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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 18, 1996
Date of Patent:
February 9, 1999
Assignee:
Engineered Polymers Corp.
Inventors:
Craig Steven Wyler, Daniel Darst, Russell Leroy Moseman