Abstract: A plastic pallet cover is specially formed as a one-piece, high-strength device for ideally isolating a pallet load from the wood surface of a pallet. The pallet cover thereby protects the load from being contaminated by any bacteria, mold, or other disease-causing agents on the pallet, and provides a safe and sanitary surface for the storage and transport of food product loads such as shellfish or other edible products susceptible to contamination. The pallet cover is preferably made of plastic formed by the molding process to include a horizontal upper surface which fits over a conventional wooden pallet to isolate the pallet from the load, as well as a grid of internal ribs and edge walls to provide strength, rigidity, and positional stability.

Abstract: A shelving system is provided for use in the storage of various articles. Specifically, the shelving system includes a panel having a plurality of rail members formed with the panel. The rail members have an curvilinear lower portion. Preferably, the curvilinear lower portion distributes greater material proximate regions in the panel which experience greater stress. Similarly, the rail members also have an upper portion having a depth extending away from said panel. Preferably, the amount of depth of the upper portion of each rail member is designed to distribute greater material proximate regions in the panel which experience greater strain once loaded. Lastly, the molded shelving of this invention includes a plurality of socket members including support members designed to transmit stress away from the sockets, thereby reducing stress concentrations adjacent the socket members.

Abstract: A plastic pallet includes a substantially rectangular platform section having an upper surface and four side walls depending therefrom. The pallet also includes a lower support section for suspending the platform section a predetermined distance above the ground. The support section includes four edges each having an inwardly angled portion and a vertical portion. A first pair of channels extend from a first edge to an opposing second edge. A second pair of channels extend from a third edge to an opposing fourth edge, each channel dimensioned to receive a forklift blade. The support structure also includes two sets of slots, each set substantially perpendicular to the other and extending from one edge of the support section to an opposing edge for receiving binding straps to restrain items resting on the pallet. The slots are disposed above the channels and are segregated such that the straps do not interfere with the forklift blades or each other.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform embodies a novel structural reinforcement core, and exhibits superior strength characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform is used in the construction of a lightweight, readily portable folding table which includes two pair of legs that are pivotally connected to the platform for pivotal movement between an extended operational position and a retracted storage and transport position.

Abstract: A load-handling pallet includes a load bearing platform, a base member, and a plurality of block elements. The block elements are arranged to interconnect the load bearing platform to the base member. In one embodiment, snap-fit connections are provided between the block elements and both the platform and the base member. The snap-fit connections are arranged to be engaged by a movement perpendicular to the plane of the platform. The snap-fit connection is facilitated by inserting spigots, projecting from opposing sides of the block elements, within apertures formed in the platform and base member.

Abstract: A structural, load bearing panel is fabricated with twin-sheets of thermoformed polymer material to provide-substantially equal bending strength about each of substantially normal polar moment axes. Parallel rows of generally rectangular depressions in the top sheet surface are fused with a corresponding row pattern of depressions in the bottom sheet surface oriented substantially 90.degree. to the top sheet rows. End walls of top sheet depressions are fused with side walls of bottom sheet depressions. Conversely, end walls of bottom sheet depressions are fused with side walls of top sheet depressions. An orthogonal matrix of interconnected gas flow channels vent substantially all void spaces between the top and bottom sheets.

Abstract: A pulp-molded pallet includes a panel having a first surface, a second surface and three rows of hollow legs projecting from the panel. Each of said rows of hollow legs includes a plurality of interconnected hollow legs. A plurality of first, second and third recesses are provided to further enhance the overall strength.

Abstract: A shelving system adapted for compact packaging has a number of shelves of molded polymer material. Each shelf has at least two hollow support ribs of height h extending parallel to a width of the shelf, and at least one intermediate platform portion connecting between the support ribs. The intermediate platform portion has a height significantly less than h such that a first and a second of the shelves can be positioned in an interlocking storage configuration with at least one of the support ribs of the first shelf adjacent to the intermediate platform portion of the second shelf so as to form a compact shelf-pair package.

Abstract: A single twin-sheet thermoformed plastic part has parallel bands of plastic forming fillets which allow stiff pallet deck segments to be folded after forming and locked together into a support structure with a planar upper deck spaced above a pallet lower deck with openings for lift truck tines. The lower deck has two segments joined by side stringers to the upper deck. Two central stringer segments extend along folding fillets from lower deck half segments to lock into place with the upper deck. The pallet is locked in its assembled configuration by a rod which passes through knuckles formed beneath the central stringers. The monocoque construction of the pallet provides for advantageous stiffness and load support capacity, while at the same time being economical to produce. For increased load-carrying capability, the pallet may be formed with a reinforcing substrate reinforced with a tubular steel insert.

Abstract: A twin sheet pallet including an upper sheet thermoformed to define a planar main body portion and a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the main body portion, and a lower sheet thermoformed to define a planar main body portion and a plurality of legs extending downwardly from the lower sheet main body portion. The upper sheet is positioned in overlying relation to the lower sheet with each upper sheet leg nestingly received in and fused to a respective lower sheet leg and the upper sheet main body portion spaced above the lower sheet main body portion to define a twin sheet platform structure. The lower sheet further includes a tower structure extending upwardly from the lower sheet main body portion in surrounding relation to each upper sheet leg.

Abstract: A plastic pallet comprises a pair of deck boards opposed to each other in parallel with each other, a pair of outer girder portions respectively disposed at a pair of opposite side portions of the deck boards, an inner girder portion placed midway between the outer girder portions, and a plurality of reinforcement ribs disposed on respective inner surfaces of said deck boards. Each of the outer girder portions includes a side wall and a first partition wall disposed between the deck boards. The inner girder portion includes a pair of second partition walls which are disposed in parallel with each other with a predetermined distance. The reinforcement ribs existing within a range of a distance extending inward and outward from the first partition wall have a total weight greater than the total weight of the reinforcement ribs existing within a range of the distance extending outward and inward from the second partition wall.

Abstract: Two or more tube structures preferably are extruded or pultruded in plastic or resin to make a pallet that is strong and durable. The tubes preferably are extruded simultaneously to create a one piece, integrated pallet. The pallet may be molded from recycled plastic. Various configurations of pallets made from several tubes are disclosed, including custom pallets for receiving particular or specially shaped items.

Abstract: A trestle stage comprises a plyboard and a plurality of supporting beams wherein the plyboard is provided with an embedding groove on each corner thereof and a through hole on the position of each embedding groove, and each supporting beam has embedding plates on both its ends to engage with the embedding grooves and embedding piece corresponding to the respective through hole, such that two plyboard can be kept with constant separation by the supporting beams therebetween and the inventory therein can be stored in layer-fashion without deformation.

Abstract: An elevated walkway platform comprising at least one elongated platform module positioned in a generally horizontal attitude and being supported above a work area. The platform module comprises a substantially flat deck having side walls or toe boards extending upwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A flange extends horizontally outwardly from the upper end of each of the toe boards. A plurality of transversely extending strengthening ribs are molded integrally with the module and are positioned beneath the deck for strengthening purposes. A pair of longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may also be provided at the underside of the deck at the opposite sides thereof. The strengthening ribs are filled with a rigid foam material. The module is also provided with handrail post supports positioned at the exterior surface of the toe boards and which are adapted to receive a handrail post therein. The entire module is constructed of a one-piece, molded plastic material reinforced with fiberglass.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform which may be rectangular or non-rectangular embodies a novel structural reinforcement core of a unique configuration which is both lightweight and exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform also includes a reinforcement beam which circumscribes the central portion of the reinforcement core and which is generally "I" shaped in cross section.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet construction and assembly method are presented wherein multiple reinforcing bars are employed, at least some of the reinforcing bars having an exposed surface at a top surface, underneath surface or bottom surface of the pallet. In addition to functioning as a reinforcing member, the exposed surfaces of the reinforcing bars comprise an anti-skid surface for maintaining positioning of payload on the pallet or facilitating transport of the pallet, e.g., via a forklift or automated transport system. Various techniques for retaining the reinforcing bars within channels formed in the plastic pallet body are described. The reinforcing bars preferably comprise composite structural members of fiberglass reinforced plastic fabricated from a pultrusion process.

Abstract: A pallet fabricated made of a thermoplastic material is produced by joining together individually fabricated structural components, each individually thermoformed from an extruded plastic parison of a multilayer structure. The structural components include a deck in the form of a continuous sheet with longitudinal and transverse sides, one or more upper runner components fastened by their top side to the bottom of the deck, each of which includes a cross member with downward-facing posts, and one or more lower runner components, each of which includes a cross member with upward-facing posts and which is fastened by the tops of its posts to the bottoms of matching posts on the corresponding upper runner components.

Abstract: A support or pad for equipment, especially electrical transformers, is disclosed. The pad is designed to permit multi-directional access to its underside; consequently, it need not be positioned specially once a transformer is mounted to it, but rather is accessible in almost any upright orientation to the tines of a fork-lift truck. In some embodiments the tine-receiving recesses do not abut an opening for electrical cables attached to the transformer, the opening instead being bordered by sections of the full depth of the pad. The multiple recesses of the pad thus fail to communicate with the opening, blocking any path along the underside from the periphery of the pad to the cable opening itself.

Abstract: A pallet (1) which has its primary structural members (6, 7, 8, 9) manufactured of a plastics material (10) comprising a top sheet (11), a bottom sheet (12) and a plurality of interconnecting supporting ribs (13). Generally, the members (6, 7, 8, 9) are folded to interconnect to provide compressive strength to the pallet (1). In alternative embodiments (FIGS. 11, 13, 15), a planar member (32, 51, 52) formed of the material (10) and interconnected supports (33, 41, 53) are provided to create a pallet structure.

Abstract: The high stiffness of the legs of a twin-sheet thermoformed pallet are effectively made to contribute to the overall stiffness of the pallet deck by utilizing vertical webs which tie into the legs through a plurality of special purpose depressions or knee Joints and which work with narrow channels in the bottom deck which extend parallel to the predominate lines of stress expected to be experienced by the pallet.

Abstract: An interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction which includes plastic modular platform sections aligned in a two-by-two arrangement with interlocking flanges between the adjoining surfaces of the platform sections, the flanges interlocking in a downward sliding manner. A plurality of leg structures extend down from the lower surface of the platform sections. A center conical support structure with a locking lip or tab is formed by the adjoinment of the platform sections. A band or ring of durable material, e.g. metal, is placed onto the conical structure to draw and lock together, via the locking tab and ring, the adjoining platform sections. A series of upper and lower frictional, rubberized pads are aligned and interlocked through the lattice holes along the perimeter of the pallet lattice.

Abstract: A hollow structural component which includes an integral structure, partition walls intersecting each other within the integral structure, and a plurality of independent hollow portions formed as specified by the partition walls so as to be arranged within the integral structure. The integral structure is formed into one piece by one-shot molding or by one injection molding die which is caused to slide against each other between its stationary side and movable side for post-forming, whereby weight reduction of the hollow structural component, reduction in the amount of resin used, reduction in the number of parts involved, and improvement in the workability for assembling may be achieved with consequent cost reduction.

Abstract: A hollow structural component which includes an integral structure, partition walls intersecting each other within the integral structure, and a plurality of independent hollow portions formed as specified by the partition walls so as to be arranged within the integral structure. The integral structure is formed into one piece by one-shot molding or by one injection molding die which is caused to slide against each other between its stationary side and movable side for post-forming, whereby weight reduction of the hollow structural component, reduction in the amount of resin used, reduction in the number of parts involved, and improvement in the workability for assembling may be achieved with consequent cost reduction.

Abstract: A modular pallet system is definable in terms of an xyz Cartesian matrix. The system includes a bottom element having a xy plane primary surface and integrally dependent positive z-axis prongs substantially at each of x and y axis edges of the primary surface, each of the prongs having first integral complemental engagement at their ends. The system further includes a top element having a rectilinear primary surface having opposing x and y axis edges, the surface positionable in a second xy plane above the first xy plane of the bottom element, the top element having integrally dependent negative z-axis prongs projecting from each of the x and y axis edges of the second xy plane thereof, each of the prongs terminating with second integral complemental engagement elements.

Abstract: A plastic pallet comprising a generally planar platform structure defining an upper face, providing an article support surface, and an underface; a generally planar base structure defining a lower pallet support face and an upper face; and a plurality of hollow legs of closed box configuration positioned between the platform and base structures and each including an upper wall structure fused to the underface of the platform structure and a lower wall structure fused to the upper face of the base structure. The platform structure and base structure are each of twin sheet configuration and each includes an upper sheet and a lower sheet selectively fused together to form the respective structure. Pockets are provided in the lower sheet of the platform structure to receive the upper ends of the box legs and pockets are provided in the upper sheet of the base structure to receive the lower ends of the box legs.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet (10) includes an upper surface (11) and a pair of opposing support sides (14, 15). The pallet (10) also includes at least one reinforcing bar channel (50) and a reinforcing bar (40) received within reinforcing bar channel (50). A twin-sheet pallet (10) is formed vacuum-forming a first plastic sheet (33a) to a first mold section (30) and a second plastic sheet (33b) to a second mold sheet (31), wherein a preselected portion of the second mold section (31) is sealed such that the second plastic sheet (33b) is not vacuum-formed. The mold sections (30, 31) are then moved together and the sheets (33a, 33b) are compressed together at preselected locations. A thermoformed, plastic pallet (10) for bearing and positioning a load, also includes and a retaining wall assembly (90) carried by the upper surface (11); the retaining wall assembly (90) including a wall-receiving slot (91) in the upper surface (11) and a retaining wall (92) received and positioned within the slot (91).

