US3606844A - Pallet having guiding means in all sides - Google Patents

Pallet having guiding means in all sides Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3606844A
US3606844A US872510A US3606844DA US3606844A US 3606844 A US3606844 A US 3606844A US 872510 A US872510 A US 872510A US 3606844D A US3606844D A US 3606844DA US 3606844 A US3606844 A US 3606844A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pallet
perimeter
sidewalls
support elements
acute angle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US872510A
Inventor
John William Lubker
Leo Earnest Owen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Standard Oil Co
Original Assignee
Standard Oil Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Standard Oil Co filed Critical Standard Oil Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3606844A publication Critical patent/US3606844A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/001Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0012Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00014Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009Materials
    • B65D2519/00049Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00343Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547Connections
    • B65D2519/00552Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736Details
    • B65D2519/00776Accessories for manipulating the pallet
    • B65D2519/00796Guiding means for fork-lift
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S108/00Horizontally supported planar surfaces
    • Y10S108/901Synthetic plastic industrial platform, e.g. pallet

Definitions

  • a pallet having top and bottom members connected together by means which space said members to accommodate between them lifting means.
  • the connecting means include upright support elements, near the perimeter of the pallet, which are spaced from each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways that admit the lifting means. These entryways are characterized by having sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define between each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75 The sidewalls guide the lifting means.
  • a pallet having about equal size, generally flat and rigid, rectangular top and bottom members connected together by means which space the top and bottom members to accommodate between them lifting means such as the forks of a lift truck.
  • These connecting means include an upright support element near each corner of the pallet, an upright support element near the perimeter of the pallet about midway between adjacent pairs of corners, and a support element near the center of the pallet.
  • Support elements near the perimeter of the pallet are spaced from each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways which admit lifting means.
  • the corner support elements and support elements between corners are characterized by having sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define be- I tween each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75.
  • Adjacent pairs of sidewalls form the entryways and also serve as guide surfaces. Thus, if the forks of a lift truck are improperly aligned as they approach the entryways, the sidewalls aligned them properly. This is the most important feature of our pallet, because it greatly facilitates handling.
  • Our pallet also has other important features. It can be easily and inexpensively constructed, it has strength and durability, and it permits entry of the forks of a lift truck approaching the pallet from any one of the pallets four sides. Although our pallet can be made of any material having adequate strength, we prefer using foam plastic such as polyethylene, because the pallet can then be mass produced using known molding techniques. Our design also minimizes the material required without sacrificing strength; thus material costs are reduced.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of our pallet.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 3a through 30 are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate center support elements.
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate corner support elements.
  • FIGS. 5a and 5b are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate side support elements.
  • pallet 10 of our invention has top and bottom members 12 and 14, respectively, which are about equal in size (40 in. x 48 in.). Both these members 12 and 14 are flat, rigid, and rectangular in shape. Edges 16 and 18 of bottom members 14 are chamfered to allow wheel entry of hand trucks. Slots 20' in top and bottom members 12 and 14 cut down on material cost and provide openings for securing a load to pallet 10 with ropes or the like.
  • top and bottom members 12 and 14 are connected together by connecting means which include corner support elements 23-26, side support elements 38-41, and center support element 50.
  • Corner support elements 23-26 intersect the pallets corners 28-31, with each of these corner support elements 23-26 having vertical sidewalls 32 and 34. Between these sidewalls 32 and 34 and the pallets perimeter 36, there is defined an acute angle of about 45 Side support elements 38-41 are near the pallets perimeter 36 about midway between adjacent pairs of corners. Each of these side support elements 38-41 includes external vertical sidewalls 42 and 44 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36. These sidewalls 42 and 44 and the perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between 30 and however, FIG. 2 depicts the preferred angle of 60. Side support elements 38-41 also include vertical sidewalls 46 flush with perimeter 36. These sidewalls 46 connect sidewalls 42 and 44.
  • two entryways 48 and 49 are provided in all four sides of pallet 10. Adjacent pairs of sidewalls 32 and 42 define entryways 48, and adjacent pairs of sidewalls 34 and 44 define entryways 49. These sidewalls serve as guide means for aligning the forks of a lift truck as they approach pallet 10. Thus misaligned forks will glance off these sidewalls and be directed into entryways 48' and 49.
  • Center support element 50 prevents pallet 10 from collapsing at the center.
  • FIG. 2 depicts octagonal shaped center support element 50
  • FIG. 3a depicts diamond shaped center support element 52
  • FIG. 3b depicts hexagonal shaped center support 54
  • FIG. 30 depicts X- shaped center support element 56. Any of these alternate center support elements 50, 52, 54, and 56 could be used interchangeably.
  • FIG. 4a illustrates an alternate corner support element 58 which includes a pair of plates 60 and 62 which straddle a nearby corner of pallet '10 and converge to form a V- shaped component.
  • Each of these plates 60 and 62 has an external vertical sidewall 64 and internal vertical sidewall 66 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36.
  • Sidewalls 64 and perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75, and as shown in FIG. 411, preferably is about 60
  • Sidewalls 66 and perimeter 36 define between them an obtuse angle which may range between about and 150, and as shown in FIG. 4a, preferably is about
  • FIG. 4b illustrates another alternate corner support element 70 which includes a pair of spaced parallel plates 72 and 74 which straddle a nearby corner.
  • Each plate has an external vertical sidewall 76 and an internal vertical sidewall 78 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36.
  • Sidewalls 76 and perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75 and as shown in FIG. 4a, preferably is about 45
  • Sidewalls 78 and perimeter 36 defined between them an obtuse angle which may range between about 105 and and as shown in FIG. 411, preferably is about'135
  • FIG. 5a depicts an alternate side support element 80 which includes a pair of plates 82 and 84 that converge to. form a V-shaped component. The point of convergence 86 of plates 82 and 8 4 is immediately adjacent to the pallets perimeter 36.
  • This V-shaped component has a pair of external sidewalls 88 and 90 which intersect the perimeter 36 so that between the perimeter and these sidewalls there is defined an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75 and as depicted in FIG. 5a, preferably is about '60
  • FIG. 5b shows yet another alternate side support element 92 which includes a pair of spaced plates 94 and 96 that intersect the pallets perimeter 36. Each of these plates has an external vertical sidewall 98 and an internal vertical sidewall 100. Sidewalls 98 and perimeter 36 defined an acute angle which may range between 30 and 75, and as depicted in FIG. 5a preferably is about 60. Sidewalls 100 and perimeter 36 defined an obtuse angle which may range between 105 and 150, and as depicted in FIG. 5 b, preferably is about 120.
  • the support elements shown in the figures are possible. It is not important how these support elements are combined. It is, however, important that the external sidewalls of the support elements and the perimeter of the pallet defined between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75. Such sidewalls then provide guideways which facilitate the entrance of the forks of a lift truck, As previously mentioned, the pallet preferably is made by a foam plasticQThis reduces the cost and facilitates mass production of the pallet using known molding techniques.
  • a pallet having about equal size, generally flat and rigid, rectangular top and bottom members connected together by means which space said members to accommodate between them lifting means, said connecting means including an upright support element near each corner of the pallet, an upright support near the perimeter of the pallet about midway between adjacent pairs of corners, and an upright support element near the center of the pallet, said support elements near the corners and the perimeter of the pallet having generally flat sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define between each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75 adjacent pairs of corner and perimeter sidewalls being spaced from each other and tapering inwardly toward each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways which admit the lifting means and to provide guide surfaces which properly align the lifting means.
  • the pallet defined in claim 1 made from foam plastic using a molding technique.
  • corner support elements each include a pair of spaced parallel plates which straddle a nearby corner, each plate having external and internal vertical sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, the external sidewall and the perimeter 4 defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and and the internal sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an acuate angle ranging between about and about 5.
  • corner support elements each include a pair of plates which straddle a nearby corner and converge to form a V-shaped component, each of said plates having external and internal vertical sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, the external sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75, and the internal sidewall and perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 105 and 150.
  • each corner support element includes a plate which intersects the corner nearest said plate, said plate having a pair of vertical sidewalls with each sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an angle of about 45 v7.
  • said sidewalls are connected together by an external vertical sidewall which is flushed with the perimeter of the pallet.
  • the support elements between adjacent corners each include a pair of plates which converge to form a V-shaped component with the point of convergence of said plates being adjacent to the perimeter of the pallet, said V-shaped component having a pair of external sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, each of said sidewalls and the perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75

Abstract

DISCLOSED IS A PALLET HAVING TOP AND BOTTOM MEMBERS CONNECTED TOGETHER BY MEANS WHICH SPACE SAID MEMBERS TO ACCOMMODATE BETWEEN THEM LIFTING MEANS. THE CONNECTING MEANS INCLUDE UPRIGHT SUPPORT ELEMENTS, NEAR THE PERIMETER OF THE PALLET, WHICH ARE SPACED FROM EACH OTHER TO DEFINE IN ALL SIDES OF THE PALLET ENTRY WAYS THAT ADMIT THE LIFTING MEANS. THESE ENTRY WAYS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY HAVING SIDEWALLS WHICH INTERSECT THE PERIMETER OF THE PALLET TO DEFINE BETWEEN EACH SIDEWALL AND THE PERIMETER AN ACUTE ANGLE RANGING BETWEEN ABOUT 30* AND ABOUT 75* THE SIDEWALLS GUIDE THE LIFTING MEANS.

Description

p 2141971 J. w. LUBKER u, ETAL 3,606,844
PALLET HAVING GUIDING MEANS IN ALL SIDES Filed Oct. 30, 1969 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 49 32 Q WM. .4 V .7 W40. Wu v H...
[6/ .72 -26 44 4/ 42 25. 34 r 34 :3 CD32 I i I 45- 6'0 60' 4 3/ 49 46 4a 45 30 mvmrons.
John W. Lubker, H
Leo Owen ATTORNEY P 21, 1971 J. w. LUBKER u, ETAL 3,606,844
PALLET HAVING GUIDING MEANS IN ALL SIDES 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 30, 1969 INVENTORS. Jo/m Hf Lubker, 11
Leo E Owen gym ATTORNEY United States Patent 01 hce 3,606,844 Patented Sept. 21, 1971 3,606,844 PALLET HAVING GUIDING MEANS IN ALL SIDES John William Lubker II, and Leo Earnest Owen, Scymour, Ind., assignors to Standard Oil Company, Chicago, Ill.
Filed Oct. 30, 1969, Ser. No. 872,510 Int. Cl. B65d 19/18 US. Cl. 108-58 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed is a pallet having top and bottom members connected together by means which space said members to accommodate between them lifting means. The connecting means include upright support elements, near the perimeter of the pallet, which are spaced from each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways that admit the lifting means. These entryways are characterized by having sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define between each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75 The sidewalls guide the lifting means.
THE INVENTION We have invented a pallet having about equal size, generally flat and rigid, rectangular top and bottom members connected together by means which space the top and bottom members to accommodate between them lifting means such as the forks of a lift truck. These connecting means include an upright support element near each corner of the pallet, an upright support element near the perimeter of the pallet about midway between adjacent pairs of corners, and a support element near the center of the pallet. Support elements near the perimeter of the pallet are spaced from each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways which admit lifting means. The corner support elements and support elements between corners are characterized by having sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define be- I tween each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75. Adjacent pairs of sidewalls form the entryways and also serve as guide surfaces. Thus, if the forks of a lift truck are improperly aligned as they approach the entryways, the sidewalls aligned them properly. This is the most important feature of our pallet, because it greatly facilitates handling.
Our pallet also has other important features. It can be easily and inexpensively constructed, it has strength and durability, and it permits entry of the forks of a lift truck approaching the pallet from any one of the pallets four sides. Although our pallet can be made of any material having adequate strength, we prefer using foam plastic such as polyethylene, because the pallet can then be mass produced using known molding techniques. Our design also minimizes the material required without sacrificing strength; thus material costs are reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of our pallet.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3a through 30 are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate center support elements.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate corner support elements.
FIGS. 5a and 5b are fragmentary cross-sectional views showing alternate side support elements.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As depicted in FIG. 1, pallet 10 of our invention has top and bottom members 12 and 14, respectively, which are about equal in size (40 in. x 48 in.). Both these members 12 and 14 are flat, rigid, and rectangular in shape. Edges 16 and 18 of bottom members 14 are chamfered to allow wheel entry of hand trucks. Slots 20' in top and bottom members 12 and 14 cut down on material cost and provide openings for securing a load to pallet 10 with ropes or the like.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2, top and bottom members 12 and 14 are connected together by connecting means which include corner support elements 23-26, side support elements 38-41, and center support element 50.
Corner support elements 23-26 intersect the pallets corners 28-31, with each of these corner support elements 23-26 having vertical sidewalls 32 and 34. Between these sidewalls 32 and 34 and the pallets perimeter 36, there is defined an acute angle of about 45 Side support elements 38-41 are near the pallets perimeter 36 about midway between adjacent pairs of corners. Each of these side support elements 38-41 includes external vertical sidewalls 42 and 44 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36. These sidewalls 42 and 44 and the perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between 30 and however, FIG. 2 depicts the preferred angle of 60. Side support elements 38-41 also include vertical sidewalls 46 flush with perimeter 36. These sidewalls 46 connect sidewalls 42 and 44.
Because of the spatial arrangement of corner support elements 23-26 and side support elements 38-41, two entryways 48 and 49 are provided in all four sides of pallet 10. Adjacent pairs of sidewalls 32 and 42 define entryways 48, and adjacent pairs of sidewalls 34 and 44 define entryways 49. These sidewalls serve as guide means for aligning the forks of a lift truck as they approach pallet 10. Thus misaligned forks will glance off these sidewalls and be directed into entryways 48' and 49.
Center support element 50 prevents pallet 10 from collapsing at the center. FIG. 2 depicts octagonal shaped center support element 50, FIG. 3a depicts diamond shaped center support element 52, FIG. 3b depicts hexagonal shaped center support 54, and FIG. 30 depicts X- shaped center support element 56. Any of these alternate center support elements 50, 52, 54, and 56 could be used interchangeably.
FIG. 4a illustrates an alternate corner support element 58 which includes a pair of plates 60 and 62 which straddle a nearby corner of pallet '10 and converge to form a V- shaped component. Each of these plates 60 and 62 has an external vertical sidewall 64 and internal vertical sidewall 66 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36. Sidewalls 64 and perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75, and as shown in FIG. 411, preferably is about 60 Sidewalls 66 and perimeter 36 define between them an obtuse angle which may range between about and 150, and as shown in FIG. 4a, preferably is about FIG. 4b illustrates another alternate corner support element 70 which includes a pair of spaced parallel plates 72 and 74 which straddle a nearby corner. Each plate has an external vertical sidewall 76 and an internal vertical sidewall 78 which intersect the pallets perimeter 36. Sidewalls 76 and perimeter 36 defined between them an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75 and as shown in FIG. 4a, preferably is about 45 Sidewalls 78 and perimeter 36 defined between them an obtuse angle which may range between about 105 and and as shown in FIG. 411, preferably is about'135 FIG. 5a depicts an alternate side support element 80 which includes a pair of plates 82 and 84 that converge to. form a V-shaped component. The point of convergence 86 of plates 82 and 8 4 is immediately adjacent to the pallets perimeter 36. This V-shaped component has a pair of external sidewalls 88 and 90 which intersect the perimeter 36 so that between the perimeter and these sidewalls there is defined an acute angle which may range between about 30 and 75 and as depicted in FIG. 5a, preferably is about '60 FIG. 5b shows yet another alternate side support element 92 which includes a pair of spaced plates 94 and 96 that intersect the pallets perimeter 36. Each of these plates has an external vertical sidewall 98 and an internal vertical sidewall 100. Sidewalls 98 and perimeter 36 defined an acute angle which may range between 30 and 75, and as depicted in FIG. 5a preferably is about 60. Sidewalls 100 and perimeter 36 defined an obtuse angle which may range between 105 and 150, and as depicted in FIG. 5 b, preferably is about 120.
' Many diiferent combinations of the support elements shown in the figures are possible. It is not important how these support elements are combined. It is, however, important that the external sidewalls of the support elements and the perimeter of the pallet defined between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75. Such sidewalls then provide guideways which facilitate the entrance of the forks of a lift truck, As previously mentioned, the pallet preferably is made by a foam plasticQThis reduces the cost and facilitates mass production of the pallet using known molding techniques.
We claim:
' 1. A pallet having about equal size, generally flat and rigid, rectangular top and bottom members connected together by means which space said members to accommodate between them lifting means, said connecting means including an upright support element near each corner of the pallet, an upright support near the perimeter of the pallet about midway between adjacent pairs of corners, and an upright support element near the center of the pallet, said support elements near the corners and the perimeter of the pallet having generally flat sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet to define between each sidewall and the perimeter an acute angle ranging between about 30 and about 75 adjacent pairs of corner and perimeter sidewalls being spaced from each other and tapering inwardly toward each other to define in all sides of the pallet entryways which admit the lifting means and to provide guide surfaces which properly align the lifting means.
-2.' The pallet defined in claim 1 made from foam plastic using a molding technique.
3. The pallet defined in claim -1 wherein the top and bottom members have slots therein.
A. The pallet defined in claim '1 wherein the corner support elements each include a pair of spaced parallel plates which straddle a nearby corner, each plate having external and internal vertical sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, the external sidewall and the perimeter 4 defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and and the internal sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an acuate angle ranging between about and about 5. The pallet defined in claim 1 wherein the corner support elements each include a pair of plates which straddle a nearby corner and converge to form a V-shaped component, each of said plates having external and internal vertical sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, the external sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75, and the internal sidewall and perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 105 and 150.
6. The pallet defined in claim 1 wherein each corner support element includes a plate which intersects the corner nearest said plate, said plate having a pair of vertical sidewalls with each sidewall and the perimeter defining between them an angle of about 45 v7. The pallet defined in claim 1 wherein the support elements between adjacent corners each include a structure having a pair of external vertical sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, each of said external sidewalls and the perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75 8. The pallet defined in claim 7 wherein said sidewalls are connected together by an external vertical sidewall which is flushed with the perimeter of the pallet.
9. The pallet defined in claim 1 wherein the support elements between adjacent corners each include a pair of plates which converge to form a V-shaped component with the point of convergence of said plates being adjacent to the perimeter of the pallet, said V-shaped component having a pair of external sidewalls which intersect the perimeter of the pallet, each of said sidewalls and the perimeter defining between them an acute angle ranging between about 30 and 75 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,542,129 2/1951 Fletcher 108-52 2,691,499 10/1954 Watts 10858X 2,908,464 1 0/ 1959 Traudt, et al. 10858X 2,890,849. 6/1959 Fogarty, et a1. 108--58 3,007,663 11/1961 Huck 10857 3,207,096 9/1965 Munroe 10858 3,269,336 18/ 1966 Naylor et al. 10858 3,380,403 4/1968 Sullivan 108-51 3,407,758 10/ 1968 Simkin's 10857X 3,511,191 5/1970 Barry, Jr. et al l08-51 BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner G. O. FINCH, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 108-5 1
US872510A 1969-10-30 1969-10-30 Pallet having guiding means in all sides Expired - Lifetime US3606844A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US87251069A 1969-10-30 1969-10-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3606844A true US3606844A (en) 1971-09-21

