Abstract:
A modular, low cost pallet and shelf assembly and a method for assembling the assembly is disclosed. The shelf assembly comprises a plurality of support members arranged so as to releasably accept a pallet therebetween, each vertical support member comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough, wherein each aperture is configured so as to accept and releasably hold tabs inserted through the aperture, and a plurality of pallet securing members, each pallet securing member comprising at least one pallet securing member tab releasably securable within a vertical support member aperture and a securing surface for restraining the pallet between the vertical support members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/046,883, filed May 23, 1997 by Jeffrey Salmanson and Jon R. Dickey, and entitled “Modular Pallet and Shelf Assembly Using Conventional Hardware,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/062,754, filed Oct. 23, 1997 by Jeffrey Salmanson and Jon R. Dickey, and entitled “Modular Low Cost Shelf Assembly,” both of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates generally to shipping and retail display devices and more particularly to a modular low cost pallet and shelf assembly using conventional hardware.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0005]    Products shipped from the manufacturer or producer are often shipped to the retailers in corrugated boxes. Typically, these boxes are loaded onto wooden pallets, lifted with a forklift onto a shipping container, and unloaded into the container for transportation to the retail outlet. When the goods arrive at the retail outlet, the corrugated boxes are removed from the shipping container, loaded onto pallets, moved to the retail display location or storage using a forklift or similar device. The products are then removed from the corrugated boxes, and placed on retail display.  
           [0006]    There are several problems associated with the aforementioned procedures. Unloading and loading the corrugated boxes is a labor-intensive procedure, often resulting in damage to the products and/or the corrugated boxes. It is also common for the products to be damaged when the corrugated boxes (which are typically stacked during storage and transportation) collapse.  
           [0007]    Another problem with these procedures is that the corrugated boxes are not generally reusable, and must be broken down and disposed of by the retail outlets. Alternative wood racking systems, such as those employed in nurseries, do not solve this problem. These racking systems are also difficult to transport, require labor intensive procedures to unload transported products and display them at a retail level, and cannot be broken down easily at the retail outlet. These devices are also typically held together with nails, which further complicate their disassembly and storage, and make any return to the manufacturer generally unprofitable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    As the foregoing indicates, there is a need for efficient transportation of products from the manufacturer or producer to retail display. The present invention satisfies that need.  
           [0009]    The present invention discloses a racking system using a modular pallet and shelving assembly. This racking system is easily constructed and broken down, and which uses conventional, standardized, and readily available hardware. The design of the present invention directs the weight of the rack to a metal structure advantageously placed in relation to the pallet. Even when used with a commonly available wooden pallet, this design is exceptionally strong, allowing the unit to be lifted and transported with a forklift or pallet jack. This system provides an efficient system for delivering material and products to the marketplace (or to warehouses for later retail sales) without damage. The present invention also allows material and products to be removed from trucks by forklift, and placed directly on retail display.  
           [0010]    Because the present system also utilizes reusable metal shelving, it can be easily broken down. This allows the system to be reused on site, disposed of by selling the racking system as a complete package, or in its component parts, or simply returned to the shipper or manufacturer for re-use. Further, because the design of the present invention is both simple and strong, the system can be more space efficiently constructed to take advantage of the available truck container space. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2A is a view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a coupling between the pallet and the shelving;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2B is a close up view of the relationship between the tabs and the keyhole apertures in one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the pallet and vertical support members;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention using cleats;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a close up view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a coupling between the pallet and vertical support members;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the use of cleats to couple the pallet and the vertical support members;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a diagram of the cleats used in one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a segmented design suitable for smaller merchandising units;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8B is a section view of the coupling between the segments shown in FIG. 8A;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9A presents a side view illustrating the use of an inverted keyhole aperture configuration;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9B presents a top view illustrating the use of an inverted keyhole aperture configuration;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment using the inverted keyhole aperture configuration;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention using the inverted keyhole apertures;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12A is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative arrangement for the pallet securing members;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12B is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative arrangement for the pallet securing members;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative arrangement for the pallet securing members;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the use of double-sided keyhole apertures;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 15 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the use of a strengthening segment in the vertical support member;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 16 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the use of fewer keyhole apertures; and  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 17 is a flow chart depicting the assembly of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0033]    In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. The invention comprises a plurality of L-shaped vertical support members  100 , which are so arranged to accept a pallet  102  therebetween. In one embodiment, the pallet  102  is a common two-way wood pallet, which accepts forklift tongues in slots on the front and rear of the pallet  102 . In an alternative embodiment, a four-way pallet may be used. The four-way pallet comprises additional slots to on opposite sides of the pallet to accept forklift tongues, thus allowing the pallet to be lifted by a forklift from any side. The design of the pallet  102  can be changed to accommodate different loads, with heavier-duty construction pallets  102  employed for maximum strength applications. Each vertical support member  100  comprises a plurality of keyhole shaped apertures  108  disposed on the right angle portions of the vertical support members  100 . In one embodiment, the vertical support members  100  are commonly available angle posts that are 84 inches in length.  
         [0035]    The present invention also comprises a plurality of L-shaped cross braces  104 , which are affixed to the vertical support members  100 . Each L-shaped cross brace  104  comprises a right angle portion and a number of cross brace tabs  109 , each of which is small enough to be inserted into the larger portion of the keyhole shaped aperture  108 , yet large enough to be retained by the smaller portion of the keyhole shaped aperture  108 . When a plurality of braces  104  are so coupled with the vertical cross members  100 , the right angle portion (which comprises the lower portion of and “L” when viewed from the side) of the brace  104  forms a horizontal surface, upon which a planar surface  106  is placed. Planar surface  106  is sized so as to be inserted between all four vertical support members  100  and larger than the aperture formed by the braces  104  extending between the vertical support members. Accordingly, the braces  104  serve to support the planar surface  106 . The planar surface  106  can be comprised of particle board, OSB, plastic, metal, or other material. Planar surface  106  may also be molded to conform to the product.  
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the braces  104  are commonly available double rivet beams. The size of the braces  104  is selected in accordance with the desired dimensions of the finished assembly, as is the pallet  102  size. In a typical arrangement, two of the braces  104  are 48 inches in length, and two are 42 inches in length. The number of braces  104  used in the assembly is also determined by the number of desired shelves of the finished product. For example, a four-shelf unit would require eight 48 inch braces  104  and eight 42 inch braces, whereas a five-shelf unit wood require ten 48 inch braces and ten 42 inch braces.  
         [0037]    Since four braces  104  are not required to hold the planar surfaces  106 , it is also possible to use only two braces per shelf level, in a staggered relationship. For example, the first level can use two 48 inch braces  104 , the next, two 42 inch braces  104 , and so on. This configuration is nominally not as strong, but is lower in cost, and suitable for many applications.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2A is a close up view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the relationship between the pallet  102  and the vertical support members  100 . In this embodiment, pallet securing members  118  are utilized to releasably accept and secure the pallet  102  in place between the vertical support members  100 , and to bear the weight of the racking system when lifted by a fork lift or pallet jack. As strength requires, either two or four pallet-securing members  118  can be used.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 2B is a detailed view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Keyhole apertures  108  each comprise a first aperture segment  107  and a second aperture segment  109 , which is smaller in cross section than the first aperture segment  107 . Tab heads  110 A are smaller than the first aperture segment  107 , yet larger than the second aperture segment  109 . Hence, when tab heads  110 A are inserted into the first aperture segment  107  and moved laterally, the tab  110  is affixed within the aperture  108 .  
         [0040]    The pallet  102  comprises a plurality of bottom members  112  and support members  114 , both of which are affixed to a pallet cross member  116 . In one embodiment, the vertical support members  100  are affixed to the pallet  102  by inserting one or more wood screws  124  (such as lag screws) of suitable length and diametric cross section through the appropriate keyhole apertures  108  and into the pallet  102 .  
         [0041]    In another embodiment, a number of pallet-securing members  118  are employed. These pallet-securing members  118  comprise one or more pallet-securing member tabs  110  which are inserted into the keyhole apertures  108  of the vertical support members  100 . Ordinarily, the pallet-securing member tabs  110  are of the same design as the cross member tabs  109 . However, since the pallet-securing member tabs  110  must bear greater weight and shear force, these tabs may be suitably reinforced or made of stronger material, if necessary.  
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the securing members  118  are cross braces  104 , but inverted so that an interior-facing surface  120  is disposed above the vertical surface  122 . This places an interior-facing securing surface  120  over the top of the pallet  102 , and in particular, the pallet support members  114 . In this configuration, the pallet  102  is restrained between the vertical support members  100 . Pallet securing member tabs  110  on the support members  118  are inserted into the larger opening of the keyhole tabs  108 . The support members  118  transfer the weight of the assembly to the metal structure, rather than the pallet  102 .  
