KEG DELIVERY PALLET

BACKGROUND

Keg pallets and divider sheets exist today to support compatibility with kegs in various sizes on various size pallets from a brewery to a distribution center. However, the keg pallets only support building the pallet with kegs at the brewery and delivering the loaded pallet to the distribution center. At the distribution center, the kegs are removed from the pallets and moved onto delivery trucks loose. At the delivery location (e.g. store, such as a restaurant or bar), the delivery person loads each keg one at a time onto a hand truck and rolls it into the delivery location. Alternatively, the delivery person manually carries the kegs into the delivery location.

SUMMARY

The keg solutions disclosed herein enable versatility in order fulfillment on one pallet platform and enable the pallet to be moved into the delivery location with a powered lift. For example, the assignee of the present invention offers a powered lift that can move half-pallets from a delivery truck directly into a store. This eliminates double-handling of the kegs and increases delivery efficiency. In the example embodiments, a half pallet is used. This enables the kegs to be brought directly into most delivery locations.

A pallet assembly includes an interlock panel secured to or formed integrally with an upper deck of a pallet. A unique ring pattern on the upper surface of the interlock panel accommodates the pallet feet when stacking empty pallets. The openings create clearance for the feet to nest through the interlock deck and nest in the pallet below without loss in keg interlock and stability in transit.

In addition, access is maintained through the interlock panel to ergonomically spaced handle grip locations of the pallet. This allows the pallet assembly to be lifted and nested when empty.

A divider sheet (or two-sided interlock panel) disclosed herein enables double stacking with all keg sizes, has stacking interlock features and enables the stacking of loose cases of product to be combined onto a pallet dedicated to one delivery location. This also facilitates delivery efficiency such that what was multiple trips between a truck and a store can now often be accomplished in a single trip.

A pallet includes a deck having a plurality of keg-retaining recesses formed on an upper surface thereof. The plurality of keg-retaining recesses include a plurality of half barrel recesses, a plurality of quarter barrel recesses and a plurality of sixth barrel recesses. A plurality of columns extend downward from the deck.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet including a deck having a plurality of keg-retaining recesses formed on an upper surface thereof. The plurality of keg-retaining recesses include a plurality of half barrel recesses, a plurality of quarter barrel recesses and a plurality of sixth barrel recesses. A plurality of columns extend downward from the deck.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the pallet is a half pallet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the pallet is a nestable half pallet, wherein the deck includes a plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of columns and configured to receive a plurality of columns of an identical pallet therein.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the deck has a width in a range of approximately 17″ to approximately 24″, inclusive, and a length in a range of approximately 36″ to approximately 50″, inclusive.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of half barrel recesses includes three half barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of half barrel recesses includes four quarter barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of quarter barrel recesses includes five quarter barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of sixth barrel recesses includes ten sixth barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the pallet is a half pallet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet further including a pair of handle openings extending through the deck.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of quarter barrel recesses includes half barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of keg-retaining recesses are configured such that five quarter barrel kegs can be received in the plurality of quarter barrel recesses while two sixth barrel kegs are received in the plurality of sixth barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of keg-retaining recesses are defined by a plurality of projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of projections includes a plurality of tricurve projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of projections includes a pair of side projections extending along side edges of the deck. Each of the side projections includes a plurality of concave sides each partially defining an exterior of one of the plurality of keg-retaining recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of tricurve projections includes a pair of outer tricurve projections aligned along a lateral centerline of the pallet.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the plurality of tricurve projections further include a plurality of irregular tricurve projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet in combination with a plurality of quarter barrel kegs received in the plurality of quarter barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet and plurality of quarter barrel kegs in further combination with an interlock panel stacked on the plurality of quarter barrel kegs. The interlock panel has a plurality of recesses defined in a lower surface thereof. Upper ends of the plurality of quarter barrel kegs are received in the plurality of recesses defined in the lower surface of the interlock panel.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein two of the plurality of quarter barrel recesses are partially defined at their exterior by concave sides of the outer tricurve projections and by inner concave sides of the plurality of irregular tricurve projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein one of the plurality of half barrel recesses is partially interiorly defined by convex sides of the outer tricurve projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a pallet wherein the one of the plurality of half barrel recesses is partially interiorly defined by convex sides of a pair of inner pentacurve projections.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a nestable half pallet including a deck having a plurality of keg-retaining recesses formed on an upper surface thereof. The plurality of keg-retaining recesses are defined by a plurality of projections. A plurality of columns extend downward from the deck. The deck includes a plurality of openings aligned with the plurality of columns and configured to receive a plurality of columns of an identical pallet therein.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a nestable half pallet wherein the plurality of keg-retaining recesses overlap one another and are configured to retain kegs of different sizes.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a nestable half pallet wherein the plurality of keg-retaining recesses are configured to receive chimes of the kegs of different sizes.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an interlock panel having an upper surface having a plurality of keg-retaining recesses formed on an upper surface thereof. The plurality of keg-retaining recesses include a plurality of half barrel recesses, a plurality of quarter barrel recesses and a plurality of sixth barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an interlock panel having a lower surface having a plurality of keg-retaining recesses formed on an upper surface thereof. The plurality of keg-retaining recesses including a plurality of half barrel recesses, a plurality of quarter barrel recesses and a plurality of sixth barrel recesses.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an interlock panel further including a plurality of openings configured to receive columns of a pallet therethrough.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an interlock panel further including handle openings formed therethrough.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an interlock panel wherein the interlock panel has a width in a range of approximately 17″ to approximately 24″, inclusive, and a length in a range of approximately 36″ to approximately 50″, inclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of a pallet assembly according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the pallet assembly of FIG. 1 assembled.

