Stackable quarter-size plastic platform, and related methods

Abstract

To provide a pallet which can be easily moved by a pallet handling device when stacked with other divided plastic pallets.SOLUTION: A platform includes an upper deck having support leg openings and platform support legs. Each platform support leg includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having an opening extending therethrough that is aligned with a respective one of the platform support leg openings in the upper deck. The lower portion includes a shelf separating the opening in the upper portion from the lower portion. The shelf provides support to a bottom of the platform support legs from identical platforms when the identical platforms are stacked thereon. A pair of extensions extend outwardly from a bottom surface of the lower portion, and an opening in the upper portion provides clearance for a pair of extensions of the platform support legs of the identical platform when the identical platform is stacked thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63 / 147,864, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of pallets, and more particularly, to stackable quarter - sized plastic platforms.

Background Art

[0002] Retail stores often prefer to use split pallets when displaying products for customer purchase. Split pallets are typically one - quarter to one - half the size of a full - sized pallet. Split pallets have a significantly smaller footprint, which allows a retail store to display a greater variety of products within the same area as a full - sized pallet.

[0003] Furthermore, retail stores often prefer to use split plastic pallets instead of split wooden pallets. Split plastic pallets are more aesthetically pleasing and at the same time more hygienic than split wooden pallets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Even considering current segmented plastic pallets, there remains a need for pallets that can be easily moved by pallet handling equipment, especially when empty and when stacked with other segmented plastic pallets. When segmented plastic pallets are loaded with products to be transported, there is also a need for aesthetically acceptable product displays in retail stores. Since the products transported on segmented plastic pallets can sometimes be relatively heavy, the load-bearing capacity of the pallet should not be sacrificed, while at the same time providing accessibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview The platform includes an upper deck, which includes an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, with multiple spaced platform support leg openings extending through the upper and lower surfaces. Multiple platform support legs extend from the lower surface of the upper deck and are aligned with the multiple platform support leg openings. Each platform support leg includes an upper and a lower section.

[0007] The upper section has an opening adjacent to the underside of the upper deck and extending through a first pair of spaced-apart side walls. The opening is aligned with one of each of the platform support leg openings of the upper deck. The lower section includes a shelf adjacent to the upper section and separating the upper opening from the lower section. The shelf is configured to provide support to the bottom surfaces of the platform support legs from identical platforms when identical platforms are stacked on top of it. A pair of extensions extend outward from the bottom surface of the lower section, and the upper opening provides clearance for the pair of extensions of the platform support legs of identical platforms when identical platforms are stacked on top of it.

[0008] The lower pair of extensions can be aligned with the upper openings of each platform support leg.

[0009] The lower pair of extensions may extend beyond the width of the upper opening of each platform support leg.

[0010] When identical platforms are stacked on top of each other, a pair of extensions of the same platform may extend beyond the width of the opening at the top of each platform's support legs.

[0011] The lower part of each platform support leg includes a first pair of spaced side walls aligned with the first pair of spaced side walls of the upper part, both of which have a tapered width toward a pair of extensions.

[0012] The upper and lower parts of each platform support leg include a second pair of spaced side walls, both of which have the same width.

[0013] The shelves may extend between the lower base and the upper openings of each platform support leg. The top surface of the shelves may include a rib structure.

[0014] Each platform support leg opening in the upper deck may include a first pair of spaced side walls aligned with a first pair of spaced side walls on the upper part of the corresponding platform support leg, and a second pair of spaced side walls adjacent to the first pair of spaced side walls. The second pair of side walls may include spaced peaks extending into the platform support leg opening, which serve as guides when corresponding platform support legs of the same platform are stacked on top of them.

[0015] The first pair of side walls are spaced apart to allow clearance for a pair of extensions of the platform support legs of the same platform when identical platforms are stacked on top of each other.

[0016] The upper and lower parts of each platform support leg may include a second pair of spaced side walls aligned with a second pair of spaced side walls of the platform support leg opening. The second pair of side walls may include spaced peaks extending outward from the second pair of side walls. The spaced peaks are staggered relative to the pair of spaced peaks of the platform support leg opening and serve as guides when corresponding platform support legs of the same platform are stacked on top of each other.

[0017] The upper deck may include at least one product display mounting slot configured to receive tabs from at least one product display so that at least one product display is held in place.

[0018] Another embodiment relates to a method for manufacturing the platform as described above. The method includes forming an upper deck, which includes an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, and in which a plurality of spaced-apart platform support leg openings extend through the upper and lower surfaces. The method further includes forming a plurality of platform support legs that extend from the lower surface of the upper deck and are aligned with the plurality of platform support leg openings.

[0019] Each platform support leg includes an upper and a lower section. The upper section is adjacent to the underside of the upper deck and has an opening extending through a first pair of spaced-apart side walls, the opening being aligned with one of each of the platform support leg openings on the upper deck. The lower section is adjacent to the upper section and includes a shelf separating the upper opening from the lower section, the shelf being configured to provide support to the bottom of the platform support leg from the same platform when identical platforms are stacked on top of it. A pair of extensions extend outward from the bottom surface of the lower section, and the upper opening provides clearance for the pair of extensions of the platform support leg of the same platform when identical platforms are stacked on top of it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Upper perspective view of the quarter-sized plastic platform according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Lower perspective view of the quarter-sized plastic platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Side view of the quarter-sized plastic platform shown in FIG. 1, having dimensions along the length of the platform. [Figure 4] Side view of the quarter-sized plastic platform shown in FIG. 1, having dimensions along the width of the platform. [Figure 5] Side view of the quarter-sized plastic platform shown in FIG. 1, having dimensions along the length of the platform, stacked with another quarter-sized plastic platform. [Figure 6] Side view of the platform support leg along the length of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Side view of the platform support leg along the width of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] Top view of one of the platform support legs of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] Bottom view of one of the platform support legs of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] Top view of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1, having a hand access hole and a product display attachment point. [Figure 11] Side view of the plastic platform shown in FIG. 1, having a shrink wrap holding position. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the product display attachment point on one side of the upper deck shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] More detailed perspective view of the product display attachment point shown in FIG. 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Detailed explanation This description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. However, many different embodiments may be used, and therefore the description should not be construed as being limited to any particular embodiment described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure detailed and complete. Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout.

[0022] Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the illustrated plastic platform 20 includes an upper deck 30 having a plurality of spaced platform support leg openings 33 extending through the upper surface 32 and lower surface 34 of the upper deck 30. The plurality of platform support legs 40 extend from the lower surface 34 of the upper deck and are aligned with the plurality of platform support leg openings 33. The platform support leg openings 33 are configured to receive the bottom surfaces of platform support legs 40 from the same platform 20 when identical platforms 20 are stacked on top of them.

[0023] The plastic platform 20 can also be referred to as a quarter-size plastic platform due to its size compared to a full-size pallet. A full-size pallet measures 48 inches x 40 inches, while a quarter-size plastic platform 20 measures 24 inches x 20 inches. Using metric units, a quarter-size plastic platform 20 is equivalent to 60.96 cm x 50.8 cm. In some cases, the platform is interchangeable with the pallet.

[0024] The quarter-size plastic platform 20 is designed for retail merchandise sales and display configurations, providing a stable platform for various display types. As described in detail below, the quarter-size plastic platform 20 includes product display mounting points. Since the quarter-size plastic platform 20 is intended to be placed in a retailer's floor space while displaying merchandise, its footprint allows retailers to easily position the plastic platform 20 in aisles as needed.

[0025] The upper surface 32 of the upper deck 30 may be referred to as the product support surface, and the lower surface 34 may be referred to as the underside. The upper deck 30 has outer exposed sides 36, 38 extending between the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34. The outer side 36 corresponds to the length of the quarter-size plastic platform 20, and the outer side 38 corresponds to the width or end of the quarter-size plastic platform 20. The length is the longer dimension (i.e., 24 inches), and the width is the shorter dimension (i.e., 20 inches).

[0026] The platform support legs 40 are advantageously positioned on the underside 34 of the upper deck 30 to support loads and also allow for two-way or four-way access using multiple platform jack formats. For example, platform jack formats include 27-inch forklifts, 21-inch hand jacks, and electric platform jacks with 8-inch tines, 9-inch tines, and 10-inch tines.

[0027] Next, the dimensions and position of the platform support legs 40 will be described. The dimensions are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. A side view of the plastic platform 20 along length 36 is provided in Figure 3. Each platform support leg 40 in this figure has a constant or non-tapering width of 3.56 inches, as indicated by reference numeral 50. Each platform support leg 40 is spaced 3.04 inches from the end of the upper deck 30, as indicated by reference numeral 52. The distance between the platform support legs 40 is 10.71 inches, as indicated by reference numeral 54.

[0028] Furthermore, referring to the side view of the plastic platform 20 along length 36, the height of each platform support leg 40 is 4.06 inches, as indicated by reference no. 60. The height of the upper deck 30 is 1.46 inches, as indicated by reference no. 62. The overall height of the plastic platform 20 is 5.51 inches, as indicated by reference no. 64.

[0029] Each platform support leg 40 includes a lip or extension 66. Each extension 66 extends 0.36 inches outward from the width of the platform support leg 40, as shown in this figure by reference numeral 58. The distance between the extensions 66 on a pair of platform support legs 40 is 9.99 inches, as shown by reference numeral 56. The extensions 66 advantageously increase the surface area of ​​the underside or bottom of each platform support leg 40, which allows the plastic platform 20 to function better when placed on a conveyor with a wide gap between rollers.

[0030] A side view of the plastic platform 20 along a width 38 is provided in Figure 4. Each platform support leg 40 shown in this figure has a tapered width. The width of the platform support legs 40 extending from the upper deck 30 begins at 2.87 inches, as indicated by reference no. 70. The width of the platform support legs 40 then tapers to 2.15 inches, as indicated by reference no. 72. Each platform support leg 40 is spaced 3.25 inches from the side of the upper deck 30, as indicated by reference no. 74. The distance between the platform support legs 40 is 7.69 inches, as indicated by reference no. 76.

[0031] Furthermore, referring to a side view of the plastic platform 20 along the end 38, each platform support leg 40 includes an opening 78. The opening 78 is located 2.17 inches above the bottom surface of each platform support leg 40, as indicated by reference numeral 80. The opening 78 is necessary when the plastic platforms 20 are stacked in a superposition, as shown in Figure 5.

[0032] Each opening 78 provides clearance for the extensions 66 of the bottom surface of the platform support legs 40 of the same platform when identical platforms are stacked on top of it. As shown in the figure, the extensions 66 extend outward from the opening 78. As will be described in detail below, the bottom surface of each opening 78 includes a shelf or support structure for supporting the bottom surface of each platform support leg 40 of the same platform when identical platforms are stacked on top of it.

[0033] An advantage of the shelf or support structure, which supports the underside of each platform support leg 40, is that it allows a gap 92 to be provided between the upper decks 30 of the stacked platforms 20. The gap 92 allows a person's fingers to be placed between the stacked plastic platforms 20, making it easier to separate the plastic platforms 20. Another advantage of the shelf or support structure is that when stacked on the plastic platforms 20 below, the platform support legs 40 are partially wedge-shaped in place, which makes it easier to separate the stacked platforms 20.

[0034] Referring now to Figures 6-9, the platform support legs 40 will be described in more detail next. Each platform support leg 40 includes an upper part 41 and a lower part 43. The upper part 41 is adjacent to the lower surface 34 of the upper deck 30 and has an opening 78 that extends through a first pair of spaced-apart side walls 110. The opening 78 is aligned with one of the platform support leg openings 33 of the upper deck 30.

[0035] The lower section 43 is adjacent to the upper section and includes a shelf 90 that separates the lower section 43 from the opening 78 of the upper section 41. The shelf 90 is configured to provide support to the bottom surface 130 of the platform support legs 40 from the same platform 20 when identical platforms are stacked on top of it. A pair of extensions 66 extend outward from the bottom surface 130 of the lower section 43, and the opening 78 of the upper section 41 provides clearance for the pair of extensions 66 of the platform support legs 40 of the same platform 20 when identical platforms are stacked on top of it.

[0036] A pair of extensions 66 of the lower section 43 are aligned with the openings 78 of the upper section 41 of each platform support leg 40. The pair of extensions 66 extend beyond the width of the openings 78 of the upper section 41 of each platform support leg 40. Thus, when identical platforms are stacked on top of each other, the pair of extensions 66 of identical platform 20 extend beyond the width of the openings 78 of the upper section 41 of each platform support leg 40, as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] The lower part 43 of each platform support leg 40 includes a pair of spaced side walls aligned with a first pair of spaced side walls 110 of the upper part 41, both of which have a tapered width toward a pair of extensions 66.

[0038] The upper 41 and lower 43 of each platform support leg 40 include a second pair of spaced-apart side walls 100, both of which have the same width.

[0039] The shelf 90 is adjacent to the upper part 41 of each platform support leg 40, and the upper surface of the shelf 90 includes a rib structure. The rib structure is defined by a pair of spaced ribs 122 and a division 124 that intersects the pair of ribs 122, as shown in Figure 8.

[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, each platform support leg opening 33 of the upper deck 30 includes a first pair of spaced side walls 109 and a second pair of spaced side walls 99. The first pair of spaced side walls 109 are aligned with the first pair of spaced side walls 110 of the upper part 41 of the corresponding platform support leg 40. The second pair of spaced side walls 99 are adjacent to the first pair of spaced side walls 109 and are aligned with the second pair of spaced side walls 110 of the upper part 41 of the corresponding platform support leg 40.

[0041] Each side wall 99 includes spaced-out peaks 113 that extend into the platform support leg openings 33. The peaks 113 serve as guides when the corresponding platform support legs 40 of the same platform 20 are stacked on top of them. The side walls 109 are spaced out to allow clearance for a pair of extensions 66 of the platform support legs 40 of the same platform 20 when the same platforms are stacked on top of them.

[0042] The upper 41 and lower 43 of each platform support leg 40 include a second pair of spaced side walls 100, which are aligned with a second pair of spaced side walls 99 within the platform support leg opening 33. As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the second pair of side walls 100 include spaced peaks 102 that extend outward from the second pair of side walls 100.

[0043] The spaced-apart peaks 102 are separated by valleys 104 and are staggered relative to a pair of spaced-apart peaks 113 within the platform support leg openings 33, serving as guides when the corresponding platform support legs 40 of the same platform 20 are stacked on top of them. The lower part 43 of each platform support leg 40 also includes a drainage opening.

[0044] Next, other features of the plastic platform 20 will be described with reference to Figures 10-13. These features include hand access holes, stretch wrap holding positions, band holding guides, and product display mounting points.

[0045] As shown in the top view of the upper deck 30 in Figure 10, a pair of hand access holes 140 are provided. The hand access holes 140 provide an easy means for the operator to handle the quarter-size plastic platform 20. Each hand access hole 140 is sized large enough for the user to insert all four fingers through it. By providing the hand access holes 140 near each end of the plastic platform 20, the quarter-size plastic platform 20 can be grasped very easily by the user for carrying it or taking it down from a stack of platforms.

[0046] The shrink wrap holding positions 150 are shown in the side view of the plastic platform 20 in Figure 11. Each shrink wrap holding position 150 is located along the length of the plastic platform 20's side 36. The shrink wrap holding positions 150 are used for applying and holding shrink wrap on products carried by the upper deck 30. Shrink wrap is commonly used to secure products to the platform. Both may be applied as needed, but this is often an alternative to tying.

[0047] A common problem encountered when applying shrink wrap to a platform is securing the edges of the shrink wrap. This issue arises both at the beginning and end of the shrink wrapping process, as the wrap may not want to adhere to the product or platform, or it may fail to hold itself in place against the product on the platform at its edges.