         [0043]    The pallet support members  118  and vertical support members  100  may optionally be affixed to the pallet  102  with a suitably sized fastening device  124  such as a wood screw or lag bolt. The fastening device  124  should comprise a head larger than any dimension of the keyhole aperture  108 . This assures that the components are securely fastened together. One-quarter inch lag bolts of 1-¼ inch length are suitable for this purpose. If necessary, a suitably placed hole or aperture may be drilled through the pallet  102  before the bolt is inserted and thereafter secured with a nut or other means.  
         [0044]    The tabs  110  comprise a head portion  110 A and a shank portion  110 B. The head  110 A is a smaller diameter than the larger portion of the keyhole apertures  108 , to allow insertion therein. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the inner surface of the keyhole aperture  108  and the tab shank  110 B are in contact, thus causing the tab head  110 A to extend beyond the keyhole aperture  108 . This provides additional strength to prevent the vertical support members  100  from extending away from the support brace  118 . In another embodiment, the head size of the fastening device  124  is selected to be close to or contact the tab to minimize this possibility. In still another embodiment, the support brace  118  comprises two or more tabs  110 , and each tab is inserted into its corresponding keyhole aperture  108 . For additional strength, all of these couplings may be further secured by additional fastening devices  124 , if desired.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the invention showing another view of the coupling between the pallet and vertical support members.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4 presents another embodiment of the present invention, where pallet securing members  118  comprise one or more cleats  126 , including a left cleat  126 A and a right cleat  126 B.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5 presents a close-up view of the employment of the cleats  126  in the present invention. Nominally, each cleat  126  is L-shaped, and comprises a one or more cleat tabs  111  on one outer surface, and one or more keyhole-shaped apertures  108  on the other outer surface. In one embodiment, the cleat  126  is affixed to the pallet  102  by one or more fastening devices  128  inserted through the keyhole aperture  108  in the cleat. The fastening device  128  can be a wood screw of suitable dimension or other fastening means. Optionally, vertical support member  100  can be further secured to the pallet by one or more additional fastening devices  130 . Cleat tab  111  extends within a keyhole aperture  108 , and may be secured with an additional fastening device as described herein.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 7 is an illustration showing the two types of cleats employed in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Left cleats  126 A (depicted in FIG. 5), and right cleats  126 B are employed. Nominally, a total of four cleats  126  (two left cleats  126 A, and two right cleats  126 B) are used.  
         [0050]    Nominally, four vertical support members  100  are employed in the present invention, one at each corner of the pallet  102 . In alternative embodiments, the present invention can comprise additional vertical support members  100  for additional bracing. Nominally, these additional vertical support members  100  will be flat, and not L-shaped, so as to be easily affixed to the cross members  104 , but the present invention can accommodate a wide variety of vertical support member shapes with modification. These additional vertical support members  100  may be affixed to the pallet, but need not be so. Further, if exceptional rigidity is required, the additional cross bracing may be employed in either the pallet  102  structure, the metal between vertical support members  100 , or both.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8A presents perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a segmented design in which the assembly comprises two rigid, yet easily separable sections which can be separated to form smaller shelving units for separate transport or for display and merchandising of products. In this embodiment, the vertical support members  100  comprise bottom vertical support members  100 A and top vertical support members  100 B, both of which are of generally shorter length than the vertical support members  100  previously described herein. The lower portion of the bottom vertical support members  100 A are secured to a first pallet  102 A using the techniques and structures described earlier in this disclosure.  
         [0052]    A plurality of cross braces  104  are coupled to the vertical support members  100 . Cross braces  104 A are coupled to the vertical support members  100  to form an aperture for inserting planar surfaces  106  a right angle shelf portion on which supports the planar surfaces  106 , as previously described and illustrated. Pallet support members  105  are inserted between the lower vertical support members  100 A at the topmost position in an inverted “L” configuration, with the right angle portion disposed above or below the vertical portion. So disposed, the right angle portions of the pallet support members  104 B form a shelf or cavity which supports a second pallet  102 B, which, if desired, may be secured to the assembly using lag screws  130  or similar fastening devices inserted through apertures in the right angle portions of the cross braces  104 B. Upper vertical support members  100 B and second pallet securing members such as the cleats  126  described earlier are then secured to the upper pallet  102 B using the structures and methods previously described to secure the shelving to the pallet  102 , using either cleats  126 , pallet securing members  118 , or inverted cross braces  104 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 8B is a side view of the structures shown in FIG. 8A.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 9A presents a side view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of a unique keyhole aperture  108  configuration. In this embodiment, the vertical support member  100  comprises two sets of keyhole apertures  108 , a first set  121  comprising one or more keyhole apertures  108 A facing in a first direction, and a second set  123  comprising one or more keyhole apertures  108 B facing in a second direction substantially inverted from that of the first set of keyhole apertures  108 A. For purposes of clarity, keyhole apertures  108 A will be referred to henceforth as downward facing keyhole apertures, and keyhole apertures  108 B will be referred to as upward facing keyhole apertures. This embodiment also shows another alternative for the pallet securing members  118 . Here, one or more right angle support members  140 , having one or more right angle support member tabs  113  of suitable size for insertion into the upward facing keyhole apertures  108 B are utilized. The right angle support members  140  are disposed adjacent to the vertical support members  100  in a fitting relationship and affixed to the vertical support members by inserting tabs  113  in the upward facing keyhole apertures  108 B, and applying suitable force in a direction towards the upward facing keyhole aperture  108 B smaller portion.  
         [0055]    When the foregoing elements are arranged as described above, a pallet  102  can be inserted in the space formed by the vertical support members  100  to allow the entire assembly to be lifted and moved with a forklift or other similar device. Lifting forces from the pallet  102  are then borne by the right angle support members  140 , right angle support member tabs  113 , and upward facing keyhole aperture  118 B smaller portions, structural elements which are well suited to support considerable weight. This embodiment may also be practiced with the use of pallet securing members  118  or cleats  126  in the place of right angle support member  140 . This embodiment also obviates the need for the insertion or removal of pallet securing devices  124 , speeding assembly and disassembly.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 9B is a top view of the embodiments shown in FIG. 9A.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the foregoing embodiment of the present invention. Safety devices, such as clips or right angle bolts  142  can be inserted into keyhole apertures  108 . In the event of a tab  110  failure, these safety devices serve to restrict excessive motion of structures that were supported by the failed tab  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, right angle bolt  142  is inserted into keyhole aperture  108 A. The right angle bolt  142  comprises a head structure  144  which prevents passage through the keyhole aperture  108 , and preferably, a shank structure  146  that is smaller in cross section than the smaller portion of the keyhole aperture  108 . In one embodiment, shank structure  146  is of sufficient length and/or mass to assure that the right angle bolt  142  is balanced to as to remain in the keyhole aperture  108  after insertion. If necessary, the safety device may be locked or secured into the keyhole apertures by bolts, clips, pins, or other means.  
         [0058]    Friction between the tabs  110  and the upward facing keyhole apertures  108 B as well as friction between the right angle support members  140  and the vertical support members  100  are generally sufficient to retain the tabs  113  in the smaller portion of the keyhole aperture  108 B. However, if desired, vertical support member  100  and right angle support member  140  may also comprise interconnecting fastening means. Such fastening means can feature, for example, one or more shear apertures  150  in each structure adjacently disposed on assembly, thus allowing the insertion of a pin, nail, or other device  152  after assembly to restrict the apertures from sliding relative to one another. Similarly, if desired, the right angle support member  140  and pallet  102  can be affirmatively secured to the vertical support member  100  by means of a wood screw, nail, bolt or other securing device  144  inserted through the upward facing keyhole aperture  108 B larger portion.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a simple cleat  126  is used in place of the right angle support member  126 . If additional strength is desired, a second cleat can be disposed at a right angle to and lapped on top of the illustrated cleat so that the cleat tabs  111  from the second cleat are disposed through the upward facing keyhole apertures  108 A in the vertical support member  100 . If necessary, the location of the upward facing keyhole apertures  108 A presented to the cleat tabs  111  of the second cleat can be adjusted vertically in an amount sufficient to account for the vertical displacement of the second cleat, or the location of the tabs on the second cleat can be so adjusted to achieve the same effect. Also, if desired, a nail, bolt, or wood screw may be inserted into the cleat  126  keyhole aperture  118  and into the pallet  102  to secure the pallet  102  to the assembly.  
         [0060]    Upward facing keyhole apertures  108 B are generally disposed near the lower portion of the vertical support members  100 . However, that need not be the case. Upward facing keyhole apertures  108 B can be disposed on any portion of the vertical support members  100 , and when used in conjunction with other structures herein described, provide an exceptionally strong means for lifting and transporting any assembly constructed using the vertical support members  100 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 12A and 12B present another embodiment of the present invention, in which the pallet securing members (here, inverted cross braces  104 ) are affixed so that the securing surface is disposed at the bottom of the securing member. This configuration can be advantageously used to accommodate different pallet  102  thicknesses.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention in which keyhole apertures are replaced with double-sided keyhole apertures  200 . Each double-sided keyhole aperture  200  has an upward oriented aperture segment  202  and a downward oriented aperture segment  204 . This design is simpler to produce because the keyhole apertures  200  have a symmetrical orientation and can be easily punched from the vertical support members  100  without reorientation.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention using double-sided keyhole apertures  200 . In this embodiment, a strengthening segment  220  is placed between the double-sided keyhole apertures  200  to increase the strength of the modular shelving. This configuration is particularly well suited to heavy loads. Strengthening segment  220  can be implemented by a greater distance between double-sided keyhole apertures  222  and  224 , a greater distance between the double-sided keyhole apertures  224  and  226 , or a greater distance between both. Alternatively, a vertical support member can be reinforced in this are as required with additional thickness material, molding or stamping a stronger shape, or by heat treatment  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which only a limited number of double-sided keyhole apertures  200  are utilized. This configuration is useful in situations where higher vertical support member  100  rigidity is required, or when less flexibility in shelf location is required.  
         [0066]    In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the present invention is also easily constructed and broken down. Construction is accomplished by placing pallet securing members  118  or cleats  128  about the periphery of the pallet  102  so that the pallet securing tabs  110  (or, in embodiments using cleats  126 , the cleat tabs  111 ) face outward from the center of the pallet. Next, vertical support members  100  are placed at each corner of the pallet  102 . Then, downward force is applied to the vertical support members to lock them to the pallet securing members  118  (or cleats  126 ). Then, the desired number of number and location of shelves is determined. At the aforementioned locations, four cross braces  104  are inserted into the structure with the tabs  110  on the braces fitting into the keyhole apertures  108  in the vertical support members  100 . Downward force is then applied to the cross braces  104 , affixing them in position. When so inserted, these cross braces  104  form a shelf upon which the planar surface  106  is placed, completing the construction. Disassembly follows the reverse procedure.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the foregoing operations. The process begins by placing  302  a pallet securing member  118  having a pallet securing tab  110  about the periphery of a pallet so that the pallet securing tab faces outward from the center of the pallet  102 . Then, vertical support members  100  are placed  304  at each corner of the pallet  102 , and the pallet securing tabs  110  are inserted  306  through the keyhole apertures  108 . Pressure is then applied  308  to each vertical support member  100  so as to affix the keyhole apertures  108  to the pallet securing tabs  110 . A plurality of cross braces  104  having cross brace tabs  109  are then disposed  310  between the vertical support members  100 . These cross braces  104  are then coupled and secured to the vertical support members  100  by inserting the cross member tabs  109  in the vertical support member apertures  108  and applying suitable force on the cross member braces  104 . Finally, the process is completed by placing  316  shelving between the vertical support members  100  and upon the cross member braces  104 .  
         [0068]    The present invention may be practiced in a number of embodiments. For example, while the foregoing has been described with respect to conventional L-shaped steel shelving with tabs  110  and keyhole shaped apertures  108 , the present invention can be practiced with other means to affix the elements of the invention together. Similarly, although generally stronger in construction, L-shaped members are not required to practice the present invention. Although the present invention is especially suitable for transport via fork lifts, it is also envisioned that the foregoing invention can be practiced with the use of wheels (which may comprise braking or setting means) affixed to the bottom surface of the pallet  102 . Also, while the present invention has been described with apertures  108  on the vertical support members  100 , and tabs on other elements, the invention is not so limited, and could be practiced in other embodiments. For example, the present invention could be practiced using tabs on the vertical support members, and apertures on the other interconnecting elements. Cross braces can also be affixed with the use of push-through sections at appropriate locations in the vertical support members. Such push through sections can be fashioned by making U-shaped cuts in the vertical support members, and bending the cut sections inward. The upper portion of the cut sections can then support cross braces or shelving of medium to light weight.  
       Conclusion  
       [0069]    In summary, a modular pallet and shelving assembly has been described which uses widely available conventional components, reduces damage to products in transit, and reduces time consuming handling of products to remove them from shipping containers and place them on retail shelves. The present invention presents a flexible solution to product transportation. The structure may be returned to the manufacturer, broken down and used for its component parts, or disposed of, or returned to the manufacturer in an assembled or disassembled state. Further, the present invention supports multiple pallet structures to heights suitable for retail display and merchandising.  
         [0070]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.