Horizontally supported planar surfaces – Industrial platform – Including shock-absorbing means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-23
2002-07-16
Chen, José V. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
Industrial platform
Including shock-absorbing means
Reexamination Certificate
active
06418862
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to pallets for storing a load, and more particularly, this invention relates to pallets which reduce shock during storage and transportation of loads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional pallets are often inadequate for the transportation and storage of sensitive items. The palletized loads are normally handled several times, either manually or by fork lift trucks, before reaching their final destination. Though securely attached to a pallet, sensitive items can become damaged by vibrations transmitted through the pallet during handling and transport of the palletized load. This is particularly true when the pallet is being set down on a hard surface.
In addition, it is not uncommon for the pallets to be subjected to abuse during the transportation of goods. The pallets may be damaged by forklift tines, mishandled or unintentionally dropped. Thus, a need exists for a durable pallet that can withstand potential harm during the transportation of goods while protecting delicate items from shocks or vibrations during handling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention fulfills the above-described need by providing a pallet with shock absorbing support members. Generally described, the pallet comprises a base having an upper face for receiving a load and a lower face. A plurality of support members are attached to the base wherein each support member comprises an upper housing, a lower housing movably attached to the upper housing, and shock absorbing material located within the upper and lower housing. The upper and lower housing move together to a compressed configuration when a force is exerted on the pallet, thereby compressing the shock absorbing material located within the housing. When the force on the pallet is reduced or removed, the upper and lower housing move apart to an expanded configuration causing the shock absorbing material to expand.
More particularly, the pallet comprises a center bolt attached to the lower housing. The center bolt passes through an orifice in the shock absorbing material, and an orifice in the upper housing. The center bolt also passes though an aperture located in the base and engages the upper face of the base, thereby attaching the support member to the base. The pallet may further comprise at least one retaining bolt which movably attaches the lower housing to the upper housing such that the upper housing and lower housing can move between the compressed and expanded configurations.
Still more particularly, the pallet may comprise a plurality of support member enclosures, wherein each support member enclosure surrounds the lower housing and at least a portion of the upper housing of a support member. When the upper housing and lower housing move to the compressed configuration, the upper housing is lowered into the support member enclosure. The center bolt may be attached to the bottom of the support member enclosure and pass through an orifice in the shock absorbing material, an orifice in the upper housing, and an orifice in the lower housing. The center bolt also passes through an aperture located in the base and engages the upper face, thereby attaching the support member to the base.
The shock absorbing material is preferably an elastomeric material. In addition, the base, upper housing, lower housing and support member enclosure are preferably made of polymer resin, such as high density polyethylene.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, claims, and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1747352 (1930-02-01), Devine, Jr.
patent: 1812861 (1931-07-01), Chase
patent: 2973931 (1961-03-01), Brown
patent: 3090331 (1963-05-01), McCann
patent: 3101063 (1963-08-01), Wharton
patent: 3119357 (1964-01-01), Kirsch et al.
patent: 3251322 (1966-05-01), Downs et al.
patent: 3267882 (1966-08-01), Rapson et al.
patent: 3275131 (1966-09-01), Erickson
patent: 3276530 (1966-10-01), Borneman
patent: 3351027 (1967-11-01), Ellard, Jr. et al.
patent: 3426986 (1969-02-01), Pool
patent: 3440976 (1969-04-01), Burne
patent: 3523507 (1970-08-01), Dubin
patent: 3664271 (1972-05-01), Wolder et al.
patent: 3677200 (1972-07-01), Coccagna et al.
patent: 3696761 (1972-10-01), Brown
patent: 3717922 (1973-02-01), Witkowski
patent: 3824933 (1974-07-01), Lind
patent: 3858526 (1975-01-01), Lombard et al.
patent: 3868915 (1975-03-01), Hafner
patent: 3995749 (1976-12-01), Haskins
patent: 4254873 (1981-03-01), Cook, III et al.
patent: 4267780 (1981-05-01), Candella
patent: 4316419 (1982-02-01), Cupido
patent: 4362287 (1982-12-01), Grongstad
patent: 4597338 (1986-07-01), Kreeger
patent: RE32344 (1987-02-01), Wind
patent: 4722505 (1988-02-01), Kaiser
patent: 4735321 (1988-04-01), Day
patent: 4930632 (1990-06-01), Eckert et al.
patent: 5094175 (1992-03-01), Christie
patent: 5195439 (1993-03-01), Harder
patent: 5226372 (1993-07-01), Frenkel et al.
patent: 5546872 (1996-08-01), Young
patent: 5582113 (1996-12-01), Langenbeck
patent: 5588371 (1996-12-01), Looker
patent: 5651463 (1997-07-01), Major et al.
patent: 5881507 (1999-03-01), Yoo et al.
patent: 5911179 (1999-06-01), Spiczka
patent: 5970886 (1999-10-01), Knio
patent: 6112672 (2000-09-01), Heil
patent: 671 203 (1989-08-01), None
patent: G8522758 (1987-04-01), None
patent: 41 40 583 (1993-04-01), None
patent: 0 678453 (1995-10-01), None
patent: 2.142.588 (1973-02-01), None
patent: 1 560 395 (1980-02-01), None
patent: WO 97/46456 (1977-12-01), None
patent: WO 99/02412 (1999-01-01), None
Burnham Service Company, Inc.
Chen José V.
Sutherland & Asbill & Brennan LLP
LandOfFree
Shock absorbing pallet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Shock absorbing pallet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shock absorbing pallet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2825033