WO2017023163A1

WO2017023163A1 - Modular pallet assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017023163A1
Application number: PCT/MY2016/050041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Swee Wun YAP
Original assignee: Yap Swee Wun
Priority date: 2015-08-06
Filing date: 2016-07-28
Publication date: 2017-02-09
Also published as: PH22018500004U1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular pallet assembly (1) for storing and transporting goods or loads. The modular pallet assembly (1) includes at least four pallet members (10), wherein each of the pallet members (10) comprises a load-bearing surface (100) having at least four edges (110) with corners (130); at least two contact surfaces (111a, 111b) integrally extended downwardly from the edges (110) of the load-bearing surface (100); and at least four spaced apart supporting pillars (300), wherein each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first and second contact surfaces (111a, 111b) of the pallet member (10) is provided with at least one integrally formed interlocking member; wherein the pallet members (10) are securely engaged together when the pallet members (10) are interloackably engaged with one another through the engagement between the interlocking members. The modular pallet assembly (1) is provided with a plurality of extension member (50) to allow the modular pallet to be extended to any desired size and configuration. The modular pallet assembly (1) is also provided a plurality of locking members (30) to further reinforce the engagement between the pallet members (10) and the extension members (50) of the modular pallet assembly (1).

Description

MODULAR PALLET ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular pallet assembly, and more particularly to a modular pallet assembly for storing and transporting goods and loads.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Pallet is commonly used in materials handling industry for storing and transporting various type of goods or loads. Pallets can be made from wood, plastic or metal. Wood and plastic pallets are the most widely used pallets in the current materials handling industry. Wood pallets are generally less expensive but these pallets are hard to completely clean especially when they become wet due to leakage from goods or presence of moisture in the environment. This will eventually encourage growth of bacteria and fungus which may lead to safety concerns when use in food, drink and pharmaceutical industries. Besides, wood pallets may also increase the risk of safety hazards to the handlers due to protruding nails or cracks. In addition, wooden pallets also prone to wear and tear and need replacement frequently. This will eventually increase the operating cost. Plastic pallets are easier to clean and more durable compared to that of wooden pallets. However, if the plastic pallet is cracks or broken, the entire pallet will become unfunctional and need to be changed. Although many improvements have been carried out on plastic pallets such as to modularly construct the pallets, most of the existing modular pallets are difficult to assembly, lack of sturdiness and costly due to complexity in moulding and construction.

Therefore, it is desirous to provide a modular pallet assembly which is cost effective, can be assembled easily and also enable replacement to be carried out easily by the handlers when one portion of the pallet is broken.

The modular pallet assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention and its combination of elements or parts thereof will be described and/or exemplified in the detailed description. SUM ARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular pallet for storing and transporting goods and loads. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly includes at least four pallet members.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members comprises a load-bearing surface having at least four edges with comers. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member is provided with at least two contact surfaces integrally extended downwardly from the edges of the load-bearing surface. Preferably, the pallet member is provided with at least four spaced apart supporting pillars having a lower end. Preferably, the supporting pillar is integrally formed and extended downwardly at each comers of the load- bearing surface. In the preferred embodiment, each of the supporting pillars positioned at the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member is provided with at least one integrally formed interlocking member.

In the preferred embodiment, the pallet members are securely engaged together when the pallet members are interlockably engaged with one another through the engagement between the interlocking members.

In one preferred embodiment, the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars positioned at the first contact surface of the pallet member includes at least one protruding locking unit and the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars positioned at the second contact surface of the pallet member includes at least one receiving slot corresponding to and interlockably engaged with the protruding locking unit formed on the first contact surface of an adjoining pallet member and vice versa.

In another preferred embodiment, the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars positioned at the first contact surface and the second contact surfaces of one pallet member includes at least one protruding locking unit and the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars positioned at the first and second contact surfaces of an adjoining pallet member includes at least one receiving slot corresponding to the protruding locking unit of the pallet member and vice versa. It should be noted that the protruding locking units of the pallet member are interloackably engaged with the complementary receiving slots of the adjoining pallet member.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the interlocking member of one supporting pillar positioned at the first contact surface and the second contact surface of each of the pallet members includes at least one protruding locking unit. Preferably, the interlocking member of another supporting pillar positioned at the first and second contact surfaces of each of the pallet members includes at least one receiving slot corresponding to the protruding locking unit of an adjoining pallet member. In this preferred embodiment, the protruding locking unit and the receiving slot of one pallet member are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot and protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member and vice versa.

Preferably, the protruding locking unit of the pallet member of each of the three embodiments of the modular pallet assembly above is provided with a front wall, side walls and a hollow core. Preferably, the complementary formed receiving slot of the pallet member of each of the three embodiments of the modular pallet assembly above is provided with an upper end, a lower end, a back wall and side walls. It should be noted that the upper end and lower end of the receiving slot are having mutually aligned openings with inner circumferential wall integrally extended from each of the openings of the receiving slot. Preferably, the inner circumferential wall of the receiving slot is provided with a female engaging means.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly is provided with a plurality of locking members. Preferably, each of the locking members comprises a top section, a bottom section and an elongated body. It should be noted that the elongated body of the locking member is integrally extended downwardly from top section to the bottom section of the locking member. In the preferred embodiment, the top section of the locking member is preferably having wider diameter compared to the diameter of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member. It should be noted that the locking member is further provided with a male engaging means integrally formed on the elongated body of the locking member.

In the preferred embodiment, the openings of the receiving slot of one pallet member are configured to mutually align with the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of an adjoining pallet member when the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot of the pallet member to readily receive the locking member.

In the embodiment of the locking member having top section with wider diameter than that of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member; the locking member is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of one pallet member and into the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of an adjoining pallet member. In this preferred embodiment, the top section of the locking member is held outside the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the pallet member. In the embodiment of the locking member provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet member when the locking member is inserted into the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of one pallet member and into the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of an adjoining pallet member, it will be appreciated that the male engaging means of the locking member and the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet member are configured to further secure the engagement between the pallet members.

In the preferred embodiment, the first contact surface of the pallet member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections and the second contact surface of the pallet member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures corresponding to the projections formed on the first contact surface of an adjoining pallet member and vice versa. It should be noted that the projections of one pallet member are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures of an adjoining pallet member to further fortify the engagement between the pallet members. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second contact surfaces of each of the pallet members of the modular pallet assembly is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections and apertures. It this preferred embodiment, the projections and apertures of one pallet member are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures and projections of an adjoining pallet member and vice versa.

Preferably, the projections and the apertures of the pallet member are positioned proximate the edges of the pallet member.

If desired, the protruding locking unit and the receiving slot of each of the pallet member as described above may be further with a male buckle member and a female buckle member, respectively. It should be noted that the male buckle member is adapted to be matingly engaged with the complementary formed female buckle member when the protruding locking unit of one pallet member is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot of an adjoining pallet member.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly is provided with one coupling device having two ends. In the preferred embodiment, the modular pallet assembly is provided with at least one fastening means to matingly engage with the coupling device. Preferably, each of the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member is provided with at least one dent corresponding to the coupling device. It should be noted that the dent formed on the first contact surface of one pallet member is mutually aligned with the dent formed on the second contact surface of an adjoining pallet member to form a receiving hole to readily receive the coupling device and vice versa. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling device is preferably affixed on the front wall of the protruding locking unit of the pallet member. Preferably, the complementary formed receiving slot of an adjoining pallet member is provided with a void suitably positioned at the back wall of the receiving slot to readily receive the coupling device of the protruding locking unit of the pallet member when the protruding locking unit of the pallet member is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member is further provided with at least one protrusion. It should be noted that the protrusion is integrally extended upwardly at each corners of the load-bearing surface. It will be appreciated that the protrusion is configured to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load-bearing surface.

Preferably, the pallet member is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess positioned at the lower end of the supporting pillar. It should be noted that the protrusions of one pallet member are suitably inserted into the complementary formed recesses of another pallet member when the modular pallets are stacked on one another.

In the preferred embodiment, at least one frame structure is preferably formed at the lower end of the supporting pillars of the pallet member. Preferably, the frame structure is interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars. It will be appreciated that the frame structure is configured to further fortify the structure of the pallet members, thereby increase the solidity of the assembled modular pallet.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly is provided with a plurality of extension members having a top face, a bottom face and longitudinal side surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member is provided with at least one interlocking means. It should be noted that the interlocking means is configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed interlocking members of the adjoining pallet members so as to allow the modular pallet to be extended to a desired size. In the embodiment of the pallet member provided with at least one protruding locking unit at the first contact surface and at least one receiving slot at the second contact surface and vice versa; the interlocking means of the first longitudinal side surface of the extension member is preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber and the interlocking means of the second longitudinal side surface of the extension member is preferably includes at least one complementary formed protuberance and vice versa. Similarly, in the embodiment of one pallet member provided with at least one protruding locking unit at the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member and an adjoining pallet is provided with at least one complementary formed receiving slot at the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member and vice versa; the interlocking means of the first longitudinal side surface of the extension member is preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber and the interlocking means of the second longitudinal side surface of the extension member is preferably includes at least one complementary formed protuberance and vice versa. In the embodiment of the pallet member provided with at least one protruding locking unit at one supporting pillar and at least one receiving slot at another supporting pillar of the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member; the interlocking means of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber and at least one complementary formed protuberance and vice versa.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protuberance of the extension member is provided with a frontal wall, side walls and a through hole. Preferably, the receiving chamber of the extension member is provided with an upper end, a lower end, a posterior wall and side walls. It should be noted that the upper end and the lower end of the receiving chamber are having mutually aligned cavities. Preferably, each of the cavities of the upper and lower ends of the receiving chamber is provided with an inner circumferential wall integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls of the cavities of the receiving chamber of the extension member is further provided with a female engaging means. It should be noted that the female engaging means is configured to be matingly engaged with the male engaging means of the locking member.

In the preferred embodiment, the cavities of the upper and lower ends of the receiving chamber of the extension member are configured to mutually align with the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member when the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving chamber of the extension member to readily receive the insertion of the locking member. In the embodiment of the locking member having the top section with wider diameter than that of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member; the locking member is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber of the extension member and into the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member. In this preferred embodiment, the top section of the locking member is held outside the cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber of the extension member. In the embodiment of the locking member provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber of the extension member when the locking member is inserted into the cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber of the extension member and into the hollow core of the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member. It will be appreciated that the male engaging means of the locking member and the female engaging means of the receiving chamber of the extension member are designed to further secure the engagement between the pallet member and the extension member.

It should be noted that the openings of the receiving slot of the pallet member are configured to mutually align with the through hole of the protuberance of the extension member when the protuberance of the extension member is interlockab!y engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member to readily receive the insertion of the locking member. In the embodiment of the locking member having the top section with wider diameter than that of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member; the locking member is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member and into the through hole of the protuberance of the extension member. In this preferred embodiment, the top section of the locking member is held outside the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member.

!n the embodiment of the locking member provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet member when the locking member is inserted into the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the pallet member and into the through hole of the protuberance of the extension member. In the preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal side surface of the extension member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members and the second longitudinal side surface of the extension member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations and vice versa. In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members and indentations. Preferably, the protruding members and the indentations of the extension member of each of the two embodiments as aforementioned are positioned proximate the top face of the extension member. It should be noted that the protruding members and the indentations of the extension member are configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed apertures and projections of the adjoining pallet member.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member is provided with at feast one orifice corresponding to the coupling device of the modular pallet assembly. It should be noted that the orifice formed on the longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member is configured to mutually align with the dent formed on the contact surfaces of the adjoining pallet member to form a receiving hole to readily receive the coupling device.

In the preferred embodiment, the coupling device is suitably affixed on the frontal wall of the protuberance of the extension member. It should be noted that the coupling device of the protuberance of the extension member is preferably inserted into the void of the receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member when the extension member is interlockably engaged with the adjoining pallet member.

Preferably, the receiving chamber of the extension member is provided with at least one perforation corresponding to the coupling device of the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member. Preferably, the perforation of the receiving chamber of the extension member is suitably positioned at the posterior wall of the receiving chamber to readily receive the coupling device of the protruding locking unit of the adjoining pallet member when the extension member is interlockably engaged with the adjoining pallet member.

In the other preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly includes at least four pallet members. In this preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members is configured to be the same and can be used interchangeably. Preferably, each of the pallet member comprises a load- bearing surface having at least four edges with corners. Preferably, each of the pallet members is provided with at least two contact surfaces integrally extended downwardly from the edges of the load-bearing surface. In this preferred embodiment, each of the pallet member is provided with at least four spaced apart supporting pillars having a lower end. Preferably, the supporting pillar is integrally formed and extended downwardly at each of the corners of the load-bearing surface.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the supporting pillars positioned at the first and second contact surfaces of the pallet member is provided with at least one integrally formed receiving slot. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the modular pallet assembly is provided with at least one engagement member corresponding to and interlockably engaged with the receiving slot of the pallet member. Preferably, the engagement member is having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end and side walls.

It should be noted that the first end of the engagement member is preferably interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot of an adjoining pallet member and the second end of the engagement member is preferably interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot of another adjoining pallet member so as to securely engage the pallet members together.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiving slot of the pallet member is provided with an upper end and a lower end with mutually aligned openings. Preferably, each of the openings of the receiving slot of the pallet member is provided with an inner circumferential wall integrally extended downwardly from each of the openings of the receiving slot of the pallet member. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls of the receiving slot of the pallet member are further provided with a female engaging means.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second ends of the engagement member is preferably provided with at one hollow passage extended from the upper surface to the lower surface of the engagement member.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly is provided with a plurality of locking members. The locking member of this preferred embodiment is having the same features as the locking member of the other preferred embodiments as described above and the description is not repeated here.

It should be noted that the openings of the receiving slot of the pallet member are configured to mutually align with the hollow passage of the engagement member to readily receive the locking member. In the embodiment of the locking member having top section with wider diameter than that of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member, the locking member is preferably snap-fitted through the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the pallet member and into the hollow passage of the engagement member. It should be noted that the top section of the locking member is held outside the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot of the pallet member.

In the embodiment of the locking member provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means of the locking member is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet member when the locking member is inserted into the opening of the upper end of the receiving slot and into the hollow passage of the engagement member, it will be appreciated that the male engaging means of the locking member and the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet member are configured to further secure the engagement between the pallet members. In one preferred embodiment, the first contact surface of the pallet member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections and the second contact surface of the pallet member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures corresponding to the projections formed on the first contact surface of the adjoining pallet member and vice versa. It should be noted that the projections of the pallet member are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures of the adjoining pallet member to further fortify the engagement between the pallet members.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second contact surfaces of each of the pallet members is further provided a plurality of spaced apart projections and apertures. Preferably, the projections and apertures of the pallet member are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures and projections of the adjoining pallet member.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member is further provided with at least one protrusion. It should be noted that the protrusion is integrally extended upwardly at each of the corners of the load-bearing surface of the pallet member. It will be appreciated that the protrusion is configured to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load-bearing surface.

Preferably, the pallet member is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess positioned at the lower end of the supporting pillar. It should be noted that the protrusions of the pallet member are suitably inserted into the complementary formed recesses of another pallet member when the modular pallets are stacked on one another. in this preferred embodiment, at least one frame structure is preferably formed at the lower end of the supporting pillars. Preferably, the frame structure is interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars. It will be appreciated that the frame structure is configured to further fortify the structure of the pallet members, thereby increase the solidity of the assembled modular pallet.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet is further provided with a plurality of extension members having a top face, a bottom face and longitudinal side surfaces, in the preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal side surfaces of the extension member is provided with at least one receiving chamber corresponding to the engagement member of the modular pallet assembly. It should be noted that the receiving chamber of the extension member is configured to interlockably engage with the first end of the complementary formed engagement member and the second end of the engagement member is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot of an adjoining pallet member and vice versa during assembly of the extended modular pallet.

In this preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber is provided with an upper end, a lower end, a posterior wall and side walls. Preferably, the receiving chamber of the extension member is having mutually aligned cavities formed at the upper end and the lower end of the receiving chamber. Preferably, each of the cavities of the receiving chamber is provided with an inner circumferential wall Integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls of the cavities of the receiving chamber of the extension member is further provided with a female engaging means. It should be noted that the female engaging means of the receiving chamber of the extension member is configured to be matingly engaged with the male engaging means of the locking member. It should be noted that the cavities of the receiving chamber of the extension member are configured to mutually align with the hollow passage positioned at the first end of the engagement member to readily receive the locking member. In the embodiment of the locking member having top section with wider diameter than that of the elongated body and the bottom section of the locking member, the locking member is preferably snap-fitted through the cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber of the extension member and into the hollow passage positioned at the first end of the engagement member. It should be noted that the top section of the locking member is held outside the cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber of the extension member. In the embodiment of the locking member is provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber of the extension member when the locking member is inserted into the cavity of the upper end of the receiving chamber and into the hollow passage positioned at the first end of the engagement member.

In should be noted that the second end of the engagement member of each of the embodiments as described in the two paragraphs above is interlockabiy engaged with the receiving slot of the adjoining pallet member in the same manner as described above and is not repeated here.

In one preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal side surface of the extension member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members and the second longitudinal side surface of the extension member is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations and vice versa. In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members and indentations. Preferably, the protruding members and the indentations of the extension member of each of the two embodiments as aforementioned are positioned proximate the top face of the extension member. It should be noted that the protruding members and indentations of the extension member are configured to interlockabiy engage with the complementary formed apertures and projections of the adjoining pallet member. If desired, the extension member of this preferred embodiment may be further provided with a hollow channel interconnecting and extending through the receiving chambers positioned at the first and second longitudinal side walls of the extension member. It will be appreciated that the hollow channel of the extension member is configured to allow an engaging means with greater length to be slotted through the extension member. It should be noted that the first end and the second end of the engaging means are exposed outside the extension member and are interlockabiy engaged with the receiving slots of the adjoining pallet members of the modular pallet assembly.

The present invention consists of several novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying description and drawing, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawing which is given by way of illustration only, and thus is not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

FIG.1 a illustrates an exploded perspective view of a modular pallet assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

F!G. 1 b illustrates a perspective view of an assembled modular pallet assembly of FIG.1a;

FIG. 2a shows a top perspective view of a pallet member of the modular pallet assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2b shows a bottom perspective view of the pallet member of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of pallet members in accordance with the another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG.4 illustrates a top view of pallet members in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a protruding locking unit and a receiving slot of the pallet member of FIG. 2a in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a illustrates a cross section view (X -X) of the receiving slot of the pallet member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a locking member in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a locking member provided with a male engaging means in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a locking member provided with a male engaging means in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8a shows an enlarged perspective view of a receiving chamber of a pallet member provided with a female engaging means corresponding to the male engaging means of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a locking member provided with a male engaging means in accordance with the other preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9a shows an enlarged bottom perspective view of a receiving chamber of a pallet member provided with a female engaging means corresponding to the male engaging means of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10a illustrates a top perspective view of an extension member in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 0b illustrates a bottom perspective view of the extension member of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11 shows a cross section view (Y - Y) of a receiving chamber of the extension member of FIG. 10a in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an extension member in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13a illustrates an exploded perspective view of an extended modular pallet assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13b illustrates a perspective view of an assembled extended modular pallet assembly of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 14a illustrates an exploded perspective view of another extended modular pallet assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14b illustrates a perspective view of an assembled extended modular pallet assembly of FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15 shows a top view of protruding locking units of a pallet member provided with male buckle member;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a coupling device and a fastening means corresponding to the coupling device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a pallet member provided with coupling device affixed on the protruding locking unit and a dent corresponding to the coupling device of FIG 6;

FIG. 18a illustrates a perspective view of an extension member provided with coupling device affixed on the protuberances of the extension member and a perforation corresponding to the coupling device of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18b illustrates a perspective view of an extension member provided with a perforation at the posterior wall of the receiving chamber and an orifice corresponding to the coupling device of FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, respectively;

FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of half of the modular pallet assembly provided with the coupling device and dent in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of one pallet member interlockably engaged with one extension member provided with the coupling device in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21a illustrates an exploded top view of half of the modular pallet assembly in accordance with the other preferred embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 2 b illustrates an exploded top view of half of the modular pallet assembly having engagement member with greater length in accordance with the other preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a modular pallet assembly for storing and transporting goods and loads. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The modular pallet assembly for storing and transporting goods and loads according to the preferred mode of carrying out the present invention will now be described in accordance to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1 to 21 , either individually or in any combination thereof.

Referring to FIGS.Ia and 1 b, illustrated therein is a modular pallet assembly 1 for storing and transporting goods and loads. Preferably, the modular pallet assembly includes at least four pallet members 10. The pallet members 10 are designed to allow replacement to be carried out easily when one of the pallet members of the assembled modular pallet is cracked or broken during handling. It will be appreciated that the operating cost can be reduced as replacement can be carried out easily. Besides, the production cost can also be significantly reduced as moulding process can be simplified in the manufacturing of the pallet members.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members 10 comprises a load-bearing surface 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2a and 2b. By way of example but not limitation, the load bearing surface may be in the form of perforated surface or solid surface. Preferably, the load bearing surface 100 is having at least four edges 110 with corners 130. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member 100 is provided with at least two contact surfaces 111a, 111b integrally extended downwardly from the edges 110 of the load-bearing surface 100. In the preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members 100 is provided with at least four spaced apart supporting pillars 300. Preferably, each of the supporting pillars 300 is having a lower end 310. The supporting pillar 300 is preferably integrally formed and extended downwardly at each of the corners 130 of the load-bearing surface 100. Preferably, each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111b of the pallet member 10 is provided with at least one integrally formed interlocking member. Preferably, the pallet members 10 of the modular pallet assembly 1 are interlockably engaged with one another through the engagement between the interlocking members.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the first contact surface 111a of the pallet member 10 includes at least one protruding locking unit 330 and the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the second contact surface 111 b of the pallet member 10 includes at least one receiving s!ot 350 and vice versa as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b. It should be noted that the receiving slot 350 formed on the second contact surface 111b of one pallet member 10 is corresponding to the protruding locking unit 330 formed on the first contact surface 111 a of an adjoining pallet member 10 and vice versa as shown in FIG. 1a.

In another preferred embodiment, the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the first contact surface 111a and the second contact surface 111b of one pallet member 10 includes at least one protruding locking member 330 and the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the first contact surface 111a and the second contact surface 111b of an adjoining pallet member 10 includes at least one receiving slot 350 corresponding to the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 10 and vice versa as illustrated in FIG. 3. It should be noted that the protruding locking units 330 of the pallet member 10 are interloackably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slots 350 of the adjoining pallet member 10.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the interlocking member of one supporting pillar 300 positioned at the first contact surface 111a and the second contact surface 111b of each of the pallet members 10 includes at least one protruding locking unit 330 and the interlocking member of another supporting pillar 300 positioned at the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111b of each of the pallet members 10 includes at least one complementary formed receiving slot 350 and vice versa as illustrated in FIG. 4. It should be noted that the protruding locking unit 330 and the receiving slot 350 of one pallet member 10 are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot 350 and protruding locking unit 330 of an adjoining pallet member 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 10 of each of the three embodiments as described above is preferably having a front wall 332 and side walls 331. Preferably, the protruding locking member 330 is provided with a hollow core 333. The receiving slot 350 of each of the pallet members 10 of the three embodiments as described above is preferably provided with an upper end 351, a lower end 353, a back wall 355 and side walls 356. Preferably, the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 is having mutually aligned openings 351a, 351b suitably formed on the upper end 351 and the lower end 352 of the receiving slot 350, respectively. It should be noted that the receiving slot 350 is provided with inner circumferential walls 352, 354 integrally extended from each of the openings 351a, 351 b of the receiving slot 350 as illustrated in FIG. 5a. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls 352, 352 of the receiving slot 350 is provided with a female engaging means.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly 1 is provided with a plurality of locking members 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9. !t will be appreciated that the locking member 30 is configured to further secure the structure of the modular pallet assembly 1.

Preferably, each of the locking members 30 comprises a top section 31, a bottom section 33 and an elongated body 35. It should be noted that the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30 is integrally extended downwardly from the top section 31 to the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In one preferred embodiment, the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is preferably having a wider diameter compared to the diameter of the elongated body 35 and the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30 as shown in FIG. 6. In another preferred embodiment, the locking member 30 is provided with a male engaging means corresponding to the female engaging means of the receiving slot of the pallet members 10. Preferably, the male engaging means is integrally formed on the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30.

Preferably, the openings 351a, 353a of the receiving slot 350 of one pallet member 10 are configured to mutually align with the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of an adjoining pallet member 10 to readily receive the locking member 30 when the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 10 is interlockabiy engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot 350 of the adjoining pallet member 10. In the embodiment of the locking member 30 having the top section 31 with wider diameter than that of the elongated body 35 and the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30; the locking member 30 is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of one pallet member 10 and into the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of an adjoining pallet member 10. In this preferred embodiment, the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is held outside the opening 351a of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 when the locking member 10 is completely snap-fitted into the mutually aligned openings 351a and 353a of the receiving slot 350 and the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the interlockably engaged pallet members 10.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably matingly engaged with the complementary formed female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of one pallet member 10 when the locking member 30 is inserted into the mutually aligned opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 and into the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of an adjoining pallet member 10.

In one embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably a plug 37a positioned proximate the top section 31 of the locking member 30 and the complementary formed female engaging means is preferably a slot 352a formed at the inner circumferential wall 352 of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 as shown in FIGS. 5a and 7.

In another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably an external thread 37b formed around the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30. Preferably, the external thread 37b is positioned proximate at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30 as shown in FIG. 8. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 is preferably an internal thread 354a corresponding to the external thread 37b of the locking member 30. The internal thread 354a of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 is preferably formed at the inner circumferential wall 354 of the lower end 353 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 as shown in FIG. 8a.

In yet another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably a contractible connector 37c positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30 as shown in FIG. 9. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed ^ receptacle 354b positioned at the lower end 353 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9a.

It should be noted that the engagement between the male engaging means of the locking member 30 and the female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 may further secure the structure of the assembled modular pallet assembly 1. if desired, the locking member 30 can be removed from the assembled modular pallet assembly 1 by using any tools deemed suitable for dislodging the locking member 10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first contact surface 111a of the pallet member 10 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections 150 and the second contact surface 111b of the pallet member 10 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures 170 corresponding to the projections 150 formed on the first contact surface 111a of an adjoining pallet member 10 and vice versa. It should be noted that the projections 150 of one pallet member 10 are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures 170 of an adjoining pallet member 10 as shown in FIG. 2a.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second contact surfaces 111 a and 111b of the pallet member 10 is further provided a plurality of spaced apart projections 150 and apertures 170. In this preferred embodiment, the projections 150 and apertures 170 of one pallet member 10 are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures 150 and projections 170 of an adjoining pallet member 10.

It should be noted that the projections 150 and the apertures 170 of the pallet member 10 are preferably positioned proximate the edges 110 of the pallet member 10. It will be appreciated that the engagement between the projections 150 and the apertures 170 of the pallet members 10 may further fortify the structure of the assembled modular pallet assembly 1.

If desired, the protruding locking member 330 and the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 of each of the embodiments as described above may be further provided with a male buckle member 335 and a female buckle member (not shown), respectively as shown in FIG. 15. Preferably, the male buckle member 335 is extended from the side walls 331 of the protruding locking unit 330 and the female buckle member (not shown) is preferably positioned at the side walls 356 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10. It should be noted that the male buckle member 335 of the protruding locking unit 330 is adapted to be matingly engaged with the complementary formed female buckle member (not shown) of the receiving slot 350 when the protruding locking unit 330 of one pallet member 10 is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of an adjoining pallet member 10 so as to further secure the engagement between pallet members 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the modular pallet member is provided with at least one coupling device 80 as illustrated in FIG. 16. Preferably, the coupling device 80 is having two ends 81 and 83. In one embodiment, the first end 81 of the coupling device 80 is preferably having wider diameter compared to that of the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 as shown in FIG. 16. In another embodiment, the first end 81 and the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 are preferably having the same diameter.

In the preferred embodiment, the modular pallet assembly 1 is provided with at least one fastening means 90 to matingly engage with the coupling device 80 as illustrated in FIG. 16. Preferably, each of the first and second contact surfaces 111 a and 111 b of each of the pallet members 10 is provided at least one dent 113 corresponding to the coupling device 80 as shown in FIG. 17. It should be noted that the dent 113 formed on the first contact surface 111 a of one pallet member 10 is mutually aligned with the dent 113 formed on the second contact surface 111b of an adjoining pallet member 10 to form a receiving hole (not shown) to readily receive the coupling device 80 and vice versa when the two pallet members 10 are interlockably engaged with one another as illustrated in FIG. 19.

In the embodiment of the coupling device 80 having the first end 81 with wider diameter than that of the second end 83 of the coupling device 80, the first end 81 of the coupling device 80 is preferably held outside the dent 113 of one pallet member 10 and the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 is exposed outside the dent 113 of an adjoining pallet member 10 to readily receive the fastening means 90 when the coupling device 80 is inserted through the receiving hole (not shown) formed by the mutually aligned dents 113 of the interlockably engaged pallet members 10. In the embodiment of the coupling device 80 having the two ends 81 and

83 with same diameter, the two ends 81 and 83 of the coupling device 80 are held outside the receiving hole (not shown) formed by the mutually aligned dents 113 of the interlockably engaged pallet members 10 to readily receive the fastening means 90. Preferably, the coupling device 80 may be inserted manually to the dent

113 formed on the contact surfaces 111a, 111b of the pallet member 10 from a plurality of gaps 101 formed on the perforated load-bearing surface 100 of the pallet member 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the first end 81 of the coupling device 80 is suitably affixed on the front wall 332 of the protruding locking unit 330 of one pallet member 10 and the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 is configured to readily receive the fastening means 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19. Preferably, the complementary formed receiving slot 350 of an adjoining pallet member 10 is provided with a void 357 suitably positioned at the back wall 355 of the receiving slot 350 to readily receive the coupling device 80 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 10 when the pallet members 10 are interlockably engaged together as shown in FIG. 17. Preferably, the fastening means 90 is manually fastened onto the second end 83 of the coupling device 80. It should be noted that the coupling device 80 can include but is not limited to a coupling rod, pin or screw, in the preferred embodiment, the fastening means 90 can include but is not limited to a nut.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member 10 is further provided with at least one protrusion 131 as illustrated in FIG. 2a. Preferably, the protrusion 131 is integrally extended upwardly at each of the corner 130 of the load-bearing surface 100. it will be appreciated that the protrusion 130 is configured to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load-bearing surface 100 in order to prevent the goods or loads from slipping.

In the preferred embodiment, the pallet member 10 is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess 311 positioned at the lower end 310 of the supporting pillar 300 as shown in FIG. 2b. It should be noted that the protrusions 131 of the pallet member 10 are suitably inserted into the complementary formed recesses 311 of another pallet member 10 when the assembled modular pallets 1 are stacked on one another.

In the preferred embodiment, at least one frame structure 500 is preferably formed at the lower end 310 of the supporting pillars 300. Preferably, the frame structure 500 is interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars 300 as illustrated in FIG. 2b. It will be appreciated that the frame structure 500 is configured to further fortify the structure of the pallet members 10, thereby increase the solidity of the assembled modular pallet assembly 1. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly 1 is further provided with a plurality of extension members 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b. It should be noted that the extension member 50 is configured to allow the modular pallet assembly 1 to be extended to a desired size and configuration. It will be appreciated that modular pallet assembly 1 with extended size as illustrated in FIG. 13b and 14b will allow goods or loads to be stored or transported in large quantity. In the preferred embodiment, the extension member 50 is preferably having a top face 51, a bottom face 52 and longitudinal side surfaces 53a and 53b as illustrated in F!GS. 10a and 10b. The top face 51 of the extension member 50 can be in the form of perforated surface or solid surface. Preferably, each of the longitudinal surfaces 53a, 53b of the extension member 50 is provided with at least one interlocking means corresponding to the interlocking members of the adjoining pallet member 10. It should be noted that during assembly of the extended modular pallet assembly, the interlocking means of the extension member 50 is interlockably engaged with the interlocking members of the adjoining pallet member 10. In the embodiment of the pallet member 10 provided with at least one protruding Iocking unit 330 at the first contact surface 111 a and at least one receiving slot 350 at the second contact surface 111b and vice versa; the interlocking means of the first longitudinal side surface 53a of the extension member 50 preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber 55 and the interlocking means of the second longitudinal side surface 53b of the extension member 50 preferably includes at least one complementary formed protuberance 54 and vice versa as illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b.

Similarly, in the embodiment of one pallet member 10 provided with at least one protruding Iocking unit 330 at each of the supporting pillars 300 at the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111b and an adjoining pallet member 10 provided with at least one complementary formed receiving slot 350 at each of the supporting pillars 300 at the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111b and vice versa; the interlocking means of the first longitudinal side surface 53a of the extension member 50 preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber 55 and the interlocking means of the second longitudinal side surface 53b of the extension member 50 preferably includes at least one complementary formed protuberance 54 and vice versa.

In the embodiment of the pallet member 10 provided with at least one protruding Iocking unit 330 at one supporting pillar 300 and at least one receiving slot 350 at another supporting pillar 300 of the first and second contact surfaces 11 a and 111b of the pallet member and vice versa; the interlocking means of the first and second longitudinal surfaces 53a and 53b of the extension member 50 preferably includes at least one complementary formed receiving chamber 55 and at least one complementary formed protuberance 54 and vice versa as illustrated in FIG. 12.

!n the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50 is preferably provided with a frontal wall 54c and side walls 54a as illustrated in FIG. 10a. Preferably, the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50 is provided with a through hole 54d. In the preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is provided with an upper end 55a, a lower end 55b, a posterior wall 55c and side walls 55d as illustrated in FIG.1 1. Preferably, the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is provided with mutually aligned cavities 56 and 58 suitably formed at the upper end 55a and the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 as shown in FIGS. 10b and 11. In the preferred embodiment, each of the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is provided with an inner circumferential wall 57, 59 integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities 56, 58 as shown in FIG. 11. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls 57, 59 of the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is further provided with a female engaging means. It shouid be noted that the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is configured to be matingly engaged with the male engaging means of the locking member 30.

It should be noted that the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 are configured to mutually align with the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10 when the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 10 is interlockably engaged with the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50. It will be appreciated that such orientation will allow the locking member 30 to be suitably inserted into the cavity 56 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member and into the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10 so as to further secure the engagement between the pallet member 10 and the extension member 50.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 having top section 31 with wider diameter than that of the elongated body 35 and the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30; the locking member 30 is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned cavity 56 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 and into the hollow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10. In this preferred embodiment, the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is held outside the cavity 56 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 when the locking member 30 is inserted into the cavity 56 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 and into the hoilow core 333 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10. It will be appreciated that the male engaging means of the locking member 30 and female engaging means of receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 are designed to further secure the engagement between the pallet member 10 and the extension member 50.

In one embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably a plug 37a positioned proximate the top section 31 of the locking member 30 and the complementary formed female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably a slot 57a formed at the inner circumferential wall 57 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 as shown in FIG. 11.

In another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably an external thread 37b formed around the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30. Preferably, the external thread 37b is positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably an internal thread (not shown) corresponding to the externa! thread 37b of the locking member 30. The internal thread (not shown) of the receiving chamber is preferably formed at the inner circumferential wall 59 of the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50.

In yet another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably a contractible connector 37c positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (not shown) positioned at the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50. It should be noted that the engagement between the male engaging means of the locking member 30 and the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 may further secure the engagement between the pallet member 10 and the extension member 50.

