B1 (en) * 2002-02-01 2003-07-01 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Interlocking deck support system
US6854400B2 (en) * 2002-05-21 2005-02-15 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Hinge and support system for an intermediate deck in a trailer
US20040134390A1 (en) * 2003-01-09 2004-07-15 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
DE10337147A1 (en) * 2003-08-13 2005-03-10 Recover Systems Gmbh Nestable charge carrier
US6997113B1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2006-02-14 The Fabri-Form Company Pallet
US7360493B2 (en) * 2004-08-12 2008-04-22 21St Century Plastics Corporation Modular pallet and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080112771A1 (en) 2008-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3680495A (en) Pallet structure
EP2193306B1 (en) Plinths
US5307931A (en) Hazardous material spill skid
US4838176A (en) Nesting and stacking pallet
US20060081159A1 (en) Turf pallet and system
US6997113B1 (en) Pallet
JPH09183437A (en) Double-sheet-pallet with high-rigidity disks formed by thermoforming
US20180099779A1 (en) Pallet with inset deck
US4928617A (en) Modular float drum system
US6129505A (en) Stacking trays
US20050145144A1 (en) Pallet
US10099814B2 (en) Pallet
US4304334A (en) Nestable and stackable bottle case
EP0939731B1 (en) Stacking trays
WO2011072624A1 (en) Reusable and recyclable multi-design pallets
US5097980A (en) Crate
CA2610536A1 (en) Shipping decks for transporting cargo
EP2792617B1 (en) Holder and arrangement for holding a coil during transport
US6997331B2 (en) Wheel spacer apparatus and method of using wheel spacer
KR102521438B1 (en) Lashing Bridge Transport Apparatus
CN221438774U (en) Pallet for cargo transportation
CN112093211B (en) Tray system
CN219407345U (en) Novel lightweight tray
FI123527B (en) Holder and device for holding a roll during transport
KR200336382Y1 (en) floating unit structure possible to assemble

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued