Patent ID: 6053466
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B65D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A pallet for supporting objects thereon, the pallet comprising:a body including an upper surface, a pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions, a pair of attachment points spaced from the upper surface adjacent said pair of edge portions respectively, and a central support portion spaced from the upper surface between said attachment points;a flexible tensile member having high axial tensile strength and comparatively negligible compressive axial strength secured at opposing distal ends thereof to said pair of attachment points and substantially unrestrained therebetween to allow movement for tension and flexion;wherein when a load is placed atop the pallet with the pallet being supported along the pair of laterally spaced apart edge portions, the central support portion will deflect and bear upon the flexible tensile member with the flexible tensile member providing support to the central support portion against deflection; andwherein an elongated channel is formed in the body for receiving said flexible tensile member, said channel including a groove configured for engagement along the length of the flexible tensile member, said groove having an effective arc length approximately two percent to five percent greater than the length of the flexible tensile member for tensioning the flexible tensile member.