Shipping pallet with retractable rails
US6637351B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2519/00373
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shipping pallet comprises a rectangular planar base member having two opposing ends and two opposing sides. Pivotally connected to one of the ends of the base member is a handle member that is adapted to be pivoted from a stored position, wherein the handle member is folded on top of the base member, to an operative position, wherein the handle member extends upwardly from the base member. The under surface of the base member includes a pair of elongated spaced apart pockets that extend the length of the base member on either side of the center line thereof. An elongated rail is associated with each of the pockets. Hydraulic rams or other power devices move the rails between a first position wherein they are within the pockets so that the planar base member of the pallet rests directly on a support surface and a second position Where the rails extend downwardly to support the pallet thereon. The pallets and handle members are so configured and dimensioned so that the handle fits between the elongated rails of the pallet positioned directly above or within a recess of that pallet so as not to interfere with the ability to stack a plurality of pallets on top of each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.