US3913764A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanical handling of goods
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-03-30
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-03-30
Abstract
Abstract This invention provides an apparatus for the mechanical handling of goods in which the goods are stacked upon a flat flexible pallet, in the form of an envelope with a mouth at one end, which takes up very little space and which will not support the goods when the goods are to be moved. To lift the goods the pallet is partially inflated through the mouth by blowing air into the envelope and a rigid supporting member is introduced into the envelope through the mouth so that the goods can be lifted, moved and put down again whereupon the supporting member can be removed and the air supply turned off so that the pallet lies flat again.
Inventors
- 👤 James Alexander Stirling
- 👤 Gordon Carlton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:43
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D19/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for mechanically handling goods comprising a pallet having an inflatable chamber defined by a top layer upon which said goods can be placed and a bottom layer, means defining an elongated chamber opening extending along a portion of one edge of said pallet through which a separator member can be inserted into said chamber between said layers to support said goods on said top layer during the handling thereof, inflatable seal means surrounding said elongated opening for substantially sealing said opening about said member when said member is inserted therein and said seal means is inflated, said seal means being in communication with said chamber so that said seal means is inflated when said chamber is inflated, said pallet normally being substantially flat but being inflatable to receive said separator member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for mechanically handling goods comprising a pallet having an inflatable chamber defined by a top layer upon which said goods can be placed and a bottom layer, means defining an elongated chamber opening extending along a portion of one edge of said pallet through which a separator member can be inserted into said chamber between said layers to support said goods on said top layer during the handling thereof, inflatable seal means surrounding said elongated opening for substantially sealing said opening about said member when said member is inserted therein and said seal means is inflated, said seal means being in communication with said chamber so that said seal means is inflated when said chamber is inflated, said pallet normally being substantially flat but being inflatable to receive said separator member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said seal means comprises at least one pocket having a pocket opening facing substantially away from said chamber opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said seal means comprises a portion of said pallet surrounding said chamber opening folded back inwardly upon itself.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pallet is constructed substantially entirely of flexible material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a two-way entry pallet is constructed by further providing a second chamber opening in said pallet spaced from said first chamber opening and a second inflatable seal means surrounding said second chamber opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a separator member insertable through said chamber opening, said separator member having a leading edge and at least one pressure fluid aperture through which pressure fluid can be supplied to said chamber to inflate said pallet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said aperture is in said leading edge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said separator member comprises a hollow, wedge-shaped blade adapted to be secured to the forks of a fork-lift truck.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
Appartus according to claim 6 wherein said separator member is provided in its trailing edge with openings adapted to receive the forks of a fork-lift truck.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |