초록 ▼

A reinforced pallet (20) and method for making the same are disclosed. The pallet (20) includes a body (28) having a pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions (56) with a central span (60) extending therebetween. A flexible tensile member (26) extends between the edge portions (56) and generally

A reinforced pallet (20) and method for making the same are disclosed. The pallet (20) includes a body (28) having a pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions (56) with a central span (60) extending therebetween. A flexible tensile member (26) extends between the edge portions (56) and generally beneath the central span (60). The tensile member (26) may be in the form of a mesh affixed between upper and lower decks (22,24) of the pallet (20). When the edge portions (56) of the pallet (20) are simply supported and a load is place atop the pallet (20), the central span (60) of the pallet (20) will vertically deflect in response to the load. The central span (60) will bear upon the tensile member (26) with the tensile member providing support against deflection. A method for retrofitting a pallet (200) includes adding a tensile member (210) to the pallet (200) to reduce the amount of deflection of the pallet (200) when simply supported in response to a load placed atop the pallet (200).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A pallet for supporting objects thereon, the pallet comprising:a body including an upper surface and a lower surface spaced therefrom, a pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions, a pair of longitudinally spaced apart edge portions and a central span extending between

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A pallet for supporting objects thereon, the pallet comprising:a body including an upper surface and a lower surface spaced therefrom, a pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions, a pair of longitudinally spaced apart edge portions and a central span extending between the laterally spaced apart edge portions;a flexible tensile member suspended in the body and extending laterally across the body; anda tensioner cooperating with the body and the flexible tensile member so that the tension in the flexible tensile member can be adjusted;wherein when a load is placed atop the pallet with the pallet being supported along the laterally spaced apart edge portions, the central span will deflect and bear upon the flexible tensile member with the flexible tensile member providing support to the central span against deflection.