Pallet cap

Abstract

A pallet cap for transporting stacked loads of commercial goods is disclosed. The pallet cap comprises a generally rectangular frame having a plurality of peripheral downwardly extending flanges and top rim portions integrally defined by flange corners. The plurality of top rim portions has on an opposite side interior step portions used for holding the load of packaged goods together on a pallet for transport and storage. Additionally, the top rim and associated step portions further define a cutout top center portion used to examine expiration dates displayed on the side of the stacked goods. For ease of transportation and storage, the pallet cap is formed by assembling a flat paperboard strip of a predetermined length and width wherein by folding and bending the strip along predefined longitudinal and transverse score lines the pallet cap of the present invention is created.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a pallet cap or cover for covering a top side or bottom side of a load on a pallet, and to a method of forming the pallet cap.BACKGROUND ART[0002]In the transportation industry, pallets are used for shipping commercial items in bulk and are generally made of wood or plastic. In most cases the pallet comprises a skid and the items to be shipped are stacked on top of the skid and held in place by plastic wrapping or metal straps. In order to stabilize and secure the load on the pallet skid a pallet cap is utilized which rests on the top of the load and is typically secured there by tightly wrapping plastic about the whole assembly. Additionally, the pallet cap also provides a surface on which another skid may be placed.[0003]Prior art pallet caps are generally constructed as either a square or rectangular frame in order to provide a step portion along the inner perimeter of the frame. This provides a surface against which the packa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a pallet cap for transporting stacked commercial goods. The cap is made from a flat paperboard strip that is folded and bent along score lines. It has downward flanges and top rim portions with interior step portions for holding the goods together on a pallet. The top rim also has a cutout center for inspecting expiration dates on the goods. The main benefits of this cap are its ease of transportation and storage, and its ability to hold goods together on a pallet.

Problems solved by technology

These type of pallet caps are expensive to make due to the increasing cost of wood and are expensive to recycle since they are made of wood and metal.

Another problem with these this type of pallet cap is that the pallet caps themselves cannot be stored flat as the right angle preformed corner sits upright and hence, they require considerable storage space.

This increases storage costs.

Also, the formation of the rigid, screwed, nailed or glued corners adds to the cost of the pallet caps.

Often, pallet caps are discarded after one or several usages making them expensive to use.

Images