Pallet constructed of rubber composite

Abstract

The pallet constructed of a rubber composite is made from rubber that includes recycled rubber, natural rubber, sulfur and a filler material. The pallet has an upper member and a lower member that interconnect to resemble a traditional American model wooden pallet. Although an assembly of just two molded components, it appears to be constructed of a number of planks attached to two or more cross beams. In an alternative embodiment, it resembles a European model wooden pallet by appearing to be constructed of a number of planks attached to two grids, each of which is attached to opposite surfaces on a plurality of support blocks.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to pallets for storing and transporting goods, and more particularly, to a pallet constructed of a rubber composite. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] The use of pallets for storing and transporting products is well known in the arts. Pallets are rectangular raised platforms adapted for movement by forklifts. Traditionally, pallets have been constructed of wood, each with an upper face and a lower face separated by two or more crossbeams to enable the tines of a forklift to be inserted between the faces. Typically, the cost of a pallet constructed of wood is between ten and fifteen dollars. [0005] Over the last several years, the use of wood packaging for foreign shipments has received much international attention due to the possible spread of pests and diseases. As a result, the European Union and other NAFTA countries are moving toward the adoption of the International P...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a pallet that does not require fumigation or other treatment prior to foreign shipment and is less expensive to produce than plastic pallets.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pallet that is free of mold, sawdust and insects, and that does not warp or readily burn.

[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

Problems solved by technology

Over the last several years, the use of wood packaging for foreign shipments has received much international attention due to the possible spread of pests and diseases.

Because treating wooden pallets has several drawbacks, transporters and pallet manufacturers have considered using pallets constructed of plastic.

However, although plastic pallets do not need to be treated for pests and diseases, they are more expensive to produce than wooden pallets.

However, none of these teach a non-wooden pallet constructed of a low cost material, such as rubber.

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