Abstract: A durable, single walled plastic traffic or work area delineator barrel. The single walled barrel is molded in a blow molding operation and handle and base rim flange regions of the barrel in one construction include compressed wall surfaces that define hollow, open-cavity pillars or struts that span between the walls. The pillars are constructed by depressing portions of the walls into contact and thermally bonding the materials together. In another construction corners of the base rim flange include recessed indentations and surface corrugations that are aligned to strengthen the rim flange.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion. The system may also have top cap and tie members to affix the cap to one or more pallet bodies.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: A molded plastic wheel includes a seamless annular body that is integrally molded from a first material exhibiting a first density and includes a hollow hub having an axle bore and hollow spokes that radially extend from the hub to a hollow box defined by planar first and second side wall surfaces, which extend from the spokes substantially orthogonal to a tread surface that lies parallel to the axle bore. Cavities of the hub, the spokes, and the box communicate with each other. A tread piece having a channel shape with first and second side pieces projects substantially orthogonal to a connecting tread band. The tread piece is separately molded from a second material exhibiting a second density different from the first material. The tread piece is stretch fitted over the box such that the tread band overlies the tread surface and the side pieces abut the side wall surfaces.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a wheel that has a hub and an annular rim. The hub is disposed at or near the center of the rim. The wheel assembly also includes an axle sleeve which is coaxial with the hub. A method of constructing a wheel is also provided. A wheel having a bore is blow molded. The wheel is extracted from a mold. An axle sleeve is fitted the bore in the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing pre-assembly of a wheel and wheel spacer and a method of using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus provides a structure within the hub of a molded plastic wheel and a structure on a spacer segment for engagement of the two parts. A variety of embodiments are described in which the spacer can easily be snapped, screwed, or pressed into the wheel. This allows pre-assembly of the spacer and wheel so that when needed, a spacer need not be found or acquired, but is readily available to the user.

Abstract: A pallet system has a pallet body that includes a first portion with an outer surface and an inner surface that has at least a portion distant from the outer surface and a corrugating form. The pallet body also includes a second portion with an outer surface and an inner surface that has at least a portion distant from the outer surface and a corrugating form. The inner surface of the first portion is connected to the inner surface of the second portion between each respective corrugating form. Channels and protrusions may also be used to add strength and support to the body. The portions are connected at tack off points.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion.

Abstract: A molded plastic wheel having an integrally formed axle retainer which mates to an annular axle groove. In a blow molded wheel construction, a number of flexible tabs radially project into an axle bore. A portion of each tab is acutely displaced to the bore walls adjacent to a region of relief which facilitates tab flexion. The tabs are die cut from flashed material at the bore. Internal trusses formed intermediate external traction lugs at the tread to sidewall transition stabilize the wheel rim.

Abstract: A composite molded wheel assembly and method of construction wherein a separately formed injection molded tread is flow melt bonded to a blow molded rim. The tread may comprise multiple tread pieces which are spaced over a tread surface. Bond enhancing grooves and/or projections may be provided on inner surfaces of the tread pieces and/or rim. The tread pieces flow melt bond to the rim during the molding of the rim. The rim includes an axle bore containing hub, a tread support wheel box and a plurality of connecting spokes and intervening web pieces. The method includes the steps of preparing and retaining the tread within the rim forming mold, introducing a parison of rim material having a melt temperature greater than the tread material, injecting pressurized air or gas to conform the rim material to the mold and tread pieces and controlling the molding cycle temperature, pressure and time parameters to promote bonding.