MXPA99010648A - Pallet system including base pallet with rigid subframe - Google Patents

Abstract

A pallet for supporting a plurality of packages, the pallet including a base member (110) having a plurality of feet (112, 114, 116, 118) defining a plurality of gaps (120, 130) between adjacent feet and a subframe (150) including a plurality of cross bars (152, 154), each of the cross bars overlying and supported by the feet and spanning the gaps defined between the feet. A package position (170) is provided for each of the packages. Each package position is located along a respective one of the cross bars and directly overlies a respective one of the gaps such that each of the packages when mounted of the pallet at a respective one of the package positions is suspended above the respective gap by the respective cross bar.

Description

SYSTEM D? PLATFORM THAT INCLUDES A BASE PLATFORM WITH A RIGID SUB STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION D? THE INVENTION The present invention is related. with platforms, and more particularly, with a platform system that includes a base platform that has a relatively rigid substructure. A preferred method for transporting and storing wrapped yarn around dye centers or tubes (commonly referred to as "yarn packages") is to place a first layer of yarn packages on a base platform, mount a spacer bearing ~ on the layer of yarn packages. thread, and place-, an additional layer of yarn packages on the separator bearing. Additional layers of yarn packages and separating bearings are formed, the last layer of yarn packages is covered with a top platform.The assembly is surrounded at least around its sides by a shrinkable or shrink film wrap. The film stabilizes the platform assembly and prevents dust from entering and contaminating the yarn packages.The base platforms used must be adapted for transport by forklift trucks, which require the provision of openings for the forks. As a result, the supporting surface on which the yarn packages are placed is not directly supported by the floor, but is arranged on a range of legs and spaces between the legs which receive the tips of the forklift. Fork lift truck spaces should generally be accommodated according to a standardized configuration. standard have two entrance ways along and two entrance ways in width, each entrance way continuing through to the opposite side intercepting the transverse entrance ways. The entrance ways are configured to cut the base platform on at least nine individual legs (four corner legs, one leg on each side between the adjacent corner leg, and a central leg surrounded by the entrance ways on each side ). The result of vertically stacking yarn packages is that loads of large points are applied to the supporting surface of the base platform. Conventionally, the yarn packages are placed on each layer in a range of 2-1-2 with each bundle of yarn superimposed or closely adjacent to one of the five respective legs. While the carrying capacity of the platform assembly will be substantially increased using a range of 2-2-2, the configuration can not be used satisfactorily. In particular, a range of 2-2-2 requires that each thread bundle tube be located over a space between the legs. If the yarn packages are placed over the spaces, the weight of the stacked yarn packages tends to break or bend the supporting surface. In any case, the tension in the film wrap relaxes, decreasing the stability of the platform assembly. In this way there is a need for a base platform which allows the use of a range of 2-2-2 bundles of stacked yarn without allowing the deflection or bending of the platform which will affect the stability of the platform system. Another problem encountered in the prior art of base platforms, even when a 2-1-2 thread bundle configuration is used, there is a tendency for the loaded platform to bend when lifted by a forklift. Because the support surface is not supported by the legs (which are raised ~~ from the floor), only the inherent stiffness of the platform resists deflection. The deflection decreases the stability of the platform system by over-stretching and / or relaxing the tension in the film. ~ Also, the tension of the film itself can cause the platform to bend or unbalance - the bundles of yarn along the edges of the platform. Again, this aspect tends to highlight the stability of the platform system.

In practice, certain additional features of a platform system as described above are very significant. The materials of various components of the platform system must be chosen with consideration to the relative cost, weight, and general ergonomics. In addition, the materials must provide strength and durability to reasonably support the damage caused by forklifts, conveyors and other handling tools, and it is desirable that the platform system be repairable or that components of the platform can be replaced without requiring the replacement of the entire platform system due to the total height of a transport or storage space (for example, the load capacity of a truck or aircraft) may be limited, it is very often critical that the components of the The platform system should be as thin as possible to minimize the total profile of the platform system of both the loaded and unloaded configuration. Thus, there is a need for a platform system having a base platform with increased stiffness. In particular, there is a need for the platform system ~ where the base platform is adapted to satisfactorily support yarn packages in a range of 2-2-2 or the like. In addition, there is a need for the base platform to resist deflection when lifted by a forklift or the like. The base platform and the platform system should be effective in terms of cost, durability, and have good ergonomic properties. Additionally, there is a need for platform systems which provide convenient and cost-effective repair of the base platform. The present invention is directed to a platform including a base member having first and second ends. The base member has at least two first separated legs formed at the first end and defining a first space therebetween. At least two second legs are formed at the second end and define a second space therebetween. At least two separate intermediate legs are formed between the first and second ends of the base member and define an intermediate space between them. The platform includes a substructure removably mounted on the base member. The substructure includes a first cross bar, a second cross bar separated from the first cross bar, and at least one intermediate cross bar disposed between and spaced from the first and second cross bars. The first, second intermediate cross bars are superimposed and supported by the first and second intermediate legs, respectively, and separate the first, second and intermediate spaces, respectively, At least one connecting rod can join the first and second cross bars. intermediate each other, each leg may include a defined depression therein with portions of the cross bars disposed within the depression Preferably, the first, second and intermediate cross bars are formed of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 35,000 MPa, and, more preferably, the material - is aluminum Preferably, each of the cross bars has opposite free ends, superimposed on the legs of the base members.At least one locating node can be secured to a upper surface of one of the crossed bars in a place superimposed on one of the first, second, and intermediate spaces defined in the ele base member. In a preferred embodiment, the platform as described above includes at least one floor plate superimposed and removably secured to the base member. Preferably, at least one floor plate is formed of a polymeric material. The substructure may be interposed between the base member and the floor plate. The floor plate can be detachably secured to the base member by at least one fastener. Preferably, the platform includes a plurality of floor plates. In a preferred embodiment, the substructure and the floor plates together form a substantially continuous support surface. The present invention is further directed to a platform including a base member having a plurality of legs defining a plurality of spaces between the adjacent portion of the legs and the substructure including a plurality of cross bars, each of the cross bars it is superimposed and supported by the legs and separates the defined spaces between the legs. A floor chtpa is superimposed on the base member. Effective fastening means are provided when selectively engaged to secure the substructure and the floor plate to the base member. Each base member, the substructure, and the floor plate can be selectively separated one from the other by decoupling the fastener means. At least one connecting bar can join the crossed bars together. Each leg may include a defined depression therein with portions of the cross bars disposed within the depressions. Preferably, each base member and the floor plate are formed of a polymeric material and the substructure is formed of metal. Preferably, the cross bars are formed of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 35.0O0MPa, and, more preferably, of aluminum materials. Each of the crossbars may have opposite free ends superimposed on the legs of the base members.At least one locator node may be secured to an upper surface of one of the crossed bars in a location superimposed on one of the spaces defined in the base member In a preferred embodiment, the substructure is interposed between the floor plate and the base member The platform may include a plurality of floor plates Preferably, the substructure and the floor plates together form a substantially continuous support surface The present invention is further directed to a platform for supporting a plurality of packages The platform includes a base member having a plurality of legs defining a plurality of spaces between the adjacent legs and the substructure which includes a plurality of crossed bars, each of the crossed bars is superimposed and supported by the p bind and separate the spaces defined between the legs. A package position is provided for each of the packages. Each package position is located along one of the respective cross bars and is directly superimposed on one of the respective spaces, such that each of the packages when mounted on the platform in one of the positions "of respective packs are suspended above the respective space by the respective crossbar At least one connecting rod can join the crossbars to each other Each leg can include a defined depression within it with portions of the crossbars disposed within the depressions Preferably, each base member and the floor plate are formed of a polymeric material and the substructure is formed of metal having a flexural modulus of at least 35,000MPa, and, more preferably, of aluminum materials. one of the crossed bars may have opposite free ends superimposed on the legs of the base members, at least one local nodule. It can be secured to a top surface of one of the crossbars in a location superimposed on one of the spaces defined in the base member. In a preferred embodiment, the substructure is interposed between the floor plate and the base member The platform may include a plurality of floor plates Preferably, the substructure and the floor plates together form a support surface substantially continuous A paging node can be secured to the upper surfaces of the cross bars in each of the pack positions.

The above objects and the objects of the present invention will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from the reading of the figure and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows, the description merely illustrating the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a base platform according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base platform; Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base platform taken along line A-A of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a top plan view of a substructure forming part of the base platform; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a deck platform in accordance with the present invention; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a spacer bearing forming part of the platform system according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the platform system loaded with bundles of yarn; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the platform system in a discharged configuration; and Figure 9 is an exploded plan view of the base platform with package shown in dotted lines. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown a platform system 10 according to the present invention for transporting packages of yarn 5 or the like. The "platform system as described herein is adapted to be used with packages 5 of the type including a film or a thread wound around a central core In Figures 7 and 9 (dotted lines), the platform system is shown loaded with packs 5 in a 2-2-2 range In practice, the loaded pallet system is wrapped with stretch wrap or shrink wrap around its top and side to give the assembly increased stability and to avoid exposing packages 5 to dust or moisture Figure 8 shows the platform system 10 in an unloaded configuration The platform system 10 generally includes a base platform 100, a top platform 200 and spacer bearings 300. Each base platform 100, top platform 200 and the spacer bearings 300 have locator nodes 170 adapted to fit within the respective cores of the yarn packages 5. Openings for the forks 120 (v Figure 2 and 7) of the base platform 100 preferably have a width of about 200 mm to 220 mm and a height of about 90 mm to 100 mm, so that the "platform with this" is in accordance with industry standards accepted - - Viewing the base platform 100 in more detail, the base platform 100 generally includes a base member 110, a substructure 150, floor plates 142, 144, and nodes 170. Preferably, the base member 100 and the floor plates 142, 144 are formed of high density polyethylene. Suitable methods for forming base member 110 and floor plates 142, 144 include molding by high or low pressure injection. Alternative materials for the base member and the floor plates include low density polyethylene The substructure 150 is preferably formed of extruded aluminum The alternative materials for the substructure include steel or reinforced glass polycarbonate. the substructure 150 will have a minimum deflection modulus of 35,000 MPa More preferably, the material will have a flexural modulus of at least 75,000 MPa and an elastic limit of at least 200 MPa As best seen in Figure 1 , the base member 110 is preferably unitarily constructed, although it may be formed of a plurality of secured components "j" The base portion 110 has vertically extending legs 112, 114, 116, and 118. The spaces 130 are defined between the legs 112 and the adjacent legs 114 and between the legs 116 and the leg 118. The openings 120 are defined between the legs 112 and the adjacent legs 116. The lower ends of the legs are joined together by connectors 122 in the openings 120 and by panels 124 in the other sides. The legs 112, 114, 116, and 118 each have an upper end 112A, 114A, 116A, and 118A, respectively. The legs 112 and 116 each have a depression 112B and a depression 116B, respectively. A wall 112C and a wall 116C extend upwardly adjacent the depressions 112B and 116B, respectively. The legs 114 and 118 each have channels 114B and 118B, respectively, formed at their upper ends. The substructure securing holes 112D, 114D, 116D, and 118D are formed in each of the depressions and channels 112B, 114B, 116B, and 118B, respectively. The floor securing holes 112E, 114E, 116E, and 118E are formed at each upper leg end 112A, 114A, 116A, and 118A, respectively. The base member 110 preferably has a total length of about 1100 mm to 1400 mm. The legs 112, 114, 116, 118 preferably have a height of about 90 mm to 150 mm. The spaces 130 are preferably approximately 200 mm to 250 mm wide.

Viewing the substructure 150 in more detail, as best seen in Figures 1-4, the substructure 150 includes outer cross bars 152 and intermediate cross bars 154. The cross bars 152 and 154 are joined by link bars 158. Preferably, the bars 152, 154, and 158 form an open structure as shown, thereby minimizing the weight of the substructure and making it easier to handle. Each bar 152, 154, 158 is formed of three integral hollow tubes as shown. -This bar construction improves the rigidity of each bar while minimizing the weight of the substructure. The walls 152A and 158A of the outer crossbars 152 and the walls 158A of the connector bars 158 facing outward are inclined 45 ° - with respect to the horizontal.This configuration reduces the tendency for the forklift tips of fork inserted into the path of the lower platform -100, get stuck in the substructure 150. The securing holes of the node 152C, 154C are formed in each of the crossed bars 152 and 154 in the same way, fastening holes 152B and 154B they are formed in each of the cross bars 152 and 15. Each cross bar 152, 154 are preferably 800 mm to 900 mm in length and approximately 100 mm to 150 mm in width.The outer tubes of each cross bar preferably have 25 mm in length. 30 mm height with the lower tube of each crossbar going from 4 mm to 8 mm shorter so that the three tubes of each cross bar define longitudinal channels 152D, 154D. Each 158 preferably has 300 mm to 350 mm long, about 100 mm to 150 mm wide, and about 25 mm to 30 mm high. The upper surface of each connecting rod 158 is lowered relative to the upper surfaces of the upper bars of the adjacent cross bars, preferably from about 2 mm to 6 mm. The inner floor plates 142 and the outer floor plates 144 are sized to adjust the periphery of the base member 110. The opposite flanges of the floor plates 142 and 144 have horizontally extended flanges 142B and 144B respectively. Cuts 142C are formed in the flanges 142B. Skirts 142A and 144A are formed around each of the floor plates 142 and 144, respectively. A rib network is provided to reinforce each floor plate. The upper surface of each floor plate is continuous and free of openings except for the fastener openings 142D and 144D. The assembled base platform 100 can be better seen in Figures 2 and 3. The substructure 150 is placed in the depressions and channels 112B, 114B, 116B, and 118B of the legs such that the portions thereof separate the spaces 130. between the legs. The substructure 150 is held in place by fasteners (preferably by wood screws) 157 which are inserted through the holes 152B, 154B and secured in the holes 112D, 114D, 116D, and 118D. The nodes 170 are secured to the substructure 150 by wood screws - (not shown) which are inserted through the holes 152C, 154C, and screwed into the nodes 170 (see Figure 3). "The slot 152D 154D serve to prevent rotation of each node Each node can be removed from the bottom without requiring the disassembly of the lower platform The floor plates 142, 144 are placed on the base member 110 and the substructure 150 as In particular, the flanges 142B, 144B are superimposed on the upper longitudinal ridges of the cross bars 142, 144 and all of the connector bars 158. The floor plates 142, 144 are held in place by fasteners (preferably wood screws) 148 which extend through the holes 142D, 144D and are secured in the holes 112E, 114E, 116E, and 118E As best seen in Figure 2, the open ends of the cross bars 152, 154 are covered by the walls 112C, 116C. The height of the skirts 142A, 144A of the floor plates, the widths of the floor plates, the depths of the depressions and channels, and the heights of the crossbars are picked up in such a way that the flanges 142B, 144B overlap. and they fit tightly against the upper surfaces of the crossbars. In this manner, a continuous support surface is formed by floor sheets and the ascendingly exposed portions of the cross bars. The various components of the base platform 100 can be selectively removed and replaced as desired. The wood screws securing the nodes 170 to the "substructure 150 can be accessed through" the base member so that each node can be removed and reinstalled without disassembling the base platform. Each floor plate can be removed and reinstalled by removing the associated fasteners 148. The substructure or base member can be removed by removing the "floor plates" and fasteners 157. The bottom platform 100 as described above provides numerous benefits. By locating the load points on the forklift truck trajectories, a range of 2-2-2 bundles of yarn can be placed on the "platform" (as shown in Figure 9) while still providing an aperture configuration for forklifts "together with accepted industry standards. The aluminum substructure increases the overall strength of the platforms while the floor plates and the base members protect the substructure from any damage. The relatively high rigidity of the aluminum substructure allows a reduction in the height of the base platform, and with this the total height of the platform system. The aluminum substructure serves to distribute loads more effectively. As a result, even if one or more of the legs are damaged so that they can not provide support, the loaded platform system will remain "stable." Furthermore, the aluminum substructure substantially reduces the flexing of the loaded platform when lifted by the elevator. For this reason, and as a result of the general resistance to the load reduced by the inflection point, the rigid aluminum substructure allows a tensioned film to optimally stabilize the system. The use of a substructure of extruded aluminum is also advantageous because metal extrusion technology is more prevalent (especially in less industrialized countries) than plastic molding technology.The plastic base member is desirable for handle and transport. ~ The modular construction of the lower platform allows the repair of the sub-pa rte without requiring the disposal of the entire platform. In particular, parts that have different service life can be replaced on different occasions so that each part can be used throughout its service life. The continuous support surface provided by the combination of floor plates and the crossbars prevents dust and moisture from entering the package area from the underside of the platform. As a result, the platform system "only needs to be wrapped in film" around its sides and top to provide a totally sealed environment. Referring to Figures 5, 7 and 8, the cover platform 200 is shown therein. The upper platform 200 is preferably formed of extruded aluminum. However, other suitable materials, for example, steel pipe or reinforced glass polycarbonate molding, can also be used. The deck platform 200 has outer cross bars 252 and intermediate cross bars 254 of the same construction and dimensions as the bars 152 and 154, respectively, of the lower platform except that the surfaces facing outwardly from the crossed bars 252, "254 are not angled as are the walls 152A, 154A. The connecting rods 258 connect each of the outer crossbars 252 with intermediate crossbars 254. " The peripheral structure tube 260 extends continuously around the cover platform 200 and is welded or otherwise secured to the ends of the cross bars 252, 254. Locator nozzles 170 are secured to the underside of the upper platform 200. by wood screw (not shown) which extend through holes 252D, 254C. ~ Elastic shock absorbers 270 are secured to the upper side of the deck platform 200 by wood screws ios which extend through the openings 252B. The connecting rods 258 also serve as handles for lifting and positioning the deck platform 200 and are preferably cylindrical. - The spacer bearings 300, as best seen in FIG. 6, have locator nodes 170 extending from the upper and lower surfaces thereof, in the same location as the locator nodes of the base platform and the platform. cover. The spacer bearings 300 are preferably formed of high intensity polyethylene. It will be appreciated that spacer bearings of other suitable configurations and constructions can also be used. The lower platform as described above can be used with components other than those described herein. In the same way, the deck platform 200 can be used in our platform system. However, the combination of the lower platform 100 as described and the deck platform 200 as described is especially effective for the transport and handling of the yarn package. Also, each upper and lower platform as described can be used in a platform system that does not use tensioned film, but the platform system is particularly advantageous when used with film. Since a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications can be made without departing from the present invention. All modifications are intended to cover within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (4)

1. CLAIMS 1. A platform characterized in that it comprises: a) a base member having first and second ends, the base member includes: i) at least two separate legs formed at each first end and defining a first space therebetween; ii) at least two separate second legs formed at the second end and defining a second space therebetween; and iii) at least two separate intermediate legs formed between the first and second ends of the base member and defining an intermediate space therebetween; and b) a substructure removably mounted on the base member, the substructure includes "" a first crossbar, a second crossbar separated from the first crossbar, and at least one intermediate crossbar disposed between and separated from each of the crossbars. first and second cross bars, the first, second, and intermediate cross bars are superimposed and supported by the first, second, and intermediate legs respectively, and separating the first, second, and intermediate spaces, respectively.
2. 2. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one locator node secured to an upper surface of one of the crossed bars in a location superimposed on one of the first, second and intermediate spaces in the base member. .
3. 3. A platform characterized in that it comprises: a) a base member having a plurality of legs defining a plurality of spaces between the adjacent part of the legs; b) a substructure that includes a plurality of crossed bars, each crossed bar is superimposed and supported by the legs and separating the spaces defined between the legs. c) a floor plate superimposed on the base member; and d) fastener means operating when selectively engaging to secure the substructure and floor plate to the base member, and wherein each base member, the overbuilt structure, and the floor plate can be selectively separated from each other by decoupling the fastening means.
4. 4. The platform according to claim 3, characterized in that it includes at least one locator node secured to an upper surface of one of the crossed bars in a place superimposed on one of the "spaces" defined in the base member. - 5. "A platform characterized in that it comprises: a) a base member having first and second ends, the base member includes: i) at least two separate legs formed at each * end and defining a first space between ii) at least two separate second legs formed at the second end "and defining a second space therebetween; and iii) at least two separate intermediate legs formed between the first and second ends of the base member and defining an intermediate space therebetween; - b) a substructure removably mounted on the base member, the substructure includes a first cross bar, a second cross bar separated from the first cross bar, and at least one intermediate cross bar disposed between and separated from each of the first and second bars crossed, the first, second, and intermediate cross bars are superimposed and supported by the first, second, and intermediate legs respectively, and separating the first, second, and intermediate spaces, respectively; and c) by a locator node secured to a top surface of one of the cross bars in a location superimposed on the first, second and intermediate spaces defined in the base member. 6. "A platform characterized in that it comprises: a) a base member having a plurality of legs defining a plurality of spaces between the adjacent portions of the legs, b) a sub-segment including a plurality of crossbars, each bar cross is superimposed and supported by the legs and separates the defined spaces between the legs; c) at least one locator node secured to an upper surface of one of the crossed bars in a location superimposed on one of the spaces defined in the base member; d) a floor plate superimposed on the base member; and e) fastener means operating when engaging to selectively secure the substructure and the floor plate to the base member, and wherein each base member, the substructure, and the floor plate can be selectively separated from one another by uncoupling the members. fastener means. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes at least one connecting rod connecting the first, second and intermediate cross bars to each other. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that each leg includes a defined depression therein and portions of the cross bars are disposed in the depressions. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that the base member is molded of polymeric material. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that the first, second and intermediate cross bars are formed of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 35,000MPa. 11. The platform according to claim 10, characterized in that the material is aluminum. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that each cross bar has opposite free ends superimposed on the legs of the base members. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes at least one floor plate superimposed and removably secured to the base member. 14. The platform according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one floor plate is formed of a polymeric material. 15. The platform according to claim 13, characterized in that the substructure is interposed between the base member and the floor plate. 16. The platform according to claim 13, characterized in that the floor plate is demountably secured to the base member, at least by a fastener. 17. The platform according to claim 13, characterized in that it includes a plurality of floor plates. The platform according to claim 17, characterized in that the substructure and the floor plates together form a substantially continuous support surface. 19. The platform according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes at least one connecting rod that joins the crossed bars together. The platform according to claim 6, characterized in that each leg includes a defined depression within it and portions of the cross bars are disposed within the depressions. 21. "The platform according to" claim 6, characterized in that the cross bars are formed of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 35,000Mpa. 22. The platform according to claim 21, characterized in that the materiil is aluminum 23 The platform according to claim 21, characterized in that "each base member and the floor plate are formed of material. polymer "and the substructure is formed of metal 24. The platform according to claim 6, characterized in that each cross bar has opposite free ends superimposed on the legs of the base member 25. The platform according to claim 6 , characterized in that the substructure is interposed between the floor plate and the base member - 26. " The platform according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes a plurality of floor plates. "platform" according to claim 26, characterized in that the substructure and the floor plates together form a substantially continuous support surface. 28. A platform for supporting a plurality of packages, the platform comprises: a) a base member having a plurality of legs defining a plurality of spaces between the adjacent portions of the legs; b) a substructure that includes a plurality of crossed bars, each crossed bar is superimposed and supported by the legs and separating the defined spaces between the legs; and c) a packet position for each of the packets, each of the positions of the packets is located along one of the respective crossbars and directly superimposed on each of the respective spaces such that the packets when they are mounted on the platform in one of the respective package positions, suspended above the respective space by the respective crossbar. 29. The platform according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes at least one connecting rod that joins the crossed bars together. 30. The platform according to claim 29, characterized in that each leg includes a defined depression therein and portions of the cross bars are disposed within the depression. 31. The platform according to claim 29, characterized in that the crossbars are formed of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 35,000MPa. - - 32.- The platform in accordance with - claim 31, characterized in that the material is aluminum. - The platform according to claim 31, characterized in that each of the base members and the floor plates are formed of polymeric material and the substructure is formed of metal. 34. The platform according to claim 28, characterized in that each cross bar has the opposite free end superimposed on the legs of the base member. The platform according to claim 28, characterized in that it includes a new locator secured to the upper surface of the crossed bars in each package position.