In the preferred embodiment, the openings 351a and 353a of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 are configured to mutually align with the through hole 54d of the complementary formed protuberance 54 of the extension member 50 when the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50 is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot 350 of the adjoining pallet member 10 to readily receive the insertion of the locking member 30. In the embodiment of the locking member 30 having top section 31 with wider diameter than that of the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30; the locking member 30 is preferably snap-fitted into the mutually aligned opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 and into the through hole 54d of the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50. In this preferred embodiment, the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is held outside the opening 351a of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 when the locking member 30 is inserted into the opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 and into the through hole 54d of the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50. The features of the male engaging means of the locking member 30 and the complementary formed female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 have been described above and is not repeated here. In the preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal side surface 53a of the extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members 53d and the second longitudinal side surface 53b of extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations 53e and vice versa as shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces 53a and 53b of the extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members 53d and indentations 53e. Preferably, the protruding members 53d and the indentations 53e of the extension member 50 of the two embodiments as aforementioned are positioned proximate the top face 51 of the extension member 50. It should be noted that the protruding members 53d and the indentations 53e are configured to inter!ockably engage with the complementary formed apertures 170 and projections 150 of the adjoining pallet member 10 to further secure the structure of the modular pallet assembly 1 with extended size and configuration.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal side surfaces 53a, 53b of the extension member 50 is provided with at least one orifice 53c corresponding to the coupling device 80 as illustrated in FIGS. 18a and 18b. The features of the coupling device 80 have been described above and are not repeated here. It should be noted that the orifice 53c formed on the longitudinal side surfaces 53a, 53b of the extension member 50 is configured to be mutually aligned with the dent 113 formed on the contact surfaces 111a, 111 b of the adjoining pallet member 10 to form a receiving hole (not shown) to readily receive the coupling device 80.

In the embodiment of the coupling device 80 having the first end 81 with wider diameter than that of the second end 83 of the coupling device 80, the first end 81 of the coupling device 80 is preferably held outside the orifice 53c of the extension member 50 and the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 is exposed outside the dent 113 of the adjoining pallet member 10 and vice versa to readily receive the fastening means 90 when the coupling device 80 is inserted through the receiving hole (not shown) formed by the mutually aligned orifice 53c of the extension member 50 and the dent 113 of the pallet member 10 as illustrated in FIG. 20.

In the embodiment of the coupling device 80 having the two ends 81 and 83 with same diameter, the two ends 81 and 83 of the coupling device 80 are exposed outside the orifice 53c of the extension member 50 and the dent 113 of the adjoining pallet member 10 to readily receive the fastening means 90 when the coupling device 80 is inserted through the receiving hole (not shown) formed by the mutually aligned orifice 53c of the extension member 50 and the dent 113 of the adjoining pallet member 10. Preferably, the coupling device 80 may be inserted manually to the orifice 53c formed on the longitudinal side surfaces 53a, 53b of the extension member 50 from a plurality of gaps 51a formed on the perforated surface 51 of the extension member 50. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling device 80 is suitably affixed on the frontal wall 54c of the protuberance 54 of the extension member 50 as illustrated in FIG. 18a. It should be noted that the coupling device 80 of the protuberance 54 of the extension member is preferably inserted into the void 357 of the receiving slot 350 of the adjoining pallet member 10 when the extension member 50 is interlockably engaged with the adjoining pallet member 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is provided with at least one perforation 55f corresponding to the coupling device 80 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10 as illustrated in FIG. 18b. Preferably, the perforation 55f of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is suitably positioned at the posterior wall 55c of the receiving chamber 55 to readily receive the coupling device 80 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the adjoining pallet member 10 when the extension member 50 is interlockably engaged with the adjoining pallet member 10. It should be noted that the second end 83 of the coupling device 80 of the protruding locking unit 330 of the pallet member 80 is exposed outside the perforation 55f of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 to readily receive the fastening means 90. If desire, the fastening means 90 can be manually fastened onto the second end 83 of the coupling device 80. It should be noted that the coupling device 80 can include but is not limited to a coupling rod, pin or screw. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening means 90 can include but is not limited to a nut.

Referring to FIGS. 21a and 21b, illustrated therein are the elements or parts of the modular pallet assembly 1 in accordance with the other preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that some of these elements or parts have been described above. Thus, same reference numbers and figures of the previously described embodiments will be used in the following descriptions for the parts or elements of the modular pallet assembly of this preferred embodiment.

The modular pallet assembly 1 includes at least four pallet members 10 in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members 10 is configured to be the same and can be used interchangeably as illustrated in FIGS. 21a and 21 b. Preferably, each of the pallet members 10 comprises a load-bearing surface 100 having at least four edges 110 with corners 130. Preferably, each of the pallet members 10 is provided with at least two contact surfaces 111a and 111 b integrally extended downwardly from the edges 110 of the load-bearing surface 100. In this preferred embodiment, each of the pallet members 10 is provided with at least four spaced apart supporting pillars 300 having a lower end 310. Preferably, the supporting pillar 300 is integrally formed and extended downwardly at each of the corners 130 of the load-bearing surface 100. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, each of the supporting pillars 300 positioned at the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111 b of the pallet member 10 is provided with at least one integrally formed receiving slot 350. in this preferred embodiment, the modular pallet assembly 1 is provided with at least one engagement member 70 corresponding to and interlockably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10. Preferably, the engagement member 70 is having an upper surface 71 , a lower surface (not shown), a first end 75a, a second end 75b and side walls (not shown). It should be noted that the engagement member 70 can be in any length deemed suitable to interlockably engage the pallet members 10 together. During assembly of the modular pallet, the first end 75a of the engagement member 70 is preferably interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot 350 of one pallet member 10 and the second end 75b of the engagement member 70 is preferably interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot 350 of another pallet member 10 so as to securely engage the pallet members 10 together as illustrated in FIG. 21a. It should be noted that the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 of this preferred embodiment has the identical features as the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 of the other preferred embodiments as described above. Thus, same reference numbers are used in the following descriptions for the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 of this preferred embodiment and reference can be made to FIGS. 5 and 5a for illustration purpose.

Preferably, the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 is provided with an upper end 351 and a lower end 353 with mutually aligned openings 351a and 353a. In this preferred embodiment, each of the openings 351a, 353a of the receiving slot 350 is provided with an inner circumferential wall 352, 354 integrally extended downwardly from each of the openings 351a, 353a of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls 351a, 353a of the receiving slot 350 is further provided with a female engaging means.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the engagement member 70 is preferably provided with at least two hollow passage 73 as illustrated in FIG. 21a and FIG. 21b. Each of the hollow passage 73 of the engagement member 70 is preferably extended from the upper surface 71 to the lower surface (not shown) of the engagement member 70. Preferably, the hollow passage 73 is preferably positioned at each of the first and second ends 75a, 75b of the engagement member 70.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly 1 is provided with a plurality of locking members 30. It should be noted that the locking member 30 of this preferred embodiment has identical features as the locking member 30 of the other preferred embodiments as described above and the description is not repeated here. Reference can be made to FIGS. 6 to 9 for illustration purposes.

It should be noted that the hollow passage 73 of the engagement member 70 is configured to mutually align with the openings 351a and 353b of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 when the engagement member 70 is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10. In the embodiment of the locking member 30 having top section 31 with diameter wider than that of the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30, the locking member 30 is preferably snap-fitted through the opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 and into the hollow passage 73 of the engagement member 70. It should be noted that the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is held outside the opening 351a of the receiving slot 350 of the paiiet member 10.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 when the locking member 30 is inserted into the opening 351a of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 and into the hollow passage 73 of the engagement member 70. It will be appreciated that the male engaging means of the locking member 70 and female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10 are configured in such a way to securely engage the pallet members 10 together.

In one embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member is preferably a plug 37a positioned proximate the top section 31 of the locking member 30 and the complementary formed female engaging means of the receiving slot is preferably a slot 352a formed at the inner circumferential wall 352 of the upper end 351 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10.

In another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably an external thread 37b formed around the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30. Preferably, the external thread 37b is positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. in this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means of the receiving slot 350 of the paiiet member 10 is preferably an internal thread 354a corresponding to the external thread 37b of the locking member 30. The interna! thread 354a is preferably formed at the inner circumferential wall 354 of the lower end 353 of the receiving slot 450 of the pallet member 10. In yet another embodiment, the male engaging means is preferably a contractible connector 37c positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle 354b positioned at the iower end 353 of the receiving slot 350 of the pallet member 10.

If desired, the locking member 30 can be removed from the assembled modular pallet assembly 1 by using any hand tools deemed suitable for dislodging the locking member 10.

In one preferred embodiment, the first contact surface 111a of one pallet member 10 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections 150 and the second contact surface 111b of the pallet member 10 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures 170 corresponding to the projections 150 formed on the first contact surface 11 a of an adjoining pallet member 10 and vice versa, it should be noted that the projections 150 of the pallet member 10 are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures 170 of the adjoining pallet member 10 to further fortify the engagement between the pallet members 10. It should be noted that the projections 150 and apertures 170 of the pallet member of this preferred embodiment have the identical features as the projections 150 and apertures 170 of the other preferred embodiments as described above and reference can be made to FIG. 2a for illustration purpose.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second contact surfaces 111a and 111b of each of the pallet member 10 of the modular pallet assembly 1 is further provided a plurality of spaced apart projections 150 and apertures 170. Preferably, the projections 150 and the apertures 170 of one pallet member 10 are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures 170 and projections 150 of an adjoining pallet member 10.

