Blow molded pallet with pre-formed inserts
First Claim
1. A method for forming a pallet, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) forming a first component in a first blow molding process having an attachment portion exhibiting a non-planar surface;
b) positioning the first component in a mold for a second component;
c) placing at least one insert having a relatively hi friction characteristic greater than a material used to form said first and second components within the mold for the second component; and
d) forming the second component to conformally encase and interlock with the attachment portion of the first component and the at least one insert in a second blow molding process with the second component and such that a portion of the at least one insert is raised above a support surface of one of the first and second components.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pallet system includes a pallet body. The pallet body is formed from a first, independently formed first portion and a second blow molded second upper portion insert molded to the first portion. The pallet body may have two to eight recesses for forklift truck fork access. The second upper portion has a generally rectangular surface for carrying loads. The portions may have anti-skid properties, for example, a knurled topside surface or rubber coated bottom. At least one foot is attached to the second upper portion by insert molding. At least one runner may be attached to each foot to form part of the first portion. At least one stringer is attached to each runner to add further stability to the pallet. The runners and feet have channels or protruding members to effectively mate with the second upper portion. The system may also have top cap and tie members to affix the cap to one or more pallet bodies as well as high-friction inserts to permit the pallet from sliding on a surface or objects from sliding on the pallet.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for forming a pallet, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) forming a first component in a first blow molding process having an attachment portion exhibiting a non-planar surface; b) positioning the first component in a mold for a second component; c) placing at least one insert having a relatively hi friction characteristic greater than a material used to form said first and second components within the mold for the second component; and d) forming the second component to conformally encase and interlock with the attachment portion of the first component and the at least one insert in a second blow molding process with the second component and such that a portion of the at least one insert is raised above a support surface of one of the first and second components. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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15. A method for forming a pallet, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) placing at least one insert in a mold for a first component; b) forming the first component to conformally encase a portion of the at least one insert in a first blow molding process and such that a portion of the at least one insert is raised above a support surface of the first component and further forming the first component to have an attachment portion exhibiting a non-planar surface; c) positioning the first component in a mold for a second component; and d) forming the second component to conformally encase and interlock with the attachment portion in a second blow molding process. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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22. A method for forming a pallet, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) forming a first component in a first blow molding operation to have an attachment portion exhibiting a non-planar attachment surface selected from a class including protrusions, ribs, ridges, channels and holes; b) positioning the first component in a mold for a second component; and c) forming the second component to conformally encase and interlock with the attachment portion in a second blow molding process. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification