Abstract: A flexible film sheet underlying a backing member bearing a load and directly overlying a planar, fixed support surface and partially defining a plenum chamber, and having perforations within the flexible film sheet facing the support surface, extends laterally beyond the load to form an extension of the air plenum chamber. Air inlet means opens to the plenum chamber extension portion to effectively jack the load from the air inlet means laterally and automatically balance the load on the air pallet during jacking, while reducing the possibility of rupture of the flexible film sheet in the vicinity of the air inlet. An elongated perforated tube is sinuously disposed on the bottom of a rigid planar load or backing member to form the air pallet.

Abstract: A flexible film sheet underlying a backing member bearing a load and directly overlying a planar, fixed support surface and partially defining a plenum chamber, and having perforations within the flexible film sheet facing the support surface, extends laterally beyond the load to form an extension of the air plenum chamber. Air inlet means opens to the plenum chamber extension portion, and a seal line extends diagonally inwardly from the juncture of the air inlet means and the plenum chmber extension portion to a point near or beneath the load to effectively jack the load from the air inlet means laterally and automatically balance the load on the air pallet during jacking, while reducing the possibility of rupture of the flexible film sheet in the vicinity of the air inlet.