With Load-confining Means Patents (Class 108/55.1)
  • Patent number: 7159521
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: E-Z Shipper Racks, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Patent number: 7124889
    Abstract: A rolled film and pallet combination for storing rolls of film material wound on a core whose ends extend past the ends of the rolls, with the pallet being symmetrical and having aligned openings in the top and bottom to accommodate the core ends. The pallet comprises spaced pairs of longitudinal stringers which define the top and bottom of the pallet and spaced transverse ribs which are positioned between the pairs of longitudinal stringers to define the aligned openings in the top and bottom of the pallet into which the core ends are placed. The pallets are symmetrical so they can be rotated 90° in any direction and still be packed the same. The pallets can also be turned top for bottom. The rolls of film are packed in paperboard containers so that the core ends protrude through openings in the ends of the containers into the pallet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Mexico Plastic Company
    Inventor: Carl D. Fuemmeler
  • Patent number: 7111562
    Abstract: A cargo support device in the form of a pallet or a container includes a platform having a cargo support surface, at least one base member for ground support projecting from the platform, the at least one base member having a curved recess formed therein for external access thereto, the curved recess being defined by walls extending into the base member and defining a positioning surface, a receiving surface and a lifting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Nolan
  • Patent number: 7107912
    Abstract: A pallet-type support frame for transport and storage containers for liquids having an inner plastic container and an outer metal jacket has a sheet metal bottom for supporting the inner container. The bottom has a shape matched to the drainage bottom or the flat bottom of the inner container. Anti-slip support elements are arranged on the underside of the bottom such that the support frame rests with the support elements on gripping arms of a transport device. Alternatively, an anti-slip coating is provided on the underside of the bottom. The coating is engaged by gripping arms of the transport device when the support frame is transported. The support elements or anti-slip coatings are made of a material that is matched to a material of the gripping arms such that a friction coefficient as great as possible is provided between the support elements or anti-slip coatings and the gripping arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 7080600
    Abstract: A pallet system for maintaining a stack of substantially uniform workpieces in alignment with each other. The stack has at least three side planes defined by sides of the workpieces. The pallet system includes a pallet having a base, and a rigid stake and an adjustable stake projecting upwardly from the base. The base includes a frame supporting a plurality of base members for supporting the stack of workpieces. The rigid stake is adapted to locate a first side plane of the stack in a first predetermined position in relation to the base. The adjustable stake is adapted to locate a second side plane of the stack in a second predetermined position in relation to the base. The rigid stake is spaced from the adjustable stake so that the stack is located in a selected position on the base between the rigid stake and the adjustable stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: BES Tool & Die Ltd.
    Inventor: Karl Jurdens
  • Patent number: 7077067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable hold-down assembly for securely holding heavy and/or bulky goods such as automobile seats to a shipping pallet for transportation thereof. The shipping pallet has a base and a hold-down assembly and which has a cross-bar positioned between two securing posts that are movably attached to the base. The cross-bar is configured for rotational movement relative to the base and linear movement with respect to the securing posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: George N. Bodde, Cindy G. Severs
  • Patent number: 7044065
    Abstract: An article transporting/storing device of the present invention includes a table to be loaded with a desired article. A pair of post units are spaced from each other, and each include two posts connected together. A pair of unit supporting devices respectively support the two post units on the table such that the post units are selectively locked in a position in which they stand substantially vertically on the table or unlocked and allowed to be angularly moved toward the mount surface of the table between the post units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Arai, Satoshi Ishihara, Sakae Ishikawa, Juusei Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7018150
    Abstract: In a container for a ship capable of adjusting height thereof, a mobile post capable of adjusting its height is more firmly supported with a simple structure. A container for a ship capable of adjusting height thereof includes a bottom plate on which goods are placed, a wall plate installed to erect at one side of the bottom plate, a fixed post installed at the wall plate, a mobile post installed at the fixed post and capable of ascending and descending by being guide by the fixed post over a predetermined length with respect to the fixed post, and a support bar having one end portion hinge-coupled to the mobile post and the other end portion fixed to the wall plate to support the mobile post at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Jum Gyu Kim
  • Patent number: 7014047
    Abstract: A product protector for use in protecting three sides of a product being shipped. The product protector includes a pair of corner protectors joined to each other to define a smooth inner surface without the use of external connectors. Each corner protector is formed from an inner layer and an outer layer, where one leg of the corner protector includes an overlap portion having a reduced thickness. The inner layer and the outer layer are secured to each other along only one of the two legs such that the inner layer and outer layer can separate along the other of the two legs. When a pair of corner protectors are attached to each other, the overlap area of the first corner protector is positioned between the inner and outer layers of the second corner protector to define the U-shaped edge protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Great Northern Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Stapleton
  • Patent number: 6974140
    Abstract: A modular dolly moving system is shown, which is composed of one or more dollies connected together with connector rods. The dollies are capable of accepting industry-standard e-track connectors used with cargo belts, and the dollies can be fitted with a variety of cart bars and cart handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy Neuman
