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US 6,634,613 B1Granted
Shock-absorbing product carrier
AssigneeEMH Systems
InventorsLloyd A. Kaper, Robert T. Schaftenaar
Life of this patent
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AssigneeEMH Systems
InventorsLloyd A. Kaper, Robert T. Schaftenaar
Estimating the term…
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. The carrier is also preferably constructed as an open frame with at least a pair of supporting feet being disposed in opposing relationship to each other and underlying a frame member of the product which in turn underlies a relatively heavy area thereof, such as a compressor of a refrigerator, to afford additional support upon deformation of the shock-absorbing fins/structure.
A shock-absorbing carrier for a relatively heavy product comprising a one-piece base formed of substantially homogeneous molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material, said base including an upper surface terminating at an outer peripheral edge defining a predetermined configuration of said base, means projecting above said upper surface for supporting a relatively heavy product in spaced relationship to said upper surface, said projecting means being constructed and arranged for absorbing impact forces through deformation of said projecting means upon the carrier and a relatively heavy product carried thereby being dropped or mishandled, means for securing a relatively heavy product to said base with a lower surface of the product in contact with said projecting means, and means for effecting a movable connection between said securing means and said base up on defomation of said projecting mean.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.