Patent Publication Number: US-11390423-B2

Title: Apparatus for securing boxes on a pallet

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Much of the world&#39;s goods are transported in cardboard boxes. The cardboard boxes can be stacked onto pallets and loaded into trailers. If left unsecured, the motion of the trailer during transit can cause the boxes to fall off the stack resulting in broken and damaged merchandize. Such damages can result in significant losses, especially for items such as sterilized medical products that can be come compromised when the boxes are damaged. 
     To counter the shifting of boxes in the stack, plastic wrap has been used to secure the boxes together. While the plastic wrap may bind some of the boxes together, the combined group of boxes may shift on the pallet and may damage boxes due the weight of the combined boxes on certain boxes resulting in damage to merchandize. This shifting can be due to the fact that the surface area of the pallet is small compared with the total surface area of the shrink-wrap that comes in contact with the boxes. In addition, it is difficult to put the boxes back on the pallet after they have shifted with the shrink-wrap on. 
     Other techniques to counter movement of boxes during shipping can involve banding placed around the boxes. In addition to the banding, corner protectors can be used to reduce the possibility of damaging the boxes. Banding increases the costs for shipments due to increased materials costs and more importantly time costs in securing the banding around the boxes. In addition, the tension placed on the banding can damage the boxes if the tension is not properly applied. 
     It would be advantageous for use of an apparatus, with and without the plastic wrap that keeps the boxes from shifting during transit. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some implementations, an apparatus may include an L-shaped structural member sized to run a length of a pallet, the L-shaped structural member having a top side and a bottom side. 
     According to some implementations, a system may include a first L-shaped structural member sized to fit the long side of the pallet; a second L-shaped structural member sized to fit the short side of the pallet; and a plurality of tabs affixed to a bottom side of at least one of the first L-shaped structural member and the second L-shaped structural member, wherein the plurality of tabs are affixed at positions to fit within gaps between deck boards of the pallet. 
     According to some implementations, a system securing a plurality of boxes on a pallet having a long side and a short side, the system may include a first L-shaped structural member sized to fit the short side of the pallet; and a second L-shaped structural member sized to fit the short side of the pallet, wherein the first L-shaped structural member and the second L-shaped structural member are affixed to form a T-shaped component that fits alongside an end of a deck board of the pallet. 
     These and other embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. 
     A better understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure may be gained with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes loaded on a pallet. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes loaded on a pallet and secured with plastic wrap. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes loaded on a pallet and secured with plastic wrap and banding. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes loaded on a pallet using an exemplary apparatus for securing the load. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes loaded on a pallet using an exemplary apparatus and plastic wrap to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a top-view of the first apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective front view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a side profile view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of the second apparatus. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates a side profile view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a side view of the fourth apparatus. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of a several embodiments of an apparatus used together to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a fifth embodiment of an apparatus used to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a sixth embodiment of an apparatus used to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a seventh embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an eighth embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an apparatus to secure loads on a cardboard pallet. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates an apparatus to secure loads on a flat pallet. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a standard pallet and an alternate pallet configuration 
     
    
    
