Industrial Platform Patents (Class 108/51.11)
  • Publication number: 20040187745
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pallets including improved structural supports suitable for use with various materials. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the pallet includes a load supporting deck comprised of deck members, and runners attached to the bottom of the load supporting deck, which are comprised of structural supports supporting, in two planes, a plank. The structural support of the present invention includes a supporting wall, which has a top support surface and a side surface, and a base support wall connected to the supporting wall and which extends beyond the width of the supporting wall and extends below the height of the supporting wall, such that the supporting wall and base support wall define a plank supporting edge for supporting a plank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jaime Rojas, Robin Neary
  • Patent number: 6792879
    Abstract: A storage shelf with shelf planes is divided into shelf compartments extending in direction of depth of the storage shelf. Articles are stored within the shelf planes adjacent and behind one another in the depth direction. The shelf compartments have a frontmost position, at least one middle depth position arranged behind the frontmost position, and a rearmost depth position. An operating device can access the frontmost position and the at least one middle depth position arranged behind the frontmost position for placing or remove the articles but the rearmost position is not accessible by the operating device. The shelf compartments comprise a stationary support and a moveable carriage for the articles. The carriage is movable between a forward position and a rearward position by a stroke length matching a length of the depth positions. The carriage in the rearward position stores the articles in the rearmost depth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: NEDCON Magazijninrichting B.V.
    Inventor: Leen-Pieter de Jong
  • Publication number: 20040177791
    Abstract: Pallets used for transferring goods from one place to another may be liable to infestation with pests. Such pest infestation can present a risk of cross-contamination of other good in transit with or stored beside an infested pallet. A pallet is provided which includes at least a load-bearing deck and bearer members therefore. An accessible component, which is located beneath the load-bearing deck and is accessible from a side of the pallet, includes a load-infestation monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Pallet Detection Systems Limited
    Inventor: Iain Lawson
  • Publication number: 20040168617
    Abstract: A pallet which is made from elongate steel members of arcuate cross section which are welded together to form a frame, and plastic slats which are engaged with a snap action with the steel members and which form a planar upper surface for the pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Roland Anton Birkenmayer
  • Patent number: 6769367
    Abstract: A pallet includes a base plate of cantilever construction and legs of metal, particularly as an underframe for pallet containers for transporting and for storing liquids in an inner container of synthetic material standing on the base plate of the pallet, and an outer casing composed of a grid structure or sheet metal material attached to the base plate. The base plate and the legs of the pallet are manufactured as a single piece from a sheet metal plate as the initial material by deformation, particularly by deep-drawing and/or pressing or by hydroforming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Publication number: 20040129185
    Abstract: A guard for protecting the sides of a pallet on which goods can be stacked or a merchandise grouping placed on a support surface, the guard comprising a plurality of modular guard sections, each section being couplable to an adjacent section to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of a pallet or merchandise grouping, each modular guard section having a substantially wedge or triangular shape in cross section to increase the stability of the guard section, and the guard sections each having a complementary portion of a joint for coupling the sections together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Giampavolo, Robert Shelton
  • Patent number: 6758148
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes at least one pallet member having external surfaces and a flame retardant material affixed to at least one pallet member so as to substantially cover all of the external surfaces of the pallet member. A pallet includes a container, tote bin, or any other suitable device used for the storage and transportation of items. In accordance with the invention, a method of fire blocking a pallet assembly includes the step of providing a pallet assembly that can include at least one pallet member having external surfaces. The method also can include affixing a flame retardant material to at least one pallet member so as to substantially cover all of the external surfaces of the pallet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Chep International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Torrey, Neil Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040107879
    Abstract: A reinforcement plate for the bottom of a pallet-like support base supported on corner and center feet and on a base frame, especially for pallet containers, is provided with a stacking aid for stacking several reinforcement plates for shipping and storage purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 6745703
    Abstract: A composite pallet member that provides enhanced performance characteristics. A composite pallet member comprising at least one deck member having a first surface and a second surface. The deck member having a plurality of open spaces and a strengthening layer positioned against at least one of the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Chep International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Torrey, Neil Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040099187
    Abstract: A pallet designed to be loadable onto both an aircraft and a truck (in particular a PLS truck or other truck utilizing a hook system such as those used to load traditional CROPs or flatracks) and interface with restraint systems on both the aircraft and the truck without the pallet having to be unpacked and repacked in the transition. This will generally be a pallet for use with both United States C-130 and C-17 aircraft and United States HEMTT-LHS or PLS trucks, but can be adapted for use with aircraft and/or transportation vehicles of different types and/or used by different militaries or civilian organizations throughout the world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph H. Cox
  • Patent number: 6708628
    Abstract: A shipping pallet offers significant advantage over the prior art, in that it is stronger, lighter, stiffer and more rigid, more economical, and ecologically sound. The pallet for shipping materials includes a deck that has a plurality of arch elements situated adjacent to each other and wherein each of the arch elements is situated such that a load applied to the deck will transmit forces through each of the arch elements and towards adjacent arch elements, such that forces from adjacent arch elements intersect each other at an intersection point. One advantage of this structural design is that the intersecting forces create a countervailing compressive stress to fully or partially offset the forces from the applied load by laterally redirecting the stress inducing forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Halavais
  • Publication number: 20040025756
    Abstract: A bulk bag with integral pallets includes a flexible bag body having a bottom and sidewalls. Two elongate pallet members are provided having axially extending openings adapted to receive fork tines from a fork lift. Each of the two elongate pallet members has at least one underlying wear pad. The two elongate pallet members are secured to the bottom of the bag body with the least one underlying wear pad exposed. The securing straps, laces or elasticized sleeves are protected from wear by the underlying wear pad which provides an underlying wear surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Lynn Baker, Richard Stephen Michaels
  • Publication number: 20040007164
    Abstract: A shipping pallet that has a load bearing deck with a plurality of domes that provide high strength, stiffness, and rigidity to the deck, and an undercarriage for supporting the deck and for receiving a forklift, palletjack, hand truck, or other automated machinery. Each dome is defined by an apex located proximate to the upper surface of the deck and a plurality of legs extending from the apex and ending at the lower surface of the deck. The domes are arranged adjacent to each other and define an array such that a load applied to the upper surface of the deck, substantially on the apex of the domes, will cause the applied forces from the load to be transmitted substantially laterally along the legs of the arches thereby producing intersecting compressive forces between adjacent domes that enable the load bearing deck to have high strength, stiffness, and rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Conrad C. Herring, Richard A. Halavais
  • Patent number: 6668734
    Abstract: A pallet for supporting a load of packages is disclosed. The pallet includes a support structure comprising flexible film wrapped around at least one of the layers of the load. The flexible film is wrapped around two axes which are generally perpendicular to one another and preferably located within the same plane such that the flexible film covers at least a majority of the layer(s). The pallet also includes a base positioned adjacent to the support structure which is adapted to receive forks of a forklift. The base may have an elongate tubular configuration and be constructed from a disposable/recyclable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Philip J. Lucas, Leo W. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20030233963
    Abstract: A plastic center connector or post for a plastic pallet assembly configured to facilitate engagement by grabber arms of a forklift and/or projections from the grabber arms. The center connector having an integrally formed first flange extending from a top surface of the connector for snap-fittingly connecting the connector to a top deck of the pallet assembly, and an integrally formed first flange extending from a bottom surface of the connector to snap-fittingly connect the connector to a bottom deck of the pallet assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry J. Fan
  • Publication number: 20030230691
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for facilitating supporting of an object are disclosed. One such apparatus includes an engagement member attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support. The engagement member preferably occupies less volume in the first configuration than in the second configuration. The support may include a lifting member such as a forklift tine, or may include a support surface, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: William Shackleton
  • Publication number: 20030209172
    Abstract: A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, Martin Clive-Smith
  • Patent number: 6644217
    Abstract: A pallet which is specially designed for use in combination with a particular manufacturing process. The pallet includes air ventilation apertures which allow an upper product-containing bag to breathe. Specially designed upper channels allow further ventilation and bag pick-up or deposit when desired during a manufacturing process. The underside of the pallet includes reinforced areas and multiple entry ports for use with a fork-lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: Lyle Meyer, Gerald Edson
  • Publication number: 20030189152
    Abstract: A pallet includes a deck and support members extending from an underside of the deck. The deck has alignment recesses as well as lowered portions along both sides of the deck for receiving the feet and runners supporting the deck to achieve nesting when stacked. The support members include two runners with orifices extending there through and aligned to accommodate pallet jacks and forklifts. The orifices have straps extending underneath the orifices to provide structural support while allowing for insertion of pallet jacks and their wheels. The pallet has feet between the runners and spaced so that the underside of the deck is unobstructed in the area intermediate the orifices providing for four way insertion of pallet jack support units. The pallet has alignment sections machined into the sides of the pallet to provide for precise alignment with pallet handling equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: Stratis Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew W. Elder, William J. Skinner, Bobby G. Badger
  • Patent number: 6626634
    Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of “nesting” within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Coca Cola Enterprises
    Inventors: Phillip C. Hwang, William P. Apps, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
  • Patent number: 6622639
    Abstract: A pallet for carrying a boom of a front-end loader is constructed with spaces at one end so for receiving the corresponding end of an identical pallet, whereby the two pallets may be secured together to form a unit. When front loader booms of a type including a pair of transversely spaced arms are mounted in an upright disposition on the unitized pair of pallets, the booms overlap such that one arm of one is located between the spaced arms of the other. The dimensions of the unitized pallet are such that its length approximates the width of a standard sea-going container while its width is approximately a whole number fraction of the standard container length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Alain Marcel
  • Publication number: 20030172851
    Abstract: A paper pallet for a bicycle comprises a bottom plate made of paper, a reinforcing rib, two side reinforcing rib assemblies, and a top plate made of at least two laminated corrugated paper sheets. The reinforcing rib extends on a middle of the bottom plate. The side reinforcing rib assemblies are mounted on both sides of the reinforcing rib, defining a channel between each side reinforcing rib assembly and the reinforcing rib. Each side reinforcing rib assembly defines a compartment for receiving an associated one of a front wheel and a rear wheel of a motorcycle. Extending directions of the laminated corrugated paper sheets are perpendicular to each other. The top plate includes a front wheel slot and a rear wheel slot. The top plate includes two sides each having two openings respectively aligned with the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Wei-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 6604897
    Abstract: Transport racks for shipment of a variety of objects are described. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, transport racks are configured with vertical and horizontal support members. Cross-braces positioned atop the horizontal support members support partitions of a variety of configurations creating a plurality of longitudinally extending cells forming compartments for secure storage of the cargo. A panel is positioned atop the framework creating a covered storage area with a first and second open end. Netting and lattice gates positioned at the first and second open end secure the cargo, provide high visibility of the rack contents, and maximize ease of loading and unloading of the racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Variform, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Yeomans
  • Patent number: 6598540
    Abstract: A pallet cover has a top panel and side panels hinged to the top panel for swinging movements from a substantially vertical position depending from the top panel through an arc sufficient to enable each side panel to overlie the top panel. The pallet is provided with supports which enable it to be stacked with one or more other pallets and the cover is notched to accommodate the stacking supports and provide an interlock therewith to ensure retention of the cover on the associated pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Atlas Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Austin, James H. Niedzielski
  • Patent number: 6598541
    Abstract: A pallet including a frame (2) whose upper part, at least at sides thereof, is provided with edges (4) projecting from the pallet (1′), a frame structure being arranged inside the frame (2), and a loading surface (5) onto which a load (17) is to be arranged. Both sides of the pallet (1′) are provided with stiffening elements (10, 22) arranged to stiffen the pallet (1′) in its longitudinal direction, enabling the pallet (1′), even while carrying a load, to be lifted without the pallet (1′) substantially bending in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: UPM - Kymmene OYJ
    Inventor: Antti Vilkki
  • Publication number: 20030136315
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a unified extrusion pallet that is completed by only one extrusion process. The unified extrusion pallet includes a fork insertion hole in which a fork of a forklift truck is inserted. The unified extrusion pallet includes a projected skid-proof protrusion formed at an upper plane of the pallet. The unified extrusion pallet includes a plurality of middle-sized holes, which are formed at sides of the fork insertion hole 10 and are to prevent a twist of the pallet. Each of the middle-sized holes includes a reinforcing slat having sections crossed diagonally. The unified extrusion pallet includes a plurality of small-sized holes. The fork insertion hole, the middle-sized holes, the projected skid-proof protrusion and the small-sized holes are constructed so as to form a single body. The fork insertion hole, the middle-sized holes, and the projected skid-proof protrusion are formed so as to be penetrated in a longitudinal direction where the pallet is extruded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Gun-Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 6584915
    Abstract: A joint structure including a nail plate having an imperforate central region and being provided between two bearer components, and a plurality of nails adapted to extend through a first of the components, the imperforate region of the nail plate, and into the other of the components. The joint structure further provides a pallet having at least two laterally spaced bearers, and a plurality of laterally extending support boards extending over and being secured to an upper surface of each bearer. The pallet may also include a base having a plurality of laterally extending base boards extending under and being secured to a lower surface of each bearer. The support boards and base boards are in the form of elongated boards and, while successive support boards can abut, they preferably are slightly spaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Pryda PTY LTD
    Inventor: Christopher John Rogers
  • Patent number: 6581769
    Abstract: A corrugated collapsible shipping container is disclosed which includes a rigid pallet having side panels, a back panel and a front door panel extending upwardly from the pallet, one side panel and the back panel formed from a sheet of corrugated material, and the other side panel and the door panel formed from a second sheet of corrugated material. Corrugated support beams extend across the top with a top sheet closing the container. The front door is self-hinged for access into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Nist
  • Publication number: 20030094124
    Abstract: A modular pallet system is provided for storing and displaying merchandise and other items. The modular pallet system uses a pallet as its support base. The pallet has at least one socket for receiving an upright to support stretchers that are adjustable to different heights along the upright. The stretchers may join multiple pallets and support shelving in a variety of configurations. Shelves or other retail fixtures may be supported by the stretchers or the upright for multiple tiers and may run between pallets. The modular pallet system offers greater versatility and customization, as compared to previously known systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew S. Wishart, Roman L. Jozefiak
  • Publication number: 20030079660
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes at least one pallet member having external surfaces and a flame retardant material affixed to at least one pallet member so as to substantially cover all of the external surfaces of the pallet member. A pallet includes a container, tote bin, or any other suitable device used for the storage and transportation of items. In accordance with the invention, a method of fire blocking a pallet assembly includes the step of providing a pallet assembly that can include at least one pallet member having external surfaces. The method also can include affixing a flame retardant material to at least one pallet member so as to substantially cover all of the external surfaces of the pallet member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce Torrey, Neil Schultz
  • Patent number: 6550741
    Abstract: A cushioning and stabilizing support in the form of a cradle for supporting heavy paper coils or rolls has a load bearing surface which flexes under loading to embrace and protect the roll. The cradle is preferably configured so that the center of gravity of the roll is aligned with the midpoint of the cradle, providing optimum load-bearing capacity and protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Cougar Package Designers, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Cottone
  • Publication number: 20030070594
    Abstract: There is disclosed a reusable shipping pallet formed from plastic parts and a method of assembling the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Belle Isle, Gerald Davis
  • Publication number: 20030070593
    Abstract: A shipping pallet typically consists of a solid deck or slats and runners arranged to provide a top surface and legs or posts to provide open access underneath for a forklift type device and is used to store and/or transport a variety of products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Halavais
  • Patent number: 6541097
    Abstract: A method for the production of ribbed board product, such as fiberboard, flakeboard, or waferboard, which resists fracturing during manufacture. The ribbed board product made according to the invention can be used as decking and in packaging and shipping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Bei-Hong Liang, Frederick Frein, Karine A. Luetgert, Dennis J. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20030051641
    Abstract: A base section for a collapsible container for transporting a liquid. The base section has a rectangular base with four sides, two opposite end sections and two opposite side sections pivotally connected to each side of the base, a top section pivotally connected to a side section or an end section, and a liner for storing a liquid. The base section includes a base frame with two opposite end bars, two opposite side bars, a number of cross bars connecting the side bars, with the base resting on the cross bars. Along two opposite sides on the base, vertical flanges are made which, in the free state of the base, have a larger mutual spacing at the top edges than the width of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Bent Kofod
  • Patent number: 6524426
    Abstract: A plastic pallet assembly is formed from plastic lumber by melting sections of runners and cross members and contacting them to join said runners and said cross members to form a pallet. A machine having an assembly table, cross members for supporting and moving pallet runners in a vertical direction, a support table for a pallet cross member, hot plates moveable in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction for insertion between the runners and the cross member, and a force bar moveable in a vertical direction for applying a force to the runners, hot plates and cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Edison Welding Institute
    Inventors: Marc A. St. John, Kevin M. Hartke
  • Publication number: 20030029984
    Abstract: A wrap for goods on a pallet secures the goods for transport or storage, while being reusable and easily installed and removed. The wrap is composed of a web portion that is wrapped around the goods on the pallet and secured to itself and the pallet. The web is tensioned to provide further support to the goods on the pallet. A strap is threaded through a top portion of the web and tensioned like a drawstring to provide further support for the goods on the top of the pallet. The wrap provides for a safe handling of goods on pallets, while permitting fast and simple access to items on the pallet to permit withdrawal of one or more goods on the pallet and resecuring the wrap to take up any additional slack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Publication number: 20030024443
    Abstract: A plate-like or block-like material for forming a pallet for loading and unloading, containing a large number of wood chips impregnated with thermosetting resin and joined with each other through the thermosetting resin and thermoplastic resin filling gaps among said wood chips, wherein the volume ratio of said wood chips and said thermoplastic resin is 1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaishi Togiya
    Inventor: Shigeru Hoshi
  • Patent number: 6503585
    Abstract: A hollow-chamber lightweight component is described which at least comprises a shell-shaped housing part (1) made of high-strength material. a ribbed supporting structure (2) made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic material, and at least one cover plate (4) or covering shell (20) made of a high-strength material which is, in particular. different from plastic and a method of producing the lightweight component is described. The supporting structure (2) is up against the inside of the housing part (1) and is joined, in particular. to the housing part (1). The cover plate (4) or covering shell (20) largely covers the space formed from housing part (1) and supporting structure (2) and is joined in its peripheral region at least with one part of the boundary (10) of the housing part (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Wagenblast, Boris Koch, Hubert Goldbach
  • Publication number: 20030000433
    Abstract: The present invention is a wireless equipment skid comprising a base member having a top, a bottom, a front end and a rear end; an upright member; an extension member and a center panel located on the top of the base member. The base member is generally in a horizontal position, and the upright member is perpendicular to the base member. The extension member is parallel with the base member. The upright member is attached to the rear end of the base member and the extension member is attached to the front end. A pathway from the extension member to the upright member runs along the bottom of the base. The upright member houses a wireless communication device, the extension member houses a battery cabinet and the pathway houses a wiring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne C. Duley
  • Patent number: 6490982
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for transporting materials from a shipping end to a receiving end. The device is a slip sheet formed from a flat sheet of material having a flat portion with four side edges. One of the side edges has a compressible tab portion that extends outwardly therefrom. The compressible tab portion has an elliptical lip and an upper lip that forms a convex air foil-type cross-sectional area. The compressible tab portion is canted upwardly from a plane defined by the flat portion of the slip sheet. The slip sheet can be used in combination with a captive pallet to transport materials. Further, a method of transporting materials is disclosed whereby the shipping and receiving ends house the captive pallet whereby only the slip sheet is transported by a push-pull or fork-lift type truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Howard J. Trickett
  • Publication number: 20020174807
    Abstract: A pallet protector assembly for use with one or an array of plural conventional pallets. The pallet protector assembly comprising plural, e.g., at least four, elongated bar-like, hollow plastic, guard members. Each guard member is composed of a first section and a second, with each section having an exposed end portion. The first and second sections of each guard member are telescopically slidably coupled together and include a detent system, whereupon the length of the guard member can be adjusted and held in position against accidental displacement. The first end portion of the first section includes a first connector, e.g., a male member. The second end portion of the second section includes a second connector, e.g., a mating female connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Food Machinery Equipment Corporation, d/b/a Mason Ways Indestructible Plastics
    Inventor: Allen Mason
  • Patent number: 6464191
    Abstract: A reusable skid for receiving stacked sheets which includes a pair of spaced-apart, longitudinal rails and a pair of spaced-apart, transverse members which extend over the rails. The transverse members are not fastened to the rails, and thus the skids may be assembled and disassembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Warren Gerber
  • Patent number: 6435108
    Abstract: A disposable and reusable spacer rack apparatus, for cooperating with a pallet to suppport a stack of thin sheets of printable stock thereon. A spacer rack apparatus includes a body member, having an upper surface and a substantially flat lower surface. The body member has a series of parallel spaced apart grooves formed in an upper portion thereof, defining a plurality of parallel spaced apart divider slats between the grooves. The body member is of a first height at the divider slats, and is of a second, reduced height in the area of the grooves. The grooves are provided for receiving support rods during a printing stock changeover process. Preferably, the spacer rack apparatus is integrally formed as a single unit, out of relatively inexpensive materials, such as cardboard, fiberboard, recycled plastic, or open-celled plastic foam. A method of using the spacer rack apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: David L. Braley
  • Publication number: 20020096445
    Abstract: A pallet cover has a top panel and side panels hinged to the top panel for swinging movements from a substantially vertical position depending from the top panel through an arc sufficient to enable each side panel to overlie the top panel. The pallet is provided with supports which enable it to be stacked with one or more other pallets and the cover is notched to accommodate the stacking supports and provide an interlock therewith to ensure retention of the cover on the associated pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Atlas Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Austin, James H. Niedzielski
  • Patent number: 6408768
    Abstract: A pallet guard includes a plurality of modular pallet guard sections. Each pallet guard section comprises a connecting piece and a wall. The connecting pieces are adjustable. The walls are matable with another pallet guard section so that the pallet guard is adjustable to accommodate varying size pallets and/or spill-over merchandise on the pallet. Each connecting piece may be moveable between a first position, wherein the connecting piece is straight, and a second angled position where the pallet connecting piece forms a corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Safe Strap Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Giampavolo, Robert N. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20020069795
    Abstract: A pallet includes a base plate of cantilever construction and legs of metal, particularly as an underframe for pallet containers for transporting and for storing liquids in an inner container of synthetic material standing on the base plate of the pallet, and an outer casing composed of a grid structure or sheet metal material attached to the base plate. The base plate and the legs of the pallet are manufactured as a single piece from a sheet metal plate as the initial material by deformation, particularly by deep-drawing and/or pressing or by hydroforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Publication number: 20020062765
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a re-configurable or adaptive manufacturing pallet that conforms to the shape of an object. The pallet comprises a frame that includes a matrix of displaceable object contacts points, such as a matrix of vertically displaceable fine rods or pins, that is laid over the object to form a cradle that conforms to the shape of the object; and a locking mechanism to lock the object contact points in a fixed position relative to each other in order to form a nest or cradle for holding the object in position during a manufacturing or assembly operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy C. Warren
  • Publication number: 20020058003
    Abstract: A compact, portable, easily installed, self-contained, negative pressure odor control vessel for odor control possessing oxidizing properties, as well as counter-vailing and absorption properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: LEIGH E. FALKMAN, OWEN R. ANDERSON, DENNIS VAN DOVER
  • Publication number: 20020050235
    Abstract: The present invention is a pallet made from a combination of recycled tire shreds and recycled plastic particles. In one embodiment, the pallet comprises a plurality of recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, a plurality of recycled plastic flakes having different surface areas, and a bonding agent coated about substantially all of the surfaces of the recycled tire shreds and the recycled plastic flakes. The combination of the recycled tire shreds having different surface areas, the recycled plastic particles having different surface and the bonding agent results in a stronger and durable pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: DAN R. RADKE,