초록 ▼

A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can su

A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of "nesting" within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can su

A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of "nesting" within another mini-pallet for convenient storage. laim 8 wherein the spaced-apart linear support members form a grid-like pattern among the openings and connect the central support, said downwardly projecting rails, and the double-wall edge. 13. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein the mini-pallet further comprises a rail pocket opening upwardly through an upper surface of the deck, compatible with a downwardly projecting rail of a similarly shaped mini-pallet, and adapted to receive at least a portion of said similarly shaped mini-pallet rail when multiple mini-pallets are nested. 14. The method of distributing beverages of claim 13 wherein the mini-pallet further comprises a fitting member within the rail pocket configured to contact a similarly configured mini-pallet's downwardly projecting rail when the similarly configured mini-pallet is nested atop the mini-pallet. 15. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein the downwardly projecting rails further comprise at least two lateral walls with bridging ribs, a horizontal base to form a lower surface of said projecting rails, and a vertical support member. 16. The method of distributing beverages of claim 10 wherein the bridging ribs have an inverted T-shaped cross-section. 17. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein the central support has a substantially continuous circular outer perimeter. 18. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein the central support has an outer edge defining an even-sided polygon. 19. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein the pocket comprises reinforcing ribs connected to an interior surface of said pocket. 20. The method of distributing beverages of claim 1 wherein after unloading a beverage stack in step (g), an unloaded mini-pallet is stacked upon another unloaded mini-pallet in a nested configuration.