FIGS. 4A-C are top views of the pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 3 with three half barrel kegs received in the half barrel recesses.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the pallet assembly and three half barrel kegs of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 3 with four quarter barrel kegs received in the quarter barrel recesses.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the pallet assembly and four quarter barrel kegs of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 3 with ten sixth barrel kegs received in the sixth barrel recesses.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the pallet assembly and ten sixth barrel kegs of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a two-sided interlock panel on four quarter barrel kegs and the pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 shows the two-sided interlock panel received on the upper chimes of ten sixth barrel kegs on the pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 shows the pallet assembly, sixth barrel kegs, and interlock panel of FIG. 13, with another ten sixth barrel kegs stacked thereon.

FIG. 15 shows three half barrel kegs stacked on the two-sided interlock panel, ten sixth barrel kegs, and pallet assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows four quarter barrel kegs on the two-sided interlock panel, ten sixth barrel kegs, and pallet assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 shows another two-sided interlock panel stacked on top of the four quarter barrel kegs on the two-sided interlock panel, ten sixth barrel kegs, and pallet assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 shows an upper two-sided interlock panel stacked on ten sixth barrel kegs, on top of the two-sided interlock panel, ten sixth barrel kegs, and pallet assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 an upper two-sided interlock panel stacked on three half barrel kegs, on top of the two-sided interlock panel, ten sixth barrel kegs, and pallet assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a lower two-sided interlock panel, a second layer of three half barrel kegs, and an upper two-sided interlock panel.

FIG. 21 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a lower two-sided interlock panel, a second layer of ten sixth barrel kegs, and an upper two-sided interlock panel.

FIG. 22 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a lower two-sided interlock panel, a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs, and an upper two-sided interlock panel.

FIG. 23 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a two-sided interlock panel, and a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs.

FIG. 24 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a two-sided interlock panel, and a second layer of ten sixth barrel kegs.

FIG. 25 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs, a two-sided interlock panel, and a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs.

FIG. 26 shows two half barrel kegs and two sixth barrel kegs received on the same interlock panel on a pallet.

FIG. 27 shows six sixth barrel kegs and one half barrel keg received on the pallet assembly.

FIG. 28 shows two sixth barrel kegs, one quarter barrel keg, and one half barrel keg received on the pallet assembly.

FIG. 29 shows two quarter barrel kegs and one half barrel keg received in their associated recesses on the pallet assembly.

FIG. 30 shows an empty pallet assembly of FIG. 3 stacked on another empty pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the pallet assemblies of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an end view of the pallet assemblies of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is an end view of a two-sided interlock panel stacked on the pallet assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 34 is a side view of the pallet assembly and two-sided interlock panel of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the two-sided interlock panel.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the two-sided interlock panel of FIG. 35 stacked on an identical two-sided interlock panel.

FIG. 37 is an exploded upper perspective view of a pallet assembly according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 38 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 shows the pallet assembly of FIG. 37 assembled.

FIGS. 40A-C are top views of the pallet assembly of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the pallet assembly of FIG. 39.

FIG. 42 is a top view of pallet assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 43A highlights five quarter barrel recesses and two sixth barrel recesses on the upper surface of the pallet assembly of FIG. 42.

FIG. 43B shows four quarter barrel recesses on the upper surface of the pallet assembly of FIG. 42.

FIG. 43C shows six sixth barrel recesses in a 3×2 arrangement that can be used along with two quarter barrel recesses at the ends of the pallet assembly of FIG. 42.

FIG. 43D shows eight of the ten sixth barrel recesses 394 could be along with a quarter barrel keg recess in the pallet assembly of FIG. 42.

FIG. 43E shows three half barrel recesses defined in the upper surface of the pallet assembly of FIG. 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of a pallet or pallet assembly 8 according to a first embodiment. The pallet assembly 8 includes a pallet 10 and an interlock panel 80, each molded as a separate piece of plastic and subsequently joined (as described below).

The example pallet 10 shown is a nestable half pallet. The pallet 10 is integrally molded as a single piece of plastic, such as by injection molding. Pallet 10 includes a deck 12 having an upper planar portion 18 defining an upper support surface upon which goods can be supported. Feet 14 or columns project downward from the deck 12 to support the deck 12 above the floor. Openings 16 are formed in the upper planar portion 18 of the deck 12 above each of the feet 14. The openings 16 can receive the feet 14 of an identical pallet 10 stacked thereon and partially received in the deck 12 for stability. The deck 12 further includes a peripheral rib 20 extending downward from a periphery of the upper planar portion 18. A pair of handle openings 22 may be formed through the deck 12 as shown.

