US20100212553A1 - Pallet assembly - Google Patents
Pallet assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100212553A1 US20100212553A1 US12/773,184 US77318410A US2010212553A1 US 20100212553 A1 US20100212553 A1 US 20100212553A1 US 77318410 A US77318410 A US 77318410A US 2010212553 A1 US2010212553 A1 US 2010212553A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- pallet
- deck
- front panel
- support
- 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
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006178 high molecular weight high density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000001175 rotational moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003856 thermoforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
- B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
- B65D19/003—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
- B65D19/0042—Rigid 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
- B65D19/0046—Rigid 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
- B65D19/0048—Rigid 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 stringer-like shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
- B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
- B65D19/18—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/38—Details or accessories
- B65D19/40—Elements for spacing platforms from supporting surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00034—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
- B65D2519/00069—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00084—Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
- B65D2519/00104—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
- B65D2519/00139—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00308—Overall construction of the load supporting surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
- B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00363—Overall construction of the base surface grid type, e.g. perforated plate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00368—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
- B65D2519/00388—Cell type, e.g. honeycomb
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
- B65D2519/00432—Non-integral, e.g. inserts
- B65D2519/00447—Non-integral, e.g. inserts on the non-integral separating spacer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS 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
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00557—Structures 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
- B65D2519/00567—Structures 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 mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
Definitions
- Pallets are often used to store and transport goods. Pallets maintain the goods at a distance above the floor such that they can readily be lifted and moved by a forklift. Plastic pallets are lighter and more durable than wooden pallets.
- Some pallets comprise upper and lower decks separated by a plurality of columns that maintain the space between the upper and lower decks.
- Other pallets include only an upper deck supported by a plurality of columns.
- forklift operators sometimes move the loaded and stacked pallets by pushing on one of columns with one of the fork tines of the forklift. This may eventually damage the outer wall of the column. The damage is usually cosmetic, not structural; however, the appearance of the damaged column may lead some to believe that the structure of the pallet has been compromised and that the pallet needs to be replaced prematurely.
- the present disclosure provides a pallet assembly including an upper deck and a plurality of supports extending downward from the upper deck.
- a cap is secured in front of at least one of the supports to protect the support.
- the cap may be formed of a material different from the support, such as a higher density, tougher or harder material, without increasing the cost of the materials for the supports and deck.
- the cap can be replaceable if damaged.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of half of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the half of the pallet of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the cap of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cap.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the cap.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the cap.
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the center, end column portion of the bottom deck of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a top view of the center, end column portion of the bottom deck and the cap.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the center, end column portion of the top deck.
- FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the center, end column portion of the top deck and the cap.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the pallet of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 A half perspective view of an example pallet 10 constructed according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 . Although only half is shown for simplicity, it is understood that the other half would be similar.
- the pallet 10 includes an upper deck 12 spaced above a lower deck 14 by a plurality of supports or columns including corner columns 16 , side columns 18 , a center column 19 and end columns 20 .
- the upper deck 12 and the lower deck 14 in this example are each a single, integrally formed part, such as by injection molding polypropylene or other suitable material. Other methods such as rotomolding or thermoforming may also be used.
- a column cap 22 is separately formed of a higher density material, such as a higher density polymer such as a high molecular weight high density polyethylene, such that it is stiffer and tougher than the end column 20 (i.e. than the upper deck 12 and lower deck 14 ), which may be polypropylene or polyethylene.
- the column cap 22 may be injection molded (if polymer) or formed according to any suitable process. In the example shown, the column cap 22 is fitted in front of only the end column 20 (and the opposite end column 20 , not shown), as this is the column most often impacted by the tines of the forklift; however, additional column caps 22 could be fitted over any or all of the remaining columns as well.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pallet 10 of FIG. 1 .
- the upper deck 12 includes a plurality of integrally molded upper column portions 16 a , 18 a , 19 a , 20 a that together with integrally molded lower column portions 16 b , 18 b , 19 b 20 b , form the corner columns 16 , side columns 18 , center column 19 and end columns 20 , respectively.
- the lower deck 14 may include a plurality of runners 30 that interconnect the plurality of lower column portions 16 b , 18 b , 19 b , 20 b .
- the end column lower portion 20 b includes a front wall 50 having gaps 52 on either side of the front wall 50 between the front wall 50 and each of a pair of pillars 54 that protrude outward relative to the front wall 50 .
- the lower column portions 16 b , 18 b , 19 b , 20 b each include snap-fit connectors 34 for securing to complementary connectors on the corresponding upper column portions. Numerous other known ways of connecting the upper and lower decks 12 , 14 can be used, such as heat staking, vibration welding, etc.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the column cap 22 of FIG. 2 .
- the column cap 22 includes a generally flat front panel 38 and curved side walls 40 .
- a plurality of teeth or tabs 42 project from the upper edge and from the lower edge of the front panel 38 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear view of the column cap 22 .
- a pair of integrally-molded hooks 44 project rearward and then inward from outer edges of the front panel 38 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the hooks 44 open inward toward one another.
- the curved side walls 40 project forward of the front panel 38 and open rearward.
- the tabs 42 protrude upward and downward further than the curved side walls 40 . Also, the curved side walls 40 taper inward as they extend away from the front panel 38 .
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the end lower column portion 20 b of the lower deck 14 (with the column cap 22 removed).
- the end lower column portion 20 b includes a plurality of apertures 56 b in front of the front wall 50 and between the pillars 54 .
- the front panel 38 of the column cap 22 is slid down in front of the front wall 50 of the end lower column portion 20 b .
- the curved side walls 40 fit around the pillars 54 .
- the hooks 44 of the column cap 22 are slid down through the gaps 52 to interlock with the front wall 50 to retain the column cap 22 to the end lower column portion 20 b .
- the tabs 42 of the column cap 22 are received in the apertures 56 b in front of the front wall 50 in the end lower column portion 20 b to further interlock the column cap 22 with the end lower column portion 20 b.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the end upper column portion 20 a of the top deck 12 , with the column cap 22 removed.
- the upper column portion 20 a also includes a short rib forming a pair of spaced apart pillars 54 a (much shorter than the pillars 54 b on the lower column portion 20 b ) and a front portion 51 .
- a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 56 a are formed in front of the front portion 51 .
- the curved side walls 40 of the column cap 22 fit around the pillars 54 a and the tabs 42 interlock with the apertures 56 a to retain the column cap 22 .
- the tabs 42 are so received in the apertures 56 a.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of the entire assembled pallet 10 . As shown, the pallet 10 includes a similar opposite end column 20 , which would also have a column cap 22 .
- a forklift operator could push the pallet 10 across the floor by placing a tine of the fork against the column cap 22 of the end column 20 .
- the tougher higher-density material of the column cap 22 prevents damage to the end column 20 without unnecessarily increasing the cost of materials for the entire pallet 10 or column 20 . In the event that the column cap 22 does receive damage, it can easily be replaced.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a plurality of supports extending downward from the upper deck. A cap is secured in front of at least one of the supports to protect the support. The cap may be formed of a material different from the support, such as a higher density, tougher or harder material without increasing the cost of the materials for the supports and deck.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/491,835 filed on Jul. 24, 2006.
- Pallets are often used to store and transport goods. Pallets maintain the goods at a distance above the floor such that they can readily be lifted and moved by a forklift. Plastic pallets are lighter and more durable than wooden pallets.
- Some pallets comprise upper and lower decks separated by a plurality of columns that maintain the space between the upper and lower decks. Other pallets include only an upper deck supported by a plurality of columns. In either case, forklift operators sometimes move the loaded and stacked pallets by pushing on one of columns with one of the fork tines of the forklift. This may eventually damage the outer wall of the column. The damage is usually cosmetic, not structural; however, the appearance of the damaged column may lead some to believe that the structure of the pallet has been compromised and that the pallet needs to be replaced prematurely.
- The present disclosure provides a pallet assembly including an upper deck and a plurality of supports extending downward from the upper deck. A cap is secured in front of at least one of the supports to protect the support. The cap may be formed of a material different from the support, such as a higher density, tougher or harder material, without increasing the cost of the materials for the supports and deck. Optionally, whether or not made of tougher material, the cap can be replaceable if damaged.
- Other advantages of the present disclosure can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of half of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the half of the pallet ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front view of the cap ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cap. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the cap. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the cap. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the center, end column portion of the bottom deck ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a top view of the center, end column portion of the bottom deck and the cap. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the center, end column portion of the top deck. -
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the center, end column portion of the top deck and the cap. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the pallet ofFIG. 1 . - A half perspective view of an
example pallet 10 constructed according to the present disclosure is shown inFIG. 1 . Although only half is shown for simplicity, it is understood that the other half would be similar. Thepallet 10 includes anupper deck 12 spaced above alower deck 14 by a plurality of supports or columns includingcorner columns 16,side columns 18, acenter column 19 andend columns 20. Theupper deck 12 and thelower deck 14 in this example are each a single, integrally formed part, such as by injection molding polypropylene or other suitable material. Other methods such as rotomolding or thermoforming may also be used. - A
column cap 22 is separately formed of a higher density material, such as a higher density polymer such as a high molecular weight high density polyethylene, such that it is stiffer and tougher than the end column 20 (i.e. than theupper deck 12 and lower deck 14), which may be polypropylene or polyethylene. Thecolumn cap 22 may be injection molded (if polymer) or formed according to any suitable process. In the example shown, thecolumn cap 22 is fitted in front of only the end column 20 (and theopposite end column 20, not shown), as this is the column most often impacted by the tines of the forklift; however,additional column caps 22 could be fitted over any or all of the remaining columns as well. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of thepallet 10 ofFIG. 1 . Theupper deck 12 includes a plurality of integrally moldedupper column portions lower column portions b 20 b, form thecorner columns 16,side columns 18,center column 19 andend columns 20, respectively. Thelower deck 14, as shown in this example, may include a plurality ofrunners 30 that interconnect the plurality oflower column portions lower portion 20 b includes afront wall 50 havinggaps 52 on either side of thefront wall 50 between thefront wall 50 and each of a pair ofpillars 54 that protrude outward relative to thefront wall 50. Thelower column portions fit connectors 34 for securing to complementary connectors on the corresponding upper column portions. Numerous other known ways of connecting the upper andlower decks -
FIG. 3 is a front view of thecolumn cap 22 ofFIG. 2 . Thecolumn cap 22 includes a generallyflat front panel 38 andcurved side walls 40. A plurality of teeth ortabs 42 project from the upper edge and from the lower edge of thefront panel 38. -
FIG. 4 is a rear view of thecolumn cap 22. A pair of integrally-moldedhooks 44 project rearward and then inward from outer edges of thefront panel 38. As shown inFIG. 5 , thehooks 44 open inward toward one another. Thecurved side walls 40 project forward of thefront panel 38 and open rearward. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thetabs 42 protrude upward and downward further than thecurved side walls 40. Also, thecurved side walls 40 taper inward as they extend away from thefront panel 38. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the endlower column portion 20 b of the lower deck 14 (with thecolumn cap 22 removed). The endlower column portion 20 b includes a plurality ofapertures 56 b in front of thefront wall 50 and between thepillars 54. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , to assemble thecolumn cap 22 to the endlower column portion 20 b, thefront panel 38 of thecolumn cap 22 is slid down in front of thefront wall 50 of the endlower column portion 20 b. Thecurved side walls 40 fit around thepillars 54. Thehooks 44 of thecolumn cap 22 are slid down through thegaps 52 to interlock with thefront wall 50 to retain thecolumn cap 22 to the endlower column portion 20 b. Thetabs 42 of thecolumn cap 22 are received in theapertures 56 b in front of thefront wall 50 in the endlower column portion 20 b to further interlock thecolumn cap 22 with the endlower column portion 20 b. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the endupper column portion 20 a of thetop deck 12, with thecolumn cap 22 removed. Theupper column portion 20 a also includes a short rib forming a pair of spaced apartpillars 54 a (much shorter than thepillars 54 b on thelower column portion 20 b) and afront portion 51. A plurality of spaced-apart apertures 56 a are formed in front of thefront portion 51. As shown inFIG. 10 , thecurved side walls 40 of thecolumn cap 22 fit around thepillars 54 a and thetabs 42 interlock with theapertures 56 a to retain thecolumn cap 22. When theupper deck 12 is assembled to the lower deck 14 (FIG. 8 ), thetabs 42 are so received in theapertures 56 a. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of the entire assembledpallet 10. As shown, thepallet 10 includes a similaropposite end column 20, which would also have acolumn cap 22. - In use, a forklift operator could push the
pallet 10 across the floor by placing a tine of the fork against thecolumn cap 22 of theend column 20. The tougher higher-density material of thecolumn cap 22 prevents damage to theend column 20 without unnecessarily increasing the cost of materials for theentire pallet 10 orcolumn 20. In the event that thecolumn cap 22 does receive damage, it can easily be replaced. - In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the instant disclosure. However, it should be noted that the disclosure can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. Alphanumeric identifiers for steps in method claims are for ease of reference in dependent claims and do not signify a required sequence unless otherwise stated.
Claims (23)
1. A pallet assembly comprising:
a polymer upper deck;
a plurality of polymer supports extending downward from the upper deck, the plurality of supports including a first support, wherein the first support includes a front wall facing outward of the pallet; and
a cap secured in front of the first support, the cap including a front panel facing outward of the pallet, the front panel positioned in front of the front wall.
2. The pallet assembly of claim 1 wherein the cap interlocks with at least one of the first support and the upper deck.
3. The pallet assembly of claim 1 wherein the cap is formed of a polymer material.
4. The pallet assembly of claim 3 wherein the cap is made of a different material from the first support.
5. The pallet assembly of claim 4 wherein the cap material has a higher density than the material of the first support.
6. The pallet assembly of claim 1 further including a pair of curved side walls on either side of the front panel.
7. The pallet assembly of claim 1 further including a lower deck, the plurality of supports extending from the upper deck to the lower deck, the cap interlocking with the lower deck and the upper deck.
8. The pallet assembly of claim 7 wherein the plurality of supports are integrally molded with the lower deck.
9. The pallet assembly of claim 8 wherein the first support includes a front wall facing outward of the pallet, the front panel positioned in front of the front wall, the front panel including a plurality of projections slidably interlocking with the front wall.
10. The pallet assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of supports includes a pair of corner supports, the first support between the pair of corner supports.
11. A pallet support cap comprising:
a front panel generally disposed in a plane;
a pair of side walls extending rearward from outer edges of the front panel; and
interlocking members projecting from at least one of the front panel and the side walls, the interlocking members include a first plurality of tabs projecting from the front panel in a first direction in the plane.
12. The pallet support cap of claim 11 wherein the interlocking members further include a second plurality of tabs projecting from the front panel in a second direction opposite the first direction in the plane.
13. The pallet support cap of claim 12 wherein the interlocking members further include a pair of hooks projecting rearward from the support cap.
14. The pallet support cap of claim 1 wherein the side walls taper vertically from the front panel to a rearward edge.
15. A pallet assembly comprising:
an upper deck;
a plurality of plastic columns extending downward from the upper deck, the plurality of columns including a plurality of corner columns and an end column between two of the plurality of corner columns; and
a cap secured in front of the end column, the cap including a front panel facing outward of the pallet in a first direction and interlocking with the upper deck such that the upper deck prevents the cap from moving in the first direction relative to the end column, the front panel made of a material different from the end column.
16. The pallet assembly of claim 15 wherein the cap interlocks with one of the plurality of columns.
17. The pallet assembly of claim 15 wherein the cap is formed of a polymer.
18. The pallet assembly of claim 15 wherein the material of the cap has a higher density than material forming the end column.
19. The pallet assembly of claim 15 further including a lower deck, the plurality of columns extending from the upper deck to the lower deck, the cap interlocking with the lower deck and the upper deck.
20. The pallet assembly of claim 15 wherein the end column includes a front wall facing outward of the pallet, the front panel positioned in front of the front wall, the front panel slidably interlocking with the front wall.
21. A method for assembling a pallet including the steps of:
a) molding a plurality of columns;
b) molding a first deck integrally with the plurality of columns;
c) molding a second deck;
d) sliding a cap over one of the plurality of columns; and
e) securing together the first deck, second deck, plurality of columns and cap.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said step d) is performed before at least part of said step e).
23. The method of claim 21 wherein step e) includes the step of securing the plurality of columns to the second deck.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/773,184 US20100212553A1 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2010-05-04 | Pallet assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,835 US7748329B2 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2006-07-24 | Pallet assembly |
US12/773,184 US20100212553A1 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2010-05-04 | Pallet assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,835 Continuation US7748329B2 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2006-07-24 | Pallet assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100212553A1 true US20100212553A1 (en) | 2010-08-26 |
Family
ID=38476667
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,835 Active 2027-02-19 US7748329B2 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2006-07-24 | Pallet assembly |
US12/773,184 Abandoned US20100212553A1 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2010-05-04 | Pallet assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/491,835 Active 2027-02-19 US7748329B2 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2006-07-24 | Pallet assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7748329B2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2440439A (en) |
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US20110259248A1 (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-10-27 | Steven Grgac | Shipping pallet post reinforcement |
US20120304898A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2012-12-06 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Plastic pallet |
US10118731B2 (en) | 2015-06-08 | 2018-11-06 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Pallet assembly |
US10562666B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-02-18 | Chep Technology Pty Limited | Repairable plastic pallet with grommets in the top deck and associated methods |
WO2022007914A1 (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-13 | 上海箱箱智能科技有限公司 | Stand column and tray using same |
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US20110259249A1 (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2011-10-27 | Ogburn Sean T | Pallet |
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USD774271S1 (en) * | 2014-04-16 | 2016-12-13 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Pallet |
US9227757B1 (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2016-01-05 | Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Shielded pallet |
USD799781S1 (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-10 | PALLcon Services Company, Ltd. | Pallet with columns |
US10327655B2 (en) * | 2016-04-11 | 2019-06-25 | Paradromics, Inc. | Neural-interface probe and methods of packaging the same |
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JP1608788S (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2018-07-09 | ||
DE102019203480B4 (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2020-11-12 | 2In1 Ag | palette |
USD932729S1 (en) * | 2019-07-23 | 2021-10-05 | Signode Industrial Group Llc | Pallet |
USD942109S1 (en) * | 2020-04-06 | 2022-01-25 | Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc. | Pallet |
US11066210B1 (en) * | 2020-09-01 | 2021-07-20 | David Ankele | Nylon pallet |
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20110259248A1 (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-10-27 | Steven Grgac | Shipping pallet post reinforcement |
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US8739706B2 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2014-06-03 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Plastic pallet |
US10118731B2 (en) | 2015-06-08 | 2018-11-06 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Pallet assembly |
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US10829267B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2020-11-10 | Chep Technology Pty Limited | Repairable plastic pallet with grommets in the top deck and associated methods |
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WO2022007914A1 (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-13 | 上海箱箱智能科技有限公司 | Stand column and tray using same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080017081A1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
GB0714154D0 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
GB2440439A (en) | 2008-01-30 |
US7748329B2 (en) | 2010-07-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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