Family

ID=25359713

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US872510A Expired - Lifetime US3606844A (en) 1969-10-30 1969-10-30 Pallet having guiding means in all sides

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3606844A (en)
GB (1) GB1304760A (en)

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3661099A (en) * 1971-04-28 1972-05-09 Westvaco Corp Pallet deck
US3709161A (en) * 1971-04-06 1973-01-09 Narad Inc Honeycomb pallet
US3759192A (en) * 1971-01-28 1973-09-18 Oehler Steel Co Load pallet construction
US3759194A (en) * 1970-12-19 1973-09-18 Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Plastic pallet
US4489993A (en) * 1981-06-17 1984-12-25 Hitachi, Ltd. CRT mounting structure
US5097951A (en) * 1990-10-16 1992-03-24 Nucon Corporation Unit load assembly for spools
US5343814A (en) * 1988-08-09 1994-09-06 Pigott Maurice J Plastic pallet assembly
FR2709286A1 (en) * 1993-08-27 1995-03-03 Moet & Chandon Plastic pallet for transporting tubs filled with various foodstuffs
US5411786A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-05-02 Ta Yen Paper Box Container Co., Ltd. Corrugated board-made scaffold board structure with high strength
US5579686A (en) * 1988-08-09 1996-12-03 Nucon Corporation Plastic pallet assembly
NL1009803C2 (en) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-08 Dutch Aviat Supplies & Consult Container comprising pallet with frame mounted on top of it, contains horizontally mounted wheels in corners between pallet base and its goods support surface
USD443969S1 (en) 1999-10-22 2001-06-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
US6250234B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2001-06-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Method of reinforcing a plastic pallet
FR2805522A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-31 Plastic Omnium Cie Multi-purpose plastic pallet has raised rim round upper deck and bosses on lower one to keep stacked trays from moving sideways
US6283044B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2001-09-04 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet assembly
US20030124515A1 (en) * 1999-06-02 2003-07-03 Saigene Corporation Target amplification of nucleic acid with mutant RNA polymerase
US20030233963A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-12-25 Fan Jerry J. Central pallet connector or post for use with grabber arms of a forklift
US20040025757A1 (en) * 2002-05-08 2004-02-12 Fan Jerry J. Top frame
US6705237B2 (en) 2000-08-24 2004-03-16 Infiltrator Systems, Inc. Plastic pallet design
US20050056193A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2005-03-17 Chep International, Inc Pallet
US20060185565A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Brochu Ronald P Plastic pallet having metal deck
US20060201402A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-14 Moore Roy E Jr Thermoplastic pallet for transporting food goods
US20060201400A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-09-14 Moore Roy E Jr Plastic pallet having deck suspension system
US20080308015A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-18 Apps William P Nestable Pallet
USD647685S1 (en) 2010-11-01 2011-10-25 Plastics Research Corporation Block pallet
US8875638B2 (en) * 2012-09-13 2014-11-04 Workshops for Warriors Securing loads to pallets
US9309025B2 (en) 2013-12-03 2016-04-12 Workshops for Warriors Securing loads to pallets

