Abstract:
A pallet assembly includes an upper deck and a lower deck. Each deck comprises a thermoplastic sheet formed with ridges and channels on one side, corresponding to features necessarily defined on the opposite side. A plurality of strengthening ridges and channels are formed in the load bearing surface of each deck, with corresponding channels and ridges necessarily formed in the lifting surface of the deck, to resist bending and folding of the pallet. A reinforcing member is received within a peripheral channel of each deck. Apertures are formed in the upper deck and the lower deck in alignment. A column is disposed between each pair of aligned holes. A hollow pin extends through a hole in the column and the apertures of the decks. A rigid insert is disposed in each open end of each pin. Each insert includes a recess for receiving an anti-skid plug.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09/514,518 filed on Feb. 28, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,446,563, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/168,304 filed on Oct. 7, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,032. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to pallets and shipping trays, and more particularly to improved load bearing pallets and shipping trays comprising thermoplastic material 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Many wooden and plastic pallets are known in the art. However, pre-existing wooden and plastic pallets are characterized by a number of disadvantages. Wooden pallets are relatively heavy and difficult to manufacture. Typical construction of such pallets utilize a first set of parallel boards forming an upper surface, and a second set of parallel boards forming a lower surface, nailed to three or more stringers positioned perpendicular to the length of the boards, and sandwiched between the upper and lower surfaces. The stringers used to separate the upper and lower deck surfaces create two openings to accommodate the arms of a forklift for lifting and moving the pallets. The wood used to construct the pallets may swell and warp if exposed to moisture. Wooden pallets are subject to rotting and splintering, and the wood may be a substrate for the growth of fungus and bacteria, especially under moist conditions. The nails used in the pallets may rust, and sometimes causes cargo damage or injuries. 
     Attempts to form pallets from other materials in order to avoid the disadvantages inherent in wooden pallets have been only partially successful. Prior art designs using plastics to form pallets have been characterized by a trade off between cost and weight bearing capability. Those pallets having a significant weight bearing capability tend to be heavy and expensive, whereas plastic pallets produced inexpensively typically have reduced durability and weight bearing capacity. 
     What is needed is a pallet design comprising a plastic material that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Specifically, it is desirable to provide a pallet that is inexpensive and relatively light weight yet strong, that is formed of recyclable materials, that is stackable, that may be readily assembled on site, that may be picked up by a fork lift from all four sides, that is resistant to the growth of fungus and bacteria, and that is easily cleaned. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the invention is an improved load bearing pallet including at least an upper deck formed of a sheet of rigid but formable material, such as plastic or metal but preferably a thermoplastic material, with a load engaging surface on one side of the sheet and a lift engaging surface on the other. A number of features such as ridges, channels, depressions, and legs are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being defined by the sheet on the opposite side. The pallet preferably includes a peripheral channel formed around a periphery of the upper deck and nine legs positioned in three rows of three creating two gaps on each side of the pallet for the tines of a fork lift to enter to lift the pallet. 
     In a second embodiment, the pallet may further include at least one integral reinforcing member received within the peripheral channel. Preferably one reinforcing member is positioned within the peripheral channel on each side of the pallet, but in alternate embodiments, a unitary ring that fits around the pallet, but within the peripheral channel, may be used. The reinforcing members may be formed of any desired materials, including metal or wood. However, the reinforcing members preferably comprise a steel support structure encapsulated within a thermoplastic material. The reinforcing members are preferably bonded within the channel of the upper deck by causing the molecular structure of the thermoplastic material encapsulating the support structure to cross-link with the thermoplastic material comprising the upper deck to integrally bond the reinforcing member to the upper deck to form a unitary object. 
     In other embodiments, the pallet may further include a lower deck or other support structure. The lower deck is preferably formed of a single sheet of rigid but formable material, preferably a thermoplastic material, comprising a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of legs are formed in the top surface of the lower deck, corresponding to an equal number of legs extending from the lifting surface of the upper deck. Each leg formed in this way in the lower deck is coupled to a corresponding leg of the upper deck. The bond between the legs of the lower deck and the legs of the upper deck are preferably made by causing the molecular structure of the thermoplastic material of the upper deck to cross link to the molecular structure of the lower deck, although in alternate embodiments, other means for coupling the upper and lower decks may be used. 
     The lower deck may further include a plurality of channels and ridges formed in the top surface of the lower deck, which correspond to channels and ridges formed in the bottom surface. The lower deck may additionally include a plurality of reinforcing members, each preferably comprising a steel support structure encapsulated within a thermoplastic coating, although other materials may be used in alternate embodiments. The reinforcing member is received within the peripheral channel of the lower deck and is preferably bonded therein by causing the molecular structure of the thermoplastic material encapsulating the support structure to cross link with the molecular structure of the thermoplastic material of the lower deck. 
     The invention further includes a single deck pallet with runners. Such a pallet comprises a single sheet comprising a rigid but formable material, a load bearing surface on a first side of the sheet, and a lifting surface on an opposite second side of the sheet. A plurality of depressions are formed in the load bearing surface corresponding to an equal number of legs extending from the lifting surface. A runner is coupled to at least two of the legs. The lifting surface is substantially parallel to the load bearing surface such that features defined in the load bearing surface will have a corresponding feature defined in the lifting surface. Thus, a plurality of top channels and top ridges are formed in the load bearing surface wherein each top ridge formed in the load bearing surface corresponds to a bottom channel formed in the lifting surface and each top channel formed in the load bearing surface corresponds to a bottom ridge formed in the lifting surface. 
     The single sheet has four edges defining a periphery. A peripheral channel is formed adjacent to the periphery of the sheet. The rigid but formable material of the sheet comprises a thermoplastic material. The runner is coupled to one of the rows of three legs. The plurality of depressions comprises nine depressions corresponding to nine legs, the nine depressions and legs being disposed in three rows with each row having three depressions and three corresponding legs. The runner has a substantially flat upper and lower surface. The runner comprises wood or any other solid material. The runner comprises a thermoplastic covering. 
     At least two of the legs which are coupled to the runner each comprise a recessed portion and an exposed portion. The runner may have a flat bottom runner surface as well as a flat top runner surface. The runner is disposed in the recessed portions of the at least two of legs such that the bottom runner surface is substantially flush with the exposed portions of the at least two legs. Furthermore, the runner may be removably coupled to at least two of the legs with a locking pin or any other securing mechanism. 
     The invention further comprises a pallet made of two sheets, or a dual deck pallet. A first sheet, or upper deck, is coupled to a second sheet, or lower deck, to form the single pallet. The second sheet may have a structure that is substantially similar to or different from a structure of the first sheet. If the sheets are identical or substantially similar in structure, the first sheet may be nested on top of the second sheet when the pallet is disassembled and not in use. If the sheets are different in structure, the pallet may be disassembled and the first sheet may be nested on top of a first sheet of another pallet while the second sheet may be nested on top of a second sheet of the other pallet. 
     The first sheet comprises a first rigid but formable material. The first sheet has a first structure including a first external surface, a first internal surface substantially parallel and opposite to the first external surface, and a first plurality of channels and ridges. The first plurality of channels and ridges formed in the first sheet result in a plurality of channels and ridges in the first external surface and a corresponding plurality of ridges and channels in the first internal surface. Since the first internal surface is substantially parallel to the first external surface, each ridge formed in the first external surface corresponds to a channel formed in the first internal surface, and each channel formed in the first external surface corresponds to a ridge formed in the first internal surface. 
     The second sheet comprises a second rigid but formable material, which may be similar to or different from the first rigid but formable material. The second sheet has a second structure which may be different from or substantially similar to the first structure. The second structure includes a second external surface, a second internal surface substantially parallel and opposite to the second external surface, and a second plurality of outer channels and outer ridges. The second plurality of channels and ridges formed in the second sheet result in a plurality of channels and ridges in the second external surface and a corresponding plurality of ridges and channels in the second internal surface. Since the second internal surface is substantially parallel to the second external surface, each ridge formed in the second external surface corresponds to a channel formed in the second internal surface and each channel formed in the second external surface corresponds to a ridge formed in the second internal surface formed in the second external surface wherein each ridge in the second external surface corresponds to a channel formed in the second internal surface and each channel formed in the second external surface corresponds to a ridge formed in the second internal surface. 
     The first and second rigid but formable material comprises a thermoplastic material. The first and second sheet each comprise a peripheral channel formed adjacent to a periphery of each sheet. 
     The pallet may include a first reinforcing member received within the peripheral channel of the first sheet. The first reinforcing member comprises a structural member encapsulated within a thermoplastic material. In addition, the pallet may also include a second reinforcing member received within the peripheral channel of the second sheet. The second reinforcing member comprises a structural member encapsulated within a thermoplastic material. Furthermore, each sheet may include additional reinforcing members. When the second sheet is different in structure from the first sheet, the first reinforcing member has an oval profile with a first height while the second reinforcing member has a square profile with a second height that is less than the first height. 
     In the dual deck pallet, the first internal surface and the second internal surface face each other. Accordingly, the first external surface and the second external surface face outwardly away from each other. The pallet further comprises a plurality of columns disposed between and coupled to the first sheet and the second sheet. The columns each comprise a bottom portion, a top portion, and a tube extending from the bottom portion to the top portion. The pallet further comprises a plurality of clamping pins, wherein a clamping pin is disposed in the tube of each of the at least four columns. 
     The first sheet has a first plurality of apertures. The second sheet has a second plurality of apertures. Each clamping pin extends through an aperture of the first sheet and an aperture of the second sheet. Each clamping pin has a hollow core. Each clamping pin comprises a first lip at a first end and a second lip at a second end, wherein the first lip has a first diameter greater than a diameter of the apertures of the first sheet, and wherein the second lip has a second diameter greater than a diameter of the apertures of the second sheet. The first sheet may comprise a first plurality of shoulders, wherein a shoulder surrounds each aperture. The second sheet comprises a second plurality of shoulders, wherein a shoulder surrounds each aperture. The lip at the first end of each clamping pin rests against the shoulder surrounding a corresponding aperture of the first sheet. The lip at the second end of each clamping pin rests against the shoulder surrounding a corresponding aperture of the second sheet. A rigid washer is disposed between the lips of the clamping pin and the shoulder of the corresponding aperture on the sheet. The washer serves to spread the compressional load from the lips of the clamping pin onto a wider area of the sheet to provide a stronger connection. 
     The dual deck pallet further comprises a plurality of rigid inserts, wherein a rigid insert is disposed in a top portion and a bottom portion of the hollow core of each clamping pin. Each rigid insert comprises a recess. The dual deck pallet further comprises a plurality of anti-skid plugs, wherein a plug is disposed in each recess of each rigid insert. 
     In one aspect, the second sheet may have a structure different from a structure of the first sheet. The second sheet, or lower deck, may include less material in its composition. Thus, the second sheet may include a plurality of large, central openings, or gaps. The second sheet may also have a height less than a height of the first sheet. In such an embodiment, the second sheet may include a reinforcing member with a square profile while the first sheet may include a reinforcing member with an oval profile. The pallet may be disassembled to allow for nesting of the sheets. In this embodiment where the structure of the second sheet differs from that of the first sheet, the first sheet may nest upon a first sheet of another pallet while the second sheet may nest upon a second sheet of the other pallet. 
     In another aspect, the second sheet may have a structure substantially similar to the structure of the first sheet. In this embodiment, the pallet may be disassembled and the first sheet may nest on top of the second sheet since both structures are identical or substantially similar. 
     The invention further comprises a method for stacking decks when the decks are not bearing a load. The method comprises: providing a first deck having a first top surface and a first bottom surface substantially parallel and opposite to the first top surface; forming a first plurality of channels and ridges in the first deck to form a plurality of channels and ridges in the first top surface and a corresponding plurality of channels and ridges in the first bottom surface wherein each ridge in the first top surface corresponds to a channel in the first bottom surface and each channel in the first top surface corresponds to a ridge in the first bottom surface; providing a second deck with a substantially similar structure as a structure of the first deck, wherein the second deck has a second top surface and a second bottom surface substantially parallel and opposite to the second top surface; forming a second plurality of channels and ridges in the second deck to form a plurality of channels and ridges in the second top surface and a corresponding plurality of channels and ridges in the second bottom surface wherein each ridge in the second top surface corresponds to a channel in the second bottom surface and each channel in the second top surface corresponds to a ridge in the second bottom surface; and stacking the first deck on top of the second deck wherein a ridge in the first bottom surface nests on top of a channel in the second top surface and a channel in the first bottom surface nests on top of a ridge in the second top surface. 
     It is to be expressly understood that the terms “first deck” and “second deck” include decks which are coupled to each other to form a dual deck pallet, as well as decks which are separate from each other wherein each deck is a pallet unto itself. 
     The method further comprises forming a first plurality of depressions in the first top surface corresponding to an equal number of legs extending from the first bottom surface; and forming a second plurality of depressions in the second top surface corresponding to an equal number of legs extending from the second bottom surface. The method may further comprise nesting each leg extending from the first bottom surface of the first deck with a corresponding depression on the second top surface of the second deck. 
     If a first runner is removably coupled to at least two of the legs extending from the first bottom surface and a second runner is removably coupled to at least two of the legs extending from the second bottom surface when the decks are in use, the method further comprises: removing the first runner from the at least two legs extending from the first bottom surface; removing the second runner from the at least two legs extending from the second bottom surface; and nesting each leg extending from the first bottom surface with a corresponding depression on the second top surface. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a single deck pallet. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the pallet of FIG. 1 taken along line  2 — 2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a magnified view of a reinforcing member of the pallet of FIG. 2 positioned within a peripheral channel. 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a legged dual deck pallet. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the pallet of FIG. 4 taken along line  5 — 5 . 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the legged dual deck pallet. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the dual deck pallet of FIG. 6 taken along line  7 — 7 . 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the upper deck of the pallet of FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 9 is a magnified view of the reinforcing member of the pallet of FIG. 7 positioned within the peripheral channel of the upper deck. 
     FIG. 10 is a magnified view of the reinforcing member of the pallet of FIG. 7 positioned within the peripheral channel of the lower deck. 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the lower deck of the pallet in FIGS. 6,  7  and  8 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the pallet of FIG. 11 taken along line  12 — 12 . 
     FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of a portion of the lifting surface of a single deck pallet with runners coupled between adjacent legs. 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a single deck pallet with runners. 
     FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the single deck pallet in FIG. 14 with the runners removed. 
     FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the pallet in FIG. 14 taken along lines  16 ′— 16 ′. 
     FIG. 17 is a close-up view of the encircled area “P” in FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the runner. 
     FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of an operative configuration of a stack of pallets with runners. 
     FIG. 20 is perspective view of a modular, non-legged dual deck pallet. 
     FIG. 21 a  is an exploded view of the modular, non-legged dual deck pallet wherein the lower deck has a different structure than a structure of the upper deck. 
     FIG. 21 b  is an exploded view of the modular, non-legged dual deck pallet wherein the lower deck has a substantially similar structure as the structure of the upper deck. 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a non-legged upper deck in the dual deck pallet of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the upper deck of FIG. 22 taken along lines  23 ′— 23 ′. 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the upper deck of FIG. 22 taken along lines  24 ′— 24 ′. 
     FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a non-legged dual deck pallet wherein the lower pallet has a structure substantially similar to the structure of the upper pallet. 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lower deck in the dual deck pallet without legs. 
     FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the lower deck in FIG. 26 taken along lines  27 ′— 27 ′. 
     FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the lower deck in FIG. 26 taken along lines  28 ′— 28 ′. 
     FIG. 29 a  is a perspective view of a column. 
     FIG. 29 b  is a top plan view of the column. 
     FIG. 29 c  is a cross-sectional view of the column taken along lines  29   c — 29   c  in FIG. 29 b.    
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a clamping pin. 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a rigid insert. 
     FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an anti-skid plug. 
     FIG. 33 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the non-legged dual deck pallet taken along lines  33 ′— 33 ′ in FIG.  20 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, as the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein for providing an improved pallet. 
     The pallet of the invention includes at least an upper deck formed of a sheet of rigid but formable material, such as plastic or metal, with a load engaging surface on one side of the sheet, and a lift engaging surface on the other. A number of features such as ridges and channels are formed in the sheet with corresponding features being defined by the sheet on the opposite side. In other embodiments, the pallet may further include a lower deck or other support structure, and may further include integral reinforcing members. A detailed description of several exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be made with reference to the figures listed above and wherein like features are identified by like numbers. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the pallet of the invention is shown generally referenced by the number  100 . The pallet  100  is preferably fabricated from a single sheet, and comprises an approximately planar upper deck  102 , with an upper load bearing surface  104  and on the opposite side a lower lifting surface  106 . The upper deck  102  is preferably substantially rectangular, and is of a standard pallet size, typically 1200 to 1300 mm in length and 800 to 1,000 mm in width, although the pallet  100  may be made in any useful or desired size or shape. In the preferred embodiment, the upper deck  102  has four edges disposed at right angles to each other to form the shape of a rectangle. The four edges define the periphery of the upper deck  102 . There are preferably nine legs  108 , best seen in FIG. 2, formed in three rows of three, thereby forming two gaps between the legs  108  on each side of the pallet  100 . However, in alternate embodiments, more or less than nine legs  108  may be used. The size of the gaps will depend on the size and length of the legs  108 . These gaps allow the tines of a forklift to enter under the upper deck  102  from any side to engage the lifting surface  106  to lift the pallet  100 . 
     The pallet  100  is preferably formed of a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) compound, of a suitable relatively constant thickness. However, in alternate embodiments, any useful or practical material may be used, including any desired plastics and plastic alloys or metal sheets, such as aluminum. In embodiments using HDPE, the thickness and density of the sheet material used to fabricate the pallet  100  may be varied depending on the load requirements for which the pallet  100  is intended and the strength characteristics of the materials used in constructing the pallet  100 . It is preferable that the thickness of the sheet material used to fabricate the pallet  100  range between 5 and 10 millimeters, and more preferably between 6 and 8 millimeters, depending on whether a light or heavy-duty pallet is required. The density of the HDPE material comprising the sheet is preferably between 1.15 and 1.20 grams per cubic centimeter, and most preferably approximately 1.18 grams per cubic centimeter. 
     It is a particular advantage of the pallet of the invention that the materials used in fabrication can be chosen for custom uses, for example, the sheet material may be selected for resistance to damage in cold environments or exposure to selected chemicals, such as detergents, acids, alkalis, salts, and sea water, or ultra violet sunlight. Furthermore, thermoplastic materials such as HDPE can be readily fabricated in a variety of custom colors, and the colors can be used to color code the materials loaded on the pallets for easy identification. 
     A number of features, including ridges, channels, and depressions, are formed in the sheet material of the upper deck  102 . In all embodiments described herein, the lifting, or bottom, surface of each sheet is substantially parallel to the opposing top surface such that features or configurations on one side of the sheet will have corresponding features or configurations on the opposite side. For example, a top ridge formed in the top or load bearing surface  104  of the upper deck  102  defines a corresponding bottom channel in the bottom or lifting surface  106  of the upper deck  102 . Similarly, a top channel formed in the load bearing surface  104  of the upper deck  102  defines a corresponding bottom ridge in the lifting surface  106  of the upper deck  102 . Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of tapered leg depressions  110  in the upper load bearing surface  104  correspond to a plurality of legs  108  extending downward from the lifting surface  106 . The leg depression  110  and corresponding legs  108  preferably extend to a flat end, and are preferably of the same length so that the weight of the pallet  100  is evenly distributed among the legs  108 . The legs  108  preferably extend sufficiently beyond the depth of other features on the lower lifting surface  106  of the upper deck  102  so that gaps between adjacent legs  108  are sufficient to allow the tines of a forklift to enter under upper deck  102  to raise or move the pallet  100 . The leg depressions  110  and corresponding legs  108  may be any desired or practical shape such as circular, oval, triangular or quadrilateral in cross-section. However, in the embodiment seen in FIG. 1, nine leg depressions  110  are cross-shape in cross-section. All of the leg depressions  110  are preferably tapered so that the area of the bottom of each leg depression  110  is smaller than the area of the opening at the top of the leg depression  110 . Thus, the legs  108  decrease in cross section as the distance from the lower lifting surface  106  increases. The preferred angle of taper is between 4 and 8 degrees from vertical, and more preferably between 5 and 6 degrees from vertical. The taper of the legs  108  facilitates space saving nesting of the pallets when stored. 
     The pallet  100  is surrounded by a peripheral flange  114  defining a ridge  116  on the periphery of the upper load bearing surface  104 , and a corresponding channel  118  on the lower lift bearing surface. The peripheral ridge  116 , and its corresponding peripheral channel  118 , are formed adjacent to the periphery of the upper deck  102 . The geometry of the peripheral flange  114  is preferably chosen to inhibit bending, flexing or buckling of the upper deck  102  at the periphery of the pallet  100 . As shown in FIG.  2  and magnified in FIG. 3, the peripheral channel  118  is substantially U-shaped, and, therefore unsealed. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the peripheral channel  118  has an opening along a bottom side of the upper deck  102  that allows a reinforcing member  120  to be received in the peripheral channel  118  via the opening. In the embodiment seen in FIG. 1, a reinforcing member  120  is received within the peripheral channel  118  of the peripheral flange  114  to add additional strength. The reinforcing member  120  may be any practical material, however, the preferred configuration of the reinforcing member  120  is a steel structural member  122  encapsulated in a thermoplastic material  124 . Encapsulation of the steel structural member has the advantage of protecting the steel structural member from corrosive forces. The reinforcing member  120  may be a unitary ring dimensioned to be received within the peripheral channel  118 , or more preferably four separate elongate reinforcing members, with one elongate member positioned within the peripheral channel  118  on each side of the pallet  100 . The encapsulating thermoplastic material  124  of the reinforcing member  120  is preferably fully compatible with the material used in the manufacture of the upper deck  102  so that the reinforcing member  120  may be heat welded or fused to the upper deck  102  within the peripheral channel  118  to form a unitary object. The definition of the word “fuse” is intend to include a process whereby a molecular structure of one part is cross-linked to a molecular structure of another part. In alternate embodiments, the reinforcing member  120  may be coupled within the peripheral channel  118  using an adhesive. The steel structural member  122  of the reinforcing member  120  is preferably a steel bar that is oval in cross section, although other desired shapes may be used. The reinforcing member  120  is preferably positioned within the peripheral channel  118  with a long axis of the oval approximately perpendicular to the plane of the load bearing surface  104  of the upper deck  102 . 
     A plurality of ridges are defined by depressions and channels in the load bearing surface  104  of the upper deck  102 . As previously explained, corresponding features exist on the lifting surface  106  of the upper deck  102 . The ridges and channels are preferably arranged to provide additional resistance to bending, flexing or buckling of the upper deck  102 . A preferred arrangement of the ridges and channels is seen in FIG. 1, which shows a plurality of channels  128  and ridges  130  extending between adjacent leg depressions  110 . Thus, the upper load bearing surface  104  is divided into four squares. Within each square, a plurality of ridges  132  and channels  134  radiate diagonally from the center leg depression  110  towards a corner leg depression  110 . The ridges, and corresponding channels, preferably have a tapered cross section and a flat top. The angle of taper is preferably between 6 and 8 degrees from vertical, and more preferably approximately 8 degrees from vertical. The tops of the ridges  128 ,  132  define a plane, just as the tops of the ridges on the lower lifting surface  106  of the upper deck  102  define a parallel plane. The height of the ridges  128 ,  132  measured relative to the depth of an adjacent channels  130 ,  134  is preferably between 25 and 32 millimeters, and more preferably between 28 and 30 millimeters. The depth of a channels measured from an adjacent ridge will be correspondingly the same. 
     The configuration of the ridges and channels, together with the manner in which the legs  108  are constructed, allow the pallet  100  to achieve a very high strength without a significant increase in the amount of material used to construct the pallet  100 . The configuration of channels and ridges shown in FIG. 1 is intended to increase stability and load bearing strength of pallet  100  without creating areas of weakness susceptible to structural failure. In alternate embodiments, alternate configurations of ridges and channels may be used. For example, the number and orientation of ridges used can vary greatly, and in alternate embodiments the ridges may be V or U shaped in cross section. 
     The ridges  128  and  132  may act to prevent movement of a load on the pallet  100 . However, in an alternate embodiment, an anti-slip or friction coating may be added to the load bearing surface  104 . The friction coating may be painted onto the load bearing surface  104 , or laminated or otherwise adhesively affixed onto the load bearing surface  104 . If laminated, the friction coating or film may preferably be added by co-extrusion of the film and the sheet material used to fabricate the upper deck  102 . In a further alternate embodiment, a texture may be formed in the load bearing surface  104  during the vacuum molding process. 
     The pallet  100  is particularly well adapted for self-draining. The configuration of the channels  130  and  134  may be modified to provide a continuous draining channel by creating communication between the channels  130  and  134  and the leg depressions  110 . Thus if the pallet  100  is used to for moving or storage of liquid containers or agricultural materials, fluids that leak from the containers or agricultural materials may be directed toward the leg depressions  110 . In some embodiments, apertures may be further provided in the leg depressions  110  to allow the fluids to drain from the pallet  100 . 
     The pallet  100  of the invention is particularly constructed so as to be readily manufacturable through a vacuum thermoforming process, wherein the sheet of formable material is heated and vacuum formed against a mold to produce the desired pallet configuration. In construction, the sheet material used to manufacture the pallet  100  of the invention is mounted onto a thermoform vacuum mold. The thermoform vacuum mold is preferably a one sided mold having vacuum ports to draw the sheet material against the mold, with the sheet material being heated so as to generally conform to the shape of the mold. In embodiments including reinforcing members  120 , the reinforcing member  120  is pressed into the peripheral channel  118  under pressure while the sheet and/or encapsulating coating  124  encapsulating the structural member  122  is in a semi-molten state so that they fuse forming unitary object. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a double deck embodiment of the pallet of the invention. In this embodiment, two identical deck portions are joined at the flat ends  112  of the legs  108  to form the pallet  150  having an upper deck  154  and an identical lower deck  156 . The use of a lower deck  156  increases the stability of the pallet  150  when stacked or placed on an uneven surface. The upper and lower decks  154 ,  156  are preferably joined at the legs  108  by heat welding, however, adhesives or mechanical coupling means such as metal or plastic rivets or bolts may be equally useable. The configuration of ridges and channels shown in FIG. 4 is somewhat different than that shown in FIG.  1 . However, the configuration and fabrication of the upper deck  154  of the pallet  150  is otherwise the same as that discussed in relation to the upper deck  102  of the pallet  100  of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the pallet  100  of FIG. 4 taken along line  5 — 5 . No reinforcing members are used in this pallet  100 , however, reinforcing members could easily be added by fusing the reinforcing members into the peripheral channel  118  as previously described in the pallet of FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 6,  7 , and  8  show bottom, cross-sectional, and top views, respectively, of a double deck embodiment of the pallet  180  wherein the load bearing surface  188  of the upper deck  182 , seen in FIG. 8, and the bottom surface  190  of the lower deck  184 , seen in FIG. 6, are not configured identically. In this embodiment, the lower deck  184  can be specialized or customized to provide maximum strength and stability when used for specialized stacking or storing purposes. In the embodiment shown, both the upper deck  182  and the lower deck  184  include a reinforcing member, best seen in FIGS. 7,  9 , and  10 . FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line  7 — 7 . The upper deck  182  and the lower deck  184  can be seen joined at the ends  112  of the legs  108 . As in previous embodiments, the legs of the upper deck  182  and the lower deck  184  are preferably joined by fusing the material from which the upper and lower decks  182 ,  184  are fabricated at the point of contact. 
     FIG. 9 shows a magnified view of the reinforcing member  120  within the peripheral channel  118  of the upper deck  182 . The configuration of the peripheral channel  118  and the reinforcing member  120  of the upper deck  182  is similar to that previously described relating to the upper deck  102  of FIG. 1, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a structural member  122 , preferably a steel bar, having an oval cross section, encased within a thermoplastic coating  124 , disposed within the peripheral channel  118  with the long axis of the oval being approximately perpendicular to the plane of the upper deck  182 . 
     However, the configuration of the peripheral channel  192  and the reinforcing member  194  of the lower deck  184  is different than the configuration the peripheral channel  118  and reinforcing member  120  of the upper deck  182 . FIG. 10, shows a magnified cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member  194  of the lower deck  184  of the pallet  180  of FIG.  7 . The peripheral channel  192  of the lower deck  184  opens toward the bottom surface  190  of the lower deck  184 . The reinforcing member  194 , received within the peripheral channel  192  of the lower deck  184 , is preferably comprised of a structural member  196 , preferably a steel bar, that is square or oval in cross-section and encased within thermoplastic material  124 . The flat edge of the reinforcing member  194  provides a stable base for the pallet  180 . 
     In alternate embodiments of two deck pallets, the lower deck may not include legs  108 , and may instead have depressions or other structures to receive the legs  108  from the upper deck  102 . In this embodiment, the legs  108  of the upper deck  102  would preferably be lengthened to maintain an appropriate gap for entry of the tines of a forklift. 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of a lower deck  202  that includes open areas  204 . FIG. 11 shows a plan view of the bottom surface  206  of the lower deck  202 . The open areas  204  are provided so that less material is used in the fabrication of the lower deck  202 , resulting in a lighter and less expensive pallet configuration. The open area  204  also allows the pallet to be used with a “pallet jack” as well as a fork lift truck. In this case, the front wheels of the pallet jack work through the open areas. A slope on the deck edge allows easy access for the pallet jack to enter. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower deck  202  of FIG. 11 along line  12 — 12 . In the embodiment shown, the configuration of the reinforcing members  120  in the lower deck is the same as that shown in FIG.  10 . However, in alternate embodiments, the reinforcing members  120  need not be included. The construction and fabrication of the lower deck  202  of FIGS. 11 and 12 are otherwise the same as that described in earlier embodiments. 
     FIG. 13 shows a bottom plan view of a single deck pallet embodiment  210  having wooden runners  212  coupled to the bottoms  112  of legs  108  of the upper deck  214  of the pallet  210  using plastic rivets  216 , although any other known means for coupling the runners may be used, including adhesives, staples, nails, and screws. 
     FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a single deck pallet embodiment  210  with runners  212  coupled to the bottoms  112  of legs  108  of a deck  214 . The runners  212  extend substantially along the length of the deck  214  such that each runner  212  is coupled to an entire row of legs  108 . Thus, in the preferred embodiment having nine legs  108  arranged accordingly in three rows, three runners  212  may be coupled to the deck  214  with each runner  212  coupled to a row of three legs  108 . 
     In FIG. 15, the runners are removed to illustrate the structure of the leg bottoms  112 . The leg bottoms  112  each include a recessed portion  140  and a raised shoulder, or exposed, portion  142 . Each recessed portion  140  is shaped to receive a portion of a runner. In FIG. 16, the recessed portion  140  has a depth “D” configured such that when the runner  212  is sunken into the recessed portions  140 , a bottom surface  220  of the runner  212  is substantially flush with the shoulder portion  142  of the leg bottom  112 . This structure of the leg bottom  112  provides a more secure fit for the runners  212  and a greater contact surface area upon which the pallet  210  may rest, thus increasing the stability and weight capacity of the pallet  210 . The greater contact surface area provided by the shoulders  142  also enables the pallet  210 , to: 
     1) support additional weight without bowing; and 
     2) be stacked on top of malleable packages retained by a lower pallet. Since the greater contact surface area provided by the shoulders  142  distributes the entire weight of the pallet  210  more evenly, the pallet  210  may support additional weight without damaging the merchandise upon which it is stacked. 
     In FIG. 17, the runners  212  are removably coupled to the legs  108  with a securing mechanism  230 , such as a locking pin, though any type of securing mechanism may be used which allows a user to remove the runners  212 . The locking pin  230  is designed such that a user may repeatedly detach and reattach the runners  212  with ease, depending on whether the pallets are in use. FIG. 17 also provides a close-up view of the flush attribute between the bottom surface  220  of the runner  212  and the shoulder portion  142  of the leg bottom  112 . 
     FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the runner  212 . The runner  212  has a substantially flat top and bottom surface  219 ,  220 . This is especially important when pallets  210 , carrying malleable packages which are not boxes, are being stacked on top of each other as shown in FIG.  19 . The runners  212  may comprise any rigid material, including wood, metal, or plastic. The runners  212  are entirely encapsulated with a thick thermoplastic layer  223 . In the preferred embodiment, the runners  212  are made of wood and entirely encapsulated with HDPE  223 . 
     FIG. 19 illustrates two substantially identical pallets  210   a ,  210   b  wherein elements of similar structure are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the lower case “a” in the first pallet  210   a , and the lower case “b” in the second pallet  210   b . The flat bottom surface  220   a  of each runner  212   a  coupled to the upper pallet  210   a  rests on top of the packages  224   b  loaded onto the lower pallet  210   b . The flat bottom surfaces  220   a  of the runners  212   a  along with the shoulders  142   a  of the leg  108   a  provide even weight distribution so as to prevent the weight of the upper pallet  210   a , including packages  224   a  placed thereon, from the crushing, piercing or damaging the packages  224   b  on the lower pallet  210   b . The runners  212   a ,  212   b  also increases stability of the pallet  210   a ,  210   b  when the pallets  210   a ,  210   b  are being stacked or placed on an uneven surface. Thus, the runners  212   a  allow the upper pallet  210   a  to take on additional weight  224   a  without damaging the merchandise  224   b  upon which the upper pallet  210   a  is resting. The runners  212   a ,  212   b  also prevent the decks  214   a ,  214   b , respectively, from bowing. 
     The invention further comprises a modular dual deck pallet without legs. The non-legged dual deck pallet  240  is illustrated in perspective view in FIG.  20 . In FIG. 20, the non-legged, or legless, dual deck pallet  240  includes an upper deck, or first sheet,  250  and a lower deck, or second sheet,  270 . Columns  310  are disposed in between the first sheet  250  and the second sheet  270 . In FIG. 21 a , the second sheet  270  may have a different structure than the first sheet  250 . Alternatively, in FIG. 21 b , the second sheet  270  may have a structure that is substantially similar to the structure of the first sheet  250 . 
     FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the upper deck  250 . FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  23 ′— 23 ′ of FIG. 22 while FIG. 24 is a cross-section view taken along lines  24 ′— 24 ′ of FIG.  22 . The upper deck  250  includes a top, or external, surface  251  and a bottom, or internal, surface  261  substantially parallel and opposite to the top surface  251  as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. The upper deck  250  comprises a plurality of ridges and channels. In FIGS. 23 and 24, the internal surface  261  is substantially parallel to the external surface  251  such that a ridge  252  on the external surface  251  corresponds to a channel  262  on the internal surface  261  and a channel  253  on the external surface  251  corresponds to a ridge  263  on the internal surface  261 . The upper deck  250  comprises a single sheet made of a rigid but formable material. Such a rigid but formable material comprises a thermoplastic material, such as HDPE. In FIG. 22, the upper deck  250  comprises a plurality of apertures  254 . A raised shoulder  255  surrounds each aperture  254 . 
     The lower deck  270  may comprise a structure substantially similar to the structure of the upper deck  250  as shown in FIG.  25 . The lower deck  270  comprises a second external surface  271  and a second internal surface  281  substantially parallel and opposite to the external surface  271 . Since the internal surface  281  is substantially parallel to the external surface  271 , a plurality of ridges  272  in the second external surface  271  corresponds to a plurality of channels  282  in the second internal surface  281 , and a plurality of channels  273  in the second external surface  271  corresponds to a plurality of rides  283  in the second internal surface  281 . Furthermore, a plurality of apertures  274  are defined in the lower deck  270  wherein each aperture is surrounded by a raised shoulder  275 . In such a dual deck pallet  240  where the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270  have the same structure, the upper deck  250  can be nested on top of the lower deck  270 , or vice versa, once the pallet is disassembled. 
     Alternatively, the lower deck  270  may comprise a structure different from that of the upper deck  250 . Since the lower deck  270  is not adapted to support any cargo, it may be made from less material than the upper deck  250 , thus saving costs. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the internal surface  281  of such a lower deck  270 . The lower deck  270  may comprise large open areas  285  as defined by perpendicular cross members  287 , thus reducing the amount of material necessary to make such a deck. The lower deck  270  is made of a rigid but formable material, which includes thermoplastic materials such as HDPE. When this dual deck pallet  240  is disassembled, the upper deck  250  may be nested upon the upper deck of another similarly structured pallet while the lower deck  270  may be nested upon a lower deck of the other pallet. 
     FIGS. 27 and 28 are cross-sectional views of the lower pallet  270  in FIG. 26 taken along lines  27 ′— 27 ′ and  28 ′— 28 ′, respectively. The pallet jack deck, or cross deck,  270  has an external surface  271  and an internal surface  281  opposite and substantially parallel to the external surface  271 . The lower pallet  270  also comprises a plurality of ridges and channels. Since the internal surface  281  is substantially parallel to the external surface  271 , each ridge  272  in the external surface  271  corresponds to a channel  282  in the internal surface  281 , and each channel  273  in the external surface  271  corresponds to a ridge  283  in the internal surface  281 . 
     In FIG. 26, the lower deck  270  comprises a plurality of apertures  274  arranged to align with the apertures of the upper deck, and a plurality of shoulders  275 , wherein a shoulder  275  surrounds each aperture  274 . 
     The upper deck  250  and the lower deck  270  are configured in a back-to-back orientation such that the internal surfaces of each deck  261 ,  281 , respectively, face each other as shown in FIGS. 21 a  and  21   b . Accordingly, the external surfaces  251 ,  271  of each deck  250 ,  270  face outwardly away from each other. More specifically, the external surface  271  of the lower deck  270  faces downward while the external surface  251  of the upper deck  250  faces upward. Thus, the external surface  271  of the lower deck  270  is adapted to rest on the ground, on top of another deck, or on top of packages supported by another deck. The external surface  251  of the upper deck  250  is adapted to support or hold packages. 
     As shown in FIGS. 20,  21   a  and  21   b , a plurality of columns  310  are disposed between the upper deck  250  and the lower deck  270 . In effect, the columns  310  serve to replace the legs  108  of the dual deck embodiment shown in FIG.  5 . The internal surfaces  261 ,  281  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270  each have a plurality of column channels  264 ,  284  shaped to receive the top and bottom portions  312 ,  313 , respectively, of the column  310 . Reinforcement channels  266 ,  286  are also formed in the internal surfaces  261 ,  281  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270 . 
     FIG. 29 a  is a perspective view of the column  310 . Each column  310  has a central tube  311  extending all the way through from a top portion  312  to a bottom portion  313  of the column  310 . The column  310  is shaped as rectangle with an outer wall  315  disposed at right angles to form four corners  317 . FIG. 29 b  is a top plan view of the column  310 . In FIG. 29 b , the column  310  comprises a plurality of flanges  319  that either extend between the inner surfaces  320  of the column  310 , or extend from the inner surface  320  to the central tube  311 . In FIGS. 29 a  and  29   c , passageways  322  are carved out from the corners  317  of the wall  315  at both the top portion  312  and the bottom portion  313 , and from the flanges  319  adjacent to the inner surface  320  at both the top portion  312  and the bottom portion  313 . Thus, the passageways  322  not only receive reinforcing members, but provide a tight fit for them. As shown in FIG. 29 c , the passageways  322 , in profile, may have an oval shape to receive an oval-profiled reinforcing member or a combination of an oval shape and a square as shown in the bottom passageways  322  so as to receive either oval-profiled or square-profiled reinforcing members. 
     In FIGS. 20,  21   a  and  21   b , the pallet  240  further comprises a plurality of clamping pins  330 . Each clamping pin  330  is inserted through the tube  311  of the column  310 . FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the clamping pin  330 . The clamping pin  330  has a hollow core  332 . Protruding lips  334  are disposed at both ends  335 ,  336  of the clamping pin  330 . The lips  334  have an outer diameter “L” that is greater than the diameter of the apertures  254 ,  274  of the upper and lower deck  250 ,  270 . The clamping pin  330  further comprises longitudinal slots  338  disposed at the ends  335 ,  336  to enable the lips  334  to be compressed centrally so as to allow the lips  334  to be inserted through the apertures  254 ,  274  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270  as shown in FIGS. 23 and 27. The clamping pin  330  further comprises longitudinal ribs  340  disposed on an outer surface  342 . The ribs  340  contact the tube  311  of the column  310  and provide a tighter fit for the clamping pin  330 . 
     In FIGS. 20,  21   a  and  21   b , the pallet  240  further comprises a plurality of rigid bushes, or rigid inserts,  350 . A rigid insert  350  is disposed in the hollow core  332  of the clamping pin  330  at both ends  335 ,  336 . Since the ends  335 ,  336  are flexible due to the longitudinal slots  338 , the rigid inserts  350  serve to prevent the lips  334  from compressing centrally, thus keeping the lips  334  tightly fitted against the shoulders  255 ,  275  surrounding the apertures  254 ,  274  of the upper deck  250  and the lower deck  270  as shown in FIG.  20 . Locking washers  348  may be disposed between the shoulders  255 ,  275  of the decks  250 ,  270  and the lips  334  of the clamping pins  330 . FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the rigid insert  350 . The rigid insert  350  comprises an annular shoulder  352 . As shown in FIG. 20, the annular shoulder  352  rests against the lip  334  of the clamping pin  330 . The rigid insert  350  has a central recess  354 . An annular ledge  356  is disposed along an inner surface  358  of the rigid insert  350 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 20,  21   a  and  21   b , the pallet  240  further comprises a plurality of anti-skid plugs  360 . Each plug  360  is disposed in the central recess  354  of the rigid insert  350 . FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the plug  360 . The plug  360  comprises an annular groove  362  shaped to receive the annular ledge  356  of the rigid insert  350  so as to provide a tight fit. The plug  360  has an anti-skid contact surface  364  comprising concentric ridges  366 . Thus, the contact surface  364  is adapted to provide friction against objects placed thereon, or against objects upon which the pallet  240  is resting, such as the ground, another pallet, or merchandise supported by another pallet. The anti-skid plug  360  further comprises a central recess  368  to enable a user to remove the plug  360  from the rigid insert. 
     FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional close-up view of the pallet  240  wherein the lower deck pallet  270  is a cross deck as illustrated in FIG.  26 . FIG. 33 illustrates the various components involved in coupling the upper deck  250  to the lower deck  270 . The column  310  is received within the column channels  264 ,  284  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270 , respectively. The clamping pin  330  is inserted through the central tube  311  of the column  310 . The ends  335 ,  336  of the clamping pin  330  extend out through the apertures  254 ,  274  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270 . Locking washers  348  are disposed between the lips  334  of the clamping pin  330  and the shoulders  255 ,  275  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270 . The ribs  340  of the clamping pin  330  contact the tube  311  of the column  310  to provide a snug fit. The rigid insert  350  is disposed within the hollow core  332  of the clamping pin  330  at both ends  335 ,  336  such that the annular shoulder  352  of each rigid insert  350  rests against the ends  335 ,  336  of the clamping pin  330 . The anti-skid plug  360  is disposed in the central recess  354  of each rigid insert  350  such that the annular groove  362  of each plug  360  receives the annular ledge  356  of the rigid insert  350 . The plugs  360  are disposed such that the contact surfaces  364  are disposed slightly outward from the remainder of the external surfaces  251 ,  271  of the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270  so as to engage objects placed against the pallet  240 . 
     Upper reinforcing members  120  with an oval profile extend through the oval-shaped passageways  322  at the top portion  312  of the column  310  while lower reinforcing members  194  with a rectangular, or square, profile extend through square-shaped passageways  322  at the bottom portion  313  of the column  310 . The reinforcing members  120 ,  194  are thus locked in position without means of escape. As shown in FIG. 21 b , the reinforcing members  120 ,  194  may include end caps  372 ,  382  having the same profile. Thus, the ends caps  372  for the upper reinforcing members  120  have an oval shape while the end caps  382  for the lower reinforcing members  194  have a square shape. The end result of this structure is that the upper deck  250  is tightly secured to the lower deck  270 , and all the various components are snugly configured without need of additional components. Alternatively, each deck  250 ,  270  may include a second reinforcing member. 
     Where the lower pallet  270  has a structure substantially similar to the structure of the upper pallet  250  as shown in FIG. 25, the pallet  240  comprises oval-shaped reinforcing members  120 ,  194  received in both the upper and lower decks  250 ,  270 . 
     In operation, the pallet in all embodiments described above functions to provide an economical, efficient, and extremely strong pallet formed of thermoplastic material. Reinforcing members can be added the pallet to further increase the strength of the pallet without excessively increasing the weight of the pallet. The pallet is, thus, durable and can withstand long term use. Additional advantages of the pallets described above include the following: (1) the pallets are reversible in some configurations; (2) the weight of material used to manufacture the pallets is less than conventional wooden pallets; (3) the lower deck design of some pallet embodiments ensures even weight distribution; (4) many embodiments of the pallets comprise a single structural body rather than a plurality of parts coupled together, thus presenting a strong unitary pallet, (5) the pallets are fabricated of recyclable materials; (6) the pallets can be provided in a kit form that is easily stored and moved in the disassembled state, and that is readily assembled at a desired location; (7) in the disassembled state the upper and/or lower decks may be easily stored in nested stacks, thus minimizing the volume of space required to store the unused pallets; (8) runners provide extra strength and rigidity to the decks and prevent them from bowing, especially when the pallets are carrying heavy loads or are being lifted by a forklift; (9) runners provide greater stability when the pallet is being placed on an uneven surface; and (10) runners allow pallets carrying malleable packages to be stacked on top of each other without damaging the packages. 
     When used for storing or moving objects that may be upset by the ridges and channels on the load bearing surface of the pallets, such as relatively small objects, a plastic, ply wood, or metal sheet may be placed on the load bearing surface between the upper deck and the load on the pallet to present a flat surface. In alternate embodiments, the load bearing surface may include ridges, depressions, or other structures designed for securely locating or holding materials on the pallet. For example, the pallet may include one or more raised projections to be received within a hollow core of spooled materials to be stored or moved on the pallet. 
     Pallets constructed in accordance with this description have been found to support loads ranging from 750 kg to more than 1.5 metric tons dynamic load, and 2 metric tons to more than 6 metric tons static load, depending on the configuration of the pallet and whether reinforcing members are used. The pallets have been observed to have a typical useful life more than 10 times the life of standard wooden pallets. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various alterations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above disclosure. It is to be expressly understood that features associated with one embodiment may be excised and substituted in any other embodiment. For instance, though the preferred embodiment of the single deck pallet with runners does not include reinforcing members, it nonetheless could include runners as disclosed in the other embodiments. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.