Patent US3685463A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3685463A
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US
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Pallet
Assignee: Packaging Specialties Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-18
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Granted: 1972-08-22
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Expires: 1991-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A lightweight, inexpensive pallet for supporting a palletized load and which may be readily assembled and disassembled to reduce storage space. The pallet comprises a deck including three interconnected panel members, and a plurality of legs to support the deck above ground level. The lower two panel members include a number of aligned cut-outs for releasably receiving and mounting the legs such that the pallet may be ''''knocked-down'''' and the legs stored or shipped separately.
Inventors
- 👤 William J Francis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:29
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D19/00; B65D19/0004; B65D19/0006; B65D19/0008; B65D19/002; B65D19/0024; B65D19/0028; B65D2519/00; B65D2519/00004; B65D2519/00009; B65D2519/00014; B65D2519/00019; B65D2519/00049; B65D2519/00054; B65D2519/00069; B65D2519/00079; B65D2519/00258; B65D2519/00263; B65D2519/00273; B65D2519/00283; B65D2519/00293; B65D2519/00313; B65D2519/00323; B65D2519/00328; B65D2519/00338; B65D2519/00398; B65D2519/00432; B65D2519/00547; B65D2519/00552; B65D2519/00557; B65D2519/00562; B65D2519/00567; B65D2519/00572; B65D2519/00736; B65D2519/0098; B65D2519/00985
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
A lightweight pallet for supporting various products in palletized form during shipment or storage, and which may be readily assembled and disassembled to reduce storage space for the same, comprising a plurality of legs each comprising a support member having an upper transverse flaNge and a depending portion, an upper panel member, an intermediate panel member defining a plurality of first cutouts each configured for receiving the upper transverse flange of one of said legs, a lower panel member defining a plurality of second cut-outs each configured for receiving the upper transverse flange of one of said legs in one portion thereof and for entrapping said flange in the remainder thereof, means for securing said panel members in stacked relation with said first cut-outs superposed on said second cut-outs and for forming of said panel members a substantially planar deck defining an upper load bearing surface, an undersurface and a plurality of cavities therebetween for receiving in coplanar relationship the upper transverse flanges of said legs, whereby said flanges may be laterally inserted through said one portion of said second cut-outs and into said first cut-outs to be releasably entrapped within said cavities of said deck.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
A lightweight pallet for supporting various products in palletized form during shipment or storage, and which may be readily assembled and disassembled to reduce storage space for the same, comprising a plurality of legs each comprising a support member having an upper transverse flaNge and a depending portion, an upper panel member, an intermediate panel member defining a plurality of first cutouts each configured for receiving the upper transverse flange of one of said legs, a lower panel member defining a plurality of second cut-outs each configured for receiving the upper transverse flange of one of said legs in one portion thereof and for entrapping said flange in the remainder thereof, means for securing said panel members in stacked relation with said first cut-outs superposed on said second cut-outs and for forming of said panel members a substantially planar deck defining an upper load bearing surface, an undersurface and a plurality of cavities therebetween for receiving in coplanar relationship the upper transverse flanges of said legs, whereby said flanges may be laterally inserted through said one portion of said second cut-outs and into said first cut-outs to be releasably entrapped within said cavities of said deck.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The pallet as defined in claim 1 wherein said support member depending portion is generally cylindrical, and said transverse flange is generally circular and extends radially outwardly therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The pallet as defined in claim 2 wherein said second cut-out is of generally T-shaped configuration including a first portion of sufficient width to laterally receive said support member flange and a second portion of reduced width adapted to closely receive said support member cylindrical depending portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
The pallet as defined in claim 3 wherein said first cut-out is generally oval to permit limited translation of the support member flange therein, and said second cut-out first portion defines a flap overlying one end of said oval first cut-out, such that the support member flange will underlie said flap when the support member is translated toward said one end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The pallet as defined in claim 4 wherein said legs are positioned in generally regular rows on said deck undersurface to define passageways for admitting the forks of a lift truck, and at least several of the second cut-outs in the lower panel member are disposed in differing rotational orientations in relation to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The pallet as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said support member cylindrical depending portions is tubular and slightly tapered to facilitate nesting of the same when disassembled from said deck.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The pallet as defined in claim 6 wherein each of said legs further comprises a cylindrical load bearing member adapted to be coaxially received within said support member cylindrical portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The pallet as defined in claim 1 wherein said legs are positioned in generally regular rows on said undersurface to define passageways for receiving the forks of a lift truck.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The pallet as defined in claim 7 wherein said upper, intermediate, and lower panel members each comprise corrugated paper sheeting, and said load bearing member comprises a spirally wound paper tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The pallet as defined in claim 9 wherein said support member is plastic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-22 | 1976-02-21 | 1976-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-22 | 1980-02-21 | 1980-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-22 | 1984-02-21 | 1984-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |