Patent ID: 7347148
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. In a shipping pallet comprised of at least one layer of substantially parallel, structural deck boards attached to a plurality of stringers, the layer of deck boards defining a three-dimensional, substantially rectilinear deck zone that is defined by a top plane, a bottom plane, and four side-edge planes, wherein the pallet is equipped with at least one readable device selected from the group consisting of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, microprocessors, and sensors, the improvement wherein the readable device is carried by a non-structural member that is mounted within the deck zone between two structural deck boards, the non-structural member being of a size such that it is substantially entirely contained within the deck zone, and the non-structural member being made of RF-permeable material and having a Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rupture that are both below that of the strongest deck board in the deck zone in which the non-structural member is mounted, wherein the non-structural member is elongated in shape, is mounted substantially parallel to the two structural deck boards that flank the non-structural member, and is of a sufficient length that it spans at least two stringers.