Abstract: A pallet includes a top deck divided into quadrants, and pallet support legs coupled to an underside of the top deck and forming an opening below the top deck for receiving a lifting member. The top deck includes at least one deck scoop area on an underside thereof in each quadrant. A thickness of the top deck is reduced in each deck scoop area to reduce influence of top deck deflection on ability of the lifting member to pass through the opening below the top deck.

Abstract: A continuous forming apparatus for molding foam material into foam products that includes a first endless belt and a second endless belt that cooperates with the first endless belt to mold the foam material. The continuous forming apparatus may also include a first plurality of cleats and a second plurality of cleats opposed to the first plurality of cleats that support the first endless belt and the second endless belt respectively. The first plurality of cleats may include a three-dimensional abutment surface that provides transverse and lateral support to the first endless belt. Additionally, the continuous forming apparatus may include a first frame disposed to support the first plurality of cleats, a second frame disposed to support the second plurality of cleats, and a drive mechanism for imparting motion to the first endless belt, the second endless belt, the first plurality of cleats, and the second plurality of cleats.

Abstract: A continuously extruded unitary blank (CUBE) has a top, a bottom, two sides and at least one webbing there between parallel to the two sides. The CUBE has a front cut end and a rear cut end which define two open face channels to accommodate the forks of a fork lift and pallet jack. Two spaces are manufactured in the two sides and in the at least one webbing to accept a lateral insertion and a lateral removal of the forks. Chamfers are manufactured in edges of the cutouts to facilitate the insertion and the removal of the forks from the pallet. Chamfers are also manufactured in the front and rear cut ends to facilitate accommodation of the forks. Voids are manufactured in the bottom to allow pallet jack wheels to pass into the pallet and rest on a surface for a lifting of the pallet from the surface.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure describe a pallet assembly having a support assembly and a stringer. The support assembly includes a deck and a plurality of blocks that extend from the deck. The deck and the blocks are unitarily formed to create a contiguous outer shell that defines a common internal space that is filled with a support material. The blocks include extension portions that correspond to openings defined in the stringer. The extensions are received in a corresponding opening to attach the stringer to the support assembly.

Abstract: An asymmetric mold core and method for use for forming curved floor openings in pallets is taught. The mold core contains: a base, the base attachable to a frame in a rotomold, a bottom section integral at a distal end to the base, and a top section integral at a distal end to the base. Both the top section and the bottom section have convex radial curve shape, but the top section curve and the bottom section curve are positioned by having different centers of rotation so when the core is actuated it is only actuated around the center of rotation about the bottom curve which causes the top cure to drop away from the upper molded surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable load bearing structure having indentations, grooves, valleys, channels or other similar depressions on its underside. These depressions are mated with corresponding features for improved loading bearing capabilities. The load bearing structure may be a dunnage platform or a container for storing and/or shipping cargo.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a movable load bearing structure having a light weight core covered with at least one polymeric sheet for improving its loading bearing strength. The movable load bearing structure includes indentations, grooves, valleys, channels or other similar depressions on its underside. These depressions are mated with corresponding features for improved loading bearing capabilities. The load bearing structures also includes roughened side edges for improving the strength of the edges. The movable structure may be in the form of a dunnage platform or a container for storing and/or shipping cargo.

Abstract: A pallet includes an integral single unitary body that may include first and second outer runners continuously extending along first and second outer sides of the pallet from a third side of the pallet to a fourth opposite side of the pallet. Each of the first and second outer runners may include an elongate upwardly facing channel, a bottom wall having an upper surface forming a floor of the channel, sidewalls upwardly extending from the bottom wall and diverging from one another, side wall lips outwardly extending from the sidewalls, end walls upwardly extending from the bottom wall and diverging from one another, end wall lips outwardly extending from the end walls and end wall skirts extending downwardly from and hanging from the end wall lips. At least one deck portion is between the first and second outer runners.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a rugged enclosure for an external drive. The enclosure is configured to provide shock protection and protect the external drive from contaminants. The enclosure may be provided with a set of cushions and spacers to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. In addition, the enclosure may comprise a port that allows for use of the external drive while enclosed. Furthermore, the enclosure may comprise a retaining feature like a loop or lanyard that allows the enclosure to be easily transported and secured.

Abstract: A pallet includes columns, an upper deck, and a lower deck. The upper deck links upper ends of the columns such that upper surfaces of the columns and upper deck form an upper deck surface. The lower deck links lower ends of the columns such that lower surfaces of the columns and lower deck form a lower deck surface. Fork insertion structures receive forks of a lift apparatus inserted thereto from four sides of the pallet. Outer circumferential projections are formed along a peripheral edge of the upper deck surface, including an extended portion extending outward from the peripheral edge, and a support portion protruding upward from the extended portion. The support portion has a first height in an insertion-corresponding region, and a second height in a general region, the first height being equal to a thickness of the lower deck, the second height being greater than the first height.

