U.S. patent application number 15/881437 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-09 for reconfigurable pallet with integrated storage compartment.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Robbins. Invention is credited to Jonathan Robbins.
Application Number | 20180222631 15/881437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63013635 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180222631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robbins; Jonathan |
August 9, 2018 |
RECONFIGURABLE PALLET WITH INTEGRATED STORAGE COMPARTMENT
Abstract
A reconfigurable pallet includes outer panels, a plurality of
longitudinal members, a frame, and a compartment disposed within
the reconfigurable pallet. The compartment is configured to store
components that may be used to disassemble and reassemble the
reconfigurable pallet for a different use, purpose or function,
including as sporting equipment.
Inventors: |
Robbins; Jonathan; (Topanga,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robbins; Jonathan |
Topanga |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63013635 |
Appl. No.: |
15/881437 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62454261 |
Feb 3, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00099
20130101; B65D 2519/00064 20130101; B65D 2519/00114 20130101; B65D
2519/00323 20130101; B65D 2519/00273 20130101; A63B 63/083
20130101; A63B 67/04 20130101; B65D 19/0073 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; B65D 19/0095 20130101; B65D 2519/00985 20130101; B65D
2519/00029 20130101; B65D 2519/00069 20130101; A63B 71/023
20130101; A63B 63/008 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; B65D 19/38
20130101; B65D 2519/00079 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101; B65D
2519/0081 20130101; B65D 2519/00034 20130101; B65D 2519/00378
20130101; B65D 2519/00333 20130101; B65D 2519/00044 20130101; A63B
63/004 20130101; B65D 2519/00293 20130101; B65D 2519/00104
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/38 20060101
B65D019/38; B65D 19/00 20060101 B65D019/00; A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 71/02 20060101 A63B071/02; A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A pallet, comprising: a plurality of interlocking members
disposed around a periphery to form a frame, the frame comprising
side walls, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a plurality of
longitudinal members arranged along the top and bottom surfaces of
the frame; a first internal longitudinal member disposed within the
frame and extending across the side walls of the frame; a second
internal longitudinal member disposed within the frame and parallel
to the first internal longitudinal member; an enclosed compartment
disposed within the frame, the compartment formed from at least one
interlocking member of the plurality of interlocking members, at
least one longitudinal member of the plurality of longitudinal
members, the first internal longitudinal member, and the second
internal longitudinal member; and a storage container disposed
within the compartment.
2. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising a panel disposed on
the plurality of longitudinal members arranged along the top
surface of the frame.
3. The pallet of claim 2, wherein the panel comprises plywood.
4. (canceled)
5. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
openings formed within the frame, the plurality of openings
configured to receive ends of a fork lift.
6. The pallet of claim 1, wherein each interlocking member of the
plurality of the interlocking members comprises a first dimensional
lumber having a nominal cross-section of 1 inch.times.4 inch and a
second dimensional lumber having a nominal cross-section of 4
inch.times.4 inch.
7. The pallet of claim 1, wherein each longitudinal member of the
plurality of the longitudinal members comprises dimensional lumber
having a nominal cross-section of 1 inch.times.4 inch.
8. The pallet of claim 1, wherein the first and second internal
longitudinal members each comprise dimensional lumber having a
nominal cross-section of 1 inch by 4 inch.
9. The pallet of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
ball, hoop, and net, wherein the at least one of a ball, hoop, and
net is disposed within the storage container.
10. A method for assembling a reconfigurable pallet, the method
comprising: fastening ends of a plurality of interlocking members
to form a frame, the frame comprising side walls, a top surface,
and a bottom surface; fastening a plurality of longitudinal members
along the top and bottom surfaces of the frame; mounting a first
internal longitudinal member within the frame, the first internal
longitudinal member spanning across the side walls of the frame;
mounting a second internal longitudinal member within the frame,
the second internal longitudinal member spanning across the side
walls of the frame and positioned in parallel with the first
internal longitudinal member; forming an enclosed compartment
within the frame, wherein the compartment is formed from at least
one interlocking member of the plurality of interlocking members,
at least one longitudinal member of the plurality of longitudinal
members, the first internal longitudinal member, and the second
internal longitudinal member; and storing components within the
compartment.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching a panel on
the plurality of longitudinal members arranged along the top
surface of the frame.
12. (canceled)
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the components stored within
the compartment comprise at least one of a ball, hoop, and net.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of interlocking
members, the plurality of longitudinal members, the first internal
longitudinal member, and the second internal longitudinal member
each comprise dimensional lumber.
15. A reconfigurable pallet, comprising: a plurality of
interlocking members; and wherein when in a shipping configuration,
the plurality of interlocking members are disposed around a
periphery to form a frame, the frame comprising side walls, a top
surface, and a bottom surface; and wherein when in a transformed
configuration, at least one interlocking member of the plurality of
interlocking members is disposed vertically to create a pole; a
plurality of longitudinal members; wherein when in the shipping
configuration, the plurality of longitudinal members are arranged
along the side walls, top surface, and bottom surface of the frame
to form an enclosed compartment within the frame, wherein the
compartment is configured to store components; and wherein when in
the transformed configuration, at least one longitudinal member of
the plurality of longitudinal members is configured to support the
at least one interlocking member of the plurality of interlocking
members.
16. The reconfigurable pallet of claim 15, further comprising a
panel; wherein when in the shipping configuration, the panel is
disposed on the plurality of longitudinal members arranged along
the top surface of the frame; and wherein when in the transformed
configuration, the panel is disposed atop of the pole.
17. The reconfigurable pallet of claim 15, further comprising a
storage container disposed within the compartment, wherein the
storage container comprises a flexible pouch configured to store
the components.
18. The reconfigurable pallet of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
interlocking members further comprise a plurality of openings
configured to receive ends of a fork lift.
19. The reconfigurable pallet of claim 15, wherein the components
stored in the compartment comprise at least one of a ball, hoop,
and net.
20. The reconfigurable pallet of claim 15, wherein the plurality of
interlocking members and the plurality of longitudinal members each
comprise dimensional lumber.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/454,261, filed on Feb. 3, 2017, the content of
which is herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to shipping pallets,
and more particularly to a reconfigurable pallet with an integrated
storage compartment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Shipping pallets are conventionally constructed of wood and
designed to carry or support packages or freight of varying
weights. Shipping pallets also utilize openings adjacent to the
ground to allow forks of forklifts or other lifting machinery to
lift and manipulate the shipping pallet and accompanying freight.
After their useful life, shipping pallets are often discarded or
otherwise disposed.
[0004] When used to provide aid to areas of need, shipping of
pallets and their subsequent loads require careful consideration of
weight and space. Areas of need often require food, shelter, water,
emergency supplies, medical supplies, and a host of other needs.
With limited space and funds, all too often sporting or play
equipment for children is omitted. Specifically, sporting
equipment, such as basketball poles and backboards or soccer goal
posts, are too large and bulky, and costly to ship to areas of need
in times of emergency.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to various aspects of the subject technology, a
reconfigurable pallet is provided that is configured to be
disassembled and reassembled, for an entirely different purpose and
use. The reconfigurable pallet may be used to ship supplies in a
first configuration, and after shipment, may be disassembled and
reassembled into sporting equipment such as a basketball pole and
backboard, soccer, rugby, hockey, and football goals and/or goal
posts, skateboard ramps and obstacles, scooters, cricket wickets,
and table tennis tables using only components of the pallet and
without compromising or reducing transport capability or
capacity.
[0006] According to various aspects of the subject technology, a
pallet is disclosed. The pallet may include a plurality of
interlocking members disposed around a periphery to form a frame.
The the frame forms side walls, a top surface, and a bottom
surface. The pallet may also include a plurality of longitudinal
members arranged along the top and bottom surfaces of the frame; a
first internal longitudinal member disposed within the frame that
extends across the side walls of the frame; and a second internal
longitudinal member disposed within the frame and parallel to the
first internal extending member. The pallet further includes an
enclosed compartment disposed within the frame. The compartment may
be formed from at least one interlocking member of the plurality of
interlocking members, at least one longitudinal member of the
plurality of longitudinal members, the first internal longitudinal
member, and the second internal longitudinal member. In one aspect,
the compartment is configured to store components such as
disassembly equipment or tools, instruction booklet, sporting
equipment such as balls or nets, hardware, or other components
necessary for converting the pallet for another use.
[0007] According to various aspects of the subject technology, a
method for assembling a pallet is provided. The method includes
fastening ends of a plurality of interlocking members to form a
frame, the frame comprising side walls, a top surface, and a bottom
surface; fastening a plurality of longitudinal members along the
top and bottom surfaces of the frame; mounting a first internal
longitudinal member within the frame, the first internal
longitudinal member spanning across the side walls of the frame;
mounting a second internal longitudinal member within the frame,
the second internal longitudinal member spanning across the side
walls of the frame and positioned in parallel with the first
internal longitudinal member; forming an enclosed compartment
within the frame; and storing components within the
compartment.
[0008] According to various aspects of the subject technology, a
reconfigurable pallet is disclosed. The reconfigurable pallet
includes a plurality of interlocking members and a plurality of
longitudinal members. In one aspect, when the reconfigurable pallet
is in a shipping configuration, the plurality of interlocking
members are disposed around a periphery to form the frame, the
frame comprising side walls, a top surface, and a bottom surface.
Further, when the reconfigurable pallet is in a pallet
configuration, the plurality of longitudinal members are arranged
along the side walls, top surface, and bottom surface of the frame
to form an enclosed compartment within the frame. The compartment
may be configured to store components. In another aspect, when the
reconfigurable pallet is in a transformed configuration, at least
one interlocking member of the plurality of interlocking members is
disposed vertically to create a pole and at least one longitudinal
member of the plurality of longitudinal members is configured to
support the at least one interlocking member of the plurality of
interlocking members.
[0009] It is understood that other configurations of the subject
technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description, wherein various
configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by
way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is
capable of other and different configurations and its several
details are capable of modification in various other respects, all
without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide
further understanding of the subject technology and are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,
illustrate aspects of the subject technology and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the subject
technology. The embodiments herein may be better understood by
referring to the following description in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate
identical or functionally similar elements. Understanding that
these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure
and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope,
the principles herein are described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a reconfigurable
pallet with integrated storage compartment in a shipping
configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the subject
technology;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a frame
of a reconfigurable pallet in a shipping configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a frame of a
reconfigurable pallet in a shipping configuration, in accordance
with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
reconfigurable pallet in a shipping configuration, in accordance
with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of a reconfigurable
pallet in a shipping configuration, in accordance with various
aspects of the subject technology;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
reconfigurable pallet in a basketball assembly configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a
reconfigurable pallet in a basketball assembly configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a
reconfigurable pallet in a basketball assembly configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
reconfigurable pallet in a soccer assembly configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology;
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a reconfigurable
pallet in a soccer assembly configuration, in accordance with
various aspects of the subject technology;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example method for converting a
reconfigurable pallet from a shipping configuration to a
transformed configuration, in accordance with various aspects of
the subject technology; and
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method for converting a
reconfigurable pallet from a shipping configuration to a
transformed configuration, in accordance with various aspects of
the subject technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the
subject technology. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily
skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced
without some of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail
so as not to obscure the subject technology.
[0024] Conventionally, shipping pallets are constructed of wood and
designed for a single purpose, to carry or support packages or
freight of varying weights. Shipping pallets may also have certain
features to facilitate transport and movement of shipments, such as
openings adjacent to the ground to allow forks of forklifts or
other lifting machinery to lift and manipulate the shipping pallet
and accompanying freight. After their useful life, shipping pallets
are often discarded or otherwise disposed.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a reconfigurable
pallet 100 with integrated storage compartment assembled in a
shipping configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the
subject technology. The reconfigurable pallet 100 may comprise
members having various widths, lengths and/or thicknesses, that are
arranged and assembled to create a platform for stacking, shipping,
moving, or otherwise manipulating freight or cargo. In this regard,
the reconfigurable pallet 100 may include a plurality of openings
120 that are configured to receive machinery, such as forks of a
fork lift, and allow the reconfigurable pallet 100 and accompanying
cargo to be moved, stacked, lifted, lowered, or otherwise
manipulated. In one aspect, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may
comprise one or more outer panels 114, longitudinal members 110,
and frame 150.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a frame
150 of the reconfigurable pallet 100 in a shipping configuration,
in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. In
one aspect, the frame 150 may comprise a plurality of interlocking
members 101, 105 that are arranged in a rectangular, square or
quadrilateral arrangement to form a periphery. The plurality of
interlocking members 101, 105 may comprise structural members 102,
106, cladded by outer members 104, 108, with ends that are
configured to engage adjacent interlocking members 101, 105.
[0027] For example, the plurality of interlocking members 101, 105
may comprise a pair of first interlocking members 101 and a pair of
second interlocking members 105. The first interlocking member 101
may comprise a first structural member 102 having a length that is
substantially equal to the desired length or width of the
reconfigurable pallet 100. Disposed on a top and bottom surface of
the first structural member 102, may be first outer members 104
having a length that is less than the length of the first
structural member 102. The first outer members 104 may be centered
over the first structural member 102 such that ends of the first
structural member 102 protrude from ends of the first outer members
104. In one aspect, the length of protrusion of the ends of the
first structural member 102 is equal to or more than a width of the
first outer member 104.
[0028] The second interlocking member 105 may comprise a second
structural member 106 having a length that is less than the desired
length or width of the reconfigurable pallet 100. Disposed on a top
and bottom surface of the second structural member 106, may be
second outer members 108 having a length that is substantially
equal to the desired length or width of the reconfigurable pallet
100. The second outer members 108 may be centered over the second
structural member 106. In one aspect, the protrusion of the ends of
the first structural member 102 may be configured to receive ends
of the second outer members 108, thereby allowing the interlocking
members 101, 105 to engage with each other and form the frame 150.
In another aspect, the ends of the first interlocking member 101
may be offset by a predetermined distance. The offset distance of
the ends of the first interlocking member 101 may correspond to the
width of the second interlocking member 105.
[0029] In one example, the first and second structural members 102,
106 may comprise dimensional lumber having a nominal cross section
or a thickness and width of about 4 inches by 4 inches. In another
example, the first and second outer members 104, 108 may comprise
dimensional lumber having a nominal cross section or a thickness
and width of about 1 inch by 4 inches. It is understood that the
interlocking members 101, 105 may be manufactured from wood,
composite, polymer, combination thereof, or other materials as
would be known by a person of ordinary skill.
[0030] The frame 150 may also comprise internal longitudinal
members 112 that are disposed within the frame 150 and surrounded
by interlocking members 101, 105. In one example, the frame 150 may
comprise a pair of substantially parallel internal longitudinal
members 112 that are configured to extend from an internal side
wall of the frame 150 to an opposite internal side wall of the
frame 150. The internal longitudinal members 112 may comprise
dimensional lumber having a nominal cross section or a thickness
and width of about 1 inch by 4 inches. It is understood that
internal longitudinal members 112 may be manufactured from wood,
composite, polymer, combination thereof, or other materials as
would be known by a person of ordinary skill.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the frame 150 of
the reconfigurable pallet 100 in a shipping configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. In one
aspect, the second interlocking members 105 may comprise openings
120 for forks of a fork lift or other machinery that may be used to
move or otherwise manipulate the pallet 100. As shown in FIG. 3,
when assembled, the ends of interlocking members 101, 105 cooperate
with one another to form a quadrilateral arrangement having side
walls, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Disposed near the
middle or center of the frame 150, is a cavity or compartment 130
formed from internal longitudinal members 112 and interlocking
members 105. More specifically, the cavity or compartment 130
utilizes sides formed from the internal longitudinal members 112,
structural members 106, and outer members 108. The top and bottom
of the cavity or compartment 130 are formed from longitudinal
members 110, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
reconfigurable pallet 100 in a shipping configuration, in
accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. The
reconfigurable pallet 100 comprises outer panels 114, a plurality
of longitudinal members 110, and frame 150.
[0033] In some aspects, the plurality of longitudinal members 110
may be disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the frame 150.
For example, on the top surface of the frame 150, twelve
longitudinal members 110 may be arranged in a linear array to cover
the top surface of the frame 150. On the bottom surface of the
frame 150, eight longitudinal members 110 may be arranged in an
array to cover a portion of the bottom surface of the frame 150. In
one aspect, each longitudinal member 110 of the plurality of
longitudinal members 110 may have a length substantially equal to
the width or length of the reconfigurable pallet 100.
[0034] The longitudinal members 110 may comprise may comprise
dimensional lumber having a nominal cross section or a thickness
and width of about 1 inch by 4 inches. It is understood that the
longitudinal members 110 may be manufactured from wood, composite,
polymer, combination thereof, or other materials as would be known
by a person of ordinary skill.
[0035] In some aspects, the outer panels 114 may be mounted to the
longitudinal members 110 disposed on the top surface of the frame
150. For example, the outer panels 114 may comprise a pair of outer
panels 114 disposed on the top-most layer of the reconfigurable
pallet 100. In one aspect, each outer panel 114 may have a design
printed or painted on an outer surface for use when the
reconfigurable pallet 100 is converted to a different use and/or
purpose. In another aspect, the outer panels 114 may be further
painted and marked to facilitate conversion into sporting
equipment, as discussed further below. For example, each outer
panel 114 may have a basketball backboard design printed on the
outer surface that enables the outer panel 114 to be utilized and
repurposed as a basketball backboard.
[0036] The outer panels 114 may comprise 5-ply plywood sheets,
having a combined rough length and width dimension of about 48
inches by 40 inches. It is understood that the outer panels 114 may
be manufactured from wood, composite, polymer, combination thereof,
or other materials as would be known by a person of ordinary
skill.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the reconfigurable pallet 100 includes a
substantially enclosed cavity or compartment 130 for housing
components 140, such as hardware, tools, instructions, sporting
equipment, nets, cords, spikes, basketball rims 142, or other
components that may be used to reconfigure the pallet for a
different purpose and/or use. For example, the compartment 130 may
be formed within the reconfigurable pallet 100 by use of
longitudinal members 110, internal longitudinal members 112, and
frame 150. In one aspect, the compartment 130 may be configured to
stow a storage container 144. The storage container 144 may
comprise a flexible pouch that is configured to be disposed within
the compartment 130 and store hardware, tools, instructions,
sporting equipment, or other small components that may be used to
reconfigure the pallet for a different purpose and/or use.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of the reconfigurable
pallet 100 in a shipping configuration, in accordance with various
aspects of the subject technology. As shown in FIG. 5, the
compartment 130 comprises a six-sided enclosure that is formed from
internal longitudinal members 112, longitudinal members 110, and
interlocking members 105. The top and bottom surfaces of the cavity
or compartment 130 are formed from longitudinal members 110. The
front and rear surfaces of the cavity or compartment 130 are formed
from the interlocking members 105. The left and right surfaces of
cavity or compartment 130 are formed from the internal longitudinal
members 112. In one aspect, the cavity or compartment 130 may be
used to safely house components 140 such as the storage container
144, pry bar, tools, hammer, sand bags, instructions, rule sheets,
basketball rims 142, wheels, nets, balls, pumps, and a host of
objects that may be required to facilitate use of the
reconfigurable pallet 100 in its converted or transformed
state.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
reconfigurable pallet in a basketball assembly 200 configuration,
in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. As
shown, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be reconfigured,
transformed, or otherwise converted into a basketball assembly 200
with a pole 220, support base 210, and backboard assembly 230. For
example, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be deconstructed and
reconstructed or assembled to create two basketball assemblies 200,
with each basketball assembly 200 providing a basketball backboard,
basketball rim, and basketball net. In one aspect, the
reconfigurable pallet 100 may be converted to a different use or
purpose by using only the materials and equipment originally used
by and contained within the reconfigurable pallet 100 in the
shipping configuration.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, when in the basketball assembly 200,
the longitudinal members 110 may be arranged and assembled to
create the support base 210. The support base is configured to
support the pole 220. In one example, the support base 210 may
comprise four longitudinal members 110 arranged in a quadrilateral
arrangement, with two longitudinal members 110 disposed within the
quadrilateral arrangement. In this example, the support base 210
may comprise a total of six longitudinal members 110.
[0041] The pole 220 may be constructed from the plurality of
interlocking members 101, 105 and further secured through use of
the longitudinal members 110. In one example, the first
interlocking member 101 may be disposed adjacent to the support
base 210 and in between the two longitudinal members 110 disposed
within the quadrilateral arrangement. The second interlocking
member 105 may be disposed and mounted to an end of the first
interlocking member 101. To further secure the first and second
interlocking members 101, 105, four longitudinal members 110 may be
disposed and affixed to the sides of the first and second
interlocking members 101, 105.
[0042] The backboard assembly 230 may be constructed from the
internal longitudinal member 112, outer panel 114, and rim 142. In
one example, one internal longitudinal member 112 may be affixed to
an end of the pole 220 and mounted to an outer surface of one outer
panel 114. The rim 142 may be mounted directly to the outer panel
114.
[0043] In some aspects, components of one reconfigurable pallet 100
may be used to construct two basketball assemblies 200.
Specifically, each basketball assembly 200 may use ten longitudinal
members 110, one internal longitudinal member 112, one first
interlocking member 101, one second interlocking member 105, and
one outer panel 114.
[0044] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate front and rear perspective views,
respectively, of a reconfigurable pallet in a basketball assembly
200 configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the
subject technology. The basketball assembly 200 comprises the
support base 210, pole 220 and backboard assembly 230. To further
strengthen the basketball assembly, brackets or braces 202, 204,
206 may be included within the compartment 130 (shown in FIGS. 4-5)
to strengthen certain aspects of the basketball assembly 200. For
example, corner brackets 202 may be used along corners of the
support base 210 to strengthen the connections between the
longitudinal members 110. Corner brackets may also be used between
the support base 210 and pole 220. Strip braces 204 may be used to
connect the interlocking members 101, 105 together. A tee bracket
206 may be used to connect the backboard assembly 230 to the pole
220.
[0045] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate exploded and perspective views,
respectively, of a reconfigurable pallet in a soccer assembly 300
configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the subject
technology. As shown, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be
reconfigured, transformed, or otherwise converted into a soccer
assembly 300 with a support base 310 and goal post 320. For
example, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be deconstructed and
reconstructed or assembled to create two soccer goal assemblies
300. In one aspect, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be converted
to a different use or purpose by using only the materials and
equipment originally used by or contained within the reconfigurable
pallet 100 in the shipping configuration.
[0046] When in the soccer assembly 300, first interlocking member
101 and longitudinal members 110 may be arranged and assembled to
create the support base 310. The support base is configured to
support goal post 320. In one example, the support base 310 may
comprise two longitudinal members 110 extending from ends of the
first interlocking member 101.
[0047] The goal post 320 may be constructed from the longitudinal
members 110. In one example, two longitudinal members 110 may be
disposed on top of one another to form a first side of the goal
post 320. A second side of the goal post 320 may be similarly
formed by using two longitudinal members 110. A cross bar may be
formed by spanning two longitudinal members 110 across ends of the
first and second sides of the goal post 320. In this example, a
total of six longitudinal members 110 may be used to form the goal
post 320. The goal post 320 may be affixed or attached to the
support base 310 via the use of two corner braces 302.
[0048] In some aspects, components of one reconfigurable pallet 100
may be used to construct two soccer assemblies 300. Specifically,
each soccer assembly 300 may use eight longitudinal members 110 and
one first interlocking member 101.
[0049] According to various aspects of the subject technology, the
reconfigurable pallet 100 may be reconfigured into various uses or
equipment without requiring external materials, tools, or
equipment. In one aspect, the reconfigurable pallet 100 may be
reconfigured for use as sporting equipment without added expense or
reduction in shipping capacity because all components necessary for
converting the reconfigurable pallet 100 are included within the
reconfigurable pallet 100 itself, when the reconfigurable pallet
100 is in its shipping configuration. As described above, all
components, tools, instructions, and equipment are included within
the compartment 130 (as shown in FIGS. 4-5) of the reconfigurable
pallet 100.
[0050] FIG. 11 illustrates an example method 1100 for assembling a
reconfigurable pallet, in accordance with various aspects of the
subject technology. It should be understood that, for any process
discussed herein, there can be additional, fewer, or alternative
steps performed in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel,
within the scope of the various embodiments unless otherwise
stated.
[0051] At operation 1110, ends of a plurality of interlocking
members are fastened to form a frame. The frame may comprise side
walls, a top surface, and a bottom surface. At operation 1120, a
plurality of longitudinal members are fastened along the top and
bottom surfaces of the frame. At operation 1130, a first internal
longitudinal member is mounted within the frame. The first internal
longitudinal member may span across the side walls of the frame. At
operation 1140, a second internal longitudinal member is mounted
within the frame. The second internal longitudinal member may span
across the side walls of the frame and may be positioned in
parallel with the first internal longitudinal member. At operation
1150, an enclosed compartment is formed within the frame. The
compartment may be formed from at least one interlocking member of
the plurality of interlocking members, at least one longitudinal
member of the plurality of longitudinal members, the first internal
longitudinal member, and the second internal longitudinal member.
At operation 1160, components are stored within the compartment.
The components stored within the compartment may comprise tools,
sporting equipment such as a ball, hoop, or net, instructions, or
other components necessary for converting the reconfigurable pallet
to a different use, function or purpose. In one aspect, the
components stored within the compartment may be placed within a
separate storage container that is itself stored within the
compartment. The method 1100 may further comprise attaching a panel
on the plurality of longitudinal members arranged along the top
surface of the frame. In other aspects, the plurality of
interlocking members, the plurality of longitudinal members, the
first internal longitudinal member, and the second internal
longitudinal member may each comprise dimensional lumber.
[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 1200 for converting a
reconfigurable pallet from a shipping configuration to a
transformed configuration, in accordance with various aspects of
the subject technology. It should be understood that, for any
process discussed herein, there can be additional, fewer, or
alternative steps performed in similar or alternative orders, or in
parallel, within the scope of the various embodiments unless
otherwise stated.
[0053] At operation 1210, top layers of a pallet configured in a
shipping configuration are removed. At operation 1220, a
compartment disposed within the pallet is revealed. At operation
1230, components are removed from the compartment. The components
may comprise tools, sporting equipment such as a ball, hoop, or
net, instructions, or other components necessary for converting the
pallet to a different use, function or purpose. At operation 1240,
the pallet is disassembled. At operation 1250, the pallet is
reassembled into a piece of sporting equipment using only the
components stored within the compartment.
[0054] The foregoing description is provided to enable a person
skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described
herein. While the subject technology has been particularly
described with reference to the various figures and configurations,
it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes
only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject
technology.
[0055] There may be many other ways to implement the subject
technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be
partitioned differently from those shown without departing from the
scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these
configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and generic principles defined herein may be applied to other
configurations. Thus, many changes and modifications may be made to
the subject technology, by one having ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
[0056] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of
steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary
approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that
the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be
rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The
accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in
a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific
order or hierarchy presented.
[0057] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or
more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an "embodiment" does
not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject
technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of
the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may
apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. A phrase such
an embodiment may refer to one or more embodiments and vice
versa.
[0058] Furthermore, to the extent that the term "include," "have,"
or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise"
as "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word
in a claim.
[0059] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0060] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically stated, but rather "one
or more." The term "some" refers to one or more. All structural and
functional equivalents to the elements of the various
configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known
or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be
encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed
herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above
description.
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