Having Plastic Load-contacting Surface Patents (Class 108/57.25)
  • Patent number: 8464647
    Abstract: A plastic pallet suitable for stacking firewood, camping gear, and the like, above a concrete floor or in the attic, includes at least two longitudinal stringers and a plurality of four-sided open-box slats, the sides of which taper outwardly from the upper surface to afford a stackable profile. The slats assemble to the stringers without the need of tools or independent fasteners. The ends of each stringer are formed with interlocking profiles which allow the length of the pallet to be extended, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Chernek
  • Publication number: 20130145971
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pallet comprises a top deck comprising a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the substrate comprises a first plastic material; and a layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate, wherein the layer comprises a composition comprising reinforcing fibers, polyimide fibers, and polymeric binder fibers, wherein the polymeric binder fibers have a melting point that is lower than the polyimide fibers; a bottom deck; and supporting columns disposed between the second surface and the bottom deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS IP B.V.
    Inventor: SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130133557
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pallet includes the following steps: (a) preparing a bottom case and a top cover respectively; (b) positioning the bottom case and top cover into a mould of an EPS foams molding machine, closing the mould and filling the mould cavity with EPS beads; (c) heating to make the EPS beads expand to form an inner core which is fused with the bottom case or top cover and then doing a cooling process; (d) opening the mould, positioning the top cover or bottom case onto the bottom case or top cover and closing the mould, heating to make the EPS beads expand again to be fused with the top cover or bottom case, and then doing a cooling process; and (e) demolding to produce a pallet. The outer casing and inner core of the pallet has good bond strength, thereby ensuring the quality of pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NEW STYLE PACKAGE HK LIMITED
    Inventor: Toyohiro YOSHINAGA
  • Publication number: 20130136573
    Abstract: A pallet moulded from plastics material for supporting a flexible intermediate bulk container. It has a generally planar central panel portion, a pair of parallel inverted open channels extending across the pallet to form a respective pair of open-ended tunnels each tunnel having an upper wall and two side walls, and a pair of edge panel portions generally co-planar with the central panel. An array of raised elongate hump portions bulges upwards from the upper walls of the tunnels, each hump portion extending laterally across an upper wall. The two ends of the hump portions abut respective buttresses which extend up the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Berry, Ian Andrew Shaw, Colin Waddell
  • Patent number: 8448583
    Abstract: A nestable pallet includes a deck having an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the upper panel to the lower panel. The upper panel further includes a plurality of openings for receiving feet of a similar pallet when nested. The lower panel further includes a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck, each foot having a cavity defined therein lined within one of the plurality of openings in the upper panel. Each cavity is configured to receive a foot from a similar pallet when nested therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda, Cynthia R. Aiken
  • Patent number: 8448584
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck having a top deck upper surface and a top deck lower surface and also having a first predetermined fire retardancy. A bottom deck having a bottom deck upper surface and a bottom deck lower surface, and also having a second predetermined fire retardancy. A column extending between the top deck and bottom deck, the column having an other fire retardancy lower than at least one of the first and second fire retardancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8438981
    Abstract: A pallet exhibiting a three dimensional shaped and buoyant inducing body with enhanced load supporting capabilities. The body exhibits a rectangular profile and is constructed of at least one of a corrugated paperboard, plastic or composite material and coated with a plasticized spray. An inner core defined within a three dimensional interior of the body is constructed of any plural arrangement of inner extending, interconnected and frame defining components, at least one of the components and/or the outer surfaces being coated with a plasticized spray. The inner constructed core can further include any of a structural paperboard, bamboo, other tubular material, or structural foam. In a further variant, a standard pallet design of upper and lower cross pieces separated by spaced apart bridge pieces is provided, and in which the individual members are each configured with structurally defined inner cores according to any of the above constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8434618
    Abstract: A reusable shipping container adapted to resist damage to the feet of the container and to allow the fork straps to be replaced if the fork straps or the feet are damage. The container can also easily be adapted to accommodate the use of pallet jacks without reducing the capacity of the container or increasing the weight of the container. The container is also adapted to easily receive dunnage required to protect the material being shipped in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Macro Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Mitchell, Todd T. Turner
  • Patent number: 8418632
    Abstract: A structurally reinforcing pallet having an insert exhibiting a three dimensional shape with a top, sides and bottom. A plasticized material is applied over the insert according to a selected thickness and in order to encapsulate the insert. A first plurality of upper edge projecting and positional locating rim portions are exhibited about a periphery of an insert incorporated into a first pallet and, in combination with a second mating plurality of recessed underside edge extending locations exhibited about a periphery of a further insert incorporated into a second pallet, enable multiple stacking of pallets in laterally stabilized fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8397649
    Abstract: A pallet has an upper deck and a lower deck. The upper deck and the lower deck are connected by a plurality of spaced apart columns. Fork insertion apertures are formed by the upper deck, the columns and the lower deck to all four sides of the pallet. The pallet includes at least an upper deck member and a lower deck member, at least the lower deck member includes a low density core and a surrounding shell of reinforced plastic. The pallet may be made using reaction injection molding, with said plastic being predominantly polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Yah Corp Industries Limited
    Inventors: Victor Smith, Lee Smyth, Mark Appleton Hildesley
  • Publication number: 20130061784
    Abstract: When a pallet is in use, goods to be shipped are generally mounted on the top surface. A pallet support formed from a polymer, preferable a fiber reinforced biopolymer, fits on the open end of the pallet, and adds great strength thereto, while still permitting a loaded pallet to be used in a standard fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Green Line Armor, LLC
    Inventor: Green Line Armor, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130032507
    Abstract: Processes, a pallet (10) and a pallet system are provided for the handling of goods. The pallet (10) includes a main body (12) defining a load deck (16) and feet (18) and the main body (12) is suitable to be used as a pallet for applications such as light duty, one-way transport of goods. The pallet (10) further includes a bottom accessory (14) that can be attached to the feet (18) of the main body (12) to form beams (44,46) extending between the feet (18) to convert the main body (12) into pallet (10) that is suitable for use in heavy duty applications such as in pallet pools. The main body (12) and bottom accessory (14) are each configured to allow them to be nested, when not attached to each other. The processes of the invention include using the main body (12) to transport goods from manufacturers and then attaching the bottom accessory (14) to the main body (12) to form a pallet (10) for use in a pallet pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Pieter W. Du Toit, Karl-Heinz Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130014676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a movable load bearing structure with a surface that includes antimicrobial agents capable of eliminating, preventing, retarding or minimizing the growth of microbes and also minimizing cross-contamination when the load bearing structure is being reused for cargos that differ from a previously transported cargo, for example, different food types, such as poultry, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. The load bearing structure may be a dunnage platform or a container for storing and/or shipping cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: AIRDEX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Rick D. Imbrecht, Vance L. Seagle, Arthur James McCreary
  • Patent number: 8347794
    Abstract: An industrial platform for material handling, such as a plastic pallet, is constructed of three scuffed thermoplastic sheets, including exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces for resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. The pallet is reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Pallet members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. The pallet includes handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers and is readily adapted to receive a number of unitization accessories for enhancing material handling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nextreme, LLC
    Inventor: Scott A. W. Muirhead
  • Patent number: 8342106
    Abstract: A board for a modular pallet including spaced apart mating sections that include tab sections including angled portions along the edges, and inboard facing shoulders spaced from the ends of the boards and adjacent to the tab sections, and a modular pallet including the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Meridian Tool Leasing & Maintenance, LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Krupka, Anthony Taft, Gary D. Werner
  • Publication number: 20120325125
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck having an upper panel portion from which a plurality of ribs extend downward. A plurality of channels are formed in an underside of the upper deck. The pallet assembly includes a plurality of columns below the upper deck. A plurality of reinforcement assemblies, including an inner reinforcement member, are each received within an outer case. The inner reinforcement members are received in the channels in the upper deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Ryan C. Meers, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20120304898
    Abstract: A plastic pallet includes a hollow lower part provided with ribs and runners, and an upper part provided with ribs and welded to the lower part. The lower part has a recessed border and the upper part has an edge that is bent downwards, covering the edge of the lower part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Dubois, Yves Hug, Boris Schwab
  • Publication number: 20120282429
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for forming plastics by heating an open mold and contacting the open mold with plastic particulate material to form a melted skin on the mold, and resulting articles made therefrom. Single skin molded articles may be multi-layered with or without paint on the surface. Multiple skin molded articles may be made by complementary male and female molds, brought together after the skins are made on the individual male and female molds, and may include sandwiched layers of plastic filler or expandable foam filled centers, with or without various inserts or reinforcements. Multi-layer composite articles are to made with inserts and/or reinforcements that may be embedded in and surrounded by expandable foam plastic, if used as a middle layer. Resulting articles include a pick-up truck bed box, an industrial tabletop, a series of modular housing panels, an airplane cockpit door, and material handling pallets, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Panfilo M. DiNello, Miguel A. Linares, Lynn E. Cargill, Robin L. Pointer, Paul A. Haines
  • Publication number: 20120279885
    Abstract: A skid pallet comprising an inner container made of plastic, comprising a lockable filler neck and a discharge nozzle for connecting a removal fitting as well as an outer jacket made of a metal lattice or metal plate. The skid pallet is equipped to be handled by forklifts, a storage and retrieval machine or similar transport equipment and is equipped with a pallet floor, which is supported on support feet of a central skid and two outer skids. The central skid and the outer skids are connected to one another by a skid bridge forming a pallet base, which can be handled independent from the pallet floor, and that, for establishing a non-positive plug-in connection with the pallet base, the pallet floor furthermore encompasses engagement devices, which are assigned to the support feet and which interact with assigned engagement devices of the support feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Patent number: 8291839
    Abstract: A pallet according to one embodiment includes a deck and a plurality of columns extending downward from the deck. In order to increase the stability of the pallet on a fork, at least one alignment feature protrudes downward from the deck between the pair of columns. The alignment feature extends downwardly substantially less than the columns, such that the alignment feature does not contact the floor and does not significantly increase the weight of the pallet. In another feature, preformed foam inserts are inserted into the cavities of the columns and/or the alignment features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Sean T. Ogburn, William Mead, Ryan C. Meers
  • Patent number: 8291838
    Abstract: A reinforced pallet assembly having a first pallet deck and a second pallet deck. Each of the decks has an outer member and an intermediate member, each outer member and intermediate member having a one of a pair of mating cross-rib surfaces which are mounted together to define box-beam sections within each pallet deck. Also included is an elongate reinforcement member which is disposed between the outer member and the intermediate member of the second pallet deck for providing stiffness thereto. Further included is a plurality of columns which extend between the intermediate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8261673
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fitzpatrick Technologies
    Inventor: Terry L. Ingham
  • Patent number: 8261675
    Abstract: A plastic pallet system is provided for the support, storage, and transportation of articles. The plastic pallet system includes a plurality of top boards and a plurality of runner assemblies. Both the plurality of top boards and the plurality of runner assemblies may be formed of plastic. A method for manufacturing the plastic pallet system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Paradigm Plastic Products, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120204768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a large load carrier (1) consisting of plastic, comprising a base (2) that accommodates the loads, support feet (13) being arranged at least at the corner regions of the underside of the base, and the base being surrounded by a double-walled frame (3), wherein the inner wall and the outer wall (4, 5) of the frame (3) are interconnected by means of vertical webs (6) and strip-shaped protective profiled elements each being provided between two respective support feet (13) in the lower frame area, wherein the rear of the protective profiled element (8) is supported against the inner wall (4) of the frame (3). The large load carrier is characterized in that the protective profiled element (8) is a plastic part, on the one longitudinal edge of which an insertion strip (15) for inserting into the gap (7) between the inner wall and the outer wall (4, 5) of the frame (3) is formed, and forms a unit with the profiled element (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GEORG UTZ HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Axel Ritzberger
  • Publication number: 20120174834
    Abstract: A rectangular pallet that is symmetrical about its two major axes. The pallet comprises a first plastics shell and a second plastics shell. The first plastics shell is formed with a flat rim, nine or more ground engaging feet subtending below the level of the rim, the feet being arranged in respective parallel spaced apart beams extending from front to back. The first plastics shell also has plural channels running from side to side intersecting the beams running from front to back to define the feet. The second plastics shell is essentially flat and formed with a flat rim. An internal network of partitions extends between the first and second plastics shells. The rims of the first and second plastics shells are sealed to each other to form a clam and to enclose the network of partitions within the clam. In other aspects, the invention concerns a method and a system for forming the pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: FRIENDLY GLOBAL PALLETS SYSTEMS PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Albert Donald Grant
  • Patent number: 8215244
    Abstract: A pallet has a top deck member and a bottom deck member. The top deck member has an upper surface, and a lower surface defined by a plurality of first cross-rib members. The bottom deck member has an upper portion and runners extending downwardly therefrom in a unitary construction. The upper portion has an upper surface defined by a plurality of second cross-rib members which correspond to the first cross-rib members and securely attached to mount the top and bottom decks to each other. The runners have a lower surface and extend transversely across the pallet in a parallel orientation, and also have a plurality of upright members and support members extending between the upright members and integrally formed therewith in a unitary construction. The plurality of second cross-rib members extend generally vertically from the top deck to the lower surface of the runners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8210108
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck having a top deck upper surface and a top deck lower surface and also having a first predetermined fire retardancy. A bottom deck having a bottom deck upper surface and a bottom deck lower surface, and also having a second predetermined fire retardancy. A column extending between the top deck and bottom deck, the column having an other fire retardancy lower than at least one of the first and second fire retardancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8210107
    Abstract: An industrial platform for material handling, such as a plastic pallet, is constructed of three scuffed thermoplastic sheets, including exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces for resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. The pallet is reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Pallet members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. The pallet includes handles for ergonomic manipulation by worker, and is readily adapted to receive a number of unitization accessories for enhancing material handling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nextreme LLC
    Inventor: Scott A. W. Muirhead
  • Publication number: 20120160137
    Abstract: A pallet having a three dimensional body exhibiting a generally planar upper surface and a plurality of depth extending underside portions defining a plurality of spaced apart forklift receiving apertures. A plurality of impact absorbing members are positioned at spaced locations about a perimeter of the body. A structural defining inner grid includes pluralities of spaced apart and crosswise extending ribs for supporting inner extending reinforcing members seating within pockets defined in said ribs and including at least one of lengthwise and diagonal extending members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ORIA COLLAPSIBLES, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8196527
    Abstract: A structurally reinforcing and three dimensional article, such as a pallet, having a structural insert of specified shape and size. A composite plasticized material is over-molded or otherwise applied upon the structural insert according to a selected thickness to encapsulate the insert. The pallets are stackable when not in use and may also include built in straps for securing cargo thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8191486
    Abstract: A nestable pallet includes a deck having an upper panel, a lower panel and a plurality of ribs extending perpendicularly from the upper panel to the lower panel. The upper panel further includes a plurality of openings for receiving feet of a similar pallet when nested. The lower panel further includes a plurality of feet extending downward from the deck, each foot having a cavity defined therein lined within one of the plurality of openings in the upper panel. Each cavity is configured to receive a foot from a similar pallet when nested therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda, Cynthia R. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20120132114
    Abstract: A board for a modular pallet, and a modular pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: MERIDIAN TOOL LEASING & MAINTENANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Krupka, Anthony Taft, Gary D. Werner
  • Patent number: 8181580
    Abstract: A composite structural material suitable, for example, as a replacement for wooden boards, sheets, or posts, is disclosed. It comprises a dimensionally stable core material substantially surrounded by a dimensionally stable, laminar covering that is adherent to the core material. The laminar covering is comprised of at least one band of substantially parallel reinforcing cords bonded to at least one layer of a dimensionally stable web material selected from the group consisting of rigidified paper and rigidified cloth. Preferably the band of reinforcing cords is sandwiched between two layers of rigidified paper or cloth. The core material can be, for example, a foamed synthetic resin with or without filler. A continuous process for manufacturing the material is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Coda Capital Mangement Group, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur J. Roth, Gregory M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8178186
    Abstract: The present invention provides a slipsheet and/or divider sheet and a method for making the same, the sheet having an imprint or an embossing that provides a raised planar surface. The raised planar surface preferably comprises a plurality of ridges, crowns or crests, which are preferably arranged in a pattern throughout an upper surface of the sheet. To make the sheet, a die can be etched to have protuberances or bumps, and the die is preferably pressed into a sheet of pliable thermoplastic material. The sheet thus made has a plurality of indentation formed by the protuberances or bumps on the die, and the sheet has a planar outer surface comprising a plurality of ridges, crowns and crests between the indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Fresh Pak Corp.
    Inventor: John Bazbaz
  • Publication number: 20120111238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a top frame made from a thermoset foam material. The top frame includes a pair of substantially parallel sides and a pair of substantially parallel ends connected to the sides to form a generally rectangular frame structure. The frame structure has an inner layer and outer surface defining a thickness. The thermoset foam material varies in density along the frame structure thickness such that the density of the thermoset foam material is greatest near the frame structure outer surface to form a hard outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Frankenberg
  • Publication number: 20120079966
    Abstract: An aviation pallet includes an EPS loading board, which includes an EPS plate and at least three EPS supporting legs extended from the bottom surface of the EPS plate for supporting the EPS plate, wherein the EPS plate and the EPS supporting legs are wholly injection molded; and a PET film adhering to the surface of the EPS plate and the surface of the EPS supporting legs; and has a plurality of jacks provided between each two EPS supporting legs. A method of producing the aviation pallet includes forming a main body step: laminating step; heating and cutting steps; vacuum forming step; and cooling and shape steps. The aviation pallet has good mechanical properties, folding resistance, most solvents resistance, low and high temperature resistance, and is lightweight, no poison, no smell, healthy and safe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Zuliang Huang
  • Patent number: 8146516
    Abstract: A skeletal substrate associated with a composite over spray or over molded article, such as a stackable pallet. The skeletal substrate includes a three dimensional article, such as a durable corrugated paperboard or other material, with a load supporting and planar upper surface and a recess configured and pallet fork receiving underside. The substrate incorporates a repeating pattern of cylindrical, polygonal, wave like or other shapes, such as which are coated in built up fashion with a polymeric material in order to provide insulating of the substrate from the environment as well as to provide additional strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8141500
    Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes first joining members that project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve. The lower deck includes second joining members that project upwardly from the lower deck, with second joining member including an inner sleeve. At least one of the upper and lower decks includes channels between top and bottom surfaces thereof, with each channel extending from a side edge to an opposing side edge of the corresponding deck. Sleeved reinforcing rods are in the channels. Each sleeved reinforcing rod includes a reinforcing rod having opposing ends and side surfaces therebetween, and a sleeve enclosing the side surfaces of the reinforcing rod, with there being relative movement between the sleeve and the reinforcing rod. The inner sleeves of the second joining members receive the outer sleeves of the first joining members to define a plurality of support blocks joining the upper and lower decks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventors: Vishnu Naidu, Ken Brandt
  • Patent number: 8127691
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Fitzpatrick Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Terry L Ingham
  • Publication number: 20120037050
    Abstract: The present invention is a materials-handling pallet with a non-flat-deck, particularly for flexible cargo, which composed of any known pallet's construction, except that its upper deck is not flat. Moreover, the provided pallet can be reinforced by inserting or attaching reinforcing elements and can include a taut cable that prevents or reduces the declining of the upper deck when the pallet is loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: B.B.P. Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Shlomo Nevo, Rami Remez
  • Patent number: 8091487
    Abstract: A pallet assembly includes a top deck having a top deck upper surface and a top deck lower surface and also having a first predetermined fire retardancy. A bottom deck having a bottom deck upper surface and a bottom deck lower surface, and also having a second predetermined fire retardancy. A column extending between the top deck and bottom deck, the column having an other fire retardancy lower than at least one of the first and second fire retardancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Publication number: 20120000400
    Abstract: A support device for materials handling includes a plurality of leg members used to form a support structure. A deck member is mounted on the support structure to form the support device. In particular, the deck member comprises a plurality of recesses on a first side shaped to receive the plurality of leg members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Soo Seng NG
  • Publication number: 20110303129
    Abstract: A transport pallet comprising a chassis for supporting goods to be transported, and having feet extending below the chassis for supporting the chassis with a lifting fork space beneath the chassis. The pallet also includes legs provided around the perimeter of the chassis. The legs enable the pallets to be stacked one on another, and have a hollow upper portion and/or a hollow lower portion. Leg extensions are also provided for fitting into the hollow legs to provide separation between the chassis of the stacked pallets. These can be height adjusted. The pallets are generally made of steel or aluminium but can also be made of plastics material having a metal centre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Philip John Fox Harris
  • Publication number: 20110303128
    Abstract: A pallet exhibiting a three dimensional shaped and buoyant inducing body with enhanced load supporting capabilities. The body exhibits a rectangular profile and is constructed of at least one of a corrugated paperboard, plastic or composite material and coated with a plasticized spray. An inner core defined within a three dimensional interior of the body is constructed of any plural arrangement of inner extending, interconnected and frame defining components, at least one of the components and/or the outer surfaces being coated with a plasticized spray. The inner constructed core can further include any of a structural paperboard, bamboo, other tubular material, or structural foam. In a further variant, a standard pallet design of upper and lower cross pieces separated by spaced apart bridge pieces is provided, and in which the individual members are each configured with structurally defined inner cores according to any of the above constructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 8006629
    Abstract: A pallet includes an upper and lower deck. The upper deck includes snap-pin openings. First joining members project downwardly from the upper deck, with each first joining member including an outer sleeve surrounding a respective snap-pin opening. Second joining members project upwardly from the lower deck, with each second joining member including an inner sleeve and a snap-pin receiving cavity positioned therein. The inner sleeves receive the outer sleeves to define support blocks joining the upper and lower decks. Snap-pins are inserted into the snap-in openings in the upper deck. Each snap-pin includes a head for engaging a snap-pin opening, and spaced apart tips that extend through the snap-pin receiving cavity for engaging a backside of the inner sleeve associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Chep Technology Pty Limited
    Inventor: Vishnu Naidu
  • Publication number: 20110174197
    Abstract: A hollow upper deck panel for a plastic pallet has a smooth solid top surface and is made by thermoforming heated upper and lower twin sheets of thermoplastics material. The lower sheet is vacuum-formed into a lower mold section to form parallel spaced inverted U-shaped elongated open ribs projecting upwardly and having top portions fused to the upper sheet. The upper sheet is vacuum-formed into an upper mold section which has extendable and retractable blades to form parallel spaced elongated closed double wall ribs projecting downwardly between the open ribs and have bottom portions fused to the lower sheet. The closed double wall ribs extend transversely or perpendicular to the open ribs, and the ribs reinforce the deck panel in all directions. Support structure for the upper deck panel is also formed of plastics material and defines spaces for receiving parallel spaced forks of a forklift truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony C. Seger
  • Publication number: 20110162563
    Abstract: A pallet for use with a fork lift includes a top deck, a mid-top member and a base. The top deck has a plurality of ribs extending downwardly and a plurality of column-receiving recesses formed on the underside thereof. The base includes a plurality of columns projecting substantially vertically and received within the recesses of the top deck. Snap-tabs secure the columns to the deck. A generally planar mid-top member is secured to the plurality of ribs on the deck and has a plurality of openings into which are received the plurality of columns. The mid-top member is sandwiched between the ribs of the top deck and shoulders formed on the outer periphery of the columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Sean T. Ogburn, William P. Apps, Robert V. Gruber, Jeffrey L. Wilkerson
  • Publication number: 20110126741
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved pallet formed from a thermoplastic material of the polyolefin type, from two pieces, base and deck, that can be coupled to each other with fastening means there between; said base and deck provided with posts projecting from each in a direction towards the other and that can be coupled to each other, in order to form hollow columns; wherein the posts projecting from the base form the outer wall of a plurality of columns, and the posts projecting from the deck are located at the interior of said columns, forming the inner wall thereof and thus constituting a hollow passage between said outer and inner walls of the columns; said hollow space is filled up with a foamed material to provide a greater impact resistance and resistance to the disassembling under normal conditions of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: PLASTICOS TECNICOS MEXICANOS, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Sergio Sosa Bravo
  • Publication number: 20110120353
    Abstract: A rackable pallet having an upper deck, a lower deck, and a center frame connecting the upper and lower decks together to form a rackable pallet. At least one of the upper deck, lower deck, and center frame comprises a structural foam molded thermoplastic resin material. A reinforcement support structure may be disposed between the center frame and lower deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Guy Jensen, Terry L. Ingham
  • Patent number: 7926431
    Abstract: A plastic pallet system is provided for the support, storage, and transportation of articles. The plastic pallet system includes a plurality of top boards and a plurality of runner assemblies. Both the plurality of top boards and the plurality of runner assemblies may be formed of plastic. A method for manufacturing the plastic pallet system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Paradigm Plastic Products, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Morris