Cited By (43)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3759194A (en) * 1970-12-19 1973-09-18 Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Plastic pallet
US3759192A (en) * 1971-01-28 1973-09-18 Oehler Steel Co Load pallet construction
US3709161A (en) * 1971-04-06 1973-01-09 Narad Inc Honeycomb pallet
US3661099A (en) * 1971-04-28 1972-05-09 Westvaco Corp Pallet deck
US4489993A (en) * 1981-06-17 1984-12-25 Hitachi, Ltd. CRT mounting structure
US5343814A (en) * 1988-08-09 1994-09-06 Pigott Maurice J Plastic pallet assembly
US5579686A (en) * 1988-08-09 1996-12-03 Nucon Corporation Plastic pallet assembly
US5097951A (en) * 1990-10-16 1992-03-24 Nucon Corporation Unit load assembly for spools
FR2709286A1 (en) * 1993-08-27 1995-03-03 Moet & Chandon Plastic pallet for transporting tubs filled with various foodstuffs
US5411786A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-05-02 Ta Yen Paper Box Container Co., Ltd. Corrugated board-made scaffold board structure with high strength
US6250234B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2001-06-26 Rehrig Pacific Company Method of reinforcing a plastic pallet
US6644219B2 (en) 1998-07-01 2003-11-11 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet assembly
US7197989B2 (en) 1998-07-01 2007-04-03 Rehrig Pacific Company Method of reinforcing a plastic pallet
US6283044B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2001-09-04 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet assembly
US6389990B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2002-05-21 Rehrig Pacific Company Method of reinforcing a plastic pallet
NL1009803C2 (en) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-08 Dutch Aviat Supplies & Consult Container comprising pallet with frame mounted on top of it, contains horizontally mounted wheels in corners between pallet base and its goods support surface
US20030124515A1 (en) * 1999-06-02 2003-07-03 Saigene Corporation Target amplification of nucleic acid with mutant RNA polymerase
USD443969S1 (en) 1999-10-22 2001-06-19 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
EP1136374A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-09-26 Compagnie Plastic Omnium Multi-use pallet
FR2805522A1 (en) * 2000-02-25 2001-08-31 Plastic Omnium Cie Multi-purpose plastic pallet has raised rim round upper deck and bosses on lower one to keep stacked trays from moving sideways
US7308857B2 (en) 2000-08-24 2007-12-18 The Engineered Pallet Company, Llc Pallet substructure and pallet design
US6705237B2 (en) 2000-08-24 2004-03-16 Infiltrator Systems, Inc. Plastic pallet design
US20040118325A1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2004-06-24 Moore Roy E. Plastic pallet design
US20050155528A1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2005-07-21 Moore Roy E.Jr. Plastic pallet design
US6955129B2 (en) 2000-08-24 2005-10-18 The Engineered Pallot Company, Llc Plastic pallet design
US6935249B2 (en) 2000-08-24 2005-08-30 Infiltrator Systems, Inc. Pallet substructure
US20050145143A1 (en) * 2000-08-24 2005-07-07 Moore Roy E.Jr. Pallet substructure and pallet design
US20040025757A1 (en) * 2002-05-08 2004-02-12 Fan Jerry J. Top frame
US20030233963A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-12-25 Fan Jerry J. Central pallet connector or post for use with grabber arms of a forklift
WO2005025998A2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2005-03-24 Chep International, Inc. Pallet
WO2005025998A3 (en) * 2003-09-11 2005-05-26 Chep International Inc Pallet
US20050056193A1 (en) * 2003-09-11 2005-03-17 Chep International, Inc Pallet
US20060185565A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Brochu Ronald P Plastic pallet having metal deck
US20060201400A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-09-14 Moore Roy E Jr Plastic pallet having deck suspension system
US20070022919A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2007-02-01 Moore Roy E Jr Low profile plastic pallet
US20060201402A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-14 Moore Roy E Jr Thermoplastic pallet for transporting food goods
US20080308015A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2008-12-18 Apps William P Nestable Pallet
US7690315B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-04-06 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
US20100236455A1 (en) * 2007-06-15 2010-09-23 Apps William P Nestable pallet
US8230793B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2012-07-31 Rehrig Pacific Company Nestable pallet
USD647685S1 (en) 2010-11-01 2011-10-25 Plastics Research Corporation Block pallet
US8875638B2 (en) * 2012-09-13 2014-11-04 Workshops for Warriors Securing loads to pallets
US9309025B2 (en) 2013-12-03 2016-04-12 Workshops for Warriors Securing loads to pallets

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1304760A (en) 1973-01-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3606844A (en) Pallet having guiding means in all sides
US3610173A (en) Plastic pallet
US4548320A (en) Heavy-duty full-depth beverage case
EP0125307B1 (en) Container
US3374915A (en) Collapsible and stackable container
US4591065A (en) Foldable container assembly
US3400671A (en) Stacking arrangement for pallets
US4597338A (en) Pallet
US3650224A (en) Warehousing pallet
AU2012100420A4 (en) Pallet and Pallet System
US3167341A (en) Nestable shipping pallets
US3750596A (en) Interlocking storage pallet
US20110132801A1 (en) Container
US4279204A (en) Lightweight stackable pallet
JP2021524829A (en) Repairable plastic pallets with carving on the top deck and related methods
US3342146A (en) Pallets
US10501230B2 (en) Wooden pallet with butted deck boards and related methods
US4579489A (en) Interlocking, stacking and nesting container system
AU643166B2 (en) Interlocking pallet
US3691965A (en) Pallet
US2675936A (en) Pallet attachment for wirebound packages
US3650225A (en) Pallets
KR20180070855A (en) A folding box for packaging and transport to improve the endurance this palette
US2738092A (en) Pallet box
US3160120A (en) Stackable pallet of pressed sheet material