Having Plastic Load-contacting Surface Patents (Class 108/57.25)
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Publication number: 20040000259Abstract: A modular pallet includes a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated stringer members, a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated upper deck members and a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated lower deck members. At least a portion of each of the upper/lower deck members, between first and second upper/lower deck member mating sections, is shaped to be perpendicularly received by upper/lower grooves in the elongated stringer members and interlocked at the first and second upper/lower deck member mating sections to different ones of the elongated stringer members by movement of at least one of the stringer member and the upper/lower deck member with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Anthony Taft
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Patent number: 6668735Abstract: The pallet comprises a platform formed by a hollow, unitary body having two opposed major walls on which there are corresponding inwardly-extending ribs which are welded together. Projecting portions of the platform are welded to corresponding base elements which are also formed, in threes, by hollow unitary bodies. The resulting structure is particularly stiff and can advantageously be produced by an extrusion-blowing process with plastics material of high molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Fustiplast S.p.A.Inventor: Virginio Cassina
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Patent number: 6644219Abstract: A pallet includes a first component which has a first upper surface, and a first lower surface which includes a first plurality of cross-rib members. A second component has a second lower surface, and a second upper surface which includes a second plurality of cross-rib members corresponding and mounted to the first plurality of cross-rib members. A third component is adjacent the second component and has a third upper surface, and a third lower surface which includes a third plurality of cross-rib members. A fourth component has a fourth upper surface which includes a fourth plurality of cross-rib members corresponding and mounted to the third plurality of cross-rib members. A plurality of intermediate column members extend between the second lower surface and third upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20030183133Abstract: Plastic pallet comprising at least one single-piece platform obtained by extrusion and resting on spacers, the platform of which is a hollow profile consisting of two substantially flat parallel elements connected by partitions .Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Claude Dehennau, Jean-Marie Blairon, Eric Moens
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Patent number: 6622641Abstract: A pallet is provided which includes spaced upper and lower decks. A plurality of receiving areas are formed in one of the upper and lower decks, where each receiving area includes at least one latch member extending therefrom. A plurality of corresponding supports extend from the other of the upper and lower decks, where each support includes at least one latch receiver extending therefrom, each latch receiver having a plurality of spring arms. The latch receiver is adapted to receive the latch member such that engagement of the receiving areas and corresponding supports securely joins the upper and lower decks in an assembled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: Justin M. Smyers
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Patent number: 6622642Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck. Each deck comprises a thermoplastic sheet formed with ridges and channels on one side, corresponding to features necessarily defined on the opposite side. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of each deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet. A reinforcing member is received within a peripheral channel of each deck. Apertures are formed in the upper deck and the lower deck in alignment. A column is disposed between each pair of aligned holes. A hollow pin extends through a hole in the column and the apertures of the decks. A rigid insert is disposed in each open end of each pin. Each insert includes a recess for receiving an anti-skid plug.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Inventor: Harout Ohanesian
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Publication number: 20030110990Abstract: A pallet has a top deck member and a bottom deck member. The top deck member has an upper surface, and a lower surface defined by a plurality of first cross-rib members. The bottom deck member has an upper portion and runners extending downwardly therefrom in a unitary construction. The upper portion has an upper surface defined by a plurality of second cross-rib members which correspond to the first cross-rib members and securely attached to mount the top and bottom decks to each other. The runners have a lower surface and extend transversely across the pallet in a parallel orientation, and also have a plurality of upright members and support members extending between the upright members and integrally formed therewith in a unitary construction. The plurality of second cross-rib members extend generally vertically from the top deck to the lower surface of the runners.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANYInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20030106470Abstract: An improved pallet made of a synthetic resin wherein one of the underside of the upper deck and upperside of the lower deck is substantially planar, and the supports which separate the upper and lower decks are integrally formed with and project upwardly from the other side, and are secured to the one side. One of the ends of the supports are tapered and received in recesses in the one side, and the recesses and the supports preferably have mating elements which snap-actingly engage one another to lock the supports in the recesses when the decks are assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: REHRIG-PACIFIC COMPANY, INC.Inventors: William P. Apps, Jeff Wilkerson, Brian Musser
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Patent number: 6564725Abstract: This disclosure provides an article of manufacture for supporting a load. The article can be employed to store a load under static conditions for an extended period of time, and can also serve as a platform for supporting the stored load while the load is being lifted from one location and transported to and placed in another location. The article is comprised of a plurality of separate planar elements which are releasably, but rigidly, connected each to the other to facilitate transport, assembly, repair and replacement of the parts. In one aspect, the article is comprised of a load contacting component featuring a structural system comprised of ribs located in one of the said planar elements inserted into and stabilized by slots located in another of the said planar elements. In another aspect, the load contacting component can be releasably attached to another of the said planar elements to form a rackable pallet capable of supporting a load in an open rack drive-through storage system.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Ronald G. Hale
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Publication number: 20030075082Abstract: A reinforced pallet assembly having a first pallet deck and a second pallet deck. Each of the decks has an outer member and an intermediate member, each outer member and intermediate member having a one of a pair of mating cross-rib surfaces which are mounted together to define box-beam sections within each pallet deck. Also included is an elongate reinforcement member which is disposed between the outer member and the intermediate member of the second pallet deck for providing stiffness thereto. Further included is a plurality of columns which extend between the intermediate members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Applicant: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANYInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20030061974Abstract: A pallet is provided which includes spaced upper and lower decks. A plurality of receiving areas are formed in one of the upper and lower decks, where each receiving area includes at least one latch member extending therefrom. A plurality of corresponding supports extend from the other of the upper and lower decks, where each support includes at least one latch receiver extending therefrom, each latch receiver having a plurality of spring arms. The latch receiver is adapted to receive the latch member such that engagement of the receiving areas and corresponding supports securely joins the upper and lower decks in an assembled configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: Justin M. Smyers
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Patent number: 6524426Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Edison Welding InstituteInventors: Marc A. St. John, Kevin M. Hartke
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Patent number: 6510801Abstract: A pallet includes a plurality of hinges having a flip member which is easily rotated by hand between a first unextended position and a second extended position. When the flip member is flipped into the unextended position, it uncovers a cavity a pallet leg creates. Nesting of an empty pallet is possible when the flip members are in this position. Bar members preferably serve as a guide and glide the receiving pallet to slide in position during the nesting process. The pallet is stackable when the flip members are flipped into an extended position, covering up the leg cavities. Each of the hinges acts as a foot to support members of the receiving pallet. The pallet platform is preferably made of a sheet of metal. An angular bar member is preferably attached to the rectangular framework and serves as a border for the pallet. Holes are preferably found within the angular bar member. These holes allow manual lifting of the pallet using hooks.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Inventor: Hong Sin Tan
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Patent number: 6508182Abstract: A pallet of moulded construction comprising a load-carrying surface supported by underlying support structure configured to permit the insertion of the tines of the fork-lift, the load-carrying surface being reinforced at its underside by a cellular reinforcing structure comprising cells the axes of which extend perpendiculary to the load-carrying surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Vicfam Plastics Pty Ltd.Inventors: Victor Smorgan, Lazer Berelovich
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Publication number: 20020178973Abstract: A pallet includes a plurality of hinges having a flip member which is easily rotated by hand between a first unextended position and a second extended position. When the flip member is flipped into the unextended position, it uncovers a cavity a pallet leg creates. Nesting of an empty pallet is possible when the flip members are in this position. Bar members preferably serve as a guide and glide the receiving pallet to slide in position during the nesting process. The pallet is stackable when the flip members are flipped into an extended position, covering up the leg cavities. Each of the hinges acts as a foot to support members of the receiving pallet. The pallet platform is preferably made of a sheet of metal. An angular bar member is preferably attached to the rectangular framework and serves as a border for the pallet. Holes are preferably found within the angular bar member. These holes allow manual lifting of the pallet using hooks.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: Hong Sin Tan
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Publication number: 20020174808Abstract: A resin pallet having enhanced shock absorbing capability, load capacity and durability comprises a pallet of a three-dimensional structure with a predetermined bulk density and voids, the three dimensional structure being formed by contacting, entwining, and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of continuous filaments and/or short filaments of a thermoplastic resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Sadao Nishibori, Yuichiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 6470810Abstract: A resin pallet having enhanced shock absorbing capability, load capacity and durability comprises a pallet of a three-dimensional structure with a predetermined bulk density and voids, the three dimensional structure being formed by contacting, entwining, and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of continuous filaments and/or short filaments of a thermoplastic resin.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Ein Kohsan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadao Nishibori, Yuichiro Nakamura
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Publication number: 20020134284Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck pallet portion and a bottom deck pallet portion which are mounted to each other and have a plurality of column portions extending therebetween. At least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion has a first surface with a plurality of cross-ribbed members projecting therefrom. The pallet assembly further includes at least one stiffening member securely mounted to the plurality of cross-ribbed members to define a plurality of box beam sections between the at least one stiffening member and the at least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANYInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20020129747Abstract: 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 adhered to the flexible film which is adapted to receive forks of a forklift. The base may be constructed from multiple pieces of a disposable/recyclable material such as plastic foam (a.k.a. Styrofoam).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Philip J. Lucas, Leo W. Mayer
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Publication number: 20020129748Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for producing a load of packages supported by a disposable/recyclable pallet. The system may comprise at least one palletizing station for producing a plurality of unwrapped palletized tiers of packages, a horizontal wrapping station for producing at least one horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, a stacking station for stacking the unwrapped palletized tiers of packages on the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, and a base applicator for fixedly applying a base to a bottom surface of the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Philip J. Lucas
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Publication number: 20020129749Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Philip J. Lucas, Leo W. Mayer
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Patent number: 6446563Abstract: An improved load bearing pallet includes an upper deck formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material with a load engaging surface and an opposing, substantially parallel lift engaging surface. Ridges, channels, depressions, and legs, are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being necessarily defined by the sheet on the opposite side. The pallet preferably includes a peripheral channel formed around a periphery of the upper deck and nine legs positioned in three rows of three creating two gaps on each side of the pallet for the tines of a fork lift to enter to lift the pallet. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of the upper deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the upper deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Harout Ohanesian
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Publication number: 20020112653Abstract: A pallet includes an upper deck, a support material disposed within the upper deck, an upper frame member supporting the upper deck, a plurality of foot members disposed on the upper frame member, and a lower frame member disposed on the plurality of foot members. The upper deck includes a first half and a second half disposed in communication with a major face of the first half. Numerous variations in which the pallet is collapsible or includes reinforcement members are within the scope of the pallet disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Roy E. Moore, Ronald P. Brochu, Daniel J. Swistak
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Publication number: 20020104465Abstract: An improved load bearing pallet includes an upper deck formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material with a load engaging surface and an opposing, substantially parallel lift engaging surface. Ridges, channels, depressions, and legs, are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being necessarily defined by the sheet on the opposite side. The pallet preferably includes a peripheral channel formed around a periphery of the upper deck and nine legs positioned in three rows of three creating two gaps on each side of the pallet for the tines of a fork lift to enter to lift the pallet. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of the upper deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the upper deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Harout Ohanesian
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Patent number: 6389989Abstract: A pallet formed of a pair of thermoplastic sheets molded and fused together. The sheets have configurations that impart high stiffness and high strength, and the ability to be stacked on full pallets or nested on empty pallets. In particular, the molded configurations enable the sheets to be fused at a plurality of planes including mutually perpendicular planes for high strength union of the sheets. The pallet is especially suited for use with generally cubic milk crates.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: PL Eagle, LLCInventor: James P. Hagerty
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Patent number: 6389990Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck pallet portion and a bottom deck pallet portion which are mounted to each other and have a plurality of column portions extending therebetween. At least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion has a first surface with a plurality of cross-ribbed members projecting therefrom. The pallet assembly further includes at least one stiffening member securely mounted to the plurality of cross-ribbed members to define a plurality of box beam sections between the at least one stiffening member and the at least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20020056406Abstract: A goods pallet comprising parallel supports having at least end portions fixed by assembly means to cross-connection elements, each cross-connection element comprising a beam of channel section having a top flange to which the support elements are fixed, and a web and a bottom flange which are both recessed by at least one notch to form two spaced-apart brackets on either side thereof that are integral with the top flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Applicant: Catherine DomouchelInventor: Catherine Dumouchel
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Patent number: 6386118Abstract: A one-piece, hollow, continuous wall pallet having a deck and underside structural features that function in conjunction with the deck for support and reinforcement when a load is placed on the pallet or when a side of the pallet is impacted. The structural features include an arched bottom recess, side impact depressions, and kiss-off structures, in one of the legs or portion of the underside. The pallet is preferably made using rotational molding.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Jeco Plastic Products L.L.C.Inventors: Mark Bendit, Steven Turley, Craig Carson
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Publication number: 20020043184Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck pallet portion and a bottom deck pallet portion which are mounted to each other and have a plurality of column portions extending therebetween. At least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion has a first surface with a plurality of cross-ribbed members projecting therefrom. The pallet assembly further includes at least one stiffening member securely mounted to the plurality of cross-ribbed members to define a plurality of box beam sections between the at least one stiffening member and the at least one of the top deck pallet portion and bottom deck pallet portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANYInventor: William P. Apps
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Patent number: 6357366Abstract: A rackable pallet having improved structural integrity without adding material to increase the pallet weight. The pallet has a deck having a top and a bottom, a number of feet are formed extending downwardly from the deck, reinforcing members inserted in the deck top, and a lid having a top and bottom joined to the deck top and enclosing the reinforcing members. Ribs define an open grid pattern in the deck and lid, and hollow channels are formed in the deck and lid, which increases the strength of the pallet, without disproportionately increasing the volume or weight of material used. The hollow channels are formed at strategic locations in the lid top and the deck bottom. Foot straps mounted to the deck feet further improve the pallet structural integrity. Each foot strap is mounted to the feet with releasable shearable fasteners to simplify foot strap replacement and minimize foot strap damage.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Menasha CorporationInventor: Jason R. Frankenberg
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Patent number: 6354230Abstract: A plastics material modular pallet, comprising a plurality of supporting elements operatively coupled to one another by at least a further element cross arranged with respect to the supporting elements. The pallet according to the invention can be fitted to a plurality of load requirements, which can be easily carried out by the pallet user. Further, the invention offers ease of production, low maintenance and low cost.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventor: Pietro Maschio
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Patent number: 6352039Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) having good load bearing construction and held together without mechanical fasteners, includes deck boards (30). The deck boards include ridges (24) on an upper side (32) and a lower side (34) thereof. Deck boards are positioned transversely on stringers (12) and joined thereto by either an adhesive or thermoplastic welding processes. The stringers and deck boards may be provided with end caps (26, 42) which seal interior areas of the stringers and deck boards and prevent tearing thereof. The stringers and deck boards have interior reinforcement ribs (22,40). The cross sectional profiles of the stringers, deck boards, and end caps provide a cost effective and light weight pallet. Openings which extend between the stringers allow for either two way fork entry and/or four way fork entry. The stringers and deck boards provide flexibility in constructing pallets of various designs. The plastic pallet preferably is highly durable and fully recyclable.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: The Geon CompanyInventors: Martin E. Woods, Craig L. Shoemaker, David W. Taylor, Patrick C. Booth
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Publication number: 20020011195Abstract: A pallet includes a first component which has a first upper surface, and a first lower surface which includes a first plurality of cross-rib members. A second component has a second lower surface, and a second upper surface which includes a second plurality of cross-rib members corresponding and mounted to the first plurality of cross-rib members. A third component is adjacent the second component and has a third upper surface, and a third lower surface which includes a third plurality of cross-rib members. A fourth component has a fourth upper surface which includes a fourth plurality of cross-rib members corresponding and mounted to the third plurality of cross-rib members. A plurality of intermediate column members extend between the second lower surface and third upper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Applicant: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANYInventor: William P. Apps
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Publication number: 20020002936Abstract: The pallet comprises a platform formed by a hollow, unitary body having two opposed major walls on which there are corresponding inwardly-extending ribs which are welded together.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: Fustiplast S.p.A.Inventor: Virginio Cassina
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Patent number: 6305301Abstract: Support structures, systems, and methods are disclosed. Among the support structures are pallets designed especially, although not necessarily exclusively, for cold-weather environments such as commercial refrigerators and freezers and refrigerated transport carriers. Such pallets may include non-skid materials and optionally are recyclable, have improved stacking and load-bearing attributes, and incorporate recycled materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Piper Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Paul P. Piper, Jr., Leslie E. Smith
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Publication number: 20010029874Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventor: Scott Arthur William Muirhead
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Patent number: 6283044Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck formed of plastic which has a first opposing surface having a plurality of first flanged portions projecting downwardly therefrom. The pallet assembly the top deck has a substantially planar upper surface upon which a plurality of objects are capable of resting. The pallet assembly also includes a bottom deck which is also formed of plastic and has a second opposing surface with a plurality of second flanged portions projecting therefrom in an upward direction. The plurality of second flanged portions correspond to and securely mate with the plurality of flanged portions to define a plurality of columns between the top deck and bottom decks, said columns having box beam cross-section for providing strength to the pallet assembly. The top deck includes a top member and a mid-top member, and the bottom deck includes a bottom member and a mid-bottom member.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: William P. Apps
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Patent number: 6263807Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet having a plurality of pallet sections each composed of plastic material and having interlocking elements defined by side walls of the pallet sections. At least two of the pallet sections define front and rear pallet edges and each have at least one reinforcing receptacle located adjacent the front and rear pallet edges. At least two elongate reinforcing elements are located within the reinforcing receptacles and are oriented for reinforcing the front and rear pallet edges to minimize bending thereof when the front and rear pallet edges are resting on a rack and under load. The pallet sections are of generally tubular configuration having planar upper and lower walls and parallel side walls. The side walls define dove-tail or other interlocking connectors for securing the pallet sections in immovable assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: IR Operating CorporationInventors: Murray J. Fox, Anthony E. Conte
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Patent number: 6250234Abstract: A method is provided for reinforcing a plastic pallet having a plurality of relatively weak structural portions each including a sheet portion with a plurality of vertical ribs extending therefrom. The method contemplates affixing a plurality of sheet strips to the vertical ribs in the plurality of relatively weak structural portions, respectively, to form a plurality of substantially rectangular hollow vertical cross-sections along the length of the relatively weak structural portions for improved stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Rehrig Pacific CompanyInventor: William P. Apps
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Patent number: 6237509Abstract: A synthetic resin pallet capable of enhancing a strength against a bending force acting in a direction right-angled to a loading surface without an increase in weight of the whole pallet. The synthetic resin pallet is constructed such that pallet constructive members taking configurations of the pallet being divided into upper and lower members are formed by, e.g., injection molding, then set facing to each other and integrally welded. A reinforced tape using a fiber reinforced material which is bendable is attached for reinforcement by the heat welding inside a groove formed on a surface of any one or both of the pallet constructive members in order to resist a bending force acting in a direction orthogonal to the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignees: Nippon Plastic Pallet Corporation, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Satoshi Ishido, Yuzo Hayakawa, Isami Koyama
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Patent number: 6220558Abstract: A monitor stand which allows placement of a computer monitor above or to the side of the base of the docking apparatus. In one embodiment, the monitor stand includes spaced-apart side channel members and adjacent transverse channel members extending between the side members. Each transverse channel member has opposing ends attached to each respective side channel member. A first one of the adjacent transverse channel members is inverted with respect to a second one of the adjacent transverse channel members. A principal advantage of the embodiments presented herein is that the monitor stand can support the sustained loading of even the largest commercially available computer monitors without exhibiting appreciable deflection.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Damon W. Broder, Jefferson Blake West, Christopher Michael Jaggers
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Patent number: 6216609Abstract: A structural channel pallet having improved structural integrity without adding material to increase the pallet weight. The pallet has a deck having a top and a bottom, and a number of feet are formed extending downwardly from the deck. Ribs define an open grid pattern in the deck, and hollow channels are formed in the deck, which increases the strength of the pallet, without disproportionately increasing the volume or weight of material used. The hollow channels are formed at strategic locations on the top and the bottom of the deck.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Menasha CorporationInventor: Jason R. Frankenberg
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Patent number: 6216608Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) having good load bearing construction and held together without mechanical fasteners, includes deck boards (30). The deck boards include ridges (24) on an upper side (32) and a lower side (34) thereof. Deck boards are positioned transversely on stringers (12) and joined thereto by either an adhesive or thermoplastic welding processes. The stringers and deck boards may be provided with end caps (26, 42) which seal interior areas of the stringers and deck boards and prevent tearing thereof. The stringers and deck boards have interior reinforcement ribs (22,40). The cross sectional profiles of the stringers, deck boards, and end caps provide a cost effective and light weight pallet. Openings which extend between the stringers allow for either two way fork entry and/or four way fork entry. The stringers and deck boards provide flexibility in constructing pallets of various designs. The plastic pallet preferably is highly durable and fully recyclable.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: The Geon CompanyInventors: Martin E. Woods, Craig L. Shoemaker, David W. Taylor, Patrick C. Booth
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Patent number: 6214960Abstract: An ethylene homopolymer having a density of from about 0.956 to about 0.970 g/cm3 and a high load melt index (190° C. and 21.6 kg) of from about 7 to about 21 g/10 min. A continuous polymerization process for the production of the ethylene homopolymer, in the presence of a diluent chosen from the group consisting essentially of n-butane, n-hexane, n-heptane, isobutane, isopentane, isooctane, 2,2-dimethylpropane, cyclopentane, cyclohexane and their mixtures, wherein ethylene is brought into contact with a chromium oxide catalyst deposited on an inorganic support containing from about 0.1 to about 5 wt % chromium and activated at a temperature from about 600 to about 900° C., at a polymerization temperature from about 55 to about 150° C., the ethylene concentration in the diluent being from about 1 to about 10 mol %. A composition consisting essentially of the ethylene homopolymer, the composition having a density of from about 0.956 to about 0.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Solvay Polyolefins Europe-BelgiumInventors: Daniel Marissal, Robert E. Sander, Paul Fiasse, Ross M. Mahan, Steven D. Sandstrum
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Patent number: 6199488Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet is disclosed. The pallet is characterized in that it is formed of an upper deck, a lower deck, and reinforcing elements. The reinforcing elements are retained on the lower deck in a manner that allows relative movement between the reinforcements and the deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventors: James Favaron, Robert Funk, Bruce Settergren
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Patent number: 6186078Abstract: A deck is defined by closely spaced molded ribs with pairs of ramped tine entry openings molded adjacent each edge which are tapered to provide maximum clearance. A narrow lip extends at an angle upwardly from each edge, permitting the platform to be engaged and manipulated by conventional slip sheet handling equipment, while the tine entry ramps permit a powered forklift truck to engage its fork tines beneath the platform. To facilitate deflection of the platform ribs on entry of the forklift tines, the ribs in the path of the tines may have curved valleys, while ribs not in the path may have generally square valleys. The platform may also be constructed through twin sheet thermoforming, foam molding, corrugated paperboard assembly. The platform has a horizontal load support deck with side walls which extend downwardly. Two tine inlet access openings are defined in each side wall, with the height of each access opening being less than the maximum height of a forklift tine.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Alltrista CorporationInventor: Henry F. Brown