Enhanced cardboard-based pallet system

Description

SUMMARY

In one or more aspects a pallet system includes (I) a first cardboard sheet having a first sheet thickness measurement, the first cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side, (B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side, (C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side, (D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side, and (E) a plurality of demarcated bend lines extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side, wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side, wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines includes a first demarcated bend line, a second demarcated bend line, a third demarcated bend line, and a fourth demarcated bend line, wherein the first demarcated bend line is closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third sheet side, wherein the second demarcated bend line is second closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is less than three times the first sheet thickness measurement from the first demarcated bend line; wherein the third demarcated bend line is third closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is at least twenty-five times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third sheet side, and wherein the fourth demarcated bend line is fourth closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side being less than five times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third demarcated bend line and being farther from the third demarcated bend line than the second demarcated bend line is from the first demarcated bend line.

Implementations further include a first plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side, wherein the first plurality of apertures includes a first aperture, and a second aperture, wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture are equal to the first and third side portions of the second aperture, respectively, and wherein the fourth side portion of the first aperture and the fourth side portion of the second aperture are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side.

In implementations a first portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a first length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture, wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a second length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture, and wherein the first length equals the second length.

In implementations the first and third side portions of the first plurality of apertures have lengths at least twenty times the first sheet thickness measurement, and wherein the second and fourth side portions of the first plurality of apertures have lengths at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement.

In implementations the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture are smaller than the second and fourth side portions of the second aperture, respectively.

In implementations the first plurality of apertures includes a third aperture, and a fourth aperture, wherein the first and third side portions of the third aperture are equal to the first and third side portions of the fourth aperture, respectively, wherein the fourth side portion of the third aperture and the fourth side portion of the fourth aperture are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side, wherein the fourth side portion of the third aperture and the fourth side portion of the second aperture are unequally spaced from the fourth sheet side, wherein the third side portions of the first aperture and the third aperture are equally spaced from the third sheet side, and wherein the third side portions of the second aperture and the fourth aperture are equally spaced from the third sheet side.

Implementations further include a second plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side, wherein the second plurality of apertures includes a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are equal to the first and third side portions of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures, respectively, wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are not equal to the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures, respectively, wherein the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are not equal to the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures, respectively, wherein the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures and the third side portion of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures are unequally spaced from the third sheet side, and wherein the fourth side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures and the fourth side portion of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side.

In implementations a first portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures extends a first length perpendicularly from the third demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures, wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a second length perpendicularly from the fourth demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures, and wherein the first length equals the second length.

In implementations the first and third side portions of the second plurality of apertures have lengths at least four times the first sheet thickness measurement, and wherein the second and fourth side portions of the second plurality of apertures have lengths at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement.

In implementations the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are smaller than the second and fourth side portions of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures, respectively.

Implementations further include a plurality of square-notch portions with first side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and third side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side, wherein at least one of the plurality of square-notch portions has the second and third side portions extending from the first sheet side, and wherein at least one of the plurality of square-notch portions has the second and third side portions extending from the third sheet side.

Implementations further include (II) a second cardboard sheet having a second sheet thickness measurement, the first cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side, (B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side, (C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side, (D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side, and (E) a plurality of demarcated bend lines extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side, (F) a first plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel to the third sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel to the second sheet side, (G) a second plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel to the third sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel to the second sheet side, wherein the first and third side portions of the first plurality of apertures have a first length, wherein the first and third side portions of the second plurality of apertures have a second length, wherein the first length does not equal the second length, wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side, wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines includes a first demarcated bend line, and a second demarcated bend line, wherein the first demarcated bend line is closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side, and wherein the second demarcated bend line is second closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side.

In implementations a first portion of the second side portion of a first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a first length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line of the second cardboard sheet to the third side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet, wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a second length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line of the second cardboard sheet to the first side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet, wherein the first length equals the second length, wherein a first portion of the second side portion of a first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a third length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet, wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a fourth length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet, wherein the third length equals the fourth length, and wherein the first length is unequal to the third length.

In implementations the plurality of demarcated bend lines totals an “n” numbered amount, wherein the “n” number is an even number, wherein the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines such that “n+1” cardboard sheet portions are positioned parallel with one another including a first cardboard sheet portion bordered by the third sheet side and bordered by the first demarcated bend line, a second cardboard sheet portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line and bordered by the third demarcated bend line, and an “n+1” cardboard sheet portion bordered by a demarcated bend line closest to the first sheet side and bordered by the first sheet side, whereby the first cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides, and wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side.

In implementations the first longitudinal beam member includes the at least one forklift blade access cutout along the second longitudinal side, and wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines include at least one form taken from the forms of perforated lines, creased lines, and printed lines.

In implementations the first longitudinal beam member includes the at least one forklift blade access cutout along the first longitudinal side, and wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines include at least one form taken from the following forms of perforated lines, creased lines, and printed lines.

In implementations the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to form a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides, wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side, and wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout along the second longitudinal side.

In implementations the second cardboard sheet includes a plurality of demarcated bend lines, wherein the second cardboard sheet is bent at each of the demarcated bend lines to form a second longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides, wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side, wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout along the first longitudinal side, wherein the at least one engagement notch of the second longitudinal beam member is couplable with the at least one engagement notch of the first longitudinal beam.

In one or more aspects a pallet system includes (I) a bent cardboard sheet having a sheet thickness measurement, the first cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side, (B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side, (C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side, (D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side, (E) a first plurality of apertures having rectangularly oriented side portions, (F) a second plurality of apertures having rectangularly oriented side portions, wherein the side portions of the first plurality of apertures are proportionally shaped different than the side portions of the second plurality of apertures, and (F) a plurality of demarcated bend lines extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side, wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side, wherein pairs of the plurality of demarcated bend lines are spaced from one another according to the sheet thickness measurement, wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines includes a first demarcated bend line closest to the third sheet side, a second demarcated bend line second closest to the third sheet side, a third demarcated bend line third closest to the third sheet side, wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines totals an “n” numbered amount, wherein the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines such that “n+1” cardboard sheet portions are positioned parallel with one another including a first cardboard sheet portion bordered by the third sheet side and bordered by the first demarcated bend line, a second cardboard sheet portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line and bordered by the third demarcated bend line, and an “n+1” cardboard sheet portion bordered by a demarcated bend line closest to the first sheet side and bordered by the first sheet side, whereby the bent cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides, and wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side.

In one or more aspects a pallet system includes (I) a first bent cardboard sheet including (A) a plurality of cardboard sheet portions, (B) a first plurality of apertures, (C) a second plurality of apertures, wherein the first bent cardboard sheet has a plurality of bends such that the plurality of cardboard sheet portions are in juxtaposition and with adhesive positioned therebetween, whereby the first bent cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides, wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, and wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along the second longitudinal side; and (II) a second bent cardboard sheet including (A) a plurality of cardboard sheet portions, (B) a first plurality of apertures, (C) a second plurality of apertures, wherein the first bent cardboard sheet has a plurality of bends such that the plurality of cardboard sheet portions are in juxtaposition and with adhesive positioned therebetween, whereby the second bent cardboard sheet forms a second longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides, wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, and wherein the at least one engagement notch of the first longitudinal beam member is couplable with the at least one engagement notch of the second longitudinal beam member.

In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. Various other aspects are set forth and described in the teachings such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure. The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, or omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a more complete understanding of implementations, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicates similar or identical items, unless context dictates otherwise.

With reference now to the figures, shown are one or more examples of Enhanced Cardboard-Based Pallet System, articles of manufacture, compositions of matter for same that may provide context, for instance, in introducing one or more processes and/or devices described herein.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a lower beam member.

FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of a portion of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of a portion of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of a portion of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is an side elevation end view of an unfolded configured lower sheet for the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an unfolded configured lower sheet.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a portion of the unfolded configured lower sheet of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a portion of an abstracted version of the unfolded configured lower sheet of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of a portion of an abstracted version of the unfolded configured lower sheet of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of an enlarged portion of the unfolded configured lower sheet of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is an side elevation end view of an folded configured lower sheet.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged bottom plan view of a portion of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lower beam member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of an upper beam member.

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of a portion of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of a portion of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8C is a side elevation view of a portion of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is an side elevation end view of an unfolded configured upper sheet for the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the unfolded configured upper sheet of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of a portion of the unfolded configured upper sheet of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is a top plan view of a portion of the unfolded configured upper sheet of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10C is a top plan view of a portion of an abstracted version of the unfolded configured lower sheet of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an side elevation end view of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the upper beam member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a beam assembly.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the beam assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a platform member.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the platform member of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the platform member of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a pallet assembly.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Turning to FIG. 1, depicted therein is a side elevation view of lower beam member 10, which is the bent configuration of configured lower cardboard sheet 20 discussed below. In implementations corrugated cardboard can be sourced in various forms such as virgin, recycled, biodegradable, and/or international phytosanitary standards compliant corrugated cardboard. In its unassembled state, implementations have space requirements that are one-third that of its assembled state shown further below.

In implementations lower beam member 10 includes beam side 10a, beam side 10b, beam side 10c, and beam side 10d. In implementations beam side 10a includes side portion 10a1, engagement notch 10a2, side portion 10a3, engagement notch 10a4, side portion 10a5, engagement notch 10a6, side portion 10a7, engagement notch 10a8, and side portion 10a9. In implementations lower beam member 10 includes side dimension D10a (such as for example 1200 mm).

In implementations beam side 10a includes notch side 10a2a, notch side 10a2b, and notch side 10a2c. In implementations engagement notch 10a4 includes notch side 10a4a, notch side 10a4b, and notch side 10a4c. In implementations engagement notch 10a6 includes notch side 10a6a, notch side 10a6b, and notch side 10a6c. In implementations engagement notch 10a8 includes notch side 10a8a, notch side 10a8b, and notch side 10a8c.

In implementations beam side 10c includes side portion 10c1, forklift blade access cutout 10c2, side portion 10c3, and forklift blade access cutout 10c4. In implementations beam side 10c includes side dimension D10c (such as for example 1200 mm). In implementations forklift blade access cutout 10c2 includes access side 10c2a, access side 10c2b, and access side 10c2c to accommodate insertion of a forklift blade (such as having a blade width for example of three or more inches in width) when configured as part of a pallet to hold up for example eight static tons. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 10c4 includes access side 10c4a, access side 10c4b, access side 10c4c, and side portion 10c5.

Turning to FIG. 1A, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of lower beam member 10. In implementations beam side 10a includes side portion dimension D10a1, and side portion dimension D10a3. In implementations engagement notch 10a2 includes notch side dimension D10a2a, notch side dimension D10a2b (such as for example 37 mm), notch side dimension D10a2c, and spacing dimension D10a2d.

In implementations beam side 10c includes side portion dimension D10c1. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 10c2 includes access side dimension D10c2a, access side dimension D10c2b (such as for example 260 mm), access side dimension D10c2c, and spacing dimension D10c2d.

Turning to FIG. 1B, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of lower beam member 10. In implementations engagement notch 10a4 includes notch side dimension D10a4a, notch side dimension D10a4b, notch side dimension D10a4c, and spacing dimension D10a4d. In implementations beam side 10a includes side portion dimension D10a5. In implementations engagement notch 10a6 includes notch side dimension D10a6a, notch side dimension D10a6b, notch side dimension D10a6c, and spacing dimension D10a6d. In implementations beam side 10c includes side portion dimension D10c3.

Turning to FIG. 1C, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of lower beam member 10. In implementations beam side 10a includes side portion dimension D10a7, and side portion dimension D10a9. In implementations engagement notch 10a8 includes notch side dimension D10a8a, notch side dimension D10a8b, notch side dimension D10a8c, and spacing dimension D10a8d.

In implementations lower beam member 10 includes side dimension D10b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 10c4 includes access side dimension D10c4a, access side dimension D10c4b, access side dimension D10c4c, and spacing dimension D10c4d. In implementations beam side 10c includes side portion dimension D10c5.

Turning to FIG. 2, depicted therein is an side elevation end view of configured lower cardboard sheet 20 for lower beam member 10. In implementations lower beam member 10 includes thickness dimension DT1.

Turning to FIG. 3, depicted therein is a top plan view of configured lower cardboard sheet 20. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes sheet side 20a, sheet side 20b with sheet side dimension D20b (such as for example 1028 mm), sheet side20c, and sheet side 20d.

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes segment portion 20e1, segment portion 20e2, segment portion 20e3, segment portion 20e4, segment portion 20e5, and segment portion 20e6. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f1, with demarcated bend line 20f1a, and demarcated bend line 20f1b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f2, with demarcated bend line 20f2a, and demarcated bend line 20f2b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f3, with demarcated bend line 20f3a, and demarcated bend line 20f3b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f4, with demarcated bend line 20f4a, and demarcated bend line 20f4b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f5, with demarcated bend line 20f5a, and demarcated bend line 20f5b. Implementations can include bend lines that are demarcated by printing methods or means, drawing methods or means, perforating methods or means, depressive methods or means, imprinting methods or means, data storage methods or means, etc., that are known in the arts that utilize cardboard or other similar materials.

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20g1, engagement notch aperture 20g2, engagement notch aperture 20g3, and engagement notch aperture 20g4. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h1, forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h2, and forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h3. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20i1, engagement notch aperture 2012, engagement notch aperture 2013, and engagement notch aperture 2014. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20j1, engagement notch aperture 20j2, engagement notch aperture 20j3, and engagement notch aperture 20j4. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 20k1, forklift blade access cutout aperture 20k2, and forklift blade access cutout aperture 20k3. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20m1, engagement notch aperture 20m2, engagement notch aperture 20m3, and engagement notch aperture 20m4.

Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, depicted therein is a top plan view of a portion of configured lower cardboard sheet 20. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g1 includes notch aperture side 20g1a. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g2 includes notch aperture side 20g2a and notch aperture side 20g2b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g3 includes notch aperture side 20g3a and notch aperture side 20g3b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g4 includes notch aperture side 20g4a.

In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h1 includes access aperture side 20h1a and access aperture side 20h1b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h2 includes access aperture side 20h2a and access aperture side 20h2b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h3 includes access aperture side 20h3a and access aperture side 20h3b.

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes segment dimension D20e1 (such as for example 134 mm), segment dimension D20e2 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 138 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D20e3 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 142 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D20e4 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 146 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D20e5 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 150 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), and segment dimension D20e6 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, but a bit less than previous, for instance 147 mm with a thickness of 4 mm).

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes bend line pair dimension D20f1 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 7 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 1.5× thickness), bend line pair dimension D20f2 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 10 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 2.5× thickness), bend line pair dimension D20f3 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 17 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 4× thickness), bend line pair dimension D20f4 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 20 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 5× thickness), and bend line pair dimension D20f5 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 27 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 6.5×thickness).

In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g1 includes notch aperture dimension D20g1 (such as for example 69 mm) and spacing dimension D20g1a. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g2 includes notch aperture dimension dD20g2 (such as for example 73 mm), notch aperture dimension D20g3 (such as for example 73 mm), spacing dimension D20g2a, and spacing dimension D20g2b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g3 includes notch aperture dimension D20g4 (such as for example 77 mm), notch aperture dimension D20g5, spacing dimension D20g3a (such as for example 77 mm), and spacing dimension D20g3b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g4 includes notch aperture dimension D20g6 (such as for example 74 mm) and spacing dimension D20g4a.

