Abstract: A pallet having an upper deck and a lower deck secured by supporting block members. The upper deck may include a plurality of board members and may be provided with at least one lead board operable to serve as an energy attenuator. The lead board may comprise a composite material and may be formed using pultrusion techniques. The lead board may be separated or spaced from an adjacent board member by a gap or scallop type area and may be operable to flex inwardly or otherwise upon impact to absorb energy. The gap or scallop type area may be suitable to operate in combination with the lead board as a handle mechanism for grabbing or lifting the pallet. The lead board may also be used to attach shipping straps.

Abstract: A pallet made of sheet molding compound (SMC) preferably includes a lower deck having unidirectional fibers therein and an upper deck having randomly oriented fibers therein. The upper and lower decks are assembled by heat staking the decks together with thermoplastic blocks.

Abstract: A pallet having a first deck,a second deck, and a plurality of composite block members securing the first and second decks together to form a pallet. The composite block members and lead boards of the first and/or second deck comprise a composite material including about 50%-55% by weight of juniper or conifer particles and about 45%-50% by weight of a plastic component including a major portion of polyethylene.

Abstract: A pallet made of pultrusion preferably includes a main deck and cross-members having unidirectional fibers and glass or fiber mat therein. The main deck and cross-members are assembled by many various means, including a unitary design or attached through the use of structural adhesives, brackets, rivets, and the like. A pair of fastening devices are provided to secure the goods to the pallet.