Abstract: A method for transferring filled lettuce cartons from a field to a loading dock for shipment to an end user or buyer includes filling the cartons with head lettuce at a field site, closing and stacking the filled cartons in layers to a predetermined composite height on a plurality of adjustable pallets to form palletized carton stacks, and moving the stacks to a cooling facility and subsequently to the loading dock whereat the widths of the stacks are adjusted to fit the width of the cargo space of a transport vehicle. The stacks are then transported to the end user. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the filled cartons are uniquely stacked on the pallets in a compact and fully supported manner whereby they remain intact on the pallets for ease of handling by lift trucks for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle for carrying a container with castors from one place to another includes a mobile body and a driving unit supported thereon. A carrier is vertically movably provided on the body adjacent to the driving unit for carrying a container thereon. A member is provided on the carrier for supporting the container at one end thereof, while holding the wheels of the container at the end thereof above the ground when the carrier is in a raised position.

Abstract: An extension device for a forklift truck, the truck having extending and movable truck forks, the extension device having a frame with channels therein for receiving the truck forks and one or more extension forks connected to the frame above the channels, with one or more securing arms pivotably connected to the frame for disengagingly contacting the truck.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: Apparatus to allow transporting a load by a vehicle having lifting forks reduced in length to combine with a rectangular pallet having side and end edges. The pallet has transversely extending floor boards and longitudinally extending stringers separated by spacer blocks with a deck of transversely extending boards mounted on the stringers. The assembly provides transverse channels into which the forks can be entered from either side edge to pick up the loaded pallet, and also provides longitudinal channels for receiving the forks entered from either end edge. By reducing the effective length of standard forks, the outer ends of the forks are prevented from projecting from the remote side edge of the pallet when the forks are fully entered into the transverse channels. The length of the pallet plus the arrangement of the floor boards place the outer ends of the lifting forks clear of the outermost floor board when the forks are fully entered into the longitudinal channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring a cassette holding articles to be processed to and from a container supported at a processing station where the processing station has a cassette port for receiving the cassette when the cassette moves along a central axis extending from outside the processing station through the cassette port, and into the processing station, said apparatus comprising: a platform device including a cassette platform transportable substantially along the central axis for transferring the cassette to and from the container substantially along the central axis; a manipulator device including a first member extending substantially orthogonal to the central axis, the first member including a first portion and a second portion; a pivoting arm including a pivoting portion and a coupling portion, the pivoting portion mounted pivotally adjacent to the second portion of the first member, the pivoting arm operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending substantially through th

Abstract: A vehicle for the remote handling of loads, comprising a carrying structure (11) with a driving and steering wheel (32), and a fork structure (2) supported by the carrying structure so that it can be raised and lowered and provided with a hook (5) for connection to a vertically-movable attachment part(S) of a lift truck (C). The support structure has a simplified articulated-parallelogram conformation (11) connected to a rear frame (10) of the fork structure (2) and vertical movement of the latter is controlled by a single hydraulic linear actuator (36) vertically interposed between the rear frame (10) and the parallelogram structure (11).

Abstract: Device for maneuvering large capacity bags filled with powdered or granular materials wherein a square 6 formed from four tubes 11-14 is placed on the bag, the cross-pieces 9 formed by the ends of the tubes being engaged in the straps 2-5 of the bag. The forks of a forklift truck can be inserted in two parallel tubes enabling the bag to be maneuvered without risk of overturning, without the truck driver leaving his seat and without the help of another person. Equipped with an annular accessory 18 forming a support for the funnel 21 of a bag 20 which can be locked onto the inner sides of the tubes so that is inscribed in the square, one of the major applications of the device according to the invention is the robotization of the emptying and filling of flexible containers.

Abstract: A pallet lift apparatus includes a substantially U-shaped enclosure having inner and outer walls and a lift cradle suspended inside the enclosure for supporting a wooden pallet or other loading platform. The cradle may be moved to a convenient vertical height by a hydraulic scissor lift for loading so that workers may stack the pallet without the bending and stooping that frequently causes low back pain.

Abstract: A load support and handling means is provided in the form of a pallet (1). The pallet (1) includes a first, generally rectangular support surface (2) on which a load (3) to be handled can be placed, which first support surface (2) is made from semi stiff flexible sheet material. The pallet (1) also includes a second generally rectangular support surface (4) made from semi stiff flexible sheet material which underlies and is spaced from the first support surface (2). The second support surface (4) is intended to rest on a further support surface such as the ground. Also forming part of the pallet (1) are at least two elongated spacer members (6) in side by side spaced apart location between the first and second support surfaces (2, 4) at two opposed edge margins (2b and 4a) thereof to define therewith a central aperture (7) between the support surfaces (2, 4).

Abstract: A returnable skid for coiled products employs separator posts that are storable within other components. The same assembly that mounts the posts during use also cooperates with the corresponding assembly of a like skid to interengage them in stacked condition. Both of these features facilitate transport of the empty skids. The construction provided minimizes the amount of extraneous packaging materials that are required to maintain the coils of product in place on the skid and to properly protect them, and the coils can be disposed either standing upright or lying flat on the skid.

Abstract: A sealable transportable container for use with processing equipment having a port plate and port door sealably mating to the port plate, the transportable container including a box having an interior space for containing the articles. The box including a conduit for communicating between the interior space and the environment external the box. The conduit including a filter for filtering fluids passing through the conduit. The box including a box top having sealing surfaces and a box door sealably mating with the box top. The port plate also includes sealing surfaces and is sealably mated to the box top. The port door includes a sealing surface and is sealably mated to the port plate. The box door includes a latch for mechanically opening and closing of the box and the port door includes a device for activating the latch.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a work platform vertically movable within a vessel and capable of rotating about the vertical axis of the vessel. The work platform is provided with two storage areas for pallets of bricks, and an automatic device for manipulating and laying the bricks. The apparatus also includes a palletholder housing comprising at least two compartments for respectively receiving a full pallet and an empty pallet, a basket for carrying the housing, and lifting devices for raising and lowering the basket, together with the pallet-holder housing to the level of the platform and for releasing the pallet-holder housing from the basket. The apparatus is particularly well suited for repairing the refractory lining of a metallurigical convertor.

Abstract: A panel laying machine for use as a "power assist" in installing access flooring. The machine includes a self-propelled chassis, a mast extending upwardly from the chassis and a jib turnably mounted on the mast. A panel gripper head is suspended from the mast by a cable coupled to a winch on the jib and the gripper head includes controls manually operable by an operator to raise and lower the panel, release the panel from the gripper head and move the chassis. A safety interlock is provided so that the panel cannot be released by the gripper head while the suspension cable is supporting a load above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A low load lift adapter designed for use with a forklift truck comprising an upper frame adapted to be secured to the teeth of the forklift and having a vertically disposed frame section extending downwardly from the forward end thereof. A pair of spaced-apart pocket members are secured to the lower end of the vertically disposed frame and are adapted to removably receive a pair of fork teeth therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically transferring a cassette of semiconductor wafers from one "clean" room to a second "clean" room across an area that may be less clean. The system includes an elevator in each room where a load is manually positioned in a load stall, and is then withdrawn automatically to an elevator and moved to a different elevation and transferred to an enclosed horizontal conveyor at that elevation which spans the distance between the "clean" rooms. The load then moves on a driven cart which straddles, and is magnetically coupled to an enclosed driver cart. The conveyor and the elevator stations are pressurized with clean air to maintain the necessary cleanliness for the wafer processing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator for removing a cassette holding articles, such as semiconductor wafers, to be processed from a container supported on a processing station in a standard mechanical interface (SMIF) system. The container is supported on an interface port on the canopy of the processing station and has a removeable door on which the cassette is supportable. A first platform is transportable along a shaft below the interface port and is operable to mate with the interface port and receive the cassette from the container. The first platform is transported down the shaft, thereby removing the cassette from the container. A second platform mounted in the shaft includes a manipulator arm which swings to engage the cassette on the first platform and support the cassette off of the first platform. The manipulator arm then pivots to transport the cassette to a location in the processing station away from the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a manipulator for removing a cassette holding articles, such as semiconductor wafers, to be processed from a container supported on a processing station in a standard mechanical interface (SMIF) system. The container is supported on an interface port on the canopy of the processing station. A first platform is transportable along a shaft below the interface port. The platform is operable to mate with the interface port and receive the cassette from the container. The first platform is transported down the shaft, thereby removing the cassette from the container. An arm orthogonal to the shaft and mounted in the shaft supports a pivoting arm which swings to engage the cassette on the first platform and support the cassette off of the first platform. The pivoting arm pivots to transport the cassette to a location away from the shaft. The first platform is then transported back up the shaft to the interface port to seal the container to prevent particulate contamination.

Abstract: A special spent catalyst container is provided to safely and effectively transport, store, and dispense spent catalyst and residual reactor oil from a resid hydrotreating unit to a reclamation site or disposal area. In order to protect and safeguard the environment, the container is constructed of a catalytically resistant oil-impermeable steel with a special shape and arrangement to prevent spent catalyst and residual reactor oil from the resid hydrotreating unit from spilling, leaking, and accumulating on the nation's highways. The spent catalyst container has a rotatable truncated bin with a support frame to enhance the structural strength and integrity of the bin. The bin has monorail and bridge crane-receiving slots to alternatively receive the grab hooks of a monorail and a bridge crane to facilitate transport by both monorail and the bridge crane.

Abstract: A reel carrier for attachment to power equipment such as fork lift vehicles or overhead hoist cranes removably mountable upon the fork lift or holding coupling elements thereof and having a frame of generally horizontal rectangular configuration with downwardly depending arms attached thereto is disclosed. The arms are adapted on a U-shaped, hook-like lower end to receive and retain an axle designed to engage and retain the reels to be carried by the apparatus. Bracing members and a cantilever rigidifying support attached to the frame are disclosed. The arms are taught to be adjustable to accommodate the various sized and numbers of reels to be carried by the device. Alternate embodiments are disclosed for supporting the reels in an elevated position for traversal over hilly terrain.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system for use at a pipe manufacturing facility includes a computer and memory; a storage/retrieval crane operable in a storage yard; a plurality of containers, each being capable of containing material for storage and a load crane for at least one of loading or unloading respective containers. The computer is on-site proximate the storage yard and includes means for monitoring and controlling the storage/retrieval crane and load crane, means for monitoring and storing in memory information of container positions in the storage yard and means for coordinating operation of the storage/retrieval crane and load crane. The crane stores and retrieves containers in the yard in a three dimensional array, can carry containers on the crane feet, and may deliver or retrieve containers relative to load/unload stations including a load crane. At such stations pipe is transferred between containers and the load crane.

Abstract: A one-step loading adapter is attached to a lifting truck. The adapter is able to transport and position a store such as a missile from a storage location to an aircraft wing for mounting thereto without transfer to another device. The adapter has a removable boom assembly for lifting and lowering the store as desired. An adjustable cradle having three degrees of freedom is able to position the store for mounting once the store is loaded thereon.

Abstract: A mechanism for automatically loading and unloading a printed circuit board from a machine for assembling electronic components to a board. This mechanism receives the board from a board storage magazine and places the board on an X-Y component placement station of the assembly machine. After the components have been placed onto the board, the board is dropped down through the table and transferred back to the storage magazine.

Abstract: A load vertically stacked on a pallet lowered on a lift fork into a vertically elongated handling zone, enclosed by a guide frame. As the pallet approaches a lower rest position, the load is retained above a support plane on top of rails between which the lift fork tines are vertically movable. The lift fork is withdrawn from the unloaded pallet and reinserted into the handling zone just below the load to raise it through the guide frame during which the load is stabilized on the lift fork.

Abstract: The storage and retrieval apparatus of this invention comprises parallel tracks, each normally supporting numerous upright storage bins that are in close proximity to one another and to bins on laterally adjacent tracks. Each bin is open at its front and is mounted on wheels to roll rearward along its track. An overhead carrier lifts a desired bin off its track to a level above the other bins and carries it forward. A pusher near the front end of that track pushes rearward on the front bin, moving bins back to fill the space left by the lifted bin, which is then lowered into the space at the front of the track for loading or unloading, through its open front. On the top of each bin is an identifier plate distinctive to the bin. A sensor on the overhead carrier, connected with a computer, reads the identifier plates as the carriage moves rearward along a track and is thus able to find and lift a desired bin even though it is in a random position along the track.