[0048] Each shrink wrap holding position 150 takes the shape of grooves on both sides, similar to the shape of an anvil. The grooves on both sides have a front recess and a rear recess, with a narrow opening between them. The narrow opening allows the shrink wrap to be positioned in the groove, making it more difficult for it to come out again. The wrap can be pulled into either the front or rear recess, and the ends of the wrap can be secured either at the beginning or end of the packaging process.

[0049] The upper deck 30 includes a number of different product display mounting points for securing product displays or boxes to the quarter-sized plastic platform 20. For example, if the quarter-sized plastic platform 20 is on the floor of a store, along with the products on it, the product displays help to advertise the products. Patent Document 1 discloses a segmented plastic pallet with product display mounting points, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The patent of Patent Document 1 has been assigned to the current assignee of the present invention.

[0050] The product display mounting points include display mounting slots 170, 180, and 190 on the upper surface 32 of the upper deck 30, as shown in Figures 10 and 12. Each of the display mounting slots 170, 180, and 190 is rectangular in shape and sized to accommodate a tab hanging down from the base of the product display, allowing the product display to be held in place on the platform 20.

[0051] A total of four pairs of display mounting slots 170 are located adjacent to each side 36, 38 of the upper deck 30. The upper deck 30 also has four display mounting slots 180 and four display mounting slots 190. Each display mounting slot 180 is aligned with its respective display mounting slot 170, and each display mounting slot 190 is recessed from the sides 36, 38 of the upper deck 30 and is aligned with its respective display mounting slot 180.

[0052] Furthermore, referring to Figures 10 and 12, each display mounting slot 180 includes an outer slot 200 within the upper deck 30 and an inner slot 204 recessed within the outer slot. The outer slot 200 includes a side 202 and a partially closed bottom 214 that forms a curved shelf. The inner slot 204 is adjacent to the curved shelf 214 and recessed below the outer slot 200. The inner slot 204 has a pair of spaced-apart side walls 205 and 207 and a closed bottom 209.

[0053] Within the inner slot 204, the side wall 205 includes a projection 210 extending therefrom, and the opposing side wall 207 includes a tapered member 216 extending therefrom. The tapered member 216 has a downward taper toward the projection 210. If the product display tab has a properly positioned hole, the hole can engage with the projection 210 or the tapered member 216 and be locked in place.

[0054] The side wall 207 having the tapered member 216 is curved to correspond to the curved shelf 214, but the side wall 205 having the projection 210 is not curved. The tapered member 216 includes a bottom surface perpendicular to the closed bottom of the inner slot 204. A gap exists between the flat bottom surface and the closed bottom surface. The projection 210 has, for example, a quarter-sphere shape. The tapered member 216 is aligned with the center of the projection 210.

[0055] Each display mounting slot 190 is recessed from the sides 36, 38 of the upper deck 30. A substantial portion of the corresponding sides 36, 38 of the upper deck 30 is removed to expose the display mounting slots 190. The removal of the corresponding sides 36, 38 for the display mounting slots 190 is uniform and forms a pair of spaced-apart retaining tabs 191 for securing product display tabs. The retaining tabs 191 are located at the top of the display mounting slots 190, and the bottom of the display mounting slots 190 is fully exposed.

[0056] Many modifications and other embodiments will be conceivable to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. It is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A platform, and the said platform is The upper deck includes an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, and a plurality of spaced platform support leg openings extending through the upper surface and the lower surface, It includes a plurality of platform support legs extending from the lower surface of the upper deck and aligned with the plurality of platform support leg openings, Each platform support leg is, An upper part adjacent to the lower surface of the upper deck, having an opening that extends through a first pair of spaced-apart side walls, A lower part adjacent to the upper part, comprising a pair of extensions extending outward from the bottom surface of the lower part, wherein the opening of the upper part includes the pair of extensions, which provide clearance for the pair of extensions of the platform support legs of the same platform when the same platform is stacked on top of it. A platform characterized by including the following.

2. A platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of lower extensions are aligned with the upper openings of each platform support leg.

3. A platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the pair of lower extensions extend beyond the width of the upper opening of each platform support leg.

4. A platform according to claim 3, characterized in that when identical platforms are stacked on top of each other, the pair of extensions of the identical platform extend beyond the width of the opening at the top of each platform support leg.

5. A platform according to claim 1, wherein the lower part of each platform support leg includes a first pair of spaced-apart side walls aligned with the first pair of spaced-apart side walls of the upper part, and both of the first pair of side walls have a tapering width toward the pair of extensions.

6. A platform according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower portions of each platform support leg include a second pair of spaced-apart side walls, and both of the second pair of side walls have the same width.

7. A platform according to claim 1, The lower part further comprises a shelf separating the opening of the upper part from the lower part, the shelf being configured to provide support to the bottom surface of the platform support legs from the same platform when the same platform is stacked on top of it, The shelf extends between the lower bottom surface of each platform support leg and the upper opening, or The platform is characterized in that the upper surface of the shelf includes at least one of the following: a rib structure.

8. A platform according to claim 1, characterized in that the openings extending through the first pair of spaced-apart side walls are aligned with one of the platform support leg openings of the upper deck.

9. The platform according to claim 1, wherein each platform support leg opening of the upper deck is The first pair of spaced-apart side walls are aligned with the first pair of spaced-apart side walls on the upper part of the corresponding platform support leg, A platform comprising a second pair of spaced side walls adjacent to the first pair of spaced side walls, the second pair of spaced side walls including spaced peaks extending into the platform support leg openings, the peaks of which function as guides when the corresponding platform support legs of the same platform are stacked on them.

10. A platform according to claim 9, wherein the first pair of side walls are spaced apart to allow clearance for the pair of extensions of the platform support legs of the same platform when the same platform is stacked on it.

11. A platform according to claim 9, wherein the upper and lower portions of each platform support leg include a second pair of spaced-apart side walls aligned with the second pair of spaced-apart side walls of the platform support leg opening, the second pair of side walls include spaced-apart peaks extending outward from the second pair of side walls, the spaced-apart peaks being staggered relative to the pair of spaced-apart peaks of the platform support leg opening, and the corresponding platform support legs of the same platform function as guides when stacked on top of them.

12. A platform according to claim 1, wherein the upper deck includes at least one product display mounting slot configured to receive tabs from at least one product display, enabling at least one product display to be held in a predetermined position.

13. A method for creating a platform, wherein the method is A step of forming an upper deck, which includes an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, and in which a plurality of spaced-apart platform support leg openings extend through the upper surface and the lower surface, The steps include forming a plurality of platform support legs that extend from the lower surface of the upper deck and are aligned with the plurality of platform support leg openings, Includes, Each platform support leg is, The upper part has an opening adjacent to the lower surface of the upper deck, extending through a first pair of spaced-apart side walls, A lower part adjacent to the upper part, the lower part comprising a pair of extensions extending outward from the bottom surface of the lower part, the opening of the upper part including the pair of extensions, which provide clearance for the pair of extensions of the platform support legs of the same platform when the same platform is stacked on top of it, A method characterized by including the following.

14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the pair of lower extensions are aligned with the openings in the upper part of each platform support leg.

15. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the pair of lower extensions extend beyond the width of the opening in the upper part of each platform support leg.

16. A method according to claim 15, characterized in that when identical platforms are stacked thereon, the pair of extensions of the identical platform extend beyond the width of the opening at the top of each platform support leg.

17. A method according to claim 13, wherein the lower part of each platform support leg includes a first pair of spaced-apart side walls aligned with the first pair of spaced-apart side walls of the upper part, and both of the first pair of side walls have a tapered width toward the pair of extensions.

18. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper and lower portions of each platform support leg include a second pair of spaced-apart side walls, and both of the second pair of side walls have the same width.

19. The method according to claim 13, The lower part further comprises a shelf separating the opening of the upper part from the lower part, the shelf being configured to provide support to the bottom surface of the platform support legs from the same platform when the same platform is stacked on top of it, The shelf extends between the bottom surface of the lower part of each platform support leg and the opening at the upper part, or A method characterized in that the upper surface of the shelf includes at least one of the following:

20. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the openings extending through the first pair of spaced-apart side walls are aligned with one of the platform support leg openings of the upper deck.

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