Abstract: The invention related to a device for making a part of a composite material by resin-transfer molding, that includes a manufacturing mold in which is placed a blank of the part to be impregnated with resin, characterized in that the manufacturing mold is divided into a matrix and one or more mobile structural member to be indexed on the matrix, the whole defining, after assembly, an imprint corresponding to the shape of the part to be manufactured.

Abstract: A board fabricated from a composite material that can be used to build a structure. Electrical conductors may be embedded into the board to distribute electric power to electrically powered devices attached to the board. The board may further comprise elongated supports that can be used to partially enclose threaded fasteners. A plurality of cavities may be formed above the supports so that a fastener head can be recessed into each cavity to allow for a relatively planar upper surface.

Abstract: A blow molded runner having a bottom wall and a top wall forming a double wall blow molded configuration, at least one compressed double wall structure defined by compression of the bottom and top walls against each other such that an inner surface of the bottom wall is in contact with an inner surface of the top wall. At least two columns spaced apart at a distance wherein each of the at least two columns defines one of the at least one compressed double wall structure and has a top surface and the compressed double wall structure corresponding to each of the at least two columns extends from the top surface to a bottom surface of the runner at the at least two columns wherein the bottom surface is defined by an outer surface of the bottom wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrier, particularly a tray (1) for the transport and storage of goods, having a base (2) comprising a receiving surface (4) for the goods to be transported, and a base bottom having a structure (5) made from ribs (6, 7) crossing each other and projecting vertically from the base surface, characterized in that aligned openings (9) are made from one base side to the other in adjacent ribs (7) arranged parallel to each other, into the openings a reinforcement bar (11) can be inserted from one side of the base to the opposite side, wherein the openings (9) in the ribs (7) are formed by means of cut-outs (8) made in the vertical ribs (7) through the receiving surface (4).

Abstract: A pallet comprises a first carrier board and a plurality of support elements. The first carrier board includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The plurality of support elements is arranged on the first surface of the first carrier board. Each support element has at least one through-hole penetrating the support element along a first direction, and the first direction is parallel to the first surface of the first carrier board. The pallet of the present invention is fabricated in an extrusion-shaping method and has advantages of simple fabrication processes, mass production and inexpensiveness.

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.

Abstract: A pallet including top and bottom decks supported in spaced apart relationship by a plurality of post assemblies. A reinforcement assembly is encapsulated within at least one of the top or bottom deck. The reinforcement assembly includes at least one reinforcement rod having opposed ends and a plurality of reinforcement caps. Each reinforcement cap has an outer member defining a closed end and an open end and an inner compensation structure within the outer member and defining a stop surface spaced from the outer member open end such that an initial open area is defined within the outer cap member. A respective rod end is received in the initial open area. The inner compensation structure is configured to deform to accommodate a relative position change between the cap member and the reinforcement rod end.

Abstract: The loadable and readily moveable thermo-plastically constructed pallets of the present invention utilize three directionally longitudinally extending beams extending integrally downwardly from a horizontal and topically loadable panel. Respective beams at the lower-side are provided with a plurality of transversely alignable cutaways, including two medial-cutaways and two flanking-cutaways, the latter being adapted to rest rack wise upon a range of spaced apart rails. Also extending integrally downwards from such horizontal panel are a plurality of serpentine pallet-strengthening ribs, each rib being integrally attached to a pair of said beams.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic pallet comprises a twin sheet deck structure and three twin sheet runner structures which are fused to the underside of the deck to create three parallel spaced-apart footprints, the spacing between them forming one set of forklift openings. The deck is fabricated from two thermoformed plastic sheets which are peripherally joined together. The lower sheet is formed with upwardly extending spacer knobs which are fused to the under surface of the top sheet to further join the two sheets together. A frame of reinforcing beams is encapsulated into the interior space of the upper deck. The runner structures are also of twin sheet construction and some of them contain reinforcing rods. The runner structures, although they have flat footprints, are generally “W” shaped to provide two additional forklift openings at 90° from the primary forklift openings between the runner structures.