As used in this specification and the claims, a half pallet is approximately half the size of a standard size pallet. In other words, the deck 12 has a width in the range of approximately 17″ to approximately 24″ (inclusive) and a length in the range of approximately 36″ to approximately 50″ (inclusive). In the example shown, the deck 12 is approximately 19″ by approximately 4712″ (approximately 483 mm by approximately 1207 mm). In another example, the deck 12 is approximately 20¾″ by approximately 4712″ (approximately 526 mm by approximately 1207 mm).

The interlock panel 80 includes a pair of handle openings 82 therethrough sized similarly to and aligned with the handle openings 22 of the pallet 10. The interlock panel 80 may include a plurality of sets of stacking projections 84 and stacking recesses 85. The interlock panel 80 includes a plurality of openings 86 therethrough that are sized similarly to and aligned with the openings 16 in the pallet 10. The interlock panel 80 has an upper surface with a plurality of projections defining a plurality keg-retaining recesses for interlocking with various sizes of kegs, as will be explained further below.

FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the pallet assembly 8. The pallet 10 includes a plurality of intersecting ribs 30 extending downward from the upper planar portion 18 (FIG. 1) of the deck 12. The ribs 30 extend downward to a plane containing the lowermost edge of the peripheral rib 20. In this example, the bottom surface of the interlock panel 80 is substantially flat and can be secured to the upper surface of the deck 12 of the pallet 10 by welding, adhesive, fasteners (e.g. screws driven through the interlock panel 80 and into the deck 12 or Christmas tree connectors inserted through holes drilled through the interlock panel 80 and deck 12), or other methods. Alternatively, the interlock panel 80 can be formed with integrally molded clips projecting downward and which snap-fit into holes molded or drilled in the upper surface of the deck 12. As another option, the upper surface of the deck 12 can be formed integrally with the interlock panel 80, i.e. the deck 12 can be molded to have the recesses and projections of the interlock panel 80 that will be discussed below.

FIG. 3 shows the pallet assembly 8 assembled, with the interlock panel 80 placed on the pallet 10 (and secured in any manner). The plurality of openings 86 in the interlock panel 80 are aligned with the openings 16 in the pallet 10. The handle openings 82 of the interlock panel 80 are aligned with the handle openings 22 of the pallet 10.

FIGS. 4A-C are top views of the pallet assembly 8.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the upper surface of the interlock panel 80 includes a plurality of projections defining overlapping barrel recesses of different sizes and placements. For example, the plurality of projections includes a plurality of tricurve projections including outer tricurve projections 50. Each tricurve projection is generally in the shape of a tricurve, i.e. a “triangle” with one convex side and two concave sides. The outer tricurve projections 50 each include a convex side 52 oriented outward, i.e. toward the near long side of the pallet 10. The outer tricurve projections 50 each include a pair of equal concave sides 54. The outer tricurve projections 50 are aligned along a lateral centerline of the pallet 10.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 80 further includes a pair of inner pentacurve projections 60. Each “pentacurve” projection has five vertices with a curved side connecting each adjacent pair of vertices. Each of the inner pentacurve projections 60 has a convex side 61 oriented toward the short ends of the pallet 10 and a pair of equal concave sides 63 oriented inward and connected at a common vertex. Between the convex side 61 and each of the equal concave sides 63 is a small concave side 62 substantially oriented to face the short ends of the pallet 10.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 80 further includes side projections 56 extending along the side edges of the pallet 10. The side projections 56 define a plurality of concave sides 58. Each side projection 56 may be a single contiguous projection that is scalloped to provide the plurality of plurality of concave sides 58, as shown. Alternatively, there could be interruptions in the side projections 56 as long as sufficient retention of the kegs is provided.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 80 further includes four irregular tricurve projections 66. Each of the four irregular tricurve projections 66 has a convex side oriented toward the near long side edge of the pallet 10, a large inner concave side oriented inward and a small inner concave side oriented toward the near short end of the pallet assembly 8.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 80 further includes end tricurve projections 68 having convex sides oriented inward toward one another and equal convex sides substantially oriented to face the short ends of the pallet 10. The inner pentacurve projections 60 and end tricurve projections 68 are aligned along a longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 8.

In FIG. 4A, half barrel recesses 90 are highlighted. The half barrel recesses 90 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard half barrel keg. The upper and lower chimes of a keg (of any size) project upward and downward of upper and lower walls, respectively, of the keg to define a recess within the circumference of each chime.

The centers of the half barrel recesses 90 are aligned along the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the half barrel recesses 90 keep the lower chime of the standard half barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 8 can accommodate three standard half barrel kegs, e.g. three straight half barrel kegs or three belly half barrel kