Abstract: A plastic pallet described herein may have a plastic upper deck with an upper side on which goods can be stacked. Furthermore, a plurality of plastic skids are present, spaced apart from the upper deck and arranged substantially parallel to the upper deck. Plastic spacer blocks are located between the upper deck and the skids. The upper deck and the skids are manufactured as separate parts which in an assembled state are tightened together by tightening pins. The tightening pins each extend through a bore in each of the spacer blocks and corresponding holes in the upper deck and the skids.

Abstract: A pallet is formed from a thermoplastic material of the polyolefin type, from two pieces, base and deck, that can be coupled to each other with fasteners therebetween. The base and deck are provided with posts each projecting in a direction towards the other and able to be coupled to each other in order to form hollow columns. 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 the columns, forming the inner wall thereof and thus constituting a hollow passage between the outer and inner walls of the columns. The hollow space is filled up with a foamed material to provide a greater impact resistance and resistance to disassembly under normal conditions of operation. The pallet can be integrally recycled without the need to separate the components thereof.

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.

Abstract: An assembly of a pallet component and fasteners makes a pallet on which various kinds of objects can be placed and which is movable by a forklift. The pallet component includes two outer unit members and an intermediate connector. Each outer unit member has an inner side formed with spaced projections and concavely provided with spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto. The spaced projections of each outer unit member correspond in position to and are therefore receivable in the spaced receiving recesses of the other outer unit member. The intermediate connector is bilaterally provided with connecting sections that have different orientations. The working end of each connecting section has spaced projections and spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto so as to connect with the corresponding outer unit member. Thus, a pallet can be easily made according to the widths of objects to be placed on the pallet.

Abstract: A pallet assembly has multiple supporting ties and multiple top deck panels. The supporting ties are placed at intervals and are parallel to each other. Each supporting tie has multiple top mounting holes. The top mounting holes are formed in a top of the supporting tie. The top deck panels are elongated, are mounted on the tops of the supporting ties and are perpendicular to the supporting ties. Each top deck panel has multiple mounting pins. The mounting pins protrude down from a bottom of the top deck panel and are respectively and securely mounted in the top mounting holes. The top deck panels can be rapidly assembled with the supporting ties and are protected from sliding relatively to the supporting ties so that a structure of the pallet assembly is firm.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats or boards arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat.

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: A pallet which is made from elongate steel members of arcuate cross section which are welded together to form a frame, and plastic slats which are engaged with a snap action with the steel members and which form a planar upper surface for the pallet.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet includes a pallet body having a plurality of flexible support arms, each integrally molded adjacent one of the plurality of channels formed in the pallet body. Each of the flexible support arms is configured to flex outward away from the channel upon insertion of an elongated reinforcement member into the channel and to subsequently return to its own deformed position in the channel, thereby retaining the reinforcement member in the channel. In this manner, the reinforcement members can be inserted and locked in the pallet body in a single motion.

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.

Abstract: An improved pallet made of a synthetic resin wherein one of the underside of the upper deck and upperside of the lower deck is substantially planar, and the supports which separate the upper and lower decks are integrally formed with and project upwardly from the other side, and are secured to the one side. One of the ends of the supports are tapered and received in recesses in the one side, and the recesses and the supports preferably have mating elements which snap-actingly engage one another to lock the supports in the recesses when the decks are assembled.

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 a halogenated organic flame retardant, alumina trihydrate, and antimony trioxide. The flame retardants are advantageously supplied as a master batch at a concentration higher than that desired in the pallet or subassembly, in a polyolefin-compatible polymer.

Abstract: A modular pallet includes a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated stringer members, a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated upper deck members and a plurality of spaced substantially parallel elongated lower deck members. At least a portion of each of the upper/lower deck members, between first and second upper/lower deck member mating sections, is shaped to be perpendicularly received by upper/lower grooves in the elongated stringer members and interlocked at the first and second upper/lower deck member mating sections to different ones of the elongated stringer members by movement of at least one of the stringer member and the upper/lower deck member with respect to each other.

Abstract: A pallet is provided having spaced first and second decks and a plurality of opposed mating areas formed in each of the decks. Each mating area includes alternating projections and recesses, where the projections of the first deck are arranged to be received by the recesses of the second deck and the projections of the second deck are arranged to be received by the recesses of the first deck. Each mating area further includes at least one latch member extending therefrom, where the latch members of one deck are arranged to engage the projections of the other deck such that engagement of the mating areas of the first and second decks securely joins the decks in an assembled configuration.

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: A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck. Each deck comprises a thermoplastic sheet formed with ridges and channels on one side, corresponding to features necessarily defined on the opposite side. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of each deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet. A reinforcing member is received within a peripheral channel of each deck. Apertures are formed in the upper deck and the lower deck in alignment. A column is disposed between each pair of aligned holes. A hollow pin extends through a hole in the column and the apertures of the decks. A rigid insert is disposed in each open end of each pin. Each insert includes a recess for receiving an anti-skid plug.

Abstract: A plastic pallet assembly is formed from plastic lumber by melting sections of runners and cross members and contacting them to join said runners and said cross members to form a pallet. A machine having an assembly table, cross members for supporting and moving pallet runners in a vertical direction, a support table for a pallet cross member, hot plates moveable in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction for insertion between the runners and the cross member, and a force bar moveable in a vertical direction for applying a force to the runners, hot plates and cross member.

Abstract: A hollow-chamber lightweight component is described which at least comprises a shell-shaped housing part (1) made of high-strength material. a ribbed supporting structure (2) made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic material, and at least one cover plate (4) or covering shell (20) made of a high-strength material which is, in particular. different from plastic and a method of producing the lightweight component is described. The supporting structure (2) is up against the inside of the housing part (1) and is joined, in particular. to the housing part (1). The cover plate (4) or covering shell (20) largely covers the space formed from housing part (1) and supporting structure (2) and is joined in its peripheral region at least with one part of the boundary (10) of the housing part (1).

Abstract: An improved load bearing pallet includes an upper deck formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material with a load engaging surface and an opposing, substantially parallel lift engaging surface. Ridges, channels, depressions, and legs, are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being necessarily defined by the sheet on the opposite side. The pallet preferably includes a peripheral channel formed around a periphery of the upper deck and nine legs positioned in three rows of three creating two gaps on each side of the pallet for the tines of a fork lift to enter to lift the pallet. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of the upper deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the upper deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet.

Abstract: A parts transporting system including a rigid rack frame, a plurality of uprights coupled to the rigid rack frame, a plurality of shelf supports coupled to the uprights, and a plurality of shelf assemblies operably coupled to the uprights and the shelf supports. Each shelf assembly is constructed of a shelf frame and an offset pivot hinge operably coupled to the shelf frame and the shelf support, allowing the shelf frame to swing open at an angle with respect to the rigid rack frame. A lid and strut assembly is operably coupled to each of the shelf frames and includes a lid, a seal covering the entire perimeter of the lid and providing a dirt and moisture resistant seal, and a strut coupled to the lid. Each shelf frame is coupled to a sling assembly which forms compartments used to hold parts. Each shelf frame is positioned directly above each lid except the top lid.

Abstract: An improved pallet made of a synthetic resin wherein the underside of the upper deck is substantially planar, and the supports which separate the upper and lower decks are integrally formed with and project upwardly from the lower deck, and are secured to the underside of the upper deck. The upper ends of the supports are received in recesses in the underside of the upper deck, and the recesses and the supports preferably have mating elements which snap-actingly engage one another to lock the supports in the recesses when the decks are assembled. Preferably, the supports are tapered, the lower ends of the supports being wider than the upper ends thereof. The top surface of the upper deck, the bottom surface of the lower deck, and the underside of the upper deck in the fork-receiving regions between the supports may have a slip-resistant scuffed texture.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.

Abstract: A modular pallet system definable in terms of xyz Cartesian coordinates includes a base structure in a lower xy plane having a x- and y-linear axis members internestable with each other at regions of orthogonal intersection to form a rectilinear matrix, each region of intersection of each linear member including an aperture of like geometry to each other aperture. The pallet system further includes a lower snap-lock elements, equal in number to that of the regions of orthogonal intersection, the snap elements proportioned for complemental securement within each of the apertures within each of the regions of orthogonal intersection of the x- and y-axis members with each other, each of the lower snap-lock elements including integrally projecting positive z-axis locking prongs.

Abstract: A completely knock down plastic pallet comprising a set of runners, a set of top deck elements, and a set of bottom deck elements. The runners comprising two end runners which define opposed side faces of the pallet and one or more intermediate runners located at spaced intervals between the end runners. The top deck elements being received in the top face of the intermediate runners. The ends of the top deck elements are engaged in cavities formed in the end runners. The bottom deck elements are received on the bottom face of the intermediate runners and the ends of the bottom deck elements being engaged in a set of further cavities formed in the end runners.

Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) is disclosed that includes a deck (100), a base (20), a plurality of separate connectors (11) and a plurality of internal connectors (11a).

Abstract: A plastic pallet having a top pallet section and a base pallet section secured together with bolt and nut type fasteners to form a longitudinal and a transverse skid passageway. Each of the nut and bolt type fasteners is locked in place by a plurality of deformable locking flaps disposed within a locking mechanism recess. The base pallet section includes a surface having a plurality of interconnecting channels formed therein for channeling water in any direction. The top pallet section includes four observation apertures positioned to allow simultaneous viewing of a longitudinal and a transverse skid passageway.

Abstract: A load-bearing pallet assembly comprises a resilient polymeric core including top and bottom halves which have means for interconnecting and easily disconnecting the halves but only when desired. The top half includes a top support panel having top corners, a flange portion which extends about the periphery of the top support panel and projects downwardly therefrom and a set of four tabs projecting downwardly from the top support panel at each of the top corners. The bottom half includes a base having bottom corners, a shoulder portion which extends about the periphery of the base and projects upwardly therefrom, and a boss shaped like a truncated pyramid which projects upwardly from the base at each of the bottom corners. Each of the bosses has a square slot for receiving four tabs of the top half to interconnect the top and bottom halves. The bottom half also includes head portions which project upwardly from the shoulder portion at each of the bottom corners and at midpoints therebetween.

Abstract: A plastic pallet comprises a plurality of longitudinal spaced apart and parallel base members; a plurality of longitudinal spaced apart and parallel cross-members disposed transversely over the base members; and a plurality of compression cups or cylinders for snapping the components together. The base and cross-members are extruded polyvinylchloride. Each of the base member has a substantially "I"-beam cross-section with a web portion disposed between substantially trapezoidal upper and lower flange portions. The base and cross-members each includes a plurality of longitudinal openings for making the pallet lightweight and rigid.

Abstract: A transport pallet includes a support surface which may be constituted by a support plate (2) or by cross-planks (20) as well as three beams (3a-3c) which are fixed beneath the support surface. The beams are fixed to the support surface by pins (5) having a latch of the bayonet type, which pins are provided to traverse the support surface as well as an upper portion of the beams before being locked by a 90.degree. rotation. The beams are fabricated of an injected plastic material, and the pins, as well as the support surface may be made of any material including injected plastic materials. The beams may include straps (24) which permit fastening of a load (30) onto the pallet (1).

Abstract: A shipping pallet of the type usually manufactured from wood is made of hollow plastic stringers and deck boards. The stringers and deck boards are made of plastic materials which may be either virgin plastic, recycled plastics or mixes. The stringers and deck boards are hollow but have closed ends to prevent entry of dirt, fluids, insects and vermin. The stringers and deck boards may be made in a blow molding process or using continuous extrusion and molding processes similar to that used in the manufacture of corrugated pipe.Various connection configurations for affixing the deck boards to the stringers are described including fixation by screws as well as interlocking connections between the plastic parts themselves and the use of separate interlocking components which engage the deck board and stringers.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus includes a plurality of runners extruded from a thermoplastic material to a predetermined dimension that is uniquely sized for an individual load to be handled. Each runner defines an upper load supporting surface, an opposed bottom surface having formed therein a tab locating channel, and a pair of opposed lateral surfaces. Each lateral surface has formed therethrough a predetermined number of bar locating apertures. A plurality of bars are extruded from a thermoplastic material to a predetermined dimension that is uniquely sized for the individual load to be handled. The bars are insertably received by a respective bar locating aperture of an individual runner. At least one stabilizer has a main body and a predetermined number of tab members made integral with the stabilizer main body. Each tab member is received by the tab locating channel of an individual runner. A plurality of fastening structure removably mount the at least one stabilizer on the runners.

Abstract: A composite pallet (10) is disclosed that includes a wooden base (21), a wooden deck (11), a plurality of plastic sleeves (100) and a plurality of plastic connectors (80). The sleeves (100) fit into passageways (50) formed of channels (18, 28) and openings (19, 32) in the pallet (20). Each sleeve (100) has a cylindrical sleeve body (101) with a projecting lip (102) at one end. A plurality of tabs (103) a circumferentially spaced apart on the sleeve body (101).

Abstract: Pallets (20) upon which objects (22) may be stacked and to which a wrapping sheet (24) of stretch film, or a strap (102), may be secured to retain the objects (22) in relation to the pallet (20), is disclosed. The pallet (20) has rails (30,32,34) with perpendicularly extending slats (36) secured thereto. The rail (30) has an anchor (66) about which the wrapping sheet (24) may be frictionally and wedgingly retained. The anchor (66) may include either an elongate channel (70,72) or tongue (66) or both. The rails (30,32,34) may have ends with corner supports (60) which cooperate with one another to prevent objects secured atop pallet (20) from moving laterally or longitudinally. Corner supports (60) also allow the pallets (20) to be stacked one on top another. The ends of the rails have grooves (90) formed therein so that the wrapping sheet (24) may be stretchably secured within the groove (90) thereby impeding the wrapping sheet (24) from moving upwardly when wrapped about the pallet (20).

Abstract: A panel includes a planar face layer formed by continuous extrusion, and a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally of the face layer and also formed by continuous extrusion. The ribs are hollow and have a height at least five times the thickness of the planar face layer. The ribs rigidify the panels in the transverse direction, and end caps are applied transversely to rigidify it in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A plastic pallet (10) includes two identical decks (12, 120) that are interconnected by identical connectors (14). Each connector includes a central core (20) and a surrounding sleeve (44) interconnected by spokes (46). The core has flexible tangs (28) that extend beyond opposite ends of the sleeve and lock onto the deck. Each deck includes a plurality of respective segments (130) consisting of a pair of open shells (132, 134) and the periphery of each deck is reinforced by respective segments (182) that are internally reinforced by gussets (192, 194).

Abstract: An assembled pallet for a forklift is disclosed which is made of plastic. A number of divided pallet members each formed of plastic by dividing a square by two diagonal lines are produced on a mass production basis. Four divided members are joined with each other through joint connections. The assembled pallet has, at each side, right and left two fork insertion holes through which the fork of the forklift may be inserted.

Abstract: A pallet assembly is disclosed that consists of two sets of interlocking runners. The first set of runners has at least one opening capable of receiving a plurality of second runners. The second runners have slots that mate with the upper and lower members of the first runner so as to secure the first and second runners in fixed relation with each other. Typically the second runner is brought in fixed relation with the first runner by rotation of the second member. Locating bosses serve to locate the position of the second set of runners and assist in their rotation into fixed relation with the first runners.

Abstract: Load bearing pallet construction which avoids problems associated with conventional wood constructions. The pallet construction consists of a plurality of pallet forming members, arranged in two layers and defining lift fork receiving openings between the two layers. Each of the pallet forming members has a length equal to a width dimension of the pallet construction with the direction of pallet forming members in one of the layers being crossed relative to the direction of the pallet forming members in the other of the layers. Fasteners connect together pallet forming members in the two layers.

Abstract: A pallet having feet anchored to a platform by locking rings wherein each foot comprises a hollow tapered cup-like shape with a flange near the top of the foot, wherein the flange includes a plurality of slots, wherein each locking ring includes a flange of size and shape equal to the flanges of the feet, wherein each locking ring further includes a plurality of hooks which are insertable into the slots of the foot flange, and wherein the flange of each foot engages the underside of the platform while the flange of each locking ring engages the top side of the platform.

Abstract: A pallet is assembled from two identical pallet halves of a molded plastic material, such as polypropylene. Each pallet half is formed with a rigid, rectangular, load supporting platform having symmetrically disposed rows of support posts and latching leg assemblies projecting vertically from one surface of the platform. The posts and legs are so located and dimensioned that the legs on one pallet half can be inserted into the posts of the other to snap lock the two halves into assembled relationship. Spaced skirt portions along each edge of the platforms engage those of the other pallet half to define forklift tine receiving openings in each side of the pallet.

Abstract: A plastic pallet provided with oblong channels in which reinforcing rods are locked. The locking is obtained by partially closing the end of a channel or by inwardly shrunk edge parts of openings in said channels.

Abstract: A ground support pad is described which is typically composed of a polyolefin-homopolymer and consists of two separate and identical halves which may be snapped together to form an integral unit. The pads may be used to support any heavy structure upon the ground, but is most useful in supporting structures such as mobile homes. An injection mold process is utilized in manufacturing the pad. The pad, while presenting an apparently solid appearance, is comprised internally of a cross support type design. The pad provides a lightweight, durable, reusable support for mobile home piers. The pad may be sold with a mobile home, used to support the mobile home at its first location, and subsequently transported with the mobile home and reused to support the mobile home at subsequent locations.

Abstract: A transport pallet includes a support surface which may be constituted by a support plate (2) or by cross-planks (20) as well as three beams (3a-3c) which are fixed beneath the support surface. The beams are fixed to the support surface by pins (5) having a latch of the bayonet type, which pins are provided to traverse the support surface as well as an upper portion of the beams before being locked by a 90.degree. rotation. The beams are fabricated of an injected plastic material, and the pins, as well as the support surface may be made of any material including injected plastic materials. The beams may include straps (24) which permit fastening of a load (30) onto the pallet (1).