Abstract:
The present invention is directed to formable pallets that are easy to construct into a generally stably product receiving state and easy to collapse into a storage/transport state. Embodiments of the pallet of which include a construction wherein one or more support beams can be further integrally formed from the sheet material of the pallet itself and function to support a product support surface on an uppermost surface of the pallet. The beams can be supported internally by structural inserts. Additionally, the supporting inserts may include braces for added stability and strength. The beams, as well as the platform can be further braced and structurally supported by cross braces, which run generally at right angles to the beams and pass through apertures in the beams themselves and slots in the inserts.

Description:
[0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/118,904, filed Apr. 29, 2005; which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/566,256 filed Apr. 29, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/632,554 filed Dec. 1, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/652,871 filed Feb. 15, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a collapsible pallet and more specifically to a pallet formed from a sheet material.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Pallets are platforms for supporting weight thereon, and by which materials, packages, or goods that are stacked thereon may be handled, stored and/or moved. Goods positioned on pallets are typically moved and stored in warehouses, factories, or vehicles, for example, by forklift equipment, in which the forklift tines are inserted into channels in the pallet or by way of engagement with an undersurface of a top deck of the pallet.  
         [0004]     Pallets have traditionally been formed from wood, plastic and various composite materials. Wood pallets, however, are subject to breakage and difficult to obtain and maintain in a sanitary condition. In environments where sanitation is important, such as in the food industry, pallets may be of limited usefulness. From time to time, the wood used in pallets is also known to contain eggs or actual insects thereby causing problematic infestations. Plastic pallets are bulky and initially, may be very expensive. Wood or plastic pallets are typically provided in a fully erected or constructed state and not deconstructed when not in use and therefore always require a maximum amount of space.  
         [0005]     While a number of attempts have been made to design inexpensive, but structural dependable pallets, there continues to be a need for improvements in both cost, ease of use, and overall strength. The present invention satisfies this need.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention is directed to a pallet that is easily assembled by a single person without tools and from easily transported and manipulated components. The components can be varied to easily provide pallets of different size and structural dependability. Each of the components for and the assembled pallet is lightweight and uses fewer materials than many pallets made from similar materials. This further reduces waste, lowers shipping costs and ultimately fuel consumption costs associated with the transport of the product shipped on the pallets on the issue of fuel consumption. It has been estimated by the Ford Motor and Automotive Aluminum Association that for every 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight there is a corresponding 6 to 8 percent savings decrease in fuel usage. Comparing an embodiment of the pallet of the present invention to a standard 48×40 inch wood pallet, a savings in fuel usage to carry up to 1200 pounds per truck load (i.e., 30 pounds per pallet savings multiplied by 40 pallets per truck) would result. Less weight means decreased fuel usage and therefore fewer atmospheric emissions. Also, since weight is a factor in road and highway damage, the less weight per truck means less road damage and fewer traffic jams due to highway construction.  
         [0007]     The modular pallet of the present invention is formed from one or more components that can be shipped and stored in a largely flattened state. As a result, prior to assembly, a pallet according to the present invention can take up little space, thereby reducing transportation and storage costs. After formation or assembly, for example, the pallet may be racked into the size permitted by the components, such as a space occupying 4½×48″×42″.  
         [0008]     The materials from which the pallet components may be made can be “environmentally friendly,” and therefore present low environmental impact. The pallet of the present invention and its components may be formed or joined without the use of metal staples, nails, or other fasteners. The staples, nails or other fasteners used in constructing conventional pallets are typically environmentally “less friendly”. They also may cause harm, such as to a user, when dislodged from the pallet. The use of materials other than wood for the collapsible pallet of the present invention is also economically and environmentally friendly. For example, the use of material other than wood for one or more components of the pallet of the present invention mostly eliminates the need to fumigate the pallet in order to destroy those destructive elements, such as the longhorn beetle that can typically harbor in the wood. In addition, the collapsible pallet of the present invention can be re-used multiple times. Due to the materials used in preferred embodiments of the invention, namely cardboard and like paper-based materials, repairs can be easily made and the present invention contemplates the use of what are termed “repair kits” with the pallets.  
         [0009]     The materials from which the components of the pallet may be made may be of a composition, or treated with other materials so that the components and the assembled pallet is generally insect or germ free and water resistant thereby permitting the pallet to be used in a moist or wet environment without perceptible loss in structural dependability. Other embodiments may include components and be structured so that the pallets are fire resistant, heat resistant, anti-static, or respond to additional user transport and storage specifications.  
         [0010]     The pallet of the present invention includes tubing elements, either singular or multi positional, for the construction of a generally stable platform, either in a permanent or semi-permanent way. The tubing may be sized and shaped to hold a variety of materials on the inside or outside thereof, yet not restrict the ability of the pallet to be assembled or disassembled in a “knock-down” fashion and provide a variety of options for reinforcing the strength and stability of the pallet by adding or subtracting material structure and material strength depending on the load placed on the platform. Heavier loads may require higher yield material while lighter loads may be constructed of lesser yield materials.  
         [0011]     Additional advantageous features of the pallet of the present invention are many. The pallet may include informational surfaces that may be used, if desired, for informational purposes such as by being decorated by processes of printing, laminating, stamping, spraying, etc. and can offer benefits such as bar coding, assembly instructions, and advertising. The platform may carry radio frequency friendly identification devices by which information concerning, for example, ownership and use and location of the platform may be provided. Various parts, sections or components of the pallet may be color coded, for example, for decorative purposes or for informational purposes such as to identify the carrying capacity or special use purpose of the pallet, to identify the owner of the material carried on the pallet, the owner of the pallet, promotional or advertising purposes, or simply to facilitate the construction or deconstruction of the pallet.  
         [0012]     Additionally, the material used, in the making of the platform, may also be constructed in such a way that it offers cushioning to help absorb shock vibrations. The platform user may be able to choose if they wish the platform delivered to them in an assembled state for immediate use or in a disassembled state for each pallet assembly. Because the components of the platform are sized and shaped to fit in a reduced amount of space (relative to the fully assembled pallet) in a disassembled state, shipping and storage costs are reduced. The platform may be made so that it can be erected by hand, hand and machine or machine only. This offers a number of options in the assembly process. The platform, if need be, can be constructed in such ways that it can be moved on conveyors or accept wheels, castors, or another roller type product for movement, or racking systems for storage or display. Multiple points of entry can be provided in pallets of the present invention so that, for example, a fork lift truck or hand jack or other mechanical assistance can be used to lift and move the pallet. Components of the pallet can be formed through materials that facilitate reuse or recycling of the components or the material from which the components are made. The platform can be constructed so that additional elements, such as add-on parts, can be added to give the platform added benefits such as display advertising, void filling, and convention type presentation. The platform itself may be saved and recycled to use as a cost saving feature in other inventions.  
         [0013]     A further object of the present invention is to provide a pallet some embodiments of which include decorative or esthetic elements such that the pallet may be used in more public venues and not simply the warehouse. Conventional pallets, to the extent they are constructed of cardboard, have corrugated flutes. Embodiments of the present invention eliminate what may be viewed as aesthetically unappealing exposure of corrugated flutes by providing various assembly constructions such that the cross sections of the corrugated cardboard are hidden or secluded from all outside or exposed surfaces. Moreover, it is contemplated the present invention may be assembled of cardboard constructed without corrugated flutes. The singularity of sheet through a printing press means the sheet can be printed and die cut at the same time thereby saving money on many decorative operations.  
         [0014]     A further object is to provide a tracking functionality to one or more pallet embodiments, for example, through the single or coordinated use of bar codes, hologram, or RFID tags (tracking devices). A bar code is a series of lines of that can be read by a computer input device, for example, a bar code scanner and provide a wide variety of information. A hologram is a three-dimensional photograph or illustration, created with an optical process that uses lasers. Holograms are difficult to replicate or counterfeit. A RFID tag, or radio frequency identification tag, is a type of electronic identification that uses radio frequency signals to read information. A tracking device may be applied to each component, larger groupings of components, or the fully assembled pallet. The tracking device can communicate a variety of information, for example, certification of the maximum weight the pallet is capable of supporting, origin, and destination of the product associated with a particular pallet along with the location at any given moment in time. It is further contemplated that the tracking device may include other sorts of information such as a customer&#39;s logo. The components of the pallet may additionally have designations by which the pallet components may be identified, located, and tracked. Components suitable for reuse may include designations or identifications that assist one or more subsequent purchasers of the use history of that component. A corporate certification stamp such as one backed by insurance, that, for example, is used in the corrugated box industry, can be used to designate manufacturing guarantees such as product transport or storage warranties. One or more components of the pallet may be certified, such as in printed information including the manufacturer&#39;s or shipper&#39;s information, identification or logo to make sure that only that business&#39; product is shipped or used with the identified pallet. This is important when quality control certification only applies when the business&#39; given product is carried on the identified pallet. Other features will become apparent in the following description.  
         [0015]     While the prior art describes many variations on cardboard type pallets and related products, no apparatus system or method is described wherein a pallet is formed with support beams that are integrally formed from the sheet material base. Embodiments of the present invention can include supporting inserts in the beams as well as cross-braces or slats located against the underside of the base platform itself. The beams as well as the platform are structurally supported by cross-braces, which run at right angles to the beams. They can be angled, positioned, or arranged in different formats depending on the need.  
         [0016]     In other words, embodiments of the pallet of the present invention include beams, which are supported internally by structural inserts that may be of varying size and shape. Moreover, the inserts may further include braces that are positioned within the structural inserts to provide additional support. The braces may be of any suitable material, size, and shape to fit within the structural insert.  
         [0017]     Embodiments may include cross-braces that pass through an aperture in the beams themselves. The cross-braces may be positioned such that they do not interfere with the structural inserts or braces. Moreover, the structural inserts and braces themselves may include slots through which the cross-braces may pass. The cross-braces may pass underneath and support the underside of the platform to create significant structural support.  
         [0018]     A further object of the present invention is to provide embodiments having a supporting structure, or stabilizer, under the pallet to adequately distribute the load carried on the platform panel of the pallet. The stabilizer can be of any shape or size and constructed from various materials including, wood, plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, rigid foam, fiberglass, carbon-fiber, composite materials and so on, capable of providing support to the platform panel of the pallet.  
         [0019]     Multiple pallets may be joined, such as through a variety of simplified embodiments of the pallet including those having interconnecting male and female components that permit the engagement of the male protrusion into a female receptacle, each of which is positioned within the support beams. The male protrusion and female receptacle can be broken down flat along with the entirety of the pallet for ease of shipping and storage described above.  
         [0020]     The present invention, in one aspect, is a pallet fabricated of a sheet of material for receiving product, including a platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. In one embodiment, the pallet may include a beam that is sized, shaped and positioned to assist in the support of a load on the generally horizontal product support surface of the pallet, In another embodiment, the pallet may include a plurality of support beams to assist in the support of loads on the product support surface of the pallet. For example, one such embodiment that may include a first beam located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform and a second beam located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform to assist in the support of a load on the support surface of the pallet.  
         [0021]     Embodiments of the pallet may include one or more support beams sized and shaped and constructed to accommodate the receipt of an insert. For example, an insert may be positioned in one or more of the support beams, each of the inserts being constructed and formed of a material capable of assisting in the support of at least the weight of the product carried on the product support surface thereon.  
         [0022]     Another aspect of the invention provides a pallet for receiving product thereupon, including a platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform and a second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. A third beam is positioned between the first beam and the second beam and an insert is positioned in each of the first beam, second beam and third beam, each insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least the weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0023]     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a pallet for receiving product, including a platform with a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is positioned along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is positioned along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. A third beam is positioned between the first beam and the second beam. Each of the first beam, the second beam and the third beam may include a plurality of cross-brace beam openings formed therethrough. Accordingly, a plurality of cross-braces may be positioned in the cross-brace beam openings to extend from the first platform side to the second platform side and adjacent the underside of the platform to support the platform. An insert is positioned in each of the first beam, second beam and third beam, each insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0024]     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a pallet for receiving product, including a platform with a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is positioned along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam positioned along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. A support structure is positioned between the first beam and the second beam, wherein each of the beams includes a plurality of cross-brace beam openings formed therethrough. Cross-braces are positioned in the cross-brace beam openings to extend from the first platform side to the second platform side and adjacent the underside of the platform to support the platform. Inserts in each of the first beam, second beam and third beam, are constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0025]     Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a pallet for receiving product, including a platform with a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is positioned along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is positioned along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. Each of the first beam and the second beam includes a plurality of cross-brace beam openings formed therethrough. Cross-braces are positioned in the cross-brace beam openings to extend from the first platform side to the second platform side and adjacent the underside of the platform to support the platform and an insert is positioned in each of the first beam, second beam and third beam. Each insert is constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0026]     Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a pallet system for receiving product, including a pallet with a platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. An insert is positioned in each of the first beam and second beam. Each insert is constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon. A hollow, rectangular sleeve is sized and shaped to fit over the pallet.  
         [0027]     Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a system for supporting, transporting and/or storing product, including a first pallet with a first pallet platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform, wherein the second beam includes one or more male protrusions. A second pallet is provided with a second pallet platform including a third platform side and a fourth platform side, the third platform side being opposite the fourth platform side. A third beam is located along the third platform side on an underside of the second pallet platform. A fourth beam is located along the fourth platform side on the underside of the second pallet platform, wherein the fourth beam includes one or more female receptacles sized and shaped to receive the one or more male protrusions to form a combined pallet system from the first pallet and the second pallet. An insert is provided in each of respective the first beam, the second beam, the third beam and the fourth beam, each insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0028]     Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a system for supporting, transporting and/or storing product, including a pallet with a platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. An insert is positioned in each of the first beam and second beam, each the insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon and a display element including display information is positioned on the pallet and wherein the display covers some or the entire pallet.  
         [0029]     Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a pallet, including providing a sheet of material, positioning one or more cross-braces on an underside of the sheet of material, positioning two or more spaced inserts on the underside of the sheet of material and over the one or more cross-braces, and assembling a beam over each of the two or more spaced inserts, whereby both the one or more cross-braces and the two or more spaced inserts are locked in place with each of the two or more spaced inserts being located within a respective beam.  
         [0030]     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a lightweight, foldable cost-saving pallet system for shipping product, including a pallet with a single sheet of foldable material including a central platform with a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the central platform. The first beam is shaped to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the first configuration is rhomboid or a flattened rectangle in cross section and the second configuration is in the form of a hollow rectangle in cross section. A second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the central platform, wherein the second beam has the same shape as the first beam. An insert is sized and shaped to fit within each of the first beam and the second beam when the first beam and the beam are in the second configuration, each insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon.  
         [0031]     Yet another aspect of the invention provides a system for supporting product with a tracking feature, including a pallet for supporting product thereupon, including a platform including a first platform side and a second platform side, the first platform side being opposite the second platform side. A first beam is located along the first platform side on an underside of the platform. A second beam is located along the second platform side on the underside of the platform. An insert is positioned in each of the first beam and second beam, each insert being constructed and formed of a material capable of withstanding at least weight of the product bearing thereupon and a tracking device for tracking one or both of the pallet and product positioned upon the pallet. The tracking device may be a RFID or the like encapsulated in the pallet material or inside a separate compartment of the pallet.  
         [0032]     The present invention and its attributes and advantages further understood, will be further appreciated with reference to the detailed description below of some presently contemplated embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]     The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to the limit the invention, where like designations denoted like elements, and in which:  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a pallet according to the present invention and a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert according to the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the pallet of  FIG. 1  and a perspective view of an embodiment of an insert, with cross braces in place;  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of a pallet and insert according to the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a pallet according to the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows yet another embodiment of a pallet according to the present invention; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows yet another embodiment of a pallet and insert according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     This application incorporates by reference the entire subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/118,904, filed Apr. 29, 2005.  
         [0041]     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures are not described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. For convenience of description, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “underneath”, “outer”, “inner”, “horizontal”, “vertical” “outwardly”, and “inwardly” are used to refer to the orientation illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood that embodiments advantageously can be used in a variety of orientations.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a pallet and an insert, according to embodiments of the present invention, and illustrated generally by reference to numbers  2101  and  2125 , respectively. Generally, the illustrated embodiment of the pallet  2101  may be of a unique construction and can be formed from a generally continuous, single material sheet  2103  sized and shaped and constructed so that a supporting platform generally shown at  2105  may be formable therefrom. While the sheet  2103  may be formed from a paper-based, non-paper based or composite material, one preferred material from which the sheet  2103  may be made is corrugated paperboard or cardboard. Other suitable materials include a single type of plastic or combinations of types of plastic or plastic/paper combinations of material, or other composite materials. Also, other suitable materials include wood, fiberglass, laminated materials, metal, or extruded recycled materials, for example. The present invention may relate to a pallet, which may be assembled at any time or a pre-assembled pallet and more specifically assembled from a sheet-like material. A key feature of the present invention includes the ability to provide one or more pallets  2101  in a flat, pre-assembled condition, which when needed, is easily erected into a supporting state for use as will be explained more fully hereinafter.  
         [0043]     Furthermore, the insert  2125  may be considered optional, depending at least in part on the material used to construct the pallet  2101 , and also on the intended use of the pallet. For example, if the pallet  2101  is made of a metal material, the insert  2125  may not be needed for structural reinforcement. In addition, if the pallet  2101  is used to support very lightweight materials, the inserts  2125  may not be needed for structural reinforcement.  
         [0044]     The platform  2105  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a left panel  2106  and a right panel  2108  defined by portions of the sheet  2103 , which forms a product receiving surface  2107  when left panel  2106  and right panel  2108  are in a horizontal position. In other embodiments of the presently illustrated invention and those that follow, it will be understood that the panels  2106 ,  2108  are optional and a product receiving surface  2107  (or the like) will be constituted by the uppermost, generally horizontal surface presented by the constructed pallet capable of receiving product thereon.  
         [0045]     Each of the left panel  2106  and the right panel  2108  include a front end tab  2110  and a rear end tab  2112  attached respectively to front and rear edges ( 2114 ,  2116 ) of the left panel  2106  and the right panel  2108 . Similarly, each of the left panel  2106  and the right panel  2108  include a front under tab  2118  and a rear under tab  2120  attached respectively to front and rear edges ( 2114 ,  2116 ) of the left panel  2106  and the right panel  2108 .  
         [0046]     The pallet  2101  includes left, right and middle beams  2109 ,  2111  and  2153 . Each of beams  2109 ,  2111 , and  2153  of the illustrated embodiment includes an interior surface  3001  that may define, for example, a generally rectangular interior space  3003  sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped insert  2125 . As will be shown below in more detail, the number of beams may be one or more beams.  
         [0047]     The insert  2125  may be of other sizes and shapes. In one preferred embodiment, the shape of each insert  2125  defines an interior space  2145  such as one as one sized and shaped to receive a brace  2127  therein. Each of the illustrated embodiments of the insert  2125  includes a first insert member  2147  and a second insert member  2149 . Each insert member  2147 ,  2149  includes two short sides  2122  at opposite ends thereof and a long side  2124  disposed between the short sides. The insert members  2147 ,  2149  are arranged to form a rectangle with the interior space  2145  defined within for receiving the brace  2127 .  
         [0048]     The brace  2127  is preferably rigid and may be made of any supportive material, such as, for example, wood, metal, or a composite material capable of supporting a load placed on the pallet  2101 . The long sides  2124  of the insert members  2147 ,  2149  include a dentate upper surface  2126  for receiving one or more cross member (not shown) for supporting the platform  2105 .  
         [0049]     The platform  2105 , which forms a product receiving surface  2107  when panels  2106 ,  2108  are in a horizontal configuration overlie left and right sections  2152 ,  2154 , which are situated between and provide a span between left and middle beams  2109 ,  2153 , and middle and right beams  2153 ,  2111 , respectively. Each of the left and right pallet sections  2152 ,  2154  include a plurality of spaced slots  2156 , which are positioned to cooperate with the dentate upper surface  2126  of inserts  2125 , so as to house cross braces (see  FIG. 2 ) disposed therein. Each of beams  2109 ,  2153 ,  2111  include a pair of front and rear folding end tabs  2115  for closing each of the beams.  
         [0050]     Turning to  FIG. 2 , when the pallet  2101  is constructed an insert  2125  may be positioned within one or more than one of the beams  2109 ,  2153 ,  2111 . The front and rear folding end tabs  2115  are urged into a closed position. Various other methods can be used to seal the insert within the beam, for example with a separate end cap (not shown).  
         [0051]     Cross braces  2150  are positionable into position in the dentations  2126  and slots  2156 . The left panel  2106  and a right panel  2108  are constructed so that each may be lowered onto the cross braces and sections  2152 ,  2154 . The front end tabs  2110  and rear end tabs  2112  are affixed to the tabs  2115  by any suitable means, for example, an adhesive. The front under tab  2118  and a rear under tab  2120  are folded under the sections  2152 ,  2154  to retain the left panel  2106  and the right panel  2108  in a horizontal position effectively completing the construction of the pallet  2101 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 3  shows a pallet  2201  and an insert  2225  according to another embodiment of the invention. Generally, the illustrated embodiment of the pallet  2201  is of a unique construction including a continuous, single material sheet  2203  forming a supporting platform generally shown at  2205 . Preferably, the material from which the sheet  2203  is made is corrugated paperboard or cardboard as above.  
         [0053]     The present invention may relate to a pallet  2201 , which may be assembled at any time or a pre-assembled pallet and more specifically assembled from a single sheet of material. A key feature of the present invention includes the ability to provide one or more pallets  2201  in a flat, pre-assembled condition, which when needed, is easily erected into a supporting state for use as will be explained more fully hereinafter.  
         [0054]     The platform  2205  illustrated in  FIG. 2  includes a left panel  2206  and a right panel  2208  defined by portions of the sheet  2203 . The left panel  2206  and right panel  2208  form rectangular portions of the platform  2205  and when in a horizontal position can form product receiving surface  2107  thereby.  
         [0055]     The pallet  2201  includes left, right and middle beams  2209 ,  2211  and  2253 . Each of the beams  2209 ,  2211 , and  2253  define a roughly rectangular interior space  3003  sized and shaped to receive a respective insert  2225 .  
         [0056]     The insert  2225  includes an interior space  2245  defined by a first insert member  2247  and a second insert member  2249 . Each insert member  2247 ,  2249  includes two short sides  2222  at opposite ends thereof and a long side  2224  disposed between the short sides. The insert members  2247 ,  2249  are arranged to form a rectangle with the interior space  2245  defined within.  
         [0057]     The platform  2205 , on which a product receiving surface  2107  is formable when panels  2206 ,  2208  are in a horizontal configuration overlie left and right sections  2252 ,  2254 , which are situated between and provide a span between left and middle beams  2209 ,  2253 , and middle and right beams  2253 ,  2211 , respectively. Each of the left and right pallet sections  2252 ,  2254  are flat planar sections. The embodiment of the pallet and insert  2201 ,  2125  shown in  FIG. 3  is constructed similar to that shown above with the exception of lacking cross braces or a brace in each insert. The pallet  2201  may be preferably held together by application of an adhesive to adjacent parts, like, for example, hot melt adhesive.  
         [0058]      FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a pallet  2301  like that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  without inserts or bracing. The platform  2305  includes a left panel  2306  and a right panel  2308  defined by portions of sheet  2303 . Each of the left panel  2306  and the right panel  2308  include a front end tab  2310  and a rear end tab  2312  attached respectively to front and rear edges ( 2314 ,  2316 ) of the left panel  2306  and the right panel  2308 . Similarly, each of the left panel  2306  and the right panel  2308  include a front under tab  2318  and a rear under tab  2320  attached respectively to front and rear edges  2314 ,  2316  of the left panel  2306  and the right panel  2308 .  
         [0059]     The pallet  2301  includes left, right and middle beams  2309 ,  2311  and  2353 , which form a stable base for supporting the pallet. As will be shown below in more detail, the number of beams may be one or more beams.  
         [0060]     The platform  2305 , which forms a product receiving surface  2107  when panels  2306 ,  2308  are in a horizontal configuration overlie left and right sections  2352 ,  2354 , which are situated between and provide a span between left and middle beams  2309 ,  2353 , and middle and right beams  2353 ,  2311 , respectively. Each of the left and right pallet sections  2352 ,  2354  may include a plurality of optional spaced slots  2356 , which are positioned and sized to house optional cross braces (see  FIG. 2 ).  
         [0061]     Each of beams  2309 ,  2353 ,  2311  include a pair of front and rear folding end tabs  2315  for closing each of the beams. When the pallet  2301  is constructed the front and rear folding end tabs  2315  are urged and fixed into a closed position. Various other methods can be used to close the beam, for example, with a separate end cap (not shown).  
         [0062]     Optional cross braces (not shown) may be set into position in the slots  2356 . The left panel  2306  and a right panel  2308  are lowered onto the cross braces and sections  2352 ,  2354 . The front end tabs  2310  and rear end tabs  2312  are affixed to the tabs  2315  by any suitable means, for example, an adhesive. The front under tab  2318  and a rear under tab  2320  are folded under the sections  2352 ,  2354  to retain the left panel  2306  and the right panel  2308  in a horizontal position effectively completing the construction of the pallet  2301 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a pallet  2401  like that shown in  FIG. 3  without inserts or bracing.  FIG. 5  shows a pallet  2401  of a unique construction including a continuous, single material sheet  2403  forming a supporting platform generally shown at  2405 . Preferably, the material from which the sheet  2403  is made is corrugated paperboard or cardboard as above, but any suitable material may be used.  
         [0064]     The present invention may relate to a pallet  2401 , which may be assembled at any time or a pre-assembled pallet and more specifically assembled from a single sheet of material. A key feature of the present invention includes the ability to provide one or more pallets  2401  in a flat, pre-assembled condition, which when needed, is easily erected into a supporting state for use as will be explained more fully hereinafter.  
         [0065]     The platform  2405  includes a left panel  2406  and a right panel  2408  defined by portions of the sheet  2403 . The left panel  2406  and right panel  2408  form rectangular portions of the platform.  
         [0066]     The pallet  2401  includes left, right and middle beams  2409 ,  2411  and  2453 . Each of the beams  2409 ,  2411 , and  2453  define a roughly rectangular interior space  3003 .  
         [0067]     The platform  2405 , which forms a product receiving surface  2107  when panels  2406 ,  2408  are in a generally horizontal configuration overlie left and right sections  2452 ,  2454 , which are situated between and provide a span between left and middle beams  2409 ,  2453 , and middle and right beams  2453 ,  2411 , respectively. Each of the left and right pallet sections  2452 ,  2454  are flat planar sections. The embodiment of the pallet  2401  shown in  FIG. 5  is constructed similar to that shown above with the exception of lacking cross braces or inserts. The pallet  2401  may be preferably held together by application of an adhesive to adjacent parts, like, for example, hot melt adhesive.  
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of a pallet and an insert, according to embodiments of the present invention, and illustrated generally by reference to numbers  2501  and  2525 , respectively. Generally, the illustrated embodiment of the pallet  2501  may be of a unique construction including a continuous, single material sheet  2503  forming a supporting platform generally shown at  2505 . Preferably, the material from which the sheet  2503  is made is corrugated paperboard or cardboard. However, any suitable material may be used, such as, for example, plastic or combinations of plastic and paper material or other composite materials. Also, the material may include wood, fiberglass, laminated materials, metal, or extruded recycled materials, for example. The present invention may relate to a pallet, which may be assembled at any time or a pre-assembled pallet and more specifically assembled from a sheet-like material. A key feature of the present invention includes the ability to provide one or more pallets  2501  in a flat, pre-assembled condition, which when needed, is easily erected into a supporting state for use as will be explained more fully hereinafter.  
         [0069]     Furthermore, the insert  2525  may be considered optional, depending at least in part on the material used to construct the pallet  2501 , and also on the intended use of the pallet. For example, if the pallet  2501  is made of a metal material, the inserts  2525  may not be needed for structural reinforcement. In addition, if the pallet  2501  is used to support very lightweight materials, the inserts  2525  may not be needed for structural reinforcement.  
         [0070]     The platform  2505 , which forms a product receiving surface  2107  when panels  2506 ,  2508  are in a horizontal configuration, includes a left panel  2506  and a right panel  2508  defined by portions of the sheet  2503 . Each of the left panel  2506  and the right panel  2508  include a front end tab  2510  and a rear end tab  2512  attached respectively to front and rear edges  2514 ,  2516  of the left panel  2506  and the right panel  2508 . Similarly, each of the left panel  2506  and the right panel  2508  include a front under tab  2518  and a rear under tab  2520  attached respectively to front and rear edges  2514 ,  2516  of the left panel  2506  and the right panel  2508 .  
         [0071]     The pallet  2501  includes a single central beam  2153 . The beam  2153  define a roughly rectangular interior space  3003  sized and shaped to receive an insert  2525 . The number of beams may be one or more beams.  
         [0072]     The insert  2525  includes an interior space  2545  in which a brace  2527  may be inserted. Each insert  2525  includes a first insert member  2547  and a second insert member  2549 . Each insert member  2547 ,  2549  includes two short sides  2522  at opposite ends thereof and a long side  2524  disposed between the short sides. The insert members  2547 ,  2549  are arranged to form a rectangle with the interior space  2545  defined within for receiving the brace  2527 .  
         [0073]     The brace  2527  is preferably rigid and may be made of any supportive material, such as, for example, wood, metal, plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, composites, and so on, capable of supporting a load placed on the pallet  2501 . The long sides  2524  of the insert members  2547 ,  2549  include a dentate upper surface  2526  for receiving one or more cross member  2550  for supporting the platform  2505 .  
         [0074]     The platform  2505 , which forms a product receiving surface when in a horizontal configuration overlie left and right sections  2552 ,  2554 , which are situated outboard of the central beam  2553 . Each of the left and right pallet sections  2552 ,  2554  provide support for cross braces  2550  disposed thereon and ultimately platform  2505 . Beam  2553  includes a front and rear folding end tab  2515  for closing the beam.  
         [0075]     When the pallet  2501  is constructed an insert  2525  is positioned within beam  2553 . The front and rear folding end tab  2515  is urged into a closed position. Various other methods can be used to seal the insert  2525  within the beam  2553 , for example with a separate end cap (not shown).  
         [0076]     Cross braces  2550  are set into position on and spanning sections  2552 ,  2554 . The left panel  2506  and a right panel  2508  are lowered onto the cross braces and sections  2552 ,  2554 . The front end tab  2510  and rear end tab  2512  are folded under affixed sections  2552 ,  2554  by any suitable means, for example, an adhesive. The front under tab  2518  and a rear under tab  2520  are folded over and fixed to tab  2515  completing the construction of the pallet  2501 .  
         [0077]     While the present inventions and what is considered presently to be the best modes thereof have been described in a manner that establishes possession thereof by the inventors and that enables those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions, it will be understood and appreciated that there are many equivalents to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and that myriad modifications and variations may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions, which are to be limited not by the exemplary embodiments but by the appended claims.