Patent ID: 8104775

Claim:
A non-enclosed load-bearing structure for handling materials comprising: (a) a base structure, (b) a suspension support arrangement connected to said base structure, said suspension support arrangement being configured to provide a plurality of suspension locations, said suspension support arrangement being implemented as a folding entity deployable between an upright support-providing position and a folded position, (c) at least one load-bearing surface vertically displaceable relative to said support arrangement, and (d) a suspension arrangement including a plurality of elastic suspension elements, said elastic suspension elements being deployed so as to suspend said at least one load-bearing surface relative to said suspension locations such that, when said load-bearing surface is loaded with a load, said load-bearing surface assumes a lowered position and, when a part of the load is removed, said suspension arrangement raises said load-bearing surface towards a raised position, wherein said base structure, said suspension support arrangement, said at least one load-bearing surface and said suspension arrangement provide a non-enclosed load-bearing structure selected from the group comprising: a dolly; and a pallet.