Abstract: A pallet made according to this invention provides a one-piece plastic pallet with integrated full window-frame runners for improved safety, nesting and stackability. The pallet includes a plurality of recessed portions that form angled leg portions below the lower surface of the deck. The pallet also includes integrated full window-framed runners in order to accommodate four-way entry. Each window-framed runner includes an angled leg portion having about the same draft angle as the opposing sidewall of the recessed portion. The deck also includes a plurality of channels sized to receive a window-framed runner of a second pallet. Each recessed portion also includes a stop to arrest the downward travel of the leg portion of the second pallet and allow for the nested second pallet to be easily removed from the first pallet.

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.

Abstract: A nestable pallet includes an upper deck from which a plurality of feet extend downwardly. The upper deck includes an upper planar member and cross-ribs extending downwardly therefrom. The pallet is sturdy yet light weight and can be optionally provided with a reinforcement sheet secured to the lower ends of the ribs to provide a stronger, stiffer pallet.

Abstract: A method subsequently reinforces injection-molded transporters such as plastic pallets, which have support feet disposed on their underside, at least at the corners, and a groove for inserting a reinforcement profile between two support feet that stand diagonally opposite one another, and the two ends of the groove are formed by pockets shaped to correspond to the profile cross-section, disposed in the region of the support foot assigned to the groove end, in each instance. After completion of the pallet, the distance between the two pockets is increased via elastic deformation of the pallet. Afterwards, the reinforcement profile is laid into the groove, and one end of the profile is laid into one of the pockets. Thereafter, the deformation is canceled out and the pallet returns to the relaxed original state, and in this connection the other end of the reinforcement profile also dips into the corresponding pocket.

Abstract: A pallet for shipping and displaying of packaged goods wherein the pallet comprises a plurality of stacking feet joined together by angled ribs to substantially prevent or inhibit spreading of the stacking feet due to high weight loads, a plurality of handles that include handle-strengthening areas and finger recesses to increase the strength and lifting ergonomics of the pallet, and an angled surface on the bottom of the stacking feet to facilitate transporting of the loaded pallet from a distribution vehicle to a retail location over certain obstacles. Accordingly, the packaged goods can comprise beverage trays filled or partially filled with beverage bottles, or any good and/or raw material for sale and/or use in manufacturing.

Abstract: A plastic pallet includes a load-supporting platform having top and bottom faces, a plurality of spaced-apart supporting legs each including a surrounding wall that defines a first receiving groove and that has a top end extending to the top face of the platform, and a plurality of reinforcing webs each disposed between two adjacent ones of the supporting legs and each including two spaced-apart web plates cooperatively defining a second receiving groove that communicates spatially with the first receiving grooves in the two adjacent supporting legs. The web plates respectively have top ends extending to the top face of the platform. Each web plate has two opposite connecting ends connected integrally and respectively as one piece with the surrounding walls of the two adjacent supporting legs. Each of the first and second receiving grooves opens at the top face of the platform.

Abstract: A nestable pallet includes an upper deck from which a plurality of feet extend downwardly. The upper deck includes an upper planar member and cross-ribs extending downwardly therefrom. The pallet is sturdy yet light weight and can be optionally provided with a reinforcement sheet secured to the lower ends of the ribs to provide a stronger, stiffer pallet.

Abstract: A pallet includes parallel channels or corrugations in an upper surface of the deck. Perpendicular lower channels or corrugations are formed on a lower surface of the deck. The upper and lower channels or corrugations support one another and provide increased stiffness to the deck. The pallet is designed such that it can be rotomolded.

Abstract: A pallet (1) made of plastic or other materials is provided with a plurality of hollow feet (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8) at its underside (10). These are obtained by depressing the pallet material. At least one of these feet—foot (8)—has a length (L?) substantially corresponding to the length (L)—or width (B)—of the pallet. This foot (8) contains at least two inner comparatively wide support parts (13, 14, 15), arranged in series and projecting from the bottom part (16) of the foot (8). In this way, according to fire tests—where several identical pallets (1) filled with goods were stacked on top of each other—each pallet (1) has a unique ability to extinguish flames generated in goods on the pallet located directly below the pallet in question, and moreover, the pallet also shows considerable dimensional stability. This makes the pallet (1) particularly suitable for transport on transport means, optionally roller conveyors which cause many bumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing transport pallets from a mixture of recycled plastics with optional addition of fibrous material, wherein the mixture is portioned in an extruder (1), liquefied into a paste by heating and introduced via the conveying screw of the extruder into a closed mold (9) for hardening. The liquefied mixture from the extruder is intermediately stored in a storage device (4) having an adjustable volume, while the mold is changed.

Abstract: A pallet includes a deck and support members extending from an underside of the deck. The deck has alignment recesses as well as lowered portions along both sides of the deck for receiving the feet and runners supporting the deck to achieve nesting when stacked. The support members include two runners with orifices extending there through and aligned to accommodate pallet jacks and forklifts. The orifices have straps extending underneath the orifices to provide structural support while allowing for insertion of pallet jacks and their wheels. The pallet has feet between the runners and spaced so that the underside of the deck is unobstructed in the area intermediate the orifices providing for four way insertion of pallet jack support units. The pallet has alignment sections machined into the sides of the pallet to provide for precise alignment with pallet handling equipment.

Abstract: A method subsequently reinforces injection-molded transporters such as plastic pallets, which have support feet disposed on their underside, at least at the corners, and a groove for inserting a reinforcement profile between two support feet that stand diagonally opposite one another, and the two ends of the groove are formed by pockets shaped to correspond to the profile cross-section, disposed in the region of the support foot assigned to the groove end, in each instance. After completion of the pallet, the distance between the two pockets is increased via elastic deformation of the pallet. Afterwards, the reinforcement profile is laid into the groove, and one end of the profile is laid into one of the pockets. Thereafter, the deformation is canceled out and the pallet returns to the relaxed original state, and in this connection the other end of the reinforcement profile also dips into the corresponding pocket.

Abstract: A polymeric load carrying apparatus (10) and method of manufacture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer shell composition and a filled inner core composition within the outer shell composition. The outer shell composition comprises less than 10% filler, and preferably substantially no filler, by weight, and the inner core composition comprises more than 15% filler, and preferably at least 40% filler, by weight. The filler is preferably a mineral sand.

Abstract: A rectangular pallet formed of a body of moldable material having a lower surface on which the pallet rests, an upper surface configured for supporting goods thereon and a peripheral edge extending therearound providing spaced apart end edges and side edges; first and second structural bars retained within the body spaced intermediate the top and bottom surfaces and adjacent to and spaced from either an end edge or a side edge; notches formed in the edges having structural bars adjacent thereto, each notch exposing a short length of a structural bar providing tie down points for receiving flexible tie down members for use in securing goods to the pallet top surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastic pallets that pass the Underwriters Laboratory UL 2335 protocol for pallets wherein said pallets comprises at least one resin selected from the group consisting of: (a) polyphenylene ether resin and blends containing polyphenylene ether resin, (b) polycarbonate resin and blends containing polycarbonate resin, (c) vinyl aromatic graft copolymer resin; (d) polyetherimide resin and blends containing polyetherimide resin, and (e) thermosetting resins. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic pallet has an open deck design. The invention also relates to a method to make pallets that pass the UL 2335 protocol.

Abstract: Polyolefin-based pallets capable of passing standard pallet flammability tests are prepared by molding the pallet or one or more subassemblies thereof, of a polyolefin molding resin containing a flame retardant package containing magnesium hydroxide, and optionally alumina trihydrate, and zinc borate. The flame retardants may be supplied as a master batch at a concentration higher than that desired in the pallet or subassembly, in a polyolefin-compatible polymer, and result in pallets having a significantly lower heat release rate.

Abstract: A scuffing device (30) arranged to impart texture to a plastic pallet surface (12) having a plurality of cutting members (34) axially aligned and mounted adjacent each other, the cutting members (34) having radial toothed edges for cutting into and imparting texture to the plastic pallet surface upon rotating engagement therewith. The device further having a shaft upon which the cutting members are mounted for providing rotational movement to the cutting members.

Abstract: A pallet (10) includes a deck (14) and a plurality of legs (12) extending downwardly from the deck (14). The deck (14) includes recessed and raised areas (16, 18), wherein the raised areas (18) lie in a substantially horizontal top plane (T), and the recessed areas (16) lie in a substantially horizontal bottom plane (B). The raised and recessed areas (18, 16) are interconnected to each other by an upstanding wall (22).

Abstract: A scuffing device (30) arranged to impart texture to a plastic pallet surface (12) having a plurality of cutting members (34) axially aligned and mounted adjacent each other, the cutting members (34) having radial toothed edges for cutting into and imparting texture to the plastic pallet surface upon rotating engagement therewith. The device further having a shaft upon which the cutting members are mounted for providing rotational movement to the cutting members.

Abstract: An improved plastic blow-molded panel structure is shown and described that is lightweight and provides superior resistance to sagging, warping and creeping under high stress loads, especially when used in a horizontal position. The disclosed panel structure includes a combination of transverse or lateral beams extending from the second panel towards the first panel and, in certain embodiments, a plurality of transverse ribs disposed within the lateral beams. The disclosed shelving units may be fabricated from conventional blow-molding processes.

Abstract: A one-piece, hollow, continuous wall pallet having a deck and underside structural features that function in conjunction with the deck for support and reinforcement when a load is placed on the pallet or when a side of the pallet is impacted. The structural features may include an arched bottom recess, side impact depressions, and kiss-off structures, in one of the legs or portion of the underside. The pallet deck may have a dual entry rib configuration. The pallet is preferably made using rotational molding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing an elongate calibrated extrusion of a formable material. The formable material most suitably comprises a thermoplastics polymer having an outer skin (94) and a foamed core (91). It may be formed using an extrusion apparatus (100) having an extruder (101) and a co-extrusion die (104) which delivers the extrudate between opposed sizing conveyors (106). These travel at a speed suitable to allow them to continuously take up the flowable extrudate. The flowable extrudate is caused to adhere sufficiently to the surface of the sizing conveyers in order to cause the extrudate to maintain its shape. The extrudate is detached from the recirculating sizing conveyors after it has solidified sufficiently to exhibit the desire dimensional accuracy. Produce exemplified includes relatively high Young's Modulus composite product fabricated into materials handling pallets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a product carrier, pallet or skid formed of substantially homogeneous molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material of a one-piece construction. The carrier includes an upper surface above which projects one or more elongated shock-absorbing fins, ribs or equivalent structure for absorbing impact-forces through deformation upon the carrier and a relatively heavy product carried thereby being dropped or mishandled. One or more fasteners snugly secure the product against the shock-absorbing fins of the carrier and are also in freely sliding relationship thereto to accommodate product movement relative to the carrier upon deformation of the shock-absorbing fins/structure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a unified extrusion pallet that is completed by only one extrusion process. The unified extrusion pallet includes a fork insertion hole in which a fork of a forklift truck is inserted. The unified extrusion pallet includes a projected skid-proof protrusion formed at an upper plane of the pallet. The unified extrusion pallet includes a plurality of middle-sized holes, which are formed at sides of the fork insertion hole 10 and are to prevent a twist of the pallet. Each of the middle-sized holes includes a reinforcing slat having sections crossed diagonally. The unified extrusion pallet includes a plurality of small-sized holes. The fork insertion hole, the middle-sized holes, the projected skid-proof protrusion and the small-sized holes are constructed so as to form a single body. The fork insertion hole, the middle-sized holes, and the projected skid-proof protrusion are formed so as to be penetrated in a longitudinal direction where the pallet is extruded.

Abstract: A one-piece, hollow, continuous wall pallet having a deck and underside structural features that function in conjunction with the deck for support and reinforcement when a load is placed on the pallet or when a side of the pallet is impacted. The structural features may include an arched bottom recess, side impact depressions, and kiss-off structures, in one of the legs or portion of the underside. The pallet deck may have a dual entry rib configuration. The pallet is preferably made using rotational molding.

Abstract: A method for the production of ribbed board product, such as fiberboard, flakeboard, or waferboard, which resists fracturing during manufacture. The ribbed board product made according to the invention can be used as decking and in packaging and shipping components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interface between stacked arrays of containers having container tops. The interface includes a pallet loaded with a stacked array of containers and a layer of exposed container tops adjacent the pallet. A plastic coupling member is positioned between the layer of exposed container tops and the pallet. The plastic coupling member includes a contoured surface configured with an array of indentations formed therein and properly spaced to mate with each of the layer of exposed container tops. The array of indentations is sufficiently deep to prevent relative lateral displacement of the coupling member with respect to the layer of exposed container tops. A method of vertically stacking crates using such an interface is also provided.

Abstract: A pallet of moulded construction comprising a load-carrying surface supported by underlying support structure configured to permit the insertion of the tines of the fork-lift, the load-carrying surface being reinforced at its underside by a cellular reinforcing structure comprising cells the axes of which extend perpendiculary to the load-carrying surface.

Abstract: A resin pallet having enhanced shock absorbing capability, load capacity and durability comprises a pallet of a three-dimensional structure with a predetermined bulk density and voids, the three dimensional structure being formed by contacting, entwining, and gathering adjacent ones of random loops or curls of continuous filaments and/or short filaments of a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A one-piece, hollow, continuous wall pallet having a deck and underside structural features that function in conjunction with the deck for support and reinforcement when a load is placed on the pallet or when a side of the pallet is impacted. The structural features include an arched bottom recess, side impact depressions, and kiss-off structures, in one of the legs or portion of the underside. The pallet is preferably made using rotational molding.

Abstract: A flexible plate device has a plastic plate and two connection bars. Two sets of spaced linear grooves are formed on two ends of the plastic plate. Each of the connection bars is disposed on the respective end of the plastic plate and enclosed by the respective set of the spaced linear grooves. Each of the connection bars has a threaded hole.