Pallet return storage system

In an improved pallet return system having:

• a. at least one pair of spaced apart parallel feed rails mounted to a cross bar and having rolling surfaces for accommodating at least two carts, said feed rails having an unloading end and a loading end, said loading end being elevated above said unloading end;
• b. at least one pair of spaced apart parallel return rails having rolling surfaces, said return rails being positioned below said feed rails, said return rails having a transfer end and an exit end corresponding to said unloading end and said loading end respectively, said transfer end being elevated above said exit end;
• c. at least two carts having wheels for rolling engagement with said rolling surface of said feed rails and said return rails;
• d. a transfer means for transferring said carts from said feed rails to said return rails such that said cart is in rolling engagement with said return rails;
• and
• e. release means for transferring said carts from said feed rails to said return rails, said release means having a release position to effect transfer, and a stop position to prevent transfer;
• the improvement which comprises providing braking means for controlling the speed of a cart to reduce impact between said carts;
• said braking means comprising a stationary centrifugal brake mounted to said cross bar in proximity to said feed rails such that it comes into contact with at least one of said carts.

A pallet return system comprising:

• a. a frame;
• b. at least one pair of spaced apart parallel feed rails connected to said frame, and having rolling surfaces, said feed rails having an unloading end and a loading end, said loading end being elevated above said un-loading end, said feed rails being narrower than the width of a pallet;
• c. at least one pair of spaced apart parallel return rails having rolling surfaces, said return rails being connected to said frame and positioned below said feed rails, said return rails having a transfer end and an exit end corresponding to said unloading end and said loading end, respectively, said transfer end being elevated above said exit end;
• d. at least one cart having wheels for rolling engagement with said rolling surface of said feed rails and said return rails, said wheels comprising front wheels and rear wheels, said cart adapted to receive said pallet such that said pallet extends beyond the width of said cart;
• and
• e. a transfer means for transferring said cart from said feed rails to said return rails such that said cart is in rolling engagement with said return rails, said transfer means comprising a pair of front notches in said feed rails adapted to receive said front wheels, and a pair of rear notches in said feed rails adapted to receive said rear wheels, said transfer means enabling said cart to drop through said feed rails onto said return rails thereby leaving said pallet on said feed rails;
• f. a release means for effecting the transfer of said cart from said feed rails to said return rails, said release means comprising a rod rotatably mounted to said frame near said unloading end and extending essentially parallel to said feed rails, including a first stop near said unloading end and a second stop approximately one cart length behind said first stop;
• and
• g. braking means for controlling the speed of a cart;
• said braking means comprising a stationary centrifugal brake wheel mounted on said frame in proximity to said feed rails such that it comes into contact with said cart.