US4614277A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pallet with tensioned strips and bulk bin
Assignee: UNIFRUCO Ltd
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Filing: 1985-05-22
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Granted: 1986-09-30
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Expires: 2005-05-22
Abstract
Abstract A pallet (10) comprising a top deck consisting of planks (20, 22, 24, 26) to the undersides of which blocks (28, 30, 32) are secured. The entire pallet is deformed to a convex form so that its length and width are reduced with respect to its undeformed dimensions. The lower faces of the blocks are joined by chordally extending strip material (18) which is tensioned by the pallet. Tensioning of the strips (18) ensures that these lie flat on the floor out of the way of the tines of a forklift truck when these are inserted below the planks to lift the pallet.
Inventors
- 👤 Gideon Fourie
- 👤 David E. Muir
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:04
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D19/00; B65D19/02; B65D19/06; B65D19/20; B65D19/0004; B65D19/0006; B65D19/0008; B65D19/002; B65D19/0022; B65D2519/00; B65D2519/00004; B65D2519/00009; B65D2519/00014; B65D2519/00019; B65D2519/00029; B65D2519/00034; B65D2519/00044; B65D2519/00049; B65D2519/00054; B65D2519/00064; B65D2519/00069; B65D2519/00084; B65D2519/00099; B65D2519/00154; B65D2519/00159; B65D2519/00258; B65D2519/00263; B65D2519/00273; B65D2519/00283; B65D2519/00293; B65D2519/00313; B65D2519/00323; B65D2519/00328; B65D2519/00333; B65D2519/00348; B65D2519/00368; B65D2519/00373; B65D2519/00398; B65D2519/00432; B65D2519/00452; B65D2519/00492; B65D2519/00497; B65D2519/00502; B65D2519/00547; B65D2519/00552; B65D2519/00557; B65D2519/00562; B65D2519/00572; B65D2519/00577; B65D2519/00616; B65D2519/00621; B65D2519/00636; B65D2519/00666; B65D2519/00736; B65D2519/008; B65D2519/0086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of manufacturing a pallet which method comprises constructing a frame consisting of planks secured to spacer elements on one side of the planks, exerting forces on the frame so as to deform the frame into a dish-like form thereby reducing both its overall length and its overall width, joining the spacer elements to one another by means of tensionable material, the material extending chordally across the deformed frame, and removing the deforming forces from the frame so that it straightens and exerts tensioning forces on said material, said planks, spacer elements and material defining laterally open entrances for the tines of a forklift truck.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of manufacturing a pallet which method comprises constructing a frame consisting of planks secured to spacer elements on one side of the planks, exerting forces on the frame so as to deform the frame into a dish-like form thereby reducing both its overall length and its overall width, joining the spacer elements to one another by means of tensionable material, the material extending chordally across the deformed frame, and removing the deforming forces from the frame so that it straightens and exerts tensioning forces on said material, said planks, spacer elements and material defining laterally open entrances for the tines of a forklift truck.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said material is in the form of strips extending between said spacer elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said material is laminated paper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
A pallet comprising a load carrying frame composed of planks and spacer elements, said planks being connected to top faces of said spacer elements, and tensionable material being secured to the spacer elements and extending between the spacer elements, the frame being deformed to a convex shape prior to said material being attached so that its overall length and overall width are both reduced with respect to its undeformed dimensions, and said material extending chordally with respect to the frame between the spacer elements, said frame, in tending to return to its initial planar condition, exerting forces on said material which tensions it.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
A pallet comprising a load carrying frame composed of planks and spacer elements, said planks being connected to top faces of said spacer elements, and tensionable material being secured to the spacer elements and extending between the spacer elements, the frame being deformed to a convex shape prior to said material being attached so that its overall length and overall width are both reduced with respect to its undeformed dimensions, and said material extending chordally with respect to the frame between the spacer elements, said frame, in tending to return to its initial planar condition, exerting forces on said material which tensions it.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pallet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said material is in the form of strips extending between said spacer elements.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pallet as claimed in claim 4, wherein said planks are of wood and said spacer elements are in the form of wooden blocks.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pallet as claimed in claim 4 or 6, wherein said material is laminated paper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pallet as claimed in claim 6, wherein said material is metal in wire or strip form.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A pallet as claimed in claim 4, wherein a sheet of laminated paper is secured to said planks on sides thereof remote from said spacer elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
A bulk bin consisting of a pallet as claimed in claim 4, and vertically extending flexible side walls attached to said pallet, there being, between ends of the side walls, opposed supporting posts which are attached to said side walls, upper end regions of said opposed posts being connected to one another by strips of material.
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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) | 1989-09-29 | 1990-03-31 | 1990-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-29 | 1994-03-31 | 1994-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-29 | 1998-03-31 | 1998-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |