Modular pallet construction
AssigneeMasco Corporation
InventorSteve A. Flam
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular pallet construction allowing the formation of storage pallets of varying sizes and configurations. The pallet includes a top deck formed from a plurality of plate members interconnected to create a storage platform. The number and orientation of the plate members dictates the configuration of the top deck. The top deck is supported by beams which create a space beneath the top deck into which lift forks may be inserted to transport the pallet and its contents. In order to reduce the weight of the pallet yet provide ample strength, the plate members are formed with a core of high density expanded foam encapsulated in a rigid coating material.
Claims12
A modular pallet construction comprising:
- a top deck formed of a plurality of interconnected plate members, said plate members including a lower plate attached to an upper plate, said upper plate having a substantially rectangular configuration and said lower plate having notches and tabs formed on the periphery thereof wherein said lower plate interconnects said plate members to form said top deck and said upper plate cooperates with adjacent upper plates to form a load bearing surface;
- and
- at least one cross support member forming a passageway beneath said top deck, said at least one cross support member having longitudinal slots on opposing sides for receiving said tabs of said plate members to detachably connect said top deck to said at least one cross support member.
A modular pallet construction comprising:
- a top deck formed of a plurality of interconnected plate members, said plate members including a lower plate attached to an upper plate, said upper plate having a substantially rectangular configuration and said lower plate having notches and tabs formed on the periphery thereof and configure to interlock with corresponding tabs and notches of an adjacent plate member whereby said lower plate interconnects said plate members and said upper plate cooperates with adjacent upper plates to form a load bearing surface;
- an intermediate cross support member having longitudinal slots on opposing sides for receiving said tabs of said plate members to connect said top deck to said intermediate cross support member;
- and
- end support members having a longitudinal slot along one edge for receiving said tabs of said plate members to connect said top deck to said end support members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.