     Like reference, symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements, in accordance with certain example implementations. In addition, multiple instances of an element may be indicated by following a first number for the element with a letter or a hyphen and a second number. For example, multiple instances of an element  110  may be indicated as  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 ,  110 - 3  etc., or as  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c , etc. When referring to such an element using only the first number, any instance of the element is to be understood (e.g., element  110  in the previous example would refer to elements  110 - 1 ,  110 - 2 , and  110 - 3  or to elements  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c ). 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes  102  loaded on a pallet  104 . Commercial goods can be packaged in boxes for shipping. Commercial goods can be shipped from manufacturing locations to retailers or to end customer customers in boxes  102  (e.g., cardboard boxes). In a first stack  103 , the boxes  102  can be stacked together on a pallet  104 . Standard pallet size can be 40 inches by 48 inches with each deck board being 3½ inches wide 5/16 of an inch thick. The pallet  104  can be constructed from cardboard, wood, plastic resin and other materials. The pallets  104  can be loaded into trailers in two rows into a standard trailer which is generally 102 inches wide. The pallets  104  can be loaded against each longitudinal side of the trailer to provide support for one side of the load of boxes  102  on the pallets  104 . This loading configuration would leave a gap between each row of pallets  104 . As the trailer travels and turns, the centripetal force can cause the boxes  102  to fall, as shown in second stack  106 , resulting in damage to the goods. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes  202  loaded on a pallet  204  where the boxed are secured using plastic wrap  206 . One or more layers of plastic can be wrapped around the boxes  202  on the pallet  204 . The plastic wrap  206  can secure the individual boxes  202  to each other. However, the surface area of the pallet  204  that the shrink-wrap contacts may not be sufficient to secure the weight of the load to the pallet  204 . As a result, as the load of boxes  202  can shift with respect to the pallet  204 . The weight of the load of boxes can disproportionately apply to a side or corner of the pallet  204  resulting in damage  208  to the boxes  202 . Also, these configurations can result in increased labor in putting the stack of boxes back on the pallet if moved. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes  302  loaded on a pallet  304  and secured with plastic wrap  306  and banding  310 . The banding  310  can be used to secure the boxes to the pallets  304 . Corner protectors  312  can also be used in conjunction with the banding  310 . In addition to the extra expense of the banding  310  and corner protectors  312 , it can be time consuming to properly install the banding for each load. Further, the tension of the banding tool (not shown) can still damage the boxes  302  during the banding process. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes  402  loaded on a pallet  404  using an apparatus  414 ,  420  for securing the load of boxes  402 . In various embodiments, an apparatus  414 ,  420  can include an L-shaped structural member sized to run a length of a side of a pallet  404 . The L-shaped structural member can include a top side and a bottom side. A plurality of tabs  416  can be affixed to the bottom side of the L-shaped structural member, wherein the plurality of tabs  416  are affixed at a position along a length of the L-shaped structural member to fit within gaps between deck boards of the pallet  404 . 
     The apparatus  414 ,  420  can be manufactured in a plurality of lengths. In a first embodiment, the apparatus  414  can be sized to fit the length of a short side of the pallet  404 . In some embodiments, the short side of the pallet  404  is 40 inches in length. Other lengths can be used. The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member can be placed against the edge of a pallet  404 . The lower portion of the L-shaped structural member sits on the deck of the pallet  404 . Boxes  402  can be placed to sit on the lower portion of the L-shaped structural member. The tabs  416  can fit into gaps between the planks  418  of the pallet  404 . In this way, the tabs  416  can secure the L-shaped structural member in place longitudinally on the pallet  404 . 
     In a second embodiment, the apparatus  420  can be sized to fit the length of the long side of the pallet  404 . In some embodiments, the long side of the pallet  404  is 48 inches in length. Other lengths can be used. The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member can be placed against the edge of a pallet  404 . The lower portion of the L-shaped structural member sits on the deck of the pallet  404 . Boxes  402  can be placed to sit on the lower portion of the L-shaped structural member. The tabs  416  can fit into gaps between the planks of the pallet  404 . In this way, the tabs  422  can secure the L-shaped structural member in place longitudinally and laterally on the pallet  404 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary load of boxes  502  loaded on a pallet  504  using an exemplary apparatus  514 ,  520  and plastic wrap  506  to secure loads on a pallet  504 . In various embodiments, an apparatus  514 ,  520  can include an L-shaped structural member sized to run a length of a side of a pallet  504 . The L-shaped structural member can include a top side and a bottom side. A plurality of tabs  516  can be affixed to the bottom side of the L-shaped structural member, wherein the plurality of tabs  516  are affixed at a position along a length of the L-shaped structural member to fit within gaps between deck boards of the pallet  504 . 
