U.S. patent application number 10/782406 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for kit for assembly of pallet.
Invention is credited to Polumbaum, Douglas H..
Application Number | 20040226490 10/782406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33423192 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040226490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Polumbaum, Douglas H. |
November 18, 2004 |
Kit for assembly of pallet
Abstract
In one embodiment, a pallet kit formed of a number of individual
support members that are engageable with one another to form a
support pallet is provided. The kit includes one or more flexible
pallet support members that are each extendable between a closed
position and an open position, with each pallet support member
being an elongated structure. The support member is formed of a
series of support base units that are connected to one another by a
flexible support hinge that permits easy bending between the
support base units so that one unit can be placed in one
orientation compared to another base unit.
Inventors: |
Polumbaum, Douglas H.; (New
York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P. O. BOX 5257
NEW YORK
NY
10150-5257
US
|
Family ID: |
33423192 |
Appl. No.: |
10/782406 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60449382 |
Feb 24, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/56.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00985
20130101; B65D 2519/00034 20130101; B65D 2519/00557 20130101; B65D
2519/00293 20130101; B65D 2519/00069 20130101; B65D 19/0093
20130101; B65D 2519/00323 20130101; B65D 2519/00303 20130101; B65D
2519/0096 20130101; B65D 2519/0099 20130101; B65D 2519/00358
20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; B65D 2519/00278 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/056.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 019/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pallet kit formed of a number of individual support members
that are engageable with one another to form a support pallet, the
kit comprising: one or more flexible pallet support members that
are each extendable between a closed position and an open position,
each pallet support member being an elongated structure that is
formed of a series of support base units that are connected to one
another by a flexible support hinge that permits easy bending
between the support base units so that one unit can be placed in
one orientation compared to another base unit.
2. The pallet kit of claim 1, wherein the support hinge has a
thickness less then a thickness of the units to readily permit
bending between the units such that two base units can be placed
adjacent one another as a result of bending of the hinge
3. The pallet kit of claim 1, wherein the pallet support member is
constructed so that it can assume a zig-zag configuration.
4. The pallet kit of claim 1, wherein the pallet is formed of more
than one pallet support member that are arranged in spaced relation
to form the pallet and because the pallet support members are
readily adjustable, a precise pattern of the pallet and a support
surface defined thereby is easily reconfigurable.
5. The pallet kit of claim 1, wherein each pallet support member is
formed as an extruded urethane foam member and the hinge is a hot
pressed flat spot in the extruded urethane foam.
6. The pallet kit of claim 1, wherein each pallet support member is
an elongated member that includes a plurality of segments that are
defined between one or more hinges and wherein in a stored
position, the segments are arranged in a side-by-side relationship
to reduce an amount of space needed to store the pallet.
7. The pallet kit of claim 6, wherein in the stored position, the
pallet support member has a serpentine shape.
8. A pallet kit formed of a number of individual support members
that are engageable with one another to form a support pallet, the
kit comprising: a plurality of individual pallet support members
that are arranged in an interlocking manner to form the support
pallet, wherein each pallet support member has one or more
interlocking notches that permit each pallet support member to mate
with one or more other pallet support members, each notch being
defined by a pair of vertical walls and a horizontal wall extending
therebetween, the pallet support members being mated together by
aligning the interlocking notches and then two pallet support
members are interlocked with respect to one another by inserting
one pallet support member into notches of another pallet support
member such that the pallet support members are effectively
interlocked with respect to one another, wherein each vertical wall
is formed of first and second beveled surfaces that converge to a
point that is spaced apart from the point defined by the beveled
surfaces of the opposing vertical wall to permit the pallet support
members to be angled with respect to one another at 90 degrees or
at an angle other than 90 degrees.
9. The pallet kit of claim 8, wherein a distance between one point
associated with one vertical wall to the opposing point associated
with the opposite vertical wall is about equal to or slightly less
than a width of the pallet support member.
10. The pallet kit of claim 8, wherein a distance between one
beveled surface on one vertical wall and the beveled surface of the
other opposing vertical wall that lies in plane parallel to a plane
containing the one beveled surface is about equal to or slightly
less than a width of the pallet support member.
11. The pallet kit of claim 8, wherein the pallet support members
are arranged in a grid pattern with members being angled at 90
degrees with respect to one another by mating the support members
such that one support member is disposed between the points of the
opposing vertical walls but is free of contact with the beveled
surfaces of the opposing walls.
12. The pallet kit of claim 8, wherein the pallet support members
are angled with respect to one another at an angle other than 90
degrees by mating the support members such that one support member
lies along one beveled surface of one vertical wall and along the
beveled surface of the opposing vertical wall that is in a plane
that is parallel to a plane containing the one beveled surface.
13. The pallet kit of claim 12, wherein the support members that
are lies along the beveled surfaces are parallel to one
another.
14. A pallet kit formed of a number of individual support members
that are engageable with one another to form a support pallet, the
kit comprising: a plurality of pallet support members that serve as
a set of upper pallet support members and lower pallet support
members when the pallet support members interlock to form the
pallet, wherein each pallet support member has one or more
interlocking notches that permit each pallet support member to mate
with one or more other pallet support members, each notch being
defined by a pair of vertical walls and a horizontal wall extending
therebetween, the pallet support members being mated together by
aligning the interlocking notches, each vertical wall being formed
of first and second beveled surfaces that converge to a point that
is spaced apart from the point defined by the beveled surfaces of
the opposing vertical wall to permit the pallet support members to
be angled with respect to one another at an angle other than 90
degrees, wherein a distance between one beveled surface on one
vertical wall and the beveled surface of the other opposing
vertical wall that lies in plane parallel to a plane containing the
one beveled surface is about equal to or slightly less than a width
of the pallet support member, wherein the pallet support members
are angled with respect to one another at an angle other than 90
degrees by mating the upper and lower support members such that
each upper support member lies along one beveled surface of one
vertical wall of one lower support member and along the beveled
surface of the opposing vertical wall that is in a plane that is
parallel to a plane containing the one beveled surface such that
the set of upper support members are parallel to one another and
the set of lower support members are parallel to one another.
15. The pallet kit of claim 14, wherein each pallet support member
is in the form of an elongated beam that has a plurality of notches
formed in one face thereof at spaced intervals, each notch
representing an interface point between one upper pallet support
member and one lower pallet support member.
16. A pallet kit formed of a number of individual support members
that are engageable with one another to form a support pallet, the
kit comprising: a plurality of individual pallet support members
that are arranged in an interlocking manner to form the support
pallet, wherein each pallet support member has one or more
interlocking features that permit each pallet support member to
mate with one or more other pallet support member in an
interlocking manner, the pallet support members being mated
together by orientating the pallet support members in a grid-like
pattern with the features aligned and then two pallet support
members are interlocked with respect to one another by inserting
one pallet support member into features of another pallet support
member such that the two pallet support members are effectively
interlocked with respect to one another, wherein each end of the
support members includes a first locking feature; and a locking
member that is configured to mate with the first locking features
so as to result in the locking member being disposed around a
border of the pallet for enclosing sides of the pallet, the locking
member having a second locking feature and a complementary
receiving feature that mates therewith for securely attach the
locking member around the pallet.
17. The pallet kit of claim 16, wherein the interlocking features
of each pallet support member comprises a plurality of notches that
are formed at predetermined locations along the length of each
pallet support member.
18. The pallet kit of claim 16, wherein the first locking features
are in the form of locking tabs that mate with complementary
openings formed through the locking member.
19. The pallet kit of claim 16, wherein the locking member is an
elongated structure in an open position that is bendable about a
plurality of hinge folds formed therein to define side wall
sections of the locking member, the second locking feature being a
second locking tab formed at one end of elongated structure and the
receiving feature is in the form of a slit that frictionally
receives the second locking tab.
20. The pallet kit of claim 16, wherein the locking member includes
a plurality of openings formed therethrough for receiving and
mating with the first locking features.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 60/449,382, filed Feb. 24, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to pallet members,
and more particularly to a pallet member that is constructed of
individual interlocking members that can be easily stored.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are a number of different pallet constructions that
are commercially available for purchase. A pallet is basically
designed as a load support member that is constructed to make it
easier for transporting and/or storing bulk matter that is placed
on a load bearing surface thereof. For example, industrial type
pallets have features formed therein that permit a fork lift truck
to carry a pallet that may contain a number of boxes or other types
of containers (e.g., sacks) that are arranged in a predetermined
pattern on the load bearing surface.
[0004] Pallets are often made of wood. The weight and bulk of
wooden pallets results in high costs for transporting, storing and
disposal of the pallets. Another problem is handling and storing
pallets after use. Often they must be transported for reuse or
refurbishment, further adding to their cost. Often, they are
destroyed after use, further adding to already overloaded landfill
facilities.
[0005] It is also known to construct a pallet of corrugated
paperboard. Although use of corrugated paperboard is advantageous
with respect to weight, bulk and recycling issues, new
complications are introduced. The added complexity of corrugated
pallets required to provide adequate stiffness and load support
strength complicates use with lift apparatus such as fork lift
trucks. Also, a large number of different pieces are often required
to assemble the pallets, especially if used with different sized
containers. Large numbers of parts adds to the cost of inventory
and assembly costs of the pallets.
[0006] In addition to industrial type pallets, pallets can be
designed for applicability more in a residence or small office.
More specifically, many people store items in boxes that are placed
in a cellar or garage. While, the consumer can simply box such
items and place them on the ground surface, this may lead to damage
or destruction of the boxes themselves since paperboard boxes
attract moisture and as the reader will appreciate, basement floors
and garage floors tend to be damp. In addition, in areas that are
prone to flooding and/or rodent infestation, it is advantageous to
elevate the boxes off of the ground surface. By placing the boxes
or containers on the pallet, the items are elevated from the ground
surface.
[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a pallet that its
formed of smaller individual parts that can easily be interlocked
to form the pallet and disassembled for storage thereof.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention pertains to a pallet that its formed
of smaller individual parts (pallet support members) that can
easily be interlocked to form the pallet and disassembled for
storage thereof.
[0009] According to one embodiment, a pallet kit formed of a number
of individual support members that are engageable with one another
to form a support pallet is provided. The kit includes a plurality
of individual pallet support members that are arranged in an
interlocking manner to form the support pallet, wherein each pallet
support member has one or more interlocking features that permit
each pallet support member to mate with one or more other pallet
support member in an interlocking manner. The pallet support
members are mated together by orientating the pallet support
members in a grid-like pattern with the features aligned and then
two pallet support members are interlocked with respect to one
another by inserting one pallet support member into features of
another pallet support member such that the two pallet support
members are effectively interlocked with respect to one
another.
[0010] In one embodiment, a pallet kit formed of a number of
individual support members that are engageable with one another to
form a support pallet is provided. The kit includes one or more
flexible pallet support members that are each extendable between a
closed position and an open position, with each pallet support
member being an elongated structure. The support member is formed
of a series of support base units that are connected to one another
by a flexible support hinge that permits easy bending between the
support base units so that one unit can be placed in one
orientation compared to another base unit.
[0011] In another embodiment, a pallet kit formed of a number of
individual support members that are engageable with one another to
form a support pallet is provided. The kit includes a plurality of
individual pallet support members that are arranged in an
interlocking manner to form the support pallet, wherein each pallet
support member has one or more interlocking notches that permit
each pallet support member to mate with one or more other pallet
support members. Each notch is defined by a pair of vertical walls
and a horizontal wall extending therebetween. The pallet support
members are mated together by aligning the interlocking notches and
then two pallet support members are interlocked with respect to one
another by inserting one pallet support member into notches of
another pallet support member such that the pallet support members
are effectively interlocked with respect to one another. Each
vertical wall is formed of first and second beveled surfaces that
converge to a point that is spaced apart from the point defined by
the beveled surfaces of the opposing vertical wall to permit the
pallet support members to be angled with respect to one another at
90 degrees or at an angle other than 90 degrees.
[0012] Further aspects and features of the exemplary apparatus
disclosed herein can be appreciated from the appended Figures and
accompanying written description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes
only:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of a pallet in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment in an assembled
condition;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an individual pallet
member of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a corner of the
pallet of FIG. 1 illustrating the interlocking of two pallet
members;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 1 in its
assembled condition and in use supporting a number of members;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the individual pallet
members arranged in a retail package;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top and side perspective view of a pallet
according to another embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible pallet member for
constructing a pallet according to another embodiment and shown in
an elongated position;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the flexible pallet member of
FIG. 7 in a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the flexible pallet member in
a closed position showing a hinge element thereof;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pallet member of FIG. 7
in an open position;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pallet of FIG. 7 in the
closed position;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a pallet according to another
embodiment and in a first orientation;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the pallet of FIG. 12 in a
second orientation;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of two pallet
members that are used in the pallet of FIG. 12;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the individual pallet
members in a stored position;
[0029] FIGS. 16a and 16b are top plan views of a pallet similar to
that of FIG. 12;
[0030] FIGS. 17-19 are perspective views of individual pallet
members according to various alternative embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an individual pallet member
according to another embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of two corners of two
pallets constructed of the members of FIG. 20 being adapted for
connection by a connector that is illustrated in an exploded
manner;
[0033] FIGS. 22a-h are perspective views of individual pallet
members according to different embodiments;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a border locking member for
positioning about an assembled pallet; and
[0035] FIG. 24 shows the border locking member of FIG. 23 partially
mated with an assembled pallet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, a pallet 10 according to one
exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The pallet 10 has a support
body 12 that includes an upper support surface 14 which acts as a
load support surface and an opposing lower surface 16. In
accordance with this embodiment, the pallet 10 is formed of a
number of smaller, individual pallet support members 20 that are
arranged in an interlocking manner to form the pallet 10. More
specifically, each pallet support member 20 has one or more
interlocking features that permit each pallet support member 20 to
mate with one or more other pallet support member 20 in an
interlocking manner. For example, each pallet support member 20 has
one or more and preferably a plurality of notches 30 (e.g., a
rectangular or square shaped notch). The notches 30 are placed at
predetermined locations along the length of the pallet support
member 20. In FIG. 1, each pallet support member 20 has three
notches 30 formed therein. Each notch 30 is defined by two opposing
vertical walls 32 and a horizontal wall 34 that extends
therebetween.
[0037] The pallet support members 20 are mated together by
orientating the pallet support members 20 in a grid like pattern
with the notches 30 aligned and then two pallet support members 20
are interlocked with respect to one another by inserting one pallet
support member 20 into another pallet support member 20 such that
the two horizontal walls 34 seat against one another. In this
position, the two pallet support members 20 are effectively
interlocked with respect to one another. The pallet 10 itself is
constructed by interlocking the various pallet support members 20
in the aforementioned manner. This size of the pallet 10 is
variable as shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that this
type of interlocking pallet 10 can easily and quickly be
constructed and then taken apart by disengaging the pallet support
members 20 from one another. FIG. 4 shows the pallet 10 in use and
FIG. 5 shows the pallet 10 in a packaged state where the pallet
support members 20 are stacked on top of another in several columns
and a band 40 fits around the stacked members 20 to securely hold
them in place. The band 40 can be formed of a paper product, such
as cardboard, or it can be a plastic piece with such elasticity to
accommodate insertion of the stacked members 20.
[0038] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate a second embodiment in which a pallet
100 is illustrated. The pallet 100 is formed of one or more
flexible pallet support members 110 that are each extendable
between a closed position and an open position. Each pallet support
member 110 is an elongated structure, when completely opened, that
is formed of a series of support base units 112 that are connected
to one another by a flexible support hinge 114 that permits easy
bending between the support base units 112 so that one unit 112 can
be placed in one orientation compared to another base unit 112. The
support hinge 114 has a thickness less then the units 112 to
readily permit bending between the units 112. FIG. 9 shows two
units 112 adjacent one another as a result of bending of the hinge
114 and FIG. 10 illustrates a support member 110 formed of three
base units 112 in an open position, although not a linear
orientation. FIGS. 8 and 11 show the support member 110 in a stored
position. As illustrated, the pallet support member 110 can be
arranged in a number of different orientations (e.g., zig-zag of
varying degrees of openness between the units 112). Furthermore,
more than one support member 110 can be used to construct the
pallet 100. For example, two or more support members 110 can be
arranged in spaced relation to form the pallet 100 and because the
support members 110 are readily adjustable, the precise pattern of
the pallet 100 and the support surface defined thereby is easily
reconfigurable. In one embodiment, the base units 112 are formed as
extruded urethane members and the hinge 114 is a hot pressed flat
spot in the extruded urethane foam.
[0039] FIGS. 12-16 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present
invention in which a pallet 200 is illustrated. In this embodiment,
the pallet 200 is formed of a plurality of support members 210.
Each of the support members 210 is in the form of an elongated
support beam that includes interlocking features formed therein
that permit each pallet support member 210 to mate with one or more
other pallet support member 210 in an interlocking manner. For
example, each pallet support member 210 has one or more and
preferably a plurality of notches 220. The notches 220 are placed
at predetermined locations along the length of the pallet support
member 210. In FIG. 14, each pallet support member 210 has three
notches 220 formed therein. Each notch 220 is defined by two
opposing vertical walls 222 and a horizontal wall 224 that extends
therebetween. Each vertical wall 222 is not a smooth surface but
rather is formed of a pair of beveled surfaces 223, 225 that
converge to a point 227 that is spaced apart from the point 227 of
the opposing vertical wall 222. The distance between one point 227
to the opposing point 227 is about equal to or slightly less than a
width of the pallet support member 210. The distance between one
beveled surface 223 on one vertical wall 222 and the beveled
surface 225 of the other vertical wall 222 is about equal to or
slightly less than a width of the pallet support member 210.
Similarly, the distance between one beveled surface 225 on one
vertical wall 222 and the beveled surface 223 of the other vertical
wall 222 is about equal to or slightly less than a width of the
pallet support member 210. These dimensions permit one support
member 210 to be interlocked with another support member 210 such
that the two are not necessarily perpendicular to one another but
rather they are angled with respect to one another by mating the
two support members 210 such that one support member 210 is
disposed between one beveled surface 225 and one beveled surface
223 or between one beveled surface 223 and one beveled surface
225.
[0040] The pallet support members 210 are mated together by
orientating the pallet support members 210 with the notches 220
aligned and then two pallet support members 210 are interlocked
with respect to one another by inserting one pallet support member
210 into another pallet support member 210 such that the two
horizontal walls 224 seat against one another and the beveled
surfaces 223, 225 engage one another. In this position, the two
pallet support members 210 are effectively interlocked with respect
to one another. The pallet 200 itself is constructed by
interlocking the various pallet support members 210 in the
aforementioned manner. This size of the pallet 10 is variable as
shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that this type of
interlocking pallet 200 can easily and quickly be constructed and
then taken apart by disengaging the pallet support members 210 from
one another.
[0041] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate individual pallet support members
according to various other embodiments. FIG. 17 shows an individual
pallet support member 300 that has a pair of side walls 302 with an
inner reinforcing feature 304 which in the present embodiment
assumes a wave like pattern. The member 300 includes a notch 306
formed in one face thereof to permit mating with another member 300
to form the pallet. FIG. 18 illustrates an individual pallet
support member 310 where the reinforcing feature 304 is in the form
of a series of X-shaped support beams extending between and being
integral to the side walls 302. FIG. 19 illustrates another pallet
support member 320 that is formed of a pair of side walls 322 that
come together and are joined at select locations 324. In other
words, each of the side walls 322 has a wave-like pattern that and
at points where the side walls 322 converge and contact one
another, a strengthened location 324 is formed. Preferably, a
predetermined number of notches 326 are formed at select number of
locations 324. Thus, the notches 326 should be formed at the
locations 324 as opposed to where the side walls 322 are apart from
one another. Each of the pallet support members of FIGS. 17-19 can
be manufactured using an injection molding process or any other
type of conventional manufacturing process.
[0042] FIG. 20 illustrates an individual pallet support member 330
according to another embodiment and is in the form of a corrugated
plastic member. The member 330 is an elongated beam-like structure
that has a plurality of notches 332 formed along one edge thereof
that runs the length of the member 330 (e.g., an upper or lower
edge of the member 330). In addition, one or more ends 334 of the
member 330 include a notch 332 for facilitating mating between one
pallet and another pallet. As shown in FIG. 21, when one pallet is
assembled, each corner of the pallet is defined by distal end
sections that protrude beyond an intersection of the two mated
members 330. In other words, an end section of each pallet member
330 is free for mating and therefore, the notch 332 formed at the
end of the member 330 is free to receive a connector 340 that
serves to couple one pallet to another pallet. The connector 340 is
in the form of a rectangular or square shaped member that has a
pair of notches 342 formed at ends 344 thereof. The notch 344 is
sized to mate with the notch 332 to permit the connector 340 to be
received within the notch 332. A plane containing the connector 340
is preferably perpendicular to a plane containing and extending
from one end to the other end of the member 330. While the
connector 340 is removable, the coupling between the connector 340
is preferably of a snug or frictional fit so that the individual
components remain in place. One notch 344 at one end receives one
support member 330, while the other notch 344 at the other end
receives another support member 330. Use of the connectors 340 also
help keep the pallet units square with respect to one another. The
individual members 330 can be packaged so that multiple colors are
provided for in one package to permit the consumer to make a
vibrant colorful pallet. The lengths of the members 330 can also be
customized by the consumer since the members 330 can be tailored to
a specific length by simply cutting the member 330 to this length.
The use of corrugated fluted plastic to form the members 330 and
the connector 340 is also very cost effective.
[0043] FIGS. 22a-h illustrate various shapes and constructions of
pallet support members according to various embodiments. Each of
these constructions can be made using an injection molding process.
A number of the pallet support members include a reinforcing
structure that is formed between and are integrally joined in
select regions to the side walls of the members 330. In FIG. 22(h),
the reinforcing structure can be made so that it represents a trade
name of the product or the company that makes and/or sells the
product or a logo or some other type of indicia. FIG. 22(a) shows a
honeycomb structure.
[0044] FIG. 23 illustrates yet another feature of the present
pallet assemblies. More specifically, a pallet locking member 400
is provided for mating with an assembled pallet which is generally
indicated at 410. As with the other embodiments, the pallet 410 is
formed of a plurality of individual pallet support members that
have contoured ends 412 that are constructed to mate with
complementary features of the pallet locking member 400. In the
illustrated embodiment, each end 412 is constructed so that it
contains a locking tab 413. There are a series of spaced, parallel
tabs 413 that are formed along each side of the pallet 400.
[0045] The locking member 400 is a flexible locking member that
assumes a square or rectangular shape when it is assumes a locked
position. The locking member 400 is formed of a number of wall
segments 415 that are arranged to that they pivot or flex about a
hinge section 417 formed between and connecting adjacent wall
segments 415. In other words, the locking member 400 can be opened
into a long, elongated member that can be folded about hinge
sections 417 to form the closed locking member 400. One end of the
member 400 includes a locking feature 420, such as a tab, that is
constructed to mate with a complementary receiving feature 422
formed at the other end of the member 400. When the locking feature
420 mates with the receiving feature 422 and the member 400 is
folded about the hinge sections 417 and the locking member 400
mates with the pallet 410, the locking member 400 serves and
provides a border that extends around the outer walls of the pallet
410. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving feature 422 is
merely a slot and the locking feature 420 is in the form of a
protruding locking tab that is received within the slot 422 so as
to maintain the form and shape of the locking member 400.
[0046] In order to mate the locking member 400 with the pallet 410,
a number of slots or slits 423 are formed between the two ends of
the member 400. The slits 423 are complementary to the locking tabs
413 formed at the ends 412 such that the locking tabs 413 can be
received therethrough so as to couple each side of the pallet 410
to a respective side of the locking member 400 as is shown in FIG.
24. By frictionally fitting the locking tabs 413 into the slits
423, the two facing sides are mated together such that at least one
side of the locking member 400 is coupled to the adjacent, parallel
side of the pallet 410. The slits 423 are carefully formed at
spaced locations that align with the locations of the locking tabs
413 so as to permit reception of the tabs 413 into respective slits
423 as shown in FIG. 24. However, it will be understood that there
can be additional unused slits 423 so long as there is a
corresponding slit 423 for each tab 413. The tabs 413/slits 423
thus serve also to locate the two members with respect to one
another. To complete the coupling between the members 400 and the
pallet 410, the locking tab 420 mates with the receiving feature
422.
[0047] The locking member 400 thus serves to lock the pallet 410 in
place to produce a very strong and durable pallet or riser which
can easily be assembled and disassembled by the consumer by merely
unlocking and decoupling the individual components.
[0048] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
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