Patent ID: 7080600

Claim:
A pallet system for maintaining a stack of substantially uniform workpieces in alignment with each other, each said workpiece being defined by at least three sides, the stack having at least three side planes defined by said at least three sides of the workpieces in the stack, the pallet system including a pallet comprising: a base comprising a frame, the frame supporting a plurality of base members for supporting the stack of workpieces, the base members being positioned substantially parallel to each other to define at least two slots in the base; at least one rigid stake projecting upwardly from the base, said at least one rigid stake being adapted to locate a first side plane of the stack in a first predetermined position in relation to the base; at least one adjustable stake projecting upwardly from the base, said at least one adjustable stake being adapted to locate a second side plane of the stack in a second predetermined position in relation to the base; said at least one rigid stake being spaced from said at least one adjustable stake such that the stack is located in a selected position on the base between said at least one rigid stake and said at least one adjustable stake; said at least one adjustable stake comprising: a stationary inner portion defined by at least one wall projecting upwardly from the base; a sleeve portion disposed adjacent to the inner portion and at least partially positionable between the inner portion and the second side plane of the stack when the stack is on the base; and the sleeve portion being movable relative to the inner portion between a released position, in which the sleeve portion is spaced a distance apart from the second side plane of the stack, and a contact position, in which the sleeve portion is engageable with the second side plane of the stack, for locating the second side plane of the stack in the second predetermined position in relation to the base.