Abstract: A gravity operated load stabilizing device is provided for use with forklifts the device comprising an inverted J-shaped member which engages the load by gravity when the fork is raised and is disengaged from the load when the fork rests on a surface.

Abstract: A cargo container handling assembly mounted on the lift beam of a mobile vehicle to transport and stack a cargo container. A bridge secured to the lift means accommodates a pair of vertically movable supports. Struts carried by the supports have balls on their upper and lower ends for movably supporting a carrier adapted to be locked onto a cargo container. Fluid operated cylinders are selectively operable to provide the carrier with tilt, skew, lateral shift, and fore and aft movements. Fluid motors are operable to selectively raise and lower the supports to change the elevation of the spreader independent of the lift beam and provide the carrier with pile slope movements.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated frames are arranged one on top of the other. Each frame is formed of a pair of walls having a lower flange and an upper flange between which a plurality of cross bars are arranged which are used for receiving the elongated objects. A roller support is provided to move the frames along the ground. The supports are provided with a carrier roller, the upper face of which is arranged higher than the upper edge of the cross bar to facilitate the unloading of heavy objects. Containers may be inserted between the cross bars for storing short objects. A lifting device and a crane are used to remove or place frames on the stack. The device has two U-sections which grip the upper flanges of the frame, so that the lifting device may be moved around those flanges relative to the center of gravity of the frame to prevent the inclination of the latter.

Abstract: The cargo container carrier of this invention is configured to be removably attachable to the carriage structure of a conventional lift truck. The assembly comprises a vertically extensible main frame secured to the lift truck carriage, the frame pivotally supporting a first pair of tiltable container lifting beam sections for adjustment between an operative position in which they are in longitudinal extension, for engaging an empty cargo container for transport, and an inoperative position in which they extend along the lateral sides of the lift truck in order to allow for increased manueverability of the vehicle while not functioning in the transporting of cargo containers, and for operation of the lift truck in conventional uses and in confined spaces.

Abstract: A mobile display rack for the storage and display of packaged products. The display rack includes a frame structure comprising four vertically disposed support members supporting at or near their tops a vertically stationary top shelf. Within the frame structure positioned one above the other but below the stationary top shelf are a plurality of vertically movable shelves adapted to hold product containers. Each movable shelf has a lowest vertical position determined by a shelf stop assembly affixed to the frame structure, and a highest vertical position determined by the movable shelves above it.

Abstract: A lift lug for receiving and securing a lifting device to a railroad tank car for re-railing the tank car. The lift lug includes a bolster pad mounted adjacent an end of the tank car and a vertically disposed bolster web, the bolster web having a substantially horizontal extending upper edge. A substantially horizontal base plate is mounted on the extended upper edge of the bolster web with an inner edge of the horizontal base plate secured to the bolster pad. A substantially vertical lift lug plate has its upper edge secured to the bolster pad and its lower edge secured to the base plate. A pair of generally triangular lift lug webs each have their lower edges secured to the base plate, their outer edge secured to the bolster pad. The lift lug plate has an opening adjacent its lower edge.

Abstract: A box or container for transporting and disposing of trash is constructed to be operated by the action of a forklift truck alone without the addition of special accessories and so constructed as to have a low overall height making it suitable for placement under machines, benches and other devices, because of the absence of operating mechanisms under the container. The box is constructed so that the discharge cover or lid, as well as a specially constructed dumping leg are automatically released by the action of the forklift. The dumping leg then drops into a pivot bracket customarily located on the edge of the receptacle which receives the trash and further action of the forklift causes the box to tilt or pivot around the leg and discharge the contents of the box. Further action of the forklift returns the leg to its position under the box and closes the cover or lid making the box ready for further receipt of trash.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extension for fork lift trucks that provides an attachment for increasing the depth to which forks may descend and operate, and the improvement thereto of a simple, economical, and effective joining member in the form of a channel, which replaces the former tubular joining member, and which has certain operational advantages thereover.

Abstract: A dump bin having a housing including a floor and a plurality of upstanding sides, a sleeve vertically mounted on one of the sides, a slidable rod in the sleeve, a pair of aligned shafts extending outwardly from opposite sides for receiving bearings mounted on the forks of a fork lift, the slidable rod being movable by gravity from a retracted position to an extended position below the dump bin after it has been lifted by a fork lift, with the lower portion of the rod causing the dump bin to pivot about the axis of the shafts as the fork lift is moved toward the container after the slidable rod has been moved into abutting relationship with the container.

Abstract: A warehouse crane with individual storage areas for containing tote pans, each tote pan having handles on its opposite end walls. A pair of reversibly driven, counter-rotating endless chains is mounted on the carriage for movement about a generally horizontal, orbital path, each of the chains also having a radially inner pin and and outer pin for movement with their respective chain in orbital paths. The inner pin is pushingly engageable with the handles to push the pans into the storage areas. The outer pin is releasably engageable with the handle of the pans to pull the pans from the storage areas.

Abstract: A system for handling heavy and unwieldy vehicles which may have transporting wheels permanently affixed thereto or detachable therefrom with the system including a unique large forklift capable of lifting the vehicle from one surface to another surface at a different elevation. Lifting devices other than the unique forklift may be utilized to lift and move heavy and unwieldy vehicles with the vehicles including special points or areas which can be used for lifting and moving the vehicle with the vehicle also having components capable of being stacked one component on top of another by the lifting device, such as the forklift, with the entire stack then being lifted and moved by the lifting device, such as the forklift. The large forklift for lifting the heavy and unwieldy vehicle incorporates two or more machines which are connected together by suitable connecting means so that they can be disconnected from the connecting means enabling their use as individual machines.

Abstract: A pallet loading and unloading system is provided wherein the pallet has a low friction surface and a sheet of thin, tough plastic is placed over such surface and the load is placed on the plastic. The pallet is unloaded by placing it on the ground, raising one end and moving off with the pallet whereby the load slides and remains on said plastic sheet, permitting retrieval and reuse of the pallet.

Abstract: A drawbridge assembly on an elevator car which is responsive to movement of an automatic cart loader and unloader for its extension and retraction. The drawbridge compensates for expected positional variations in indexing of the elevator to a selected landing. An associated clutch permits manual deployment of the drawbridge during a power failure or other malfunction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring loads between selected stations includes a transfer car operable for selective shifting along a predetermined path interposed between first and second stations and a load carrier mounted on the transfer car operable for reciprocative shifting relative to the transfer car from a pre-spot position to load receiving and depositing positions. An orienting device such as a turntable is positioned adjacent the predetermined path and is operable for selectively rotating the transfer car and the load carrier through a predetermined angular displacement.

Abstract: A system for allowing a wheeled truck to be rolled on and off a vertically extendable lift table assembly, whereby material handling operations between one vertical elevation, and one horizontal location, and the second vertical location, at a second horizontal location, will be facilitated. The roll-away lifting combination herein essentially comprises a vertically extendable lift table assembly with a cooperating wheeled truck assembly that can be selectively superposed, i.e., moved on or off, a lift table assembly which in turn allows the entire assembly to be conveniently moved from one horizontal location to another. The lift table itself preferably has a double scissor-jack linkwork, which allows the wheeled truck to be raised, for example, to heights of approximately seven feet above a horizontal ground reference.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for collecting, storing, transporting and dumping cropped (cut) sections of continuously cast bar. The present invention is embodied in a dumpable crop bar container generally comprising a yoke and rear stanchion assembly surrounding and pivotally attached to a receptacle and front stanchion assembly by an axle and sleeve assembly. A conventional forklift is used to transport the present invention and to discharge collected crop bar from it. The forklift pushes the front stanchions against a stationary curb, forcing them to pivot inward and upward on the axle which cause the receptacle rigidly affixed thereto to pivot upward and outward. The base of the receptacle pivots to almost vertical and all of the crop bar is dumped out. As the fork lift backs away from the stationary curb, the weight of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly returns it to its original position.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism including a carriage mounting a circuit breaker, a disconnecting switch and the like and supported on guide rails to facilitate racking movement of the circuit breaker, disconnecting switch and the like between the positions of electrical engagement and disengagement. The carriage includes a bucket upon which is mounted electrical devices, e.g. a circuit breaker, a disconnecting switch and rollers to transfer a bucket which moves along the guide rails which are detachably engaged in an electrical switchboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a spirally wrapped round bale of fibrous material, such as hay, comprising a flat support, and endless flight conveyor having a top run extending across the top of the support, a retaining wall at one end of the support, a restriction roller having fingers extending therefrom for gripping the fibrous material, and a power mechanism for driving the roller and the conveyor to feed a round bale positioned between the wall and the roller. The power mechanism includes a wheeled vehicle having a forklift receivable by the support for lifting and transporting the support. Mating hubs on the support and the vehicle transmit rotational power from the vehicle to the feeding apparatus.

Abstract: Mechanical handling equipment comprises a lift truck and a self powered pallet truck which is lifted into a trailer, etc. to be loaded by the lift truck with the load. The pallet truck is then remotely controlled by the lift truck driver to position the load at a desired location in the trailer.

Abstract: A lifting and lowering device for attachment to the corner of an ISO goods container, comprising twist-lock devices carried at one side of a post and a sleeve which is slidable on and lockable to the post allowing adjustment of the spacing of the twist-lock devices, an extendable leg with its operating ram housed within the post, and projecting from the opposite side of the post from the twist-lock devices fixed legs or the like give to the device free-standing stability when the leg is fully retracted into the post.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transferring a load such as a stack of cardboard sheets from an aerator to the receiving end of a cutting press. Sheets of material are stacked on a first pallet having a plurality of spaced support members defining a fork-like configuration having an elongated passage between each pair of spaced supports. The free ends of the spaced supports are adapted for common connection to a transverse rod to provide a generally rigid support surface defined by the spaced supports. The pallet is transported with the stack loaded on its support surface by a forklift to a predetermined location above a movable base pallet which is adapted to align the first pallet in superposed relation thereupon as the first pallet is lowered in place. The base pallet includes a plurality of spaced supports corresponding to the spaced supports of the first pallet. After the two pallets become engaged, the connecting rod of the first pallet is removed.

Abstract: An elongated horizontal support member is provided for spanning and support from the horizontally spaced forks of a fork lift. The support member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced anchor structures and a plurality of elongated flexible tension members have one set of corresponding ends thereof engaged with and supported from the anchor structures with the tension members swingably supported and depending downwardly therefrom. The other or lower set of corresponding ends of the tension members have fixtures supported therefrom for releasably engaging and supporting articles to be suspended from the support member by means of the tension members.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for storing and transporting heavy elongated workpieces such as round steel, sectional steel, steel pipes and the like. The apparatus comprises at least two stock racks each of which is formed from two substantially U-shaped girders connected together. A carrying device is also provided for use with a crane in lifting and moving the racks.

Abstract: A dual loading and stowage apparatus for handling a pair of cylindrical bes, such as a pair of missiles, torpedoes, or projectiles. The apparatus includes an elongated base, and a pair of elongated trays which are positioned in tandem above the base and parallel thereto for receiving the cylindrical bodies. A device slidably mounts the trays for lateral movement on the base so that each tray can be selectively centered above the base for off-loading purposes. Each of the trays is pivoted to the mounting device along an inner edge so as to be capable of pivoting between downward and upward positions. The lateral dimension of the pair of trays in their downward positions is greater than the lateral dimension of the base, however, when one of the trays is pivoted to its upward position the lateral dimension of the trays is less than the lateral dimension of the base.

Abstract: A load cap for use in combination with a lifting skid pallet to permit decking and undecking of unitized sheeted material. The load cap is suitable for use in cooperating relationship with a push-pull attachment found on forklift apparatus. The load cap comprises a planar main body portion, the main body portion having a plurality of linear edges, at least two of the linear edges being substantially parallel to each other. The load cap further comprises a pair of scored side flaps attached to opposite parallel edges of the main body portion, a portion of each of the side flaps is adaptable to be inserted between abutting sheets of the sheeted material. The load cap further comprises a front flap, the front flap being attached to the frontmost edge of the main body portion, the front flap being partially arcuately rotatable about the axis as defined by the intersection of the front flaps with the main body portion.