  • Patent number: 6935248
    Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Mobile Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Warlow, Boris Fridman
  • Patent number: 6925943
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: E-Z Shipper Racks, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6915603
    Abstract: An edge protector (1) for protecting the edge of an article includes a pair of interconnected, non-parallel, first arms (2, 4) which, in use, do not contact any part of the article, and a pair of second arms (10, 12) for contacting or a least being situated adjacent the article in use, one of each of the second arms (10, 12) being connected to one of each of the first arms (2, 4) each first arm (2, 4) and the respective second arm (10, 12) may be arranged in non-parallel relations. Further, the edge protector (1) may be resiliently deformable to absorb the energy of an impact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Hunt
  • Patent number: 6905021
    Abstract: A pallet and storage container combination for retail sale is provided. The combination includes a pallet having a body including an outer surface for supporting a load and an inner surface. The pallet has a plurality of feet integral with the body and disposed below the inner surface for seating on a ground surface and supporting the pallet body. Each foot has a lower ground contacting edge. The combination also includes a plurality of boxes disposed on top of one another to form a stack. The stack is disposed within a pallet space defined between the feet and the pallet body. A retaining member is disposed around the pallet body and the stack so that the stack is securely held within the pallet space regardless of whether the pallet body is in a vertical standing position or a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas Polumbaum, Sean O'Meallie
  • Patent number: 6899225
    Abstract: A divider for use in handling quantities of yarn spools arranged in layers. The divider includes a main body generally planar polygonal portion and a skirt portion extending around the periphery of the main body portion and formed into a series of circumferentially spaced, arcuate, inwardly opening scallops with each scallop having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the yarn spools so that, with a layer of spools positioned on the main body portion and the skirt upstanding from the main body portion, each scallop may compliantly engage the outer periphery of an individual outer spool of the spool layer. Each scallop is connected to the main body portion by a strap extending from the main body portion to the scallop and the scallops are connected together to form a continuous circumferential band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert
  • Patent number: 6866160
    Abstract: A folding structure for a foldable container having a base platform, bottom side rails disposed at both sides of the base platform, and corner posts disposed at both sides of the bottom rails. The corner posts are pivotally attached to the bottom side rails via pins and the sides of the corner posts are provided with corner post locking devices which can hold the corner posts in an upright position or a folded down position. The corner post locking device includes inner locking apertures arranged on both sides of the ends of the bottom side rails. Outer locking apertures are arranged on both sides of the lower ends of the corner posts which correspond to the inner locking apertures when the corner posts are in the upright position. Threaded taper pins are further provided which engage with the inner and outer locking apertures correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Feng Wang, Shisheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6863003
    Abstract: A pallet system includes a pallet and a support of two parallel opposed horizontal rails, open towards each other and spaced to receive opposed side edge portions of a pallet moved in a horizontal plane between the rails. The pallet bears on substantially the full length of the lower flanges in a stowed position and is prevented from significant upward movement by the upper flanges. The upper flanges are cut away at one end to expose to view from overhead the corresponding ends of the lower flanges, so that a pallet can be lowered to rest two of its corners on the exposed ends of the lower flanges and thus be located before horizontal movement into the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Allan Grainger
  • Patent number: 6842665
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: James P. Karlen
  • Patent number: 6837377
    Abstract: A container including a rigid plastic pallet and a tubular sleeve positioned in upstanding fashion on the pallet to form the container. The pallet includes a platform portion adapted to receive a lower edge of the tubular sleeve and a plurality of peripherally spaced hollow legs downstanding from the platform portion and each including a bottom wall. The bottom wall of each leg has an outboard upper level portion and an inboard lower level portion. The upper level portion of each leg has an upper face sized to receive a seat section of the lower edge of the upstanding sleeve and a lower face sized to seat a section of an upper edge of the tubular sleeve of a lower container in a stack of containers. The inboard lower level portions are sized to fit within the upper edge of the lower container sleeve to maintain successive sleeves in a stack of containers in alignment and insure that compressive loading in the sleeves in transferred downwardly to the support surface for the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert
  • Publication number: 20040255827
    Abstract: A tray apparatus for transporting a vehicle wheel/wheel rim is provided. At least two complementarily arranged first support members each have a first guide-and-positioning element, the respective first elements cooperating to define a first accommodation region for receiving one side of a first wheel/wheel rim. At least two complementarily arranged second support members separate first and second wheels/wheel rims to prevent damage, and each have at least one second guide-and-positioning element on each side. The second elements on one side define a second accommodation region for receiving the other side of the first wheel/wheel rim. The second elements on the other side define a third accommodation region for receiving one side of the second wheel/wheel rim. The accommodation regions constrain lateral movement of the wheels/wheel rims with respect to the support members and allow the wheels/wheel rims to be packaged side-by-side. An associated assembly and device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Meritor do Brasil LTDA.
    Inventor: Pedro Leite de Barros
  • Patent number: 6832562
    Abstract: A container (10) for stackable articles includes a base assembly (20), a plurality of side assemblies (30), a top assembly (70), and a plurality of shelf assemblies (50). The base assembly (20), side assemblies (50), and top assembly (70) are preferably constructed of a multiple layer, corrugated laminate, and are attachable to one another, defining an interior storage space (45). Each shelf assembly (50) includes a plurality of shelf support blocks (52) with a plurality of face sections (53) distributed along a length (37), and a shelf flap (54). The shelf assemblies (50) are secured to the sidewall assemblies (30), and positioned in the storage space (45) to engage manufactured articles, for example sunroofs, positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Packaging Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt F. Tabor, Kent L. Tabor, Keith S. Tabor
  • Patent number: 6821068
    Abstract: Load strapping means for use with 4-way pallet comprises a cap (11) for placing on a load (17) on a 4-way pallet (16), at least two strapping strands (15) retractable through openings (26) into housings (14) at opposite sides (at least) of the cap, spring means within the housings for retracting the strapping strands, hooks (18) on the free ends of the strapping strands for engagement with the underside (21) of the platform (22) of a 4-way pallet, tensioning means within the housings for tightening the strapping strands between the cap and the pallet after interposing a load between the cap and the pallet, and stop means (34) for limiting retraction of the hooks into the housings when not engaged with a pallet. Such a cap (11) can be used without need to modify existing 4-way pallets, particularly—but not exclusively—those made of wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Loadhog Limited
    Inventors: Hugh David Facey, Brian Edward Shawcross, John Makin
  • Publication number: 20040194671
    Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry L. Warlow, Boris Fridman
  • Publication number: 20040177792
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: E-Z Shipper Racks, LLC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Publication number: 20040173126
    Abstract: The invention provides a pallet system for maintaining a stack of substantially uniform workpieces in alignment with each other. The stack has at least three side planes defined by sides of the workpieces. The pallet system includes a pallet having a base, and a rigid stake and an adjustable stake projecting upwardly from the base. The base includes a frame supporting a plurality of base members for supporting the stack of workpieces. The stake is adapted to locate a first side plane of the stack in a first predetermined position in relation to the base. The adjustable stake is adapted to locate a second side plane of the stack in a second predetermined position in relation to the base. The rigid stake is spaced from the adjustable stake so that the stack is located in a selected position on the base between the rigid stake and the adjustable stake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Karl Jurdens
  • Patent number: 6783012
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6745704
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece spill station with integral support for an intermediate bulk container (IBC). Connected to and surrounding the periphery of a bottom wall is a containment wall that rises generally vertically. One or more support columns rise from the bottom wall and are topped with bearing areas that accept the weight of an IBC. The IBC bearing areas are located high enough above the top edge of the containment wall to allow a forklift to place an IBC onto the bearing areas. The bottom wall, containment wall, and support columns define a spill containment reservoir. For additional strength and rigidity, ribs are molded into the containment wall and into the walls of the support columns. In an embodiment of the invention, the support columns are strengthened either by making them larger at their bases than at their IBC bearing areas or by curving their walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Glen Alan Carter, John Carl Norman, Alan Girard
  • Publication number: 20040103825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable rack for assembling packages of building materials. The rack comprises a base having a proximal side, a distal side, a top, a bottom, and a pair of channels extending between the proximal side and the distal side, the channels being designed to receive the forks of a forklift, and a plurality of elongated members attached to the proximal side and projecting upwardly from the base. The process for using the rack comprises placing the building materials onto the base of the rack using the forklift, moving the building materials toward the elongated members until the building materials abut at least one of the elongated members, and pulling the forks out from under the building materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Donald F. Swanson
  • Patent number: 6742459
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for producing a load of packages supported by a disposable/recyclable pallet. The system may comprise at least one palletizing station for producing a plurality of unwrapped palletized tiers of packages, a horizontal wrapping station for producing at least one horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, a stacking station for stacking the unwrapped palletized tiers of packages on the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, and a base applicator for fixedly applying a base to a bottom surface of the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6722292
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: E-Z Shipper Racks, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Publication number: 20040072601
    Abstract: A portable display platform for safely performing a motorcycle burnout stunt is disclosed, which includes a textured surface section of the platform floor for frictionally degrading the motorcycle's rear drive wheel tire and means for securing the motorcycle's front wheel tire, among other safety features. In addition to decreasing the risk to spectators, nearby property, and to the motorcyclist performing the burnout stunt, the present portable display platform preferably includes ornamental indicia and lighting to enhance entertainment aspect of the stunt performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Paul Burton
  • Publication number: 20040065236
    Abstract: A transport container (3) for sheets that is intended for use as a transport container for sheets (1) in transporting the sheets (1) by ship, for instance. The transport container (3) for sheets comprises an upper structure (14) intended to be placed on top of the sheets (1). The transport container (3) comprises at least one movable support (15) that can be moved under the sheets (1), when the upper structure (14) is on top of the sheets (1), in suxh a manneer that the upper structure (14) and the movable support (15) at least partly surround the sheets (1), and the sheets (1) can be moved by moving the transport container (3) for sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hans Langh
  • Publication number: 20040040477
    Abstract: Systems and methods for platforms designed to be loaded with pre-loaded 463L pallets or other pallets configured for use in a transport aircraft. The truck platform, once loaded with 463L pallets, is then loaded onto a truck (in particular a PLS truck or other truck utilizing a hook system such as those used to load traditional CROPs or flatracks) for ground transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Neumann
  • Patent number: 6694894
    Abstract: A pallet of the load-and-roll type having a frame constructed to carry sheet steel of varying widths, being light weight, stackable and nestable for unloaded return shipment. The pallet defines a front or roller end, a back or lift end, two sides and a top surface. The pallet includes frame members and peripheral arms and side rail members. A vertical roller is provided at each corner of the pallet to assist in moving the pallet into and out of lading carrying container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: C.M.I. Freight-Trans, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Darnell
  • Publication number: 20040025757
    Abstract: Top frames adapted for use with palletized goods are disclosed. The frames comprises either a single frame member, two frame members joined together, or several segments joined together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry J. Fan
  • Patent number: 6675723
    Abstract: A pallet cage, comprising a pallet and four walls mounted on its edges, together forming a cage open above and having the shape of a rectangular parellelopiped, in which the four walls of the cage are separate castings pressed from plastic and detached from each other, two of the walls are opposite and identical side walls while the other two are opposite and identical end walls, the end wall consists of a straight, elongated and plate-like part having a joining element at each end of it, the side wall consists of a straight, elongated and plate-like part having a 90° corner part at each end of it, the outer edges of the side walls being provided with counterparts of the joining elements, the walls being connectable to each other by the joining elements and their counterparts to form the walls of a cage having the form of a right-angled parallelogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Modularbox Oy
    Inventor: Niko Sukeva
  • Patent number: 6668735
    Abstract: The pallet comprises a platform formed by a hollow, unitary body having two opposed major walls on which there are corresponding inwardly-extending ribs which are welded together. Projecting portions of the platform are welded to corresponding base elements which are also formed, in threes, by hollow unitary bodies. The resulting structure is particularly stiff and can advantageously be produced by an extrusion-blowing process with plastics material of high molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fustiplast S.p.A.
    Inventor: Virginio Cassina
  • Publication number: 20030226479
    Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece spill station with integral support for an intermediate bulk container (IBC). Connected to and surrounding the periphery of a bottom wall is a containment wall that rises generally vertically. One or more support columns rise from the bottom wall and are topped with bearing areas that accept the weight of an IBC. The IBC bearing areas are located high enough above the top edge of the containment wall to allow a forklift to place an IBC onto the bearing areas. The bottom wall, containment wall, and support columns define a spill containment reservoir. For additional strength and rigidity, ribs are molded into the containment wall and into the walls of the support columns. In an embodiment of the invention, the support columns are strengthened either by making them larger at their bases than at their IBC bearing areas or by curving their walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Justrite Manufacturing Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Glen Alan Carter, John Carl Norman, Alan Girard
  • Patent number: 6655300
    Abstract: A container (41) has adjustable-span support posts (52)—to accommodate load height diversity and to meet external tunnel gauge through passage constraints—upstanding from a deck (46), with extendible post elements (53)—by multiple indexed, connector bar latching—carrying capture and handling fittings (54), accessed by localised extension above a load. Optional transverse post bracing is through a header beam (55), with optional arched profile, and/or coupled gate pairs upon opposed posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Martin Clive-Smith, Christopher John Jones
  • Patent number: 6644220
    Abstract: A metal pallet for securing the container that has pallet feet arranged in the corner areas. The metal pallet and the pallet feet are realized in the form of one single structural unit. The pallet feet are connected with each other via a stiffening frame. Furthermore, a stiffening traverse member is arranged on the bottom of the metal pallet and connected with the bottom of the metal pallet and lateral support feet in a form- and force-locked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sotralentz S.A.
    Inventors: Robert Gangloff, Francis Hermann, Emile Holzscherer, Thierry Ohresser, Thierry Weissgerber
  • Patent number: 6637351
    Abstract: A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position Where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lock Nest, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, Jr., Martin Clive-Smith
  • Publication number: 20030196972
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6615742
    Abstract: A portable rack for assembling packages of building materials. The rack comprises a base having a proximal side, a distal side, a top, a bottom, and a pair of channels extending between the proximal side and the distal side, the channels being designed to receive the forks of a forklift, and a plurality of elongated members attached to the proximal side and projecting upwardly from the base. The process for using the rack comprises placing the building materials onto the base of the rack using the forklift, moving the building materials toward the elongated members until the building materials abut at least one of the elongated members, and pulling the forks out from under the building materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Donald F. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20030159627
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6609466
    Abstract: A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey Salmanson, Jon R. Dickey
  • Patent number: 6607083
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6602032
    Abstract: A method for handling goods including the steps of selecting a goods loading member according to the size, shape, or quantity of goods, loading the goods onto the goods loading member, adjusting a space between supports according to the size of the goods loading member, attaching the supports to the goods loading member, and transporting, storing, or exhibiting the goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Arai
  • Patent number: 6598540
    Abstract: A pallet cover has a top panel and side panels hinged to the top panel for swinging movements from a substantially vertical position depending from the top panel through an arc sufficient to enable each side panel to overlie the top panel. The pallet is provided with supports which enable it to be stacked with one or more other pallets and the cover is notched to accommodate the stacking supports and provide an interlock therewith to ensure retention of the cover on the associated pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Atlas Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Austin, James H. Niedzielski
  • Patent number: 6585224
    Abstract: A method for storing and/or transporting outboard marine motors utilizes a rack having a rigid, substantially planar, horizontal base with parallel horizontal channels for insertion of fork lift tines. The base supports a pair of upright opposing frames, each frame in turn supporting a respective motor mounting beam. Preferably the frames and base are made of metal, while the motor mounting beams comprise a plywood plank with a metal sheath. At least two outboard motors can be mounted to each beam. Then a forklift is used to lift a fully loaded rack and load it onto a trailer or other carrier vehicle. A multiplicity of loaded racks are transported to a shipping destination. At the shipping destination, the outboard motors are removed from the racks. The empty racks are then returned to the point of origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Bombardier Motor Corporation of America
    Inventor: Jesse R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6581769
    Abstract: A corrugated collapsible shipping container is disclosed which includes a rigid pallet having side panels, a back panel and a front door panel extending upwardly from the pallet, one side panel and the back panel formed from a sheet of corrugated material, and the other side panel and the door panel formed from a second sheet of corrugated material. Corrugated support beams extend across the top with a top sheet closing the container. The front door is self-hinged for access into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Nist