Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Industrial platform – Stacking
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-09-18
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Industrial platform
Stacking
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289823
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a nestable pallet for storing or transporting goods.
BACKGROUND ART
Pallets that nest together allow such pallets to be easily stored and transported when not in use. Nestable pallets used in industry today typically have openings in their upper surface which receive corresponding shaped feet of a similar nestable pallet. While these openings provide a means for nesting pallets together, there are also many disadvantages which accompany these openings. For example, current nestable pallet designs may not be used to ship products in bulk without a container because the product, depending on its size, may fully or partially fall into the upper surface openings. Even if a cardboard slip sheet is positioned between the product and the openings, under load the slip sheet is still weakest in the areas of the opening, particularly when such pallets are stacked upon each other during use. Thus, the weight and load of the upper pallets may cause the slip sheets to fail in these weakened areas, causing the product stacked on the lower pallets to push through the slip sheet and end up in the openings.
Thus, an improved pallet is desired which allows for ease and convenience of storage and transportation during non-use and which during use allows products to be safely and securely placed and transported thereon. The pallet should be reasonably inexpensive, lightweight and sturdy. The improved pallet
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should also be easy to store.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is a principal object according to the present invention to provide an improved pallet which is nestable during non-use periods such as when such pallets are stored and transported.
It is another object according to the present invention to provide a nestable pallet which allows for goods to be securely loaded thereon during use, and during the stacking of loaded pallets.
It is another object according to the present invention to provide a pallet which is relatively lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture and assemble, and consistently dimensioned.
It is yet another object according to the present invention to provide a pallet which may be stored, racked or stacked in a stable manner, thereby allowing one loaded pallet to be stacked on and supported by another loaded subjacent pallet.
In carrying out these and other objects and goals according to the present invention, a pallet is provided which includes a top deck which has a substantially planar upper surface upon which a plurality of objects and goods may be positioned during use. The pallet includes a top deck portion which has an upper surface and at least one opening formed therein. The pallet also includes a foot portion corresponding to the at least one opening. The foot portion has an inner surface, an outer surface, and an upright member which projects upwardly toward the top deck and has a hollow area disposed thereunder. In a nesting orientation, the hollow area receives the upward projecting member of a subjacent pallet. Preferably, the upper surface of the top deck portion is flat and substantially planar, upon which a plurality of objects are capable of resting. In one embodiment, the hollow area includes at least one nesting stop portion. The opening, the inner surface and the upright member define a pocket for receiving the foot portion of a like pallet in a nesting orientation. In another embodiment, the pocket includes at least one aperture for drainage. In still another embodiment, the pocket includes at least one nesting stop portion. The upper surface may also include a plurality of apertures for drainage.
In yet another embodiment of the pallet according to the present invention, a pallet is disclosed which is orientable in a nesting orientation with a like pallet. The pallet includes a plurality of cup-shaped support members. Each support member has an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening. The support members further have an upright member which projects upwardly and defines a hollow area thereunder, such that the inner surface, opening and upright member together define a pocket therein. The pallet also includes a deck portion which has an upper surface with the openings of the support members formed therein for entry into the pocket. In the nesting orientation, the hollow area receives the upright member of a subjacent like pallet. In the nesting orientation, the pocket receives the support member of an above-positioned like pallet.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to like components.
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Apps William P.
Balfe Cyril J.
Hsu Roger S.
Koefelda Gerald R.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Chen José V.
Rehrig Pacific Company
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