Dual purpose nesting pallets

Abstract

Abstract A pallet is used for supporting and transporting a load in either a single deck pallet form, or a double deck pallet form which includes a pair of the single deck units. Each single deck unit includes a deck having a side adapted to receive a load and an underside from which a plurality of spaced hollow support elements project. The single deck units are identical to each other such that the support elements of one deck unit will mate with the support elements of any other deck unit when the deck units are not in use, to permit storage of two or more deck units in overlying relation by registering and nesting the support elements of one within the support elements of the other. Two single deck units may also be placed in back-to-back relation such that the decks are spaced apart with the support elements of one deck unit abutting against the underside of the deck of the opposite deck unit. Thereby, the two deck units form a double deck pallet which enables support of a load on the pallet while maintaining the spaced apart relationship of the two decks, and mating pairs of support elements have their side portions in contact with one another to prevent lateral shifting of the decks relative to one another during loading, handling, and transit. One form of support element has a cup-like shape with a ridge or protrusion adjacent thereto shaped to surround at least a portion of the end of the respective support element on the opposite deck when the two single deck units are assembled in double deck pallet configuration. This secures and interlocks the two single deck units together to further reduce the possibility of lateral shifting. Fasteners having components integral with one or both of the decks are used to secure the two units together in the vertical double deck pallet configuration. In another embodiment, the two deck units differ from one another, in that only one has projecting support elements, the other having holes in the deck, and ridge pockets arranged to receive the projecting elements of the first. Deck units having a plurality of open U-shaped support elements attached to the underside of the respective deck in runner support configuration can be secured and interlocked together in the double deck pallet assembly by use of individual longitudinal members which are inserted through the aligned Ushaped elements when the decks are in back-to-back configuration. In still another form, the support elements may be aligned on individual runners and the runners alone used in single deck or double deck pallet configuration.

Inventors

• 👤 Dwight C Brown

Bibliographic Details