Abstract: A fork pallet structure and a method of manufacturing a forklift pallet which is applicable to handling goods in industries where hygiene requirements are strict, such as food industries, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, and "clean" technology industries. The pallet of the invention comprises a platform (30) and blocks (33-35) for spacing the platform from a rest surface such as the ground, both the platform and the blocks being made of solid plastics material. The blocks are optionally interconnected by a belt or by runners and are connected together by a polyfusion method that does not leave any interstices, and does not run any risk of creating crannies while the pallet is in use. The pallet is suitable for use in industries having strict hygiene requirements, such as the food industry.

Abstract: A twin sheet, thermoformed beer keg pallet has a load platform reinforced by parallel ribs formed inwardly from the bottom sheet. Rib ridges are thermally fused to the platform top sheet. Stiffener pockets in the shape of truncated pyramids are formed from the top sheet between the rib ridges. Pocket bottoms are fused to the bottom sheet. Pocket sidewalls are thermally fused to adjacent rib side walls. The platform ribs have a progressively greater depth between the platform top sheet and bottom sheet along the rib length from the pallet center plane outwardly in opposite directions. When loaded and lifted by a fork truck, the platform flexes about an axis in the center plane to tilt the tops of the kegs on the pallet inwardly to the center.

Abstract: A load transporting pallet made of paper, cardboard and/or cellulose fiber waste is disclosed. In order to improve the carrying capacity of such pallets, a supplementary reinforcement layer made of recyclable material is arranged between both layers that form the carrying surface and the mounting fee. The reinforcement layer is provided with passages distributed throughout its whole surface and through which the top and bottom layers are interconnected by their opposite rough surfaces.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet (10) includes an upper surface (11) and a pair of opposing support sides (14, 15). The pallet (10) also includes at least one reinforcing bar channel (50) and a reinforcing bar (40) received within reinforcing bar channel (50). A twin-sheet pallet (10) is formed vacuum-forming a first plastic sheet (33a) to a first mold section (30) and a second plastic sheet (33b) to a second mold sheet (31), wherein a preselected portion of the second mold section (31) is sealed such that the second plastic sheet (33b) is not vacuum-formed. The mold sections (30, 31) are then moved together and the sheets (33a, 33b) are compressed together at preselected locations. A thermoformed, plastic pallet (10) for bearing and positioning a load, also includes and a retaining wall assembly (90) carried by the upper surface (11); the retaining wall assembly (90) including a wall-receiving slot (91) in the upper surface (11) and a retaining wall means (92) received and positioned within the slot (91).

Abstract: A height compensating device made from a non-toxic material defining a support surface of a predetermined shape and having a periphery with a sidewall extending downwardly and outwardly from said sidewall. The surface of the support surface is roughened to the roughness of a quartz number 4 grit or greater. The structure has a weight of 8 pounds or greater.

Abstract: Pallets (20) upon which objects (22) may be stacked and to which a wrapping sheet (24) of stretch film, or a strap (102), may be secured to retain the objects (22) in relation to the pallet (20), is disclosed. The pallet (20) has rails (30,32,34) with perpendicularly extending slats (36) secured thereto. The rail (30) has an anchor (66) about which the wrapping sheet (24) may be frictionally and wedgingly retained. The anchor (66) may include either an elongate channel (70,72) or tongue (66) or both. The rails (30,32,34) may have ends with corner supports (60) which cooperate with one another to prevent objects secured atop pallet (20) from moving laterally or longitudinally. Corner supports (60) also allow the pallets (20) to be stacked one on top another. The ends of the rails have grooves (90) formed therein so that the wrapping sheet (24) may be stretchably secured within the groove (90) thereby impeding the wrapping sheet (24) from moving upwardly when wrapped about the pallet (20).

Abstract: A pallet which includes a series of stackable feet orientated in relation to a platform. The platform is formed from at least two sheets of a fluted plastics material. The sheets of plastics material flutes are orientated so that the longitudinal axes of the flutes are at right angles to each other. The sheets of plastics material are joined together by any suitable means such as an adhesive or by the side edges of the sheets being welded together.

Abstract: A load-handling pallet ((10) comprises a plurality of separate plastics elements which are connected together to define an upper-load beating platform (20) with spaced support members (40) therebeneath between which the forks of a forklift truck can be located. The boards (20) forming the platform are mounted on transverse stringers (30) which are in turn secured to the top of blocks (40) by respective locator arrangements (32,41). Base boards (50) are secured to the bottom of the blocks (40) by further respective locator arrangements (52, 57, 152).

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength support platform for use in furniture construction, which has superior structural integrity and can be used, by way of example, in portable folding tables, in work tables and in modular furniture of the character typically used in modern office complexes. The support platform embodies a novel structural reinforcement core of a unique configuration which is both lightweight and exhibits superior strength and durability characteristics. In one form of the invention, the support platform is used in the construction of a lightweight, readily portable folding table which includes two pair of legs that are pivotally connected to the platform for pivotal movement between an extended operational position and a retracted storage and transport position.

Abstract: A new and improved unitary plastic foam four-way entry pallet (10) comprising: a top deck (11), with perforated apertures (12), buttressed by a plurality of elongated support runners (13) which are profiled to receive material handling equipment; the runners are joined to a plurality of bottom members (14), perpendicular to the plane of the support runners. All the components are monolithically cast, in a mold, utilizing rigid plastic foam reinforced with oriented strand fibers to form homogenous matrix (16), which has a seamless, smooth finish (15), provided by the use of self-skinning foams.

Abstract: A light weight pallet assembly extruded from a recyclable, thermoplastic material is provided for storing, handling and transporting heavy or bulky articles. The pallet assembly includes at least two elongate, generally hollow runners, a plurality of support bars, and fastening members for coupling the support bars to the runners. Each runner includes an upper load supporting surface, a lower surface, a pair of opposed lateral surfaces and at least one, and preferably two, transverse ribs connecting the opposed lateral surfaces. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures are formed through at least one of the opposed lateral surfaces of the runner for receiving a respective one of the support bars therein. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures are formed through the upper surface of the runner and in at least a portion of at least some of the support bars for receiving the fastening members. The fastening members may be secured with an adhesive or may be press fit.

Abstract: A plastic pallet and a method of shrink-wrapping an article onto the platform structure of the pallet. The pallet includes a plurality of legs and a planar platform structure supported by the legs and formed of upper and lower thermoformed sheets of plastic selectively fused together. The upper and lower sheets are maintained in vertically spaced parallel relation in a central portion of the platform structure and peripheral edges of the upper and lower sheets are fused together to define a downwardly extending peripheral lip defining a downwardly opening groove extending around the periphery of the platform structure outboard of the legs. The peripheral lip improves the stiffness and the side impact resistance of the platform structure and the groove facilitates the shrink-wrapping of an article onto the pallet.

Abstract: A modular double deck shipping pallet assembly which may be disassembled to smaller volume for shipping, reassembly and reuse. All of the components of the assembly are injection molded from recyclable or recycled thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: A base for equipment, including a pad having a top surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a core with a bottom side. The core has at least one recess in its bottom side. At least one removable insert foot mates with the at least one core recess such that the insert foot extends beyond the bottom side of the core. Similarly, rather than using a pad with a core, the pad is hollow with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces. The bottom surface has at least one recess therein for mating with at least one removable insert foot. Likewise, the pad can have a top, a bottom, and a plurality of side surfaces with the bottom surface having a plurality of supports ribs extending therefrom. A removable pallet insert or a plurality of removable pallet sleds with a plurality of feet mate with the ribs on the bottom surface such that the feet extend beyond the bottom surface of said pad.

Abstract: A transport unit for natural rubber comprises a slip sheet; a plurality of individual rectangular solid bales formed of natural rubber, stacked upon the slip sheet so as to form a rectangular solid unit; and at least one layer of a stretchable polymeric film wrapped around the sides and top of the rectangular solid unit to hold the unit together. The preferred slip sheet has a rectangular working area for stacking of the bales, particularly where the working area of the slip sheet is about 54 inches wide by 41 inches long. The slip sheet is formed from a polymeric material, especially a recyclable material, and most especially a previously-processed polymer, such as a polyolefin or a polyester. The slip sheet is manufactured from a material that is not attractive to insects for nutritive or nesting purposes, to discourage insect infestation. The transport unit comprises from about thirty to about forty-two bales, each of the individual rectangular solid bales weighing between seventy and eighty pounds.

Abstract: A pallet includes a planar portion for supporting articles and feet extending from the bottom of the planar portion. The upper surface of the planar portion includes recesses formed therein having center islands extending upward even with the supporting surface. The feet include bottoms having a center recess and rim extending around the recess. The rim of the feet extend into the recess on the upper surface when the empty pallets are stacked and the center islands extend into the bottom recess of the foot to provide nesting and to prevent lateral sliding of the pallets.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet (10) includes an upper surface (11) and a pair of opposing support sides (14, 15). The pallet (10) also includes at least one reinforcing bar channel (50) and a reinforcing bar (40) received within reinforcing bar channel (50). A twin-sheet pallet (10) is formed vacuum-forming a first plastic sheet (33a) to a first mold section (30) and a second plastic sheet (33b) to a second mold sheet (31), wherein a preselected portion of the second mold section (31) is sealed such that the second plastic sheet (33b) is not vacuum-formed. The mold sections (30, 31) are then moved together and the sheets (33a, 33b) are compressed together at preselected locations.

Abstract: The high stiffness of the legs of a twin-sheet thermoformed pallet are effectively made to contribute to the overall stiffness of the pallet deck by utilizing vertical webs which tie into the legs through a plurality of special purpose depressions or knee joints and which work with narrow channels in the bottom deck which extend parallel to the predominate lines of stress expected to be experienced by the pallet.

Abstract: A plastic pallet having an upper platform and a plurality of plastic legs attached to and extending downward from the underside thereof. The plastic legs comprise upper and lower molded plastic sheets. The upper sheet comprises a generally planar top panel and a skirt extending downwardly from the periphery thereof and having a distal edge defining an annular bonding surface. The top panel further has a hollow conical boss extending downwardly therefrom and including an annular sidewall portion and a bottom wall portion at the lower end thereof. The lower sheet is identical to the upper sheet but is rotated to an inverted position such that a skirt and hollow boss extend upwardly from a lower panel, the distal edge of the skirt defining an annular bonding surface and the hollow boss having an annular side wall portion and a top wall portion at the upper end thereof.

Abstract: A forklift pallet, and a material of construction useful in forklift pallets. The material is a composite formed by a surrounding reinforcement member that encloses a corrugation for reinforcement. The corrugation has crests and troughs. A plurality of crests are directly adhered to the reinforcement member. Buttress material fills the regions formed by the corrugation and the reinforcement member. Preferably a fiber strand holds others of the crests toward the reinforcement member to discipline the shapes of the corrugations. A pallet accessible by a forklift tongue from all sides is also shown.

Abstract: A novel molded structure especially useful as a rigid, load-bearing structure, is provided. Also provided is a novel process for molding the structure, which may be in the form of a pallet. By the process, the structure is chilled as it is being formed. Recycled resins including contaminants of limited compatibility may be used.

Abstract: A stacking device comprises a base having a top and bottom side, a flange around the periphery of the base, and rib structure attached to the top side of the base and the flange. The uppermost edge of the flange resides above the top edge of the rib structure. The lowermost edge of the flange is positioned below the bottom side of the base. The stacking device is situated between two vertically adjacent gaylords.

Abstract: A pallet used for stacking various types of catering and food service equipment is disclosed. The pallet has a floor which includes an upper surface and a lower surface. A forward wall and end wall and a pair of side walls extend upwardly from the top surface. A pair of rear legs, a pair of intermediate legs, and a pair of forward legs extend downward from the lower surface of the floor. The forward and intermediate legs define openings which will receive and interlock with the handles of the catering equipment. Likewise, the rear and intermediate legs define a pair of rear openings which will receive the upwardly extending handles of the catering equipment thereby interlocking the pallet and the catering equipment. The pallet also includes a downwardly extending rear support beam which has a transverse slot disposed therein. The transverse slot is a means for receiving handles of certain types of catering equipment so that the catering equipment and pallet will interlock.