Collapsible pallet system and methods

• US 8,291,835 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2011
• Issued: 10/23/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Norman H. Gordon
• Original Assignee: Norman H. Gordon
• Inventors: Gordon, Norman H.
• Primary Examiner(s): WILKENS, JANET MARIE
• Application Number:
  US13/072,453
• Publication Number:
  US 20110232537A1
• Time in Patent Office: 578 Days
• Field of Search: 108/51.3, 108/51.11, 108/56.3, 108/57.29, 108/54.1
• US Class Current: 108/51.3
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/0016 and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00019 Paper
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00034 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00054 Paper
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00069 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00129 Metal
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00134 Wood
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00139 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00268 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00273 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00288 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00293 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00298 skeleton type
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00318 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00323 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00333 contact surface having a stringer-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00338 contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00343 contact surface being substantially in the form of a panel
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00437 on the load supporting surface
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00442 : on the base surface
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00562 : chemical connection, e.g. glued, welded, sealed
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00567 : mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00751 : joined together by integral breakable elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0086 : Protection against environmental hazards, e.g. humidity, bacteria, fire
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0087 : collapsible pallet
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0098 : Dismountable elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/003 : Articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers, the whole being wrapped
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/107 : using blocks of shock-absorbing material

Abstract

The present invention is directed to collapsible type pallets and related products embodiments of which include a construction wherein support beams can be integrally formed from the sheet material of the pallet itself. The beams can be supported internally by structural inserts. Additionally, the supporting inserts may include braces for added stability and strength. The beams, as well as the platform can be further braced and structurally supported by cross braces, which run generally at right angles to the beams and pass through apertures in the beams themselves and slots in the inserts. In certain embodiments, the cross braces pass underneath and support the underside of the platform to create significant structural advantages to the pallet. Embodiments of the pallet can be easily assembled from components that can be easily and economically stored and transported. Embodiments are light-weight thereby providing savings in assembly, transportation, and storage.

Claims

1. A pallet for receiving product, comprising:

a pallet including a first component platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, said first platform side being opposite said second platform side, and forming a first beam located along said first platform side on an underside of said first component platform and a second beam located along said second platform side on said underside of said first component platform;

a second component insert in each of respective said first beam and said second beam, each of said second component inserts being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product received by said pallet, each of said second component inserts comprising a foldable spacer having one or more slots and a rigid brace, said rigid brace and said underside of said first component platform forming a gap, wherein the gap is provided substantially along said rigid brace; and

a conveyance component which is configured for maneuverability of said pallet.

2. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said conveyance component is configured as a caster.

3. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said conveyance component is configured as a set of wheels.

4. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said each of said second component inserts is sized and shaped to retain items which may be used for assembly, repair, or tracking of said pallet.

5. The pallet of claim 1, wherein said each of said second component inserts is sized and shaped to permit storage of goods within said each of said second component inserts.

6. A pallet for receiving product, comprising:

a pallet including a first component platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, said first platform side being opposite said second platform side, and forming a first beam located along said first platform side on an underside of said first component platform and a second beam located along said second platform side on said underside of said first component platform;

a second component insert in each of respective said first beam and second beam, each of said second components insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product received by said pallet, each of said second component inserts comprising a foldable spacer having one or more slots and a rigid brace, said rigid brace and said underside of said first component platform forming a gap, wherein the gap is provided substantially along said rigid brace; and

a compartment configured to provide storage space.