초록 ▼

A divisible shipping platform apparatus for supporting and transporting loads, in which the apparatus is easily divided into multiple independent shipping platform units for subsequent transporting and handling loads. The divisible shipping platform apparatus comprises a platform member separated fr

A divisible shipping platform apparatus for supporting and transporting loads, in which the apparatus is easily divided into multiple independent shipping platform units for subsequent transporting and handling loads. The divisible shipping platform apparatus comprises a platform member separated from a bottom panel member by a series of pylons. The platform member and bottom panel member are constructed with one or more frangibility lines dividing the platform member and bottom panel member into divisible regions. Inasmuch as those frangibility lines and divisible regions are substantially aligned, independent shipping platform units may be separated from the divisible shipping platform apparatus upon exertion of a force on the divisible regions and, in turn, the frangibility lines. Pylon sleeves, substantially corresponding to the configuration of the platform member and bottom panel member divisible regions, may be associated with the pylons to facilitate division of the divisible shipping platform apparatus and to provide increased structural integrity for the independent shipping platform units. The divisible shipping platform may also be constructed with multiple, independent bottom panels corresponding to each platform member divisible region, or no bottom panel at all. Likewise, the divisible shipping platform may be constructed of a substantially unitary paperboard blank.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A divisible shipping platform apparatus for supporting and transporting loads by conventional tined material handling devices, which apparatus can be operably divided into multiple, independent shipping platform units for supporting and transporting loads, said divisible

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A divisible shipping platform apparatus for supporting and transporting loads by conventional tined material handling devices, which apparatus can be operably divided into multiple, independent shipping platform units for supporting and transporting loads, said divisible shipping platform apparatus comprising:a substantially flat, planar load-bearing platform member for supporting said load,said platform member having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface, wherein said load is capable of resting upon said top surface during the storage and transporting of said load;a substantially flat planar bottom panel member positioned substantially parallel to, and distally spaced below said platform member, for supporting and bearing the weight of both said platform member and said load,said bottom panel member having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite said top surface;a plurality of pylons operably positioned between said platform member and said bottom panel member so as to facilitate the insertion, maintenance and removal of one or more tines of said conventional tined material handling devices therebetween, and to further maximize the supportable strength of said apparatus while providing balance, stability and support to said divisible shipping platform apparatus during use thereof,each of said pylons having a top end and a bottom end opposite said top end, and an outer surface,said top end of each of said pylons being operably secured to said bottom surface of said platform member, and said bottom end of each of said pylons being operably secured to said top surface of said bottom panel member;at least one frangibility line operably positioned across at least a portion of at least one of the platform member and the bottom panel member so as to enable severing of at least said portion of one of said platform member and said bottom panel member along said at least one frangibility line to, in turn, facilitate reduction in size of the overall shipping platform apparatus into multiple, independent shipping platform units of smaller size for the subsequent handling, supporting and transporting of loads borne thereby.