Metal pallet

a metal pallet and metal technology, applied in the field of metal pallets, can solve the problems of warpage, splintering and splitting of wood pallets, wood and plastic pallets are not fireproo

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-03-24
WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES INC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a metal pallet that includes a base and a platform connected by a plurality of legs. The base has upwardly extending legs, while the platform has downwardly extending legs that align with and connect to the base legs. The method of manufacturing involves providing metal sheets for the base and platform, and attaching the base to the platform by connecting the base leg to a corresponding platform leg. Additionally, the invention includes a metal lower deck with first supports and an upper deck with second supports. The second supports define depressions in the upper deck and connect to the first supports to create fork receiving regions beneath the upper deck. The technical effects of the invention include improved durability, stability, and load capacity, as well as compatibility with forklifts."

Problems solved by technology

Wood pallets are heavy and subject to warpage, splintering and splitting.
Furthermore, wood pallets are not fire proof.
Furthermore, plastic pallets are also not fireproof.
Typically, the welded metal constructions have a very high weight and are difficult and complicated to manufacture.
Such a construction is difficult to manufacture, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,718 where three separate draws are required to form the deep-drawn legs so that they have a sufficient height to allow the forks of a conventional fork lift to enter underneath the top panel of the pallet.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0019] A metal pallet 10 generally includes a platform 12 that attaches to a base 14. The platform 12 can also be referred to as a top panel or upper deck and the base 14 can also be referred to as a bottom panel or lower deck. The platform 12 and the base 14 can be rectangular in configuration, similar to the configuration of the conventional pallet. Without departing from the scope of the invention, however, the upper deck and lower deck can also have another suitable geometric configuration such as square, round, trapezoidal or oval. Each panel can be made from a suitable conventional metal. In a preferred embodiment, the metal can comprise galvanized steel.

[0020] As seen in FIG. 1, the platform 12 is vertically spaced from the base 14 to allow forks from a conventional forklift (not shown) to be inserted between the platform 12 and the base 14. As more clearly seen in FIG. 2, four corner legs or supports 16 are integral with and depend downwardly from a support surface 18 (FIG....

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PUM

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Abstract

A pallet includes a metal base connected to a metal platform. The base includes a plurality of upwardly extending integral base legs formed from a metal material of the base. The platform is vertically spaced from the metal base and includes a plurality of downwardly extending integral platform legs, formed from a metal material of the platform. The platform legs align with and connect to corresponding base legs.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 504,556, filed Sep. 19, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein.[0002] The present invention relates to pallets for supporting freight, goods or other materials. More particularly, the invention relates to a pallet made of metal having integral legs. The invention, however, is also amenable to other applications. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Conventionally, pallets have been made from wood. Wood pallets are heavy and subject to warpage, splintering and splitting. Furthermore, wood pallets are not fire proof. To overcome the disadvantages found in wood pallets, pallets have been also made from plastic. Plastic pallets require a large amount of resin to be made such that they are of sufficient strength to support freight and goods. Furthermore, plastic pallets are also not fireproof. [0004] Metal pallets have been made to overcome the shortcomings of wood and plastic pallets. Kn...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B65D19/00
CPCB65D19/0012B65D2519/00024B65D2519/00059B65D2519/00273B65D2519/00288B65D2519/00318B65D2519/00835B65D2519/00407B65D2519/00412B65D2519/00562B65D2519/00572B65D2519/00791B65D2519/008B65D2519/00348
InventorZEIGLER, RANDALL
OwnerWORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES INC