In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h1 includes access aperture dimension D20h1, (such as for example 82 mm), access aperture dimension D20h2 (such as for example 82 mm), spacing dimension D20h1a, and spacing dimension D20h1b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h2 includes access aperture dimension D20h3 (such as for example 86 mm), access aperture dimension D20h4 (such as for example 86 mm), spacing dimension D20h2a, and spacing dimension D20h2b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h3 includes access aperture dimension D20h5 (such as for example 90 mm), and access aperture dimension D20h6 (such as for example 90 mm), spacing dimension D20h3a, and spacing dimension D20h2b.

Turning to FIG. 3C, depicted therein is a top plan view of a portion of an abstracted version of configured lower cardboard sheet 20. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes segment portion 20e(n−2), segment portion 20e(n−1), and segment portion 20e(n). In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f(n−2) with demarcated bend line 20f(n−2)a, demarcated bend line 20f(n−2)b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes demarcated bend line pair 20f(n−1) with demarcated bend line 20f(n−1)a, and demarcated bend line 20f(n−1)b.

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20g(n/2) with notch aperture side 20g(n/2)a, and notch aperture side 20g(n/2)b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes engagement notch aperture 20g(1+n/2) with notch aperture side 20g(1+n/2)a. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h(n/2−1) with access aperture side 20h(n/2−1)b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h(n/2) with access aperture side 20h(n/2)a, and forklift blade access cutout aperture 20h(n/2)b.

In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes segment dimension D20e(n−1), and segment dimension D20e(n). In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes bend line pair dimension D20f(n−2), and bend line pair dimension D20f(n−1). In implementations 20g(n/2)−D20g(n/2) includes notch aperture dimension D20g(n−2), notch aperture dimension D20g(n−1), and spacing dimension D20g(n/2)b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 20g(1+n/2) includes notch aperture dimension D20g(n) and spacing dimension D20g(1+n/2). In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes spacing dimension D20h(n/2−1)b, spacing dimension D20h(n/2)a, and spacing dimension D20h(n/2)b. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes access aperture dimension D20h(n−1), and access aperture dimension D20h(n).

Turning to FIG. 3D, depicted therein is a top plan view of an enlarged portion of configured lower cardboard sheet 20. In implementations configured lower cardboard sheet 20 includes notch aperture side portion 20g2c, notch aperture side portion 20g2d, notch aperture side portion 20g2e, notch aperture side portion 20g2f, engagement notch aperture radius portion 20g2g, and engagement notch aperture radius portion 20g2h.

Turning to FIG. 4, depicted therein is a side elevation end view of lower beam member 10 further including adhesive A. As depicted, configured lower cardboard sheet 20 is bent at demarcated bend line 20f1a, demarcated bend line 20f1b, demarcated bend line 20f2a, demarcated bend line 20f2b, demarcated bend line 20f3a, demarcated bend line 20f3b, demarcated bend line 20f4a, demarcated bend line 20f4b, demarcated bend line 20f5a, and demarcated bend line 20f5b to thereby form lower beam member 10. As depicted, consequently segment portion 20e1, segment portion 20e2, segment portion 20e3, segment portion 20e4, segment portion 20e5, and segment portion 20e6 are oriented parallel with one another in alternating juxtaposition with adhesive A therebetween.

Turning to FIG. 5, depicted therein is a bottom plan view of lower beam member 10.

Turning to FIG. 5A, depicted therein is an enlarged bottom plan view of a portion of lower beam member 10 showing corrugated cardboard portions thereof in which corrugated cardboard ribs are arranged transverse to demarcated bend line 20f1a, demarcated bend line 20f1b, demarcated bend line 20f2a, demarcated bend line 20f2b, demarcated bend line 20f3a, demarcated bend line 20f3b, demarcated bend line 20f4a, demarcated bend line 20f4b, demarcated bend line 20f5a, and demarcated bend line 20f5b.

Turning to FIG. 6, depicted therein is a top plan view of lower beam member 10.

Turning to FIG. 7, depicted therein is a perspective view of lower beam member 10.

Turning to FIG. 8, depicted therein is a side elevation view of upper beam member 30, which is the bent configuration of configured upper cardboard sheet 40 discussed below. In implementations upper beam member 30 includes beam side 30a, beam side 30b, and beam side 30c, and beam side 30d. In implementations beam side 30a includes side portion 30a1.

In implementations beam side 30c includes side portion 30c1, engagement notch 30c2, side portion 30c3, and forklift blade access cutout 30c4. In implementations engagement notch 30c2 includes notch side 30c2a, notch side 30c2b, and notch side 30c2c. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 30c4 includes access side 30c4a, access side 30c4b, and access side 30c4c. In implementations beam side 30c includes side portion 30c5, engagement notch 30c6, side portion 30c7, forklift blade access cutout 30c8, side portion 30c9, engagement notch 30c10, and side portion 30c11. In implementations engagement notch 30c6 includes notch side 30c6a, notch side 30c6b, and notch side 30c6c. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 30c8 includes access side 30c8a, access side 30c8b, and access side 30c8c. In implementations engagement notch 30c10 includes notch side 30c10a, notch side 30c10b, and notch side 30c10c.

In implementations upper beam member 30 includes side dimension D30a (such as for example 1200 mm), and side dimension D30c (such as for example 1200 mm). Turning to FIG. 8A, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of upper beam member 30. In implementations side portion 30cl includes side portion dimension D30c1. In implementations engagement notch 30c2 includes notch side dimension D30c2a, spacing dimension D30c2b, notch side dimension D30c2c, and notch side dimension D30c2d (such as for example 37 mm). In implementations side portion 30c3 includes side portion dimension D30c3. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 30c4 includes access side dimension D30c4a, spacing dimension D30c4b, access side dimension D30c4c, and access side dimension D30c4d (such as for example 210 or 255 mm).

Turning to FIG. 8B, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of upper beam member 30. In implementations side portion 30c5 includes side portion dimension D30c5. In implementations engagement notch 30c6 includes notch side dimension D30c6a, spacing dimension D30c6b, notch side dimension D30c6c, and notch side dimension D30c6d. In implementations side portion 30c7 includes side portion dimension D30c7. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 30c8 includes access side dimension D30c8a.

Turning to FIG. 8C, depicted therein is a side elevation view of a portion of upper beam member 30. In implementations forklift blade access cutout 30c8 includes spacing dimension D30c8b, access side dimension D30c8c, and access side dimension D30c8d. In implementations side portion 30c9 includes side portion dimension D30c9. In implementations engagement notch 30c10 includes notch side dimension D30c10a, spacing dimension D30c10b, notch side dimension D30c10c, and notch side dimension D30c10d. In implementations side portion 30c11 includes side portion dimension D30c11.

Turning to FIG. 9, depicted therein is a side elevation end view of configured upper cardboard sheet 40 for upper beam member 30. In implementations upper beam member 30 includes thickness dimension DT2 (such as for example 4 mm or 6 mm).

Turning to FIG. 10, depicted therein is a top plan view of configured upper cardboard sheet 40. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes sheet side 40a, sheet side 40b with sheet side dimension D40b (such as for example 1028 mm), sheet side 40c, and sheet side 40d. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes segment portion 40e1, segment portion 40e2, segment portion 40e3, segment portion 40e4, segment portion 40e5, and segment portion 40e6.

In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f1 with demarcated bend line 40f1a, and demarcated bend line 40f1b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f2 with demarcated bend line 40f2a, and demarcated bend line 40f2b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f3 with demarcated bend line 40f3a, and demarcated bend line 40f3b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f4 with demarcated bend line 40f4a, and demarcated bend line 40f4b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f5 with demarcated bend line 40f5a, and demarcated bend line 40f5b.

In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes engagement notch aperture 40g1, engagement notch aperture 40g2, and engagement notch aperture 40g3. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h1, forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h2, and forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h3. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes engagement notch aperture 40i1, engagement notch aperture 4012, and engagement notch aperture 40i3. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 40j1, forklift blade access cutout aperture 40j2, and forklift blade access cutout aperture 40j3. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes engagement notch aperture 40k1, engagement notch aperture 40k2, and engagement notch aperture 40k3.

Turning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, depicted therein is a top plan view of a portion of configured upper cardboard sheet 40. In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g1 includes notch aperture side 40g1a, and notch aperture side 40g1b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g2 includes notch aperture side 40g2a, and notch aperture side 40g2b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g3 includes notch aperture side 40g3a, and notch aperture side 40g3b.

In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h1 includes access aperture side 40h1a, and access aperture side 40h1b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h2 includes access aperture side 40h2a, and access aperture side 40h2b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h3 includes access aperture side 40h3a, and access aperture side 40h3b.

In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes segment dimension D40e1 (such as for example 134 mm), segment dimension D40e2 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 138 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D40e3 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 142 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D40e4 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 146 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), segment dimension D40e5 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 150 mm with a thickness of 4 mm), and segment dimension D40e6 (such as for example an additional factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, but a bit less than previous, for instance 147 mm with a thickness of 4 mm).

In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes bend line pair dimension D40f1, bend line pair dimension D40f2, bend line pair dimension D40f3, bend line pair dimension D40f4, and bend line pair dimension D40f5. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes bend line pair dimension D40f1 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 7 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 1.5×thickness), bend line pair dimension D40f2 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 10 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 2.5× thickness), bend line pair dimension D40f3 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 17 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 4× thickness), bend line pair dimension D40f4 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 20 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 5× thickness), and bend line pair dimension D40f5 (such as for example a factor such as whole or fractional of thickness, for instance 27 mm with a thickness of 4 mm or 6.5× thickness).

In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g1 includes notch aperture dimension D40g1 (such as for example 69 mm), notch aperture dimension D40g2 (such as for example 69 mm), spacing dimension D40g1a, and spacing dimension D40g1b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g2 includes notch aperture dimension D40g3 (such as for example 73 mm), notch aperture dimension D40g4 (such as for example 73 mm), spacing dimension D40g2a, and spacing dimension D40g2b. In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g3 includes notch aperture dimension D40g5 (such as for example 77 mm), notch aperture dimension D40g6 (such as for example 77 mm), spacing dimension D40g3a, and spacing dimension D40g3b.

In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h1 includes access aperture dimension D40h1, (such as for example 82 mm), access aperture dimension D40h2 (such as for example 82 mm), spacing dimension D40h1a, and spacing dimension D40h1b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h2 includes access aperture dimension D40h3 (such as for example 86 mm), access aperture dimension D40h4 (such as for example 86 mm), spacing dimension D40h2a, and spacing dimension D40h2b. In implementations forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h3 includes access aperture dimension D40h5 (such as for example 90 mm), and access aperture dimension D40h6 (such as for example 90 mm), spacing dimension D40h3a, and spacing dimension D40h3b.

Turning to FIG. 10C, depicted therein is a top plan view of a portion of an abstracted version of configured upper cardboard sheet 40. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes segment portion 40e(n−2), segment portion 40e(n−1), and segment portion 40e(n). In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f(n−2) with demarcated bend line 40f(n−2)a, and demarcated bend line 40f(n−2)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes demarcated bend line pair 40f(n−1) with demarcated bend line 40f(n−1)a, and demarcated bend line 40f(n−1)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes engagement notch aperture 40g(n/2−1) with notch aperture side 40g(n/2−1)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes engagement notch aperture 40g(n/2) with notch aperture side 40g(n/2)a, and notch aperture side 40g(n/2)b.

In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h(n/2−1) with access aperture side 40h(n/2−1)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes forklift blade access cutout aperture 40h(n/2) with access aperture side 40h(n/2)a, and access aperture side 40h(n/2)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes segment dimension D40e(n−1), and segment dimension D40e(n). In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes bend line pair dimension D40f(n−2), and bend line pair dimension D40f(n−1). In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g(n/2−1) includes D40g(n/2−1). In implementations engagement notch aperture 40g(n/2) includes notch aperture dimension D40g(n−2), notch aperture dimension D40g(n−1), spacing dimension D40g(n/2)a, and spacing dimension D40g(n/2)b. In implementations configured upper cardboard sheet 40 includes spacing dimension D40h(n/2−1) b, spacing dimension D40h(n/2)a, spacing dimension D40h(n/2)b, access aperture dimension D40h(n−1), and access aperture dimension D40h(n).

Turning to FIG. 11, depicted therein is an side elevation end view of upper beam member 30.

Turning to FIG. 12, depicted therein is a bottom plan view of upper beam member 30.

Turning to FIG. 13, depicted therein is a top plan view of upper beam member 30.

Turning to FIG. 14, depicted therein is a perspective view of upper beam member 30.

Turning to FIG. 15, depicted therein is an exploded perspective view of pallet base assembly 50, implementations of which can varying number of lower beam member 10 and upper beam member 30 depending upon loading requirements such as for an eight ton static load.

Turning to FIG. 16, depicted therein is a perspective view of pallet base assembly 50.

Turning to FIG. 17, depicted therein is a top plan view of platform member 60. In implementations platform member 60 includes platform side 60a, platform side 60b, platform side 60c, platform side 60d, and platform base 60e.

Turning to FIG. 18, depicted therein is a side elevational view of platform member 60.

Turning to FIG. 19, depicted therein is a perspective view of platform member 60.

Turning to FIG. 20, depicted therein is an exploded perspective view of pallet assembly 70.

Turning to FIG. 21, depicted therein is a perspective view of pallet assembly 70.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. A pallet system comprising: (I) a first cardboard sheet having a first sheet thickness measurement, the first cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side,(B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side,(C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side,(D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side, and(E) a plurality of demarcated bend lines extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side,wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side,wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines includes a first demarcated bend line, a second demarcated bend line, a third demarcated bend line, a fourth demarcated bend line, a fifth demarcated bend line, a sixth demarcated bend line, and a seventh demarcated bend line,wherein the first demarcated bend line is closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third sheet side,wherein the second demarcated bend line is second closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is less than three times the first sheet thickness measurement from the first demarcated bend line;wherein the third demarcated bend line is third closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side and is at least twenty-five times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third sheet side,wherein the fourth demarcated bend line is fourth closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side being less than five times the first sheet thickness measurement from the third demarcated bend line and being farther from the third demarcated bend line than the second demarcated bend line is from the first demarcated bend line,wherein the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines thereby forming a plurality of cardboard sheet segment portions positioned parallel with one another including a first cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the third sheet side and bordered by the first demarcated bend line,a second cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line and the third demarcated bend line,a third cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the fourth demarcated bend line and bordered by the fifth demarcated bend line,a fourth cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the sixth demarcated bend line and bordered by the seventh demarcated bend line,whereby the first cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled and positioned adjacent to the second cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the second cardboard sheet segment portion,whereby the first cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the third cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the third cardboard sheet segment portion,whereby the first cardboard sheet is bent such that the second cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the second cardboard sheet segment portion and the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion, andwhereby the first cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form a spiral configuration having an innermost central portion to include the first cardboard segment portion and the second cardboard segment portion.
2. The system of claim 1, further including a first plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side,wherein the first plurality of apertures includes a first aperture, and a second aperture,wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture are equal to the first and third side portions of the second aperture, respectively, andwherein the fourth side portion of the first aperture and the fourth side portion of the second aperture are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a first length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture,wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a second length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture, andwherein the first length equals the second length.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and third side portions of the first plurality of apertures have lengths at least twenty times the first sheet thickness measurement, andwherein the second and fourth side portions of the first plurality of apertures have lengths at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture are smaller than the second and fourth side portions of the second aperture, respectively.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of apertures includes a third aperture, and a fourth aperture,wherein the first and third side portions of the third aperture are equal to the first and third side portions of the fourth aperture, respectively,wherein the fourth side portion of the third aperture and the fourth side portion of the fourth aperture are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side,wherein the fourth side portion of the third aperture and the fourth side portion of the second aperture are unequally spaced from the fourth sheet side,wherein the third side portions of the first aperture and the third aperture are equally spaced from the third sheet side, andwherein the third side portions of the second aperture and the fourth aperture are equally spaced from the third sheet side.
7. The system of claim 2, further including a second plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side,wherein the second plurality of apertures includes a first aperture and a second aperture,wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are equal to the first and third side portions of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures, respectively,wherein the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are not equal to the first and third side portions of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures, respectively,wherein the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are not equal to the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures, respectively,wherein the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures and the third side portion of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures are unequally spaced from the third sheet side, andwherein the fourth side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures and the fourth side portion of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures are equally spaced from the fourth sheet side.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein a first portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures extends a first length perpendicularly from the third demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures,wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture extends a second length perpendicularly from the fourth demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures, andwherein the first length equals the second length.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first and third side portions of the second plurality of apertures have lengths at least four times the first sheet thickness measurement, andwherein the second and fourth side portions of the second plurality of apertures have lengths at least ten times the first sheet thickness measurement.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the second and fourth side portions of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures are smaller than the second and fourth side portions of the second aperture of the second plurality of apertures, respectively.
11. The system of claim 7, further including a plurality of square-notch portions with first side portions extending parallel with the first sheet side, and with second and third side portions extending parallel with the second sheet side,wherein at least one of the plurality of square-notch portions has the second and third side portions extending from the first sheet side, andwherein at least one of the plurality of square-notch portions has the second and third side portions extending from the third sheet side.
12. The system of claim 1, further including (II) a second cardboard sheet having a second sheet thickness measurement, the second cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side,(B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side,(C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side,(D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side, and(E) a plurality of demarcated bend lines extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side,(F) a first plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel to the third sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel to the second sheet side,(G) a second plurality of apertures with first and third side portions extending parallel to the third sheet side, and with second and fourth side portions extending parallel to the second sheet side,wherein the first and third side portions of the first plurality of apertures have a first length,wherein the first and third side portions of the second plurality of apertures have a second length,wherein the first length does not equal the second length,wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side,wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines includes a first demarcated bend line, and a second demarcated bend line,wherein the first demarcated bend line is closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side, andwherein the second demarcated bend line is second closest of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to the third sheet side.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein a first portion of the second side portion of a first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a first length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line of the second cardboard sheet to the third side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet,wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a second length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line of the second cardboard sheet to the first side portion of the first aperture of the first plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet,wherein the first length equals the second length,wherein a first portion of the second side portion of a first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a third length perpendicularly from the first demarcated bend line to the third side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet,wherein a second portion of the second side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet extends a fourth length perpendicularly from the second demarcated bend line to the first side portion of the first aperture of the second plurality of apertures of the second cardboard sheet,wherein the third length equals the fourth length, andwherein the first length is unequal to the third length.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines totals an “n” numbered amount,wherein the “n” number is an even number,wherein the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines such that “n+1” cardboard sheet portions are positioned parallel with one another includinga first cardboard sheet portion bordered by the third sheet side and bordered by the first demarcated bend line,a second cardboard sheet portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line and bordered by the third demarcated bend line, andan “n+1” cardboard sheet portion bordered by a demarcated bend line closest to the first sheet side and bordered by the first sheet side,whereby the first cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides, andwherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes the at least one forklift blade access cutout along the second longitudinal side, andwherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines include at least one form taken from the forms of perforated lines, creased lines, and printed lines.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes the at least one forklift blade access cutout along the first longitudinal side, andwherein the plurality of demarcated bend lines include at least one form taken from the following forms of perforated lines, creased lines, and printed lines.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the first cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines to form a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides,wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side, andwherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout along the second longitudinal side.
18. The system of claim 17, further including a second cardboard sheet, wherein the second cardboard sheet includes a plurality of demarcated bend lines,wherein the second cardboard sheet is bent at each of the demarcated bend lines to form a second longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides,wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch along the first longitudinal side,wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout along the first longitudinal side,wherein the at least one engagement notch of the second longitudinal beam member is couplable with the at least one engagement notch of the first longitudinal beam.
19. A pallet system comprising: (I) a bent cardboard sheet having a sheet thickness measurement, the first cardboard sheet including (A) a first sheet side,(B) a second sheet side extending perpendicularly to the first side,(C) a third sheet side extending parallel to the first side,(D) a fourth sheet side extending parallel to the second side,(E) a first plurality of apertures having rectangularly oriented side portions,(F) a second plurality of apertures having rectangularly oriented side portions,wherein the side portions of the first plurality of apertures are proportionally shaped different than the side portions of the second plurality of apertures, and(F) a plurality of demarcated bend line pairs extending parallel to the first sheet side and to the third sheet side, each of the plurality of demarcated bend line pairs including a first demarcated bend line and a second demarcated bend line,wherein each of the plurality of demarcated bend line pairs extends between the second sheet side and the fourth sheet side,wherein the first and second demarcated bend lines of each of the plurality of demarcated bend line pairs are spaced from one another according to the sheet thickness measurement,wherein the plurality of demarcated bend line pairs includes a first demarcated bend line pair closest to the third sheet side,a second demarcated bend line pair second closest to the third sheet side,a third demarcated bend line pair third closest to the third sheet side,a fourth demarcated bend line pair fourth closest to the third sheet side, andwherein the plurality of demarcated bend line pairs totals an “n” numbered amount,wherein the bent cardboard sheet is bent at each of the plurality of demarcated bend lines such that “n+1” cardboard sheet segment portions are positioned parallel with one another including a first cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the third sheet side and bordered by the first demarcated bend line of the first demarcated bend line pair,a second cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line of the first demarcated bend line pair and bordered by the third first demarcated bend line of the second demarcated bend line pair,a third cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line of the second demarcated bend line pair and bordered by the first demarcated bend line of the third demarcated bend line pair,a fourth cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by the second demarcated bend line of the third demarcated bend line pair and bordered by the first demarcated bend line of the fourth demarcated bend line pair, andan “n+1” cardboard sheet segment portion bordered by a demarcated bend line of a demarcated bend line pair closest to the first sheet side and bordered by the first sheet side,whereby the bent cardboard sheet includes the first cardboard sheet segment portion adhesively coupled and positioned adjacent to the second cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the second cardboard sheet segment portion,whereby the bent cardboard sheet includes the first cardboard sheet segment portion adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the third cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the third cardboard sheet segment portion,whereby the bent cardboard sheet includes the second cardboard sheet segment portion adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the second cardboard sheet segment portion and the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion,whereby the bent cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides and having first and second ends perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal sides,wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side,wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along one of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, andwhereby the first cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form a spiral configuration having a contiguous central spiral region to include the first cardboard segment portion.
20. A pallet system comprising: (I) a first bent cardboard sheet including (A) a plurality of cardboard sheet segment portions,(B) a first plurality of apertures,(C) a second plurality of apertures,wherein the first bent cardboard sheet has a plurality of bends such that the plurality of cardboard sheet segment portions are in juxtaposition and with adhesive positioned therebetween,wherein the first bent cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form a spiral configuration to include a first cardboard segment portion, a second cardboard segment portion, a third cardboard segment portion, and a forth cardboard segment portion positioned parallel therewith,wherein the first bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled and positioned adjacent to the second cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the second cardboard sheet segment portion,wherein the first bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the third cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the third cardboard sheet segment portion,wherein the first bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the second cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the second cardboard sheet segment portion and the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion, andwherein the first bent cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form the spiral configuration having an innermost central portion to include the first cardboard segment portion without one or more voids being present with the innermost central portion,whereby the first bent cardboard sheet forms a first longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides,wherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, andwherein the first longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along the second longitudinal side; and(II) a second bent cardboard sheet including (A) a plurality of cardboard sheet segment portions,(B) a first plurality of apertures,(C) a second plurality of apertures,wherein the second bent cardboard sheet has a plurality of bends such that the plurality of cardboard sheet segment portions are in juxtaposition and with adhesive positioned therebetween,wherein the second bent cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form a spiral configuration to include a first cardboard segment portion, a second cardboard segment portion, a third cardboard segment portion, and a forth cardboard segment portion positioned parallel therewith,wherein the second bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled and positioned adjacent to the second cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the second cardboard sheet segment portion,wherein the second bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the first cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the third cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the first cardboard sheet segment portion and the third cardboard sheet segment portion,wherein the second bent cardboard sheet is bent such that the second cardboard sheet segment portion is adhesively coupled with and positioned adjacent to the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion with adhesive positioned between the second cardboard sheet segment portion and the fourth cardboard sheet segment portion, andwherein the second bent cardboard sheet is bent such that cardboard sheet segment portions form the spiral configuration having an innermost central portion to include the first cardboard segment portion without one or more voids being present within the spiral configuration,whereby the second bent cardboard sheet forms a second longitudinal beam member having first and second longitudinal sides,wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one engagement notch formed from at least in part the first plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side,wherein the second longitudinal beam member includes at least one forklift blade access cutout formed at least in part from the second plurality of apertures along the first longitudinal side, andwherein the at least one engagement notch of the first longitudinal beam member is couplable with the at least one engagement notch of the second longitudinal beam member.

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Enhanced cardboard-based pallet system

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US Referenced Citations (10)