     The apparatus  514 ,  520  can be manufactured in a plurality of lengths. In a first embodiment, the apparatus  514  can be sized to fit the length of a short side of the pallet  504 . In some embodiments, the short side of the pallet  504  is 40 inches in length. Other lengths can be used. The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member can be placed against the edge of a pallet  504 . The lower portion of the L-shaped structural member sits on the deck of the pallet  504 . Boxes  502  can be placed to sit on the lower portion of the L-shaped structural member. The tabs  516  can fit into gaps between the planks of the pallet  504 . In this way, the tabs  516  can secure the L-shaped structural member in place longitudinally and laterally on the pallet  504 . The plastic wrap  506  can secure the boxes  502  to the pallet  504 . The lower end of the plastic wrap  506  can cover the upper portion of the L-shaped structural member to secure the load of boxes to the pallet  504 . The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member provides the additional surface area for the plastic wrap  506 . The blue arrows indicate the direction of tension the plastic wrap  506  places on the L-shaped structural member. 
     In a second embodiment, the apparatus  520  can be sized to fit the length of the long side of the pallet  504 . In some embodiments, the long side of the pallet  503  is 48 inches in length. Other lengths can be used. The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member can be placed against the edge of a pallet  504 . The lower portion of the L-shaped structural member sits on the deck of the pallet  504 . Boxes  502  can be placed to sit on the lower portion of the L-shaped structural member. The tabs  522  can fit into gaps between the planks of the pallet  504 . In this way, the tabs  516  can secure the L-shaped structural member in place longitudinally and laterally on the pallet  504 . The plastic wrap  506  can secure the boxes  502  to the pallet  504 . The lower end of the plastic wrap  506  can cover the upper portion of the L-shaped structural member to secure the load of boxes to the pallet  504 . The upper portion of the L-shaped structural member provides the additional surface area for the plastic wrap  506 . The blue arrows indicate the direction of tension the plastic wrap  506  places on the L-shaped structural member. 
       FIGS. 6A-C  illustrate several views of a first embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. In a first embodiment, the first apparatus  630  can be used for the short side of a standard pallet. The first apparatus  630  can correspond to apparatus  414  as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates a top-view of the first apparatus  630 . The L-shaped structural member  632  can include an upper portion  636 , a lower portion  638 . The L-shaped structural member  632  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  632  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, and other materials. The first embodiment  630  can be sized to fit a short side of a standard size pallet. The first embodiment  630  can be approximately 40 inches in length. In various embodiments the upper portion  636  and the lower portion  638  of the L-shaped structural member  632  can be formed from one material by forming an approximately 90-degree bend in the material. The upper portion  636  rises above the deck boards of the pallet. 
     In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  632  can be affixed to a horizontal member  640 . In some embodiments, the horizontal member  640  can be a 1 inch by 4-inch deck board. In some embodiments, the horizontal member  640  can be constructed from one piece 3.5 inch×40 inch cardboard sheet. The lower portion  638  of the L-shaped structural member  632  can be affixed to a top side or a bottom side of the horizontal member  640  by use of an adhesive or any conventional means. The tabs  615  can be affixed to a bottom side or a top side of the horizontal member  640  by use of adhesive or any conventional means. 
     In some embodiments, the upper portion  636  and the lower portion  638  can be formed from separate materials that can be joined together via any conventional means. The height of the upper portion  636  can be between 14 inch and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the upper portion  636  can be 2 inches. The width of the lower portion  638  can be between 14 inch and 12 inches. The width of the lower portion  638  can be 2 inches. In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member can include a horizontal member  640 . The lower portion  638  can be affixed to the horizontal member  640  via any conventional means. In various embodiments, the lower portion  638  and the horizontal member  640  can be constructed as a single piece. 
       FIG. 6B  also illustrates a perspective front view of the L-shaped structural member  632  that includes an upper portion  636 , a lower portion  638 . In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  632  can be attached to a horizontal member  640 . In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  632  and the horizontal member  640  can be constructed as a single piece. One or more tabs  615  can be attached to the L-shaped structural member  632 . In various embodiments, the one or more tabs  615  can be affixed to the horizontal member  640 . The tabs  615  extend into gaps in the deck boards of the pallet. The tabs  615  can be affixed from either or both ends of the L-shaped structural member  632  at distance  642  that corresponds to gaps between the deck planks for the pallet. In various embodiments, the distance  642  from the end of the pallet can be between 1 and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the distance  642  can be 1.5 inches. 
     In various embodiments the tabs  615  can be L-shaped. In various embodiments the tabs  615  can be formed from a single piece of material. The tabs  615  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. The tabs  615  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, or other materials. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a side profile view of the L-shaped structural member  632 .  FIG. 6C  shows the upper portion  636 , the lower portion  638 , the horizontal member  640 , and a tab  615 . 
       FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate several views of a second embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. In a second embodiment, the second apparatus  730  can be used for the long side of a standard size pallet. The second apparatus  730  can correspond to apparatus  420  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The second apparatus  730  can be sized to fit the length of the longer side of a standard sized pallet. In various embodiments, the second apparatus  730  can be 48 inches long. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member  732 . The L-shaped structural member  732  that includes an upper portion  736 , a lower portion  738 . One or more tabs  715  can be attached to the L-shaped structural member  732 . In various embodiments, the one or more tabs  715  can be affixed to the lower portion  738  via adhesive  744 , or fasteners. The one or more tabs can be affixed to oriented strand board (OSB) to provide height. The tabs  715  extend into gaps in the deck boards of the pallet. The tabs  715  can be affixed to either or both ends of the L-shaped structural member  732  at distance  742  that corresponds to gaps between the planks for the pallet. In various embodiments, the distance  742  from the end of the pallet can be between ¼ inch and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the distance  742  can be 3.5 inches. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of the second apparatus  730 . In various embodiments the tabs  715  can be L-shaped. In various embodiments the tabs  715  can be formed from a single piece of material. The tabs  715  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. The tabs  715  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin metal, or other materials. 
       FIGS. 8A-C  illustrate several views of a third embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. In a third embodiment, the third apparatus  830  can be used for the short side of a standard pallet. The third apparatus  830  can correspond to apparatus  414  as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 8A  illustrates a top-view of the third apparatus  830 . The L-shaped structural member  832  can include an upper portion  836 , a lower portion  838 . The L-shaped structural member  832  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  832  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, or other materials. The third embodiment  830  can be sized to fit a short side of a standard size pallet. The third embodiment  830  can be approximately 40 inches in length. In various embodiments the upper portion  836  and the lower portion  838  of the L-shaped structural member  832  can be formed from one material by forming an approximately 90-degree bend in the material. The upper portion  836  rises above the deck boards of the pallet. 
     In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  832  can be affixed to a horizontal member  840 . In some embodiments, the horizontal member  840  can be a 1 by 6-inch deck board. In various embodiments, the horizontal member  840  can be constructed using a 5.5×40 inch cardboard sheet. The lower portion  838  of the L-shaped structural member  832  can be affixed to a top side of the horizontal member  840  by use of an adhesive or any conventional means. The tabs  815  can be affixed to a bottom side of the horizontal member  840  by use of adhesive or any conventional means. 
     In some embodiments, the upper portion  836  and the lower portion  838  can be formed from separate materials that can be joined together via any conventional means. The height of the upper portion  836  can be between 14 inch and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the upper portion  836  can be 2 inches. The width of the lower portion  838  can be between 14 inch and 12 inches. The width of the lower portion  838  can be 2 inches. In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member can include a horizontal member  840 . The lower portion  838  can be affixed to the horizontal member  840  via any conventional means. In various embodiments, the lower portion  838  and the horizontal member  840  can be formed as a single piece. 
       FIG. 8B  also illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member  832  that includes an upper portion  836 , a lower portion  838 . In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member  832  can be attached to a horizontal member  840 . One or more tabs  815  can be attached to the L-shaped structural member  832 . In various embodiments, the one or more tabs  815  can be affixed to the horizontal member  840 . The tabs  815  extend into gaps in the deck boards of the pallet. The tabs  815  can be affixed from either or both ends of the L-shaped structural member  832  at distance  842  that corresponds to gaps into the deck planks for the pallet. In various embodiments, the distance  842  from the end of the pallet can be between 1-12 inches. In some embodiments, the distance  842  can be 1.5 inches. 
     In various embodiments the tabs  815  can be L-shaped. In various embodiments the tabs  815  can be formed from a single piece of material. The tabs  815  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. The tabs  815  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, or other materials. 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates a side profile view of the L-shaped structural member  832 .  FIG. 8C  shows the upper portion  836 , the lower portion  838 , the horizontal member  840 , and a tab  815 . 
       FIGS. 9A-B  illustrate several views of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. In a fourth embodiment, the fourth apparatus  930  can be used for the long side of a standard size pallet. The fourth apparatus  930  can correspond to apparatus  420  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The fourth apparatus  930  can be sized to fit the length of the longer side of a standard sized pallet. In various embodiments, the fourth apparatus  930  can be 48 inches long. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a front view of the L-shaped structural member  932 . The L-shaped structural member  932  that includes an upper portion  936 , a lower portion  938 . One or more tabs  915  can be attached to the L-shaped structural member  932 . In various embodiments, the one or more tabs  915  can be affixed to the lower portion  938  via adhesive  944  or fasteners. The one or more tabs  915  can be affixed to oriented strand board (OSB) to provide height. The tabs  915  extend into gaps in the deck boards of the pallet. The tabs  915  can be affixed from either or both ends of the L-shaped structural member  932  at distance  942  that corresponds to gaps between the deck planks for the pallet. In various embodiments, the distance  942  from the end of the pallet can be between 1 inch and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the distance  942  can be 5.5 inches. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a side view of the fourth apparatus  930 . In various embodiments the tabs  915  can be L-shaped. In various embodiments the tabs  915  can be formed from a single piece of material. The tabs  915  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. The tabs  915  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, or other materials. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of several embodiments of an apparatus used together to secure loads on a pallet. In various embodiments, one or two short apparatuses  1030 , and/or one or two long apparatuses  1035  can be configured on a pallet. In some embodiments, a base portion  1040  can be used to connect the various short apparatuses  1030  and/or the various long apparatuses  1035  together. In various embodiments, the short apparatus  1030  and the long apparatus  1035  can include one or more notches to connect the short apparatus  1030  and the long apparatus  1035  together. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a fifth embodiment of an apparatus used to secure loads on a pallet.  FIG. 11  can be described as a twin bottom components design. At least one advantage of the twin bottom components design is to provide increased stability for securing loads on a pallet.  FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the fifth apparatus  1100  used to secure loads on a deck board. The fifth apparatus  1100  can include a single, upper L-shaped structural member  1132  affixed to an upper side of a horizontal member  1140  via adhesive or any conventional means. The horizontal member  1140  can be constructed of cardboard or similar materials. In the fifth apparatus  1100 , two lower L-shaped structural members  1130  can be affixed to the lower side of the horizontal member  1140 . The lower L-shaped structural members  1130  can be sized to fit along the outside edge of the deck board. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a sixth embodiment of an apparatus used to secure loads on a pallet. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12  can be described as the twin bottom components inversed.  FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the sixth apparatus  1200  used to secure loads on a first deck board  1204  and a second deck board  1206 . The sixth apparatus  1200  can include a single L-shaped structural member  1230  affixed to an upper side of a horizontal member  1240  via adhesive or any conventional means. The single L-shaped structural member  1232  can include an upper portion  1236  and a lower portion  1238 . The horizontal member  1240  can be constructed of corrugated cardboard, wood, plastic, metal or other materials. The horizontal member  1240  can extend from a first deck board  1204  to a second deck board  1206 . In this way, a first bottom L-shaped structural member  1232  can be arranged alongside a first inside edge of a first deck board  1204  and a second L-shaped structural member  1234  can be arranged alongside a second inside edge of a second deck board  1206 . The two bottom L-shaped structural members  1232 ,  1234  are inversed from each other. The first and second bottom L-shaped structural members  1232 ,  1234  can be affixed to the bottom side of the horizontal member  1240  using adhesive or any conventional means. The upper portion  1236  of the lower, L-shaped structural members  1232 ,  1234  keep the load from shifting off the first deck board  1204  and the second deck board  1206 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a seventh embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. The embodiment described in  FIG. 13  can be described as the T-configuration. The seventh apparatus  1300  can include a first L-shaped structural member  1310  and a second L-shaped structural member  1320 . Each of the two L-shaped structural member  1310 ,  1320  can include an upper portion  1330  and a lower portion  1340 . The lower portions  1340  of the L-shaped structural members  1310 ,  1320  can be affixed together using an adhesive forming a T-shaped configuration. The L-shaped structural members  1310 ,  1320  can hold one or more boxes  1340  in place on the deck board  1350 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an eighth embodiment of an apparatus to secure loads on a pallet. The embodiment described in  FIG. 14  improves vertical stability. In an eighth embodiment  1400 , a vertical component  1410  can also be used to secure the load including one or more boxes  1420 . The eighth embodiment  1400  can include one or more of the L-shaped structural members  1430 . The vertical component  1410  can be placed at an edge of the load. In various embodiments, the vertical member  1410  can be placed at one, two, three or four of the corners. The vertical member  1410  can be secured to the load using plastic wrap (not shown). The vertical member  1410  can help keep the one or more boxes  1420  properly stacked on the pallet  1440 . The vertical member  1410  can be L-shaped. The vertical member  1410  can be constructed from corrugated cardboard. In various embodiments, the vertical member  1410  can be constructed from plastic or formed from a plastic resin, metal, or other materials. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an apparatus to secure loads on a cardboard pallet. In a ninth embodiment  1500  the pallet  1510  can be constructed from cardboard instead of wood or plastic. The pallet  1510  can include one or more L-shaped structural members  1520  affixed to the pallet  1510 . The L-shaped structural members  1520  can be affixed to one or more of the sides of the surface of the cardboard pallet  1510 . As the pallet  1510  is constructed from cardboard it can be easily recycled. The L-shaped structure member  1520  can secure the load of one or more boxes  1530  to the pallet  1510   
       FIG. 16  illustrates an apparatus to secure loads on a flat pallet. In a tenth embodiment  1600  the pallet  1610  can be flat without the spaces between the deck planks. In various embodiments, a flat deck sheet  1620  can be placed over the pallet  1610 . One or more L-shaped structural members  1630  can be used on top of the deck sheet. The L-shaped structural members  1630  can be used on one, two, three, or all four sides of the pallet  1610 . In various embodiments, the one or more L-shaped structural members  1630  can be affixed to the deck sheet using adhesive or any conventional means. In various embodiments, the L-shaped structural member can be fastened to the pallet  1610  using one or more fasteners. The one or more L-shaped structural members  1630  can secure the one or more boxes  1640  of the load to the pallet  1610 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates two different pallet configurations. In a standard pallet configuration  1700  the conventional standard pallet can include runners  1702  that run the length of a long side (e.g., 48 inch length side) and planks  1704  that run the length of a short side (e.g., 40 inch length side). In an alternate or non-conventional standard pallet configuration  1710 , runners  1702  that run the length of a short side (e.g., 40 inch length side) and planks  1704  that run the length of a long side (e.g., 48 inch length side). 
     The apparatus disclosed herein can be referred to the way it is arranged on a pallet. For example on a conventional standard pallet, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the apparatus can be used for the long side of the standard pallet configuration  1700  or the short side of the non-conventional pallet configuration  1710 . On a conventional standard pallet  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the apparatus can be used for the short side of the standard pallet configuration  1700  or the long side of the non-conventional pallet configuration  1710 . Other pallet sizes can be used as well. 
     The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims. 
     Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
     Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims. 
     All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior art. 
     The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims. 
     Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined in the appended claims. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. The phrase “based on” should be understood to be open-ended, and not limiting in any way, and is intended to be interpreted or otherwise read as “based at least in part on,” where appropriate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure. The use of “or” is intended to mean an “inclusive or,” and not an “exclusive or” unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Reference to a “first” component does not necessarily require that a second component be provided. Moreover, reference to a “first” or a “second” component does not limit the referenced component to a particular location unless expressly stated. The term “based on” is intended to mean “based at least in part on.” 
     Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood within the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present. Additionally, conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, should also be understood to mean X, Y, Z, or any combination thereof, including “X, Y, and/or Z.” 
     Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.