In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet member 10 is further provided with at least one protrusions 131. Preferably, the protrusion 131 are integrally extended upwardly at each of the corners 130 of the load- bearing surface 100. It will be appreciated that the protrusion 131 is configured to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load -bearing surface 100 in order to prevent the loads or goods from slipping as shown in FIGS. 21 a and 21 b. Preferably, the pallet member 10 is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess 311 positioned at the lower end 310 of the supporting pillar 300. It should be noted that the protrusions 131 of the pallet member 10 are suitably inserted into the complementary formed recesses 311 of another pallet member 10 when the modular pallets 10 are stacked on one another. It should be noted that the recesses 311 of the pallet member 10 of this preferred embodiment have the identical features as the recesses 311 of the other preferred embodiments as described above and reference can be made to FIG. 2b for illustration purpose. In this preferred embodiment, at least one frame structure 500 is preferably formed at the lower end 310 of the supporting pillars 300 of the pallet member 10. Preferably, the frame structure 500 is interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars 300. It will be appreciated that the frame structure 500 is configured to further fortify the structure of the pallet member 10, thereby increase the solidity of the assembled modular pallet 1. It should be noted that the frame structure 500 of the pallet member 10 of this preferred embodiment have the identical features as the frame structure 500 of the other preferred embodiments as described above and reference can be made to FIG. 2b for illustration purpose.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the modular pallet assembly 1 is further provided with a plurality of extension members 50. It should be noted that the extension member 50 is configured to allow the modular pallet assembly 1 to be extended to a desired size or configuration. It will be appreciated that with an extended pallet size, storage and transport of large quantity of goods or loads can be carried out. Preferably, the extension member 50 is having a top face 51 , a bottom face 52 and longitudinal side surfaces 53a and 53b. In the preferred embodiment, each of the longitudinal side surfaces 53a, 53b of the extension member 50 is provided with at least one receiving chamber 55 corresponding to the engagement member 70 of the modular pallet assembly 1. It should be noted that the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member

50 is configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed engagement member 70. During assembly of the extended modular pallet assembly, the first end 75a of the engagement member 70 is preferably engaged with the receiving chamber 55 of an extension member 50 and the second end 75b of the engagement member 70 is preferably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of an adjoining pallet member 10 and vice versa. It should be noted that the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member

50 of this preferred embodiment has the identical features as the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 of the other preferred embodiments as described above. Thus, same reference numbers are used in the following descriptions for the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 of this preferred embodiment and reference can be made to FIGS. 10b and 11 for illustration purpose.

In this preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably provided with an upper end 55a and a lower end 55b. Preferably, the upper end 55a and the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 are having mutually aligned cavities 56 and 58. Preferably, each of the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 50 is provided with an inner circumferential wall 57, 59 integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50. Preferably, the inner circumferential walls 57, 59 of the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 are further provided with a female engaging means. It should be noted that the female engaging means is configured to be matingly engaged with the male engaging means of the locking member 30.

It should be noted that the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 are configured to mutually align with the hollow passage 73 positioned at the first end 75a of the engagement member 70 to readily receive the locking member 30. In the embodiment of the locking member 30 having top section 31 with wider diameter than that of the elongated body 35 and the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30, the locking member 30 is preferably snap- fitted through the cavity 56 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 and into the hollow passage 73 positioned at the first end 75a of the engagement member 70. It should be noted that the top section 31 of the locking member 30 is held outside the cavity 56 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 when the locking member 30 is completely inserted into the mutually aligned cavities 56 and 58 of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 and into the hollow passage 73 positioned at the first end 75a of the engagement member 70.

In the embodiment of the locking member 30 provided with a male engaging means; the male engaging means is preferably matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 when the locking member 30 is inserted into the cavity 56 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 and into the hollow passage 73 positioned at the first end 75a of the engagement member 70.

In one embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member is preferably a plug 37a positioned proximate the top section 31 of the locking member 30 and the complementary formed female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably a slot 57a formed at the inner circumferential wall 57 of the upper end 55a of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50.

In another embodiment, the male engaging means of the locking member 30 is preferably an external thread 37b formed around the elongated body 35 of the locking member 30. Preferably, the external thread 37b is positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably an internal thread (not shown) corresponding to the external thread 37b of the locking member 30. The internal thread (not shown) of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably formed at the inner circumferential wall 59 of the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50.

In yet another embodiment, the male engaging means is preferably a contractible connector 37c positioned at the bottom section 33 of the locking member 30. In this preferred embodiment, the female engaging means of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50 is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (not shown) positioned at the lower end 55b of the receiving chamber 55 of the extension member 50.

As mentioned above, the second end 75b of the engagement member 70 is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of an adjoining pallet member 10 during assembly of the extended modular pallet. The second end 75b of the engagement member 70 is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot 350 of the adjoining pallet member 10 in the same manner as described above and the description is not repeated here.

In one preferred embodiment, the first longitudinal side surface 53a of the extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members 53d and the second longitudinal side surface 53b of the extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations 53e and vice versa. In another preferred embodiment, each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces 53a and 53b of the extension member 50 is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members 53d and indentations 53e. Preferably, the protruding members 53d and the indentations 53e of the extension member 50 of each of the two embodiments as aforementioned are positioned proximate the top face 51 of the extension member 50. It should be noted that the protruding members 53d and the indentations 53e of the extension member 50 are configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed apertures 170 and projections 150 of the adjoining pallet member 10. It should be noted that the protruding members 53d and indentations 53e are designed to further fortify the structure of the extended modular pallet assembly 1. If desired, the extension member 50 of this preferred embodiment may be further provided with a hollow channel (not shown) interconnecting and extending through the receiving chambers 55 positioned at the first and second longitudinal side walls 53a, 53b of the extension member 50. It will be appreciated that the hollow channel (not shown) of the extension member 50 is configured to allow the engagement member 70 with greater length to be slotted through the extension member 50. It should be noted that the two ends 75a, 75b of the engagement member 70 having the hollow passage 73 are exposed outside the extension member 50 and interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slots 350 of the adjoining pallet members 10 of the modular pallet assembly 1 as shown in FIG. 21 b. If desired, the engagement member 70 with greater length is further provided with two ho!!ow passages 73b preferably positioned at the middle part of the engagement member 70. It should be noted that the two hollow passages 73b are configured to mutually align with the cavities 56, 58 of the receiving chambers 55 of the extension member 50 to readily receive the locking member 30. It should be noted that the locking member 30 is matingly engaged with the extension member 50 and the pallet member 10 in the same manner as described above and the description is not repeated here.

If desired, the locking members 30 may be removed from the modular pallet assembly 1 by means of any suitable tools deemed suitable for dislodging the locking members 30.

The invention being thus described, it is obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of following claims.

Claims

1. A modular pallet assembly (1 ) for storing and transporting goods and loads, the modular pallet assembly (1 ) includes

at feast four pallet members (10), wherein each of the pallet members (10) comprises:

a load-bearing surface (100) having at least four edges ( 10) with corners (130);

at least two contact surfaces (1 11a, 111 b) integrally extended downwardly from the edges ( 10) of the load-bearing surface (100);

at least four spaced apart supporting pillars (300) having a lower end (310), the supporting pillar (300) is integrally formed and extended downwardly at each of the corner (130) of the load- bearing surface (100); and

wherein each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first and second contact surfaces (11 1a, 111 b) of the pallet member (10) is provided with at least one integrally formed interlocking member; and

wherein the pallet members (10) are securely engaged together when the pallet members (10) are interloackably engaged with one another through the engagement between the interlocking members.

2. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first contact surface (1 11a) of the pallet member (10) includes at least one protruding locking unit (330) and the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the second contact surface (111 b) of the pallet member (10) includes at least one receiving slot (350) corresponding to the protruding locking unit (330) formed on the first contact surface (11 a) of an adjoining pallet member and vice versa; wherein the protruding locking unit (330) of the first contact surface (111 a) of one pallet member (10) are interloackably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) of the second contact surface (111 b) of the adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the interlocking member of each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first contact surface (111a) and the second contact surface (1 1 1b) of one pallet member (10) includes at least one protruding locking unit (330) and the interlocking members of each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first contact surface (111 a) and the second contact surface (11 b) of an adjoining pallet member (10) includes at least one receiving slot (350) corresponding to the protruding locking unit (330) formed on the first and second contact surfaces (111a, 111 b) of the pallet member (10) and vice versa; wherein the protruding locking units (330) of the pallet member (10) are interloackably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slots (350) of the adjoining pallet member ( 0).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the interlocking member of one supporting pillar (300) positioned at the first contact surface (111a) and the second contact surface (111 b) of each of the pallet members (10) of the modular pallet assembly (1 ) includes at least one protruding locking unit (330) and the locking member (350) of another supporting pillar (300) positioned at the first and second contact surfaces (1 1 1 a, 1 1 1 b) of each of the pallet members (10) includes at least one receiving slot (350) and vice versa; wherein the protruding locking unit (330) and the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) and protruding locking unit (330) of an adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the protruding locking unit (330) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with a front wall (332) and side wails (331 ). The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the protruding locking unit (330) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with a hollow core (333).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with an upper end (351 ), a lower end (353), a back wall (355) and side walls (356) wherein, the upper and lower ends (351 , 353) of the receiving slot (350) are having mutually aligned openings (351a, 353a) with inner circumferential walls (352, 354) integrally extended downwardly from each of the openings (351 a, 353a).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the inner circumferential walls (352, 354) of the receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with a female engaging means.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the protruding locking unit (330) of each of the pallet members (10) is further provided with a male buckle member (335) integrally extended from the side walls (331 ) of the protruding locking unit (330) and the side wails (356) of the receiving slot (350) of each of the pallet members (10) is further provided with a female buckle member (not shown) corresponding to the male buckle member (335), wherein the male buckle member (335) is matingly engaged with the female buckle member (not shown) when the protruding locking unit (330) of one pallet member (1 0) is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot (350) of an adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the modular pallet assembly (1 ) is provided with a plurality of locking members (30), wherein each locking member (30) comprises a top section (31 ), a bottom section (33) and an elongated body (35), wherein the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) is integrally extended downwardly from the top section (31 ) to the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the top section (31) of the locking member (30) is having a diameter slightly wider than the diameter of the elongated body (35) and the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the locking member (30) is further provided with a male engaging means integrally formed on the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 6, 7 or 10, wherein the openings (351 a and 3531 ) of the upper and lower ends (351 and 353) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) mutually aligned with the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of the supporting pillar (300) of an adjoining pallet member (10) when the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10) to readily receive the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 13, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably snap-fitted through the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) and into the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of an adjoining pallet member (10), wherein the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) is held outside the opening (351a) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably inserted into the opening (351 a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member ( 0) and into the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of an adjoining pallet member (10), wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) to securely interlock the engagement between the pallet members ( 0).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a plug (37a) positioned proximate the top section (31) of locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a slot (352a) formed at the inner circumferential wall (352) of the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably an external thread (37b) formed around the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) wherein, the external thread (37b) is preferably positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably an internal thread (354b) formed at the inner circumferential wall (354) of the opening (353a) of the lower end (353) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a contractible connector (37c) positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (354b) positioned at the lower end (353) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first contact surface (111 a) of the pallet member (10) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections (150) and the second contact surface (1 1 1 b) of the pallet member (10) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures (170) and vice versa, wherein the projections (150) of one pallet member (10) are inter!ockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures (170) of an adjoining pallet member (10) and vice versa. 20. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second contact surfaces (11 1a, 111b) of the pallet member (10) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections (150) and apertures ( 70), wherein the projections (150) and apertures (170) of one pallet member (10) are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures (170) and projections (150) of an adjoining pallet member

(10) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the modular pallet assembly (1 ) is provided with at least one coupling device (80) having a first end (81 ) and a second end (83).

22. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 21 , wherein the first end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) is having a wider diameter that of the second end (83) of the coupling device (80).

23. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 21 , wherein the first end (81 ) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) are having same diameter.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 21 , wherein the modular pallet assembly (1 ) is provided with at least one fastening means (90) to matingly engage with the coupling device (80).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 21 , wherein the first and second contact surfaces (11 1a and 11 1 b) of each of the pallet members (10) are provided with at least one dent (1 13) corresponding to the coupling device (80) wherein, the dent (113) formed on the contact surfaces (111 a and 1 1b) of one pallet member (10) mutually aligned with the dent (113) formed on the contact surfaces ( 11a and 11 1 b) of an adjoining pallet member (10) to form a receiving hole (not shown) to readily receive the coupling device (80).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 22, 24 or 25, wherein the first end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) having wider diameter is held outside the dent (1 13) of one pallet member (10) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) is exposed outside the dent (113) of an adjoining pallet member ( 0) to readily receive the fastening means (90).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the first end (81 ) and second end (83) of the coupling device (80) are exposed outside the receiving hole (not shown) of the interlockably engaged pallet members (10) to readily receive the fastening means (90).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 5, 21 or 24, wherein the first end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) is suitably affixed on the front wall (332) of the protruding locking unit (330) of the pallet member (10) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) is configured to readily receive the fastening means (90).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 7 or 28, wherein the receiving slot (350) of each of the pallet members (10) is provided with a void (357) suitably positioned at the back wall (3550 of the receiving slot (350) wherein, the void (357) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member is corresponding to the coupling device (80) of the protruding locking unit (330) of an adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the coupling device (80) of the protruding locking unit (330) of one pallet member (10) is suitably inserted through the complementary formed void (357) of the receiving slot (350) of an adjoining pallet member (10) wherein, the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) not affixed on the front wall (332) of the protruding locking unit (330) is exposed outside the back wall (355) of the receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet member (10) to readily receive the fastening means (90) when the protruding locking unit (330) of one pallet member (10) is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the pallet member (10) is further provided with at least one protrusion (131) integrally extended upwardly at each corners (130) of the load-bearing surface (100) to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load- bearing surface (100).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 31 , wherein the lower end (310) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member ( 0) is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess (311 ) to readily receive the protrusion (131 ) of the another pallet member (10) to allow the pallets (1 ) to be securely stacked on one another.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein at least one frame structure (500) is integrally formed at the lower end (310) of the supporting pillars (300) of the pallet member (10) and the frame structure (500) is preferably interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars (300) of the pallet member (10). 34. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the modular pallet assembly (1 ) is further provided with a plurality of extension members (50) having a top face (51 ), a bottom face (52) and two longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b), wherein each of the longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b) of the extension member (50) is provided with at least one interlocking means corresponding to and inter!ockably engaged with the interlocking members of the adjoining pallet member (10). The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 2, 3 or 34, wherein the interlocking means of the first longitudinal side surface (53a) of the extension member (50) includes at least one protuberance (54) and the interlocking means of the second longitudinal side surface (53b) of the extension member (50) includes at least one receiving chamber (55) and vice versa wherein, the protuberance (54) and the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) are configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) and protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10), respectively.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 4 or 34, wherein the interlocking means of each longitudinal side surfaces (53a, 53b) of the extension member (50) includes at least one protuberance (54) and at least one receiving chamber (55); wherein the protuberance (54) and the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) are configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) and protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10), respectively.

The modular pallet according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the protuberance (54) of the extension member (50) is provided with a frontal wall (54c) and side walls (54a).

The modular pallet according to claim 37, wherein the protuberance (54) of the extension member (50) is provided with a through hole (54d).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) is provided with an upper end (55a), a lower end (55b), a posterior wall (55c) and side walls (55d) wherein, the upper and lower ends (55a and 55b) of the receiving chamber (55) are having mutually aligned cavities (56, 58) with inner circumferential walls (57, 59) integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities (56, 58). The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 39, wherein the inner circumferential walls (57, 58) of the cavities (56, 58) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a female engaging means.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 6, 7, 10, 38 or 39, wherein the through hole (54d) of the protuberance (54) of the extension member (50) mutually aligned with the openings (351 a and 353a) of the upper and lower end (351 and 353) of the complementary formed receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillar (300) of one adjoining pallet member (10) and the cavities (56 and 58) of the upper and lower end (55a and 55b) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) mutually aligned with the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of the supporting pillar (300) of another adjoining pallet member (10) and vice versa to readily receive the locking member (30) when the extension member (50) is interlockbaly engaged with the adjoining pallet members (10). 42. The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 11 or 41 , wherein the locking member (30) is preferably snap-fitted through the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) and into the through hole (54d) of the complementary formed protuberance (54) of the adjoining extension member (50), wherein the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) is held outside the opening (351a) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 11 or 41 , wherein the locking member (30) is preferably snap-fitted through the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) and into the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10), wherein the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) is held outside the cavity (56) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 12, 40 or 41 , wherein the locking member (30) is preferably inserted through the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) and into the through hole (54d) of the complementary formed protuberance (54) of the adjoining extension member (50), wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) to securely interlock the engagement between the pallet member (10) and the adjoining extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 12, 40 or 41 , wherein the locking member (30) is preferably inserted through the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) and into the hollow core (333) of the complementary formed protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10), wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) to securely interlock the engagement between the pallet member (10) and the extension member (50).

46. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 45, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a plug (37a) positioned proximate the top section (31 ) of locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a slot (57a) formed at the inner circumferential wall (57) of the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 45, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably an external thread (37b) formed around the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) wherein, the external thread (37b) of the locking member (30) is positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably an internal thread (not shown) formed at the inner circumferential wall (59) of the cavity (58) of the lower end (55b) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 45, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a contractible connector (37c) positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (not shown) positioned at the lower end (55b) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 34, wherein the first longitudinal side surface (53a) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members (53d) positioned proximate the top face (51 ) of the extension member (50) and the second longitudinal side surface (53b) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations (53e) positioned proximate the top face (51) of the extension member (50) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 34, wherein each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members (53d) and indentations (53e) positioned proximate the top face (51 ) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 19, 20, 49 or 50, wherein the protruding members (53d) and the indentations (53e) of the extension member (50) are configured to interlockably engage with the complementary formed apertures (170) and projections (150) of the adjoining pallet member (10) of the modular pallet assembly (1 ). The. modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 21 , 25 or 34, wherein the first and second longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b) of each of the extension member (50) is provided with at least one orifice (53c) corresponding to the coupling device (80) wherein, the orifice (53c) formed on the longitudinal side surfaces (53a, 53b) of the extension member is configured to mutually aligned with the dent (1 13) formed on the contact surfaces (111a, 1 1 1 b) of the adjoining pallet member (10) to form a receiving ho!e (not shown) when the extension member (50) is interlockably engaged with the adjoining pallet member (10) to readily receive the coupling device (80).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 22, 24 or 52, wherein the first end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) having wider diameter is held outside the orifice (53c) of the extension member (50) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) is exposed outside the dent (1 13) of the adjoining pallet member (10) to readily receive the fastening means (90) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 23, 24 or 52, wherein the first end (81) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) are exposed outside the receiving hole (not shown) of the interlockably engaged extension member (50) and pallet member (10) to readily receive the fastening means (90).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 24, 28 or 37, wherein the first end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) is suitably affixed on the frontal wall (54c) of the protuberance (54) of the extension member (50) and the second end (83) of the coupling device (80) is configured to readily receive the fastening means (90).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 28 or 39, wherein the receiving chamber (55) of each of the extension member (50) is provided with a perforation (55f) suitably positioned at the posterior wall (55c) of the receiving chamber (55) wherein, the perforation (55f) of the receiving chamber (55) is corresponding to the coupling device (80) of the protruding locking unit (330) of the adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 29 or 55, wherein the coupling device (80) of the protuberance (54) of the extension member (50) is suitably inserted through the complementary formed void (357) of the receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet member (10) wherein, the second end (81 ) of the coupling device (80) not affixed on the frontal wall (54c) of the protuberance (54) is exposed outside the back wall (355) of the receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet member (10) to readily receive the fastening means (90) when the protuberance (54) of the extension member (500 is interlockably engaged with the receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 21 , 28, 52 or 55, wherein the coupling device (80) may include a coupling rod, pin or screw.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 24, 53, 54 or 55, wherein the fastening means (90) may include a nut.

A modular pallet assembly (1 ) for storing and transporting goods and loads, the modular pallet assembly (1 ) includes

at least four pallet members (10), wherein each of the pallet members (10) comprises:

at least two contact surfaces (111 a, 111 b) integrally extended downwardly from the edges (110) of the load-bearing surface (100);

at least four spaced apart supporting pillars (300) having a lower end (310), the supporting pillar (300) is integrally formed and extended downwardly at each corner (130) of the load-bearing surface (100); and wherein each of the supporting pillars (300) positioned at the first and second contact surfaces (111a, 1 11 b) of the pallet member (10) is provided with at least one integrally formed receiving slot (350); and at least one engagement member (70) having an upper surface (71), a lower surface (not shown), a first end (75a), a second end (75b) and side walls (not shown); wherein the engagement member (70) is corresponding to the receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillars (300) of each of the pallet members (10); and

wherein the pallet members (10) are securely engaged together when the first end (75a) of the engagement member (70) is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) of one pallet member (10) and the second end (75b) of the engagement member (70) is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) of an adjoining pallet member (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillars (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with an upper end (351 ), a lower end (353), a back wall (355), and side walls (356), wherein the upper and lower ends (351 and 353) of the receiving slot (350) are having mutually aligned openings (351a, 353a) with inner circumferential walls (352, 354) integrally extended downwardly from each of the openings (351a, 353a) of the receiving slot (350).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 61 , wherein the inner circumferential walls (352, 354) of the receiving slot (350) of the supporting pillar (300) of the pallet member (10) is provided with a female engaging means.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the engagement member (70) is provided with at least two hollow passage (73) extended from the upper surface (71 ) to the lower surface (not shown) of the engagement member (70). The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the modular pallet assembly (1 ) is provided with a plurality of locking members

(30) , wherein each of the locking members (30) comprises a top section

(31 ) , a bottom section (33) and an elongated body (35) wherein, the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) is integrally extended downwardly from the top section (31 ) to the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 64, wherein the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) is having a diameter slightly wider than the diameter of the elongated body (35) and the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 64, wherein the locking member (30) is further provided with a male engaging means integrally formed on the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 61 or 63, wherein the openings (35 a and 353a) of the receiving slots (350) of the pallet member (10) mutually aligned with the hollow passage (73) of the complementary formed engagement member (70) when the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) is interlockably engaged with the complementary formed engagement member (70) to readily receive the locking member (30).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 65 or 67, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably snap-fitted through the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) and into the hollow passage (73) of the engagement member (70), wherein the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) is held outside the opening (351a) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

69. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 62, 66 or 67, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably inserted into the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) and into the hollow passage (73) of the engagement member (70) wherein, the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10) to securely interlock the pallet members (10) together.

70. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 69, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a plug (37a) positioned proximate the top section (31 ) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a slot (352a) formed at the inner circumferential wall (352) of the opening (351a) of the upper end (351 ) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

71. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 69, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably an external thread (37b) formed around the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) wherein, the external thread (37b) is positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably an internal thread (354a) formed at the inner circumferential wall (354) of the opening (353a) of the lower end (353) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

72. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 69, wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a contractible connector (37c) positioned at the bottom section (33) of the locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (not shown) positioned at the lower end (353) of the receiving slot (350) of the pallet member (10).

73. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the first contact surface ( 11a) of the pallet member (10) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections (150) and the second contact surface (1 1 1 b) of the pallet member (10) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures (170) and vice versa, wherein the projections (150) of one pallet member (10) are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures (170) of an adjoining pallet member (10) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein each of the first and second contact surfaces (1 1 a and 11 1 b) of the pallet member (10) Is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections (150) and a plurality of spaced apart apertures (170) wherein, the projections (150) and the apertures (170) of one pallet member (10) are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures (170) and projections (150) of an adjoining pallet member (10) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the modular pallet assembly (1) is further provided with a plurality of extension members (50) having a top face (51), a bottom face (52) and two longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b).

The modular pallet according to claim 75, wherein each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces (53a, 53b) of the extension member (50) is provided with at least one receiving chamber (55); wherein the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) is configured to interlockably engage with one end (75a or 75b) of the engagement member (70).

The modular pallet according to claim 76, wherein the receiving chamber (55) is provided with an upper end (55a) and a lower end (55b) having mutually aligned cavities (56, 58) with inner circumferential walls (57, 59) integrally extended downwardly from each of the cavities (56, 58).

78. The modular pallet according to claim 77, wherein the inner circumferential wall {57, 59) of the cavity (56, 58) of the receiving chamber (55) is further provided with a female engaging means. 79. The modular pallet according to claim 63 or 77, wherein the hollow passage (73) of the engagement member (70) is mutually aligned with the cavities (56 and 58) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) to readily receive the locking member (30). 80. The modular pallet according to claim 65 or 79, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably snap-fitted through the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) and into the hollow passage (73) of the engagement member (70), wherein the top section (31) of the locking member (30) is held outside the cavity (56) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 66 or 79, wherein the locking member (30) is preferably inserted into the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50) and into the hollow passage (73) of the engagement member (70) wherein, the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is matingly engaged with the female engaging means of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50). 82. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 81 , wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a plug (37a) positioned proximate the top section (31 ) of locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a slot (57a) formed at the inner circumferential wall (59) of the cavity (56) of the upper end (55a) of the receiving chamber (55).

83. The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 81 , wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably an external thread (37b) formed around the elongated body (35) of the locking member (30) wherein, the external thread (37b) is positioned at the bottom section (33) of locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably an internal thread (not shown) formed at the inner circumferential wall (59) of the cavity (58) of the lower end (55b) of the receiving chamber (55).

84. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 81 , wherein the male engaging means of the locking member (30) is preferably a contractible connector (37c) positioned at the bottom section (33) of locking member (30) and the female engaging means is preferably a complementary formed receptacle (not shown) positioned at the lower end (55b) of the receiving chamber (55) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 75, wherein the first longitudinal side surface (53a) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members (53d) positioned proximate the top face (51 ) of the extension member (50) and the second longitudinal side surface (53b) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart indentations (53e) positioned proximate the top face (51 ) of the extension member (50) and vice versa.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 81 , wherein each of the first and second longitudinal side surfaces (53a and 53b) of the extension member (50) is further provided with a plurality of spaced apart protruding members (53d) and a plurality of spaced apart indentations (53e) positioned proximate the top face (51 ) of the extension member (50).

The modular pallet assembly (1) according to claim 73, 74 or 85, wherein the protruding members (53d) and the indentations (53e) of the extension member (50) are interlockably engaged with the complementary formed apertures (170) and projections (150) of the adjoining pallet member (10) of the modular pallet assembly (1). The modular pallet assembly according to claim 76, wherein the extension member (50) is provided with a hollow channel (not shown) interconnecting and extending through the receiving chambers (55) positioned at the first and second longitudinal side wails (53a, 53b) of the locking member (50).

The modular pallet assembly according to claim 88, wherein the hollow channel (not shown) of the extension member (50) is configured to allow an engagement member (70) with greater length to be slotted through the extension member (50) wherein, the two ends (75a and 75b) of the engagement member (70) are exposed outside the extension member (50) to interiockably engaged with the complementary formed receiving slot (350) of the adjoining pallet members (10).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the pallet member (10) is further provided with at least one protrusion (131 ) integrally extended upwardly at each corners (130) of the load-bearing surface ( 00) to allow goods or loads to be securely placed or stacked on the load- bearing surface (100).

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60 or 90, wherein the lower end (310) of the supporting pillar (300) is further provided with at least one complementary formed recess (31 1 ) to readily receive the protrusion (131) of the pallet member (10) to allow the assembled modular pallets (1 ) to be securely stacked on one another.

The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein at least one frame structure (500) is integrally formed at the lower end (3 0) of the supporting pillars (300) and the frame structure (500) is preferably interconnecting the oppositely positioned supporting pillars (300).

93. The modular pallet assembly (1 ) according to claim 60, wherein the pallet members (10) are configured to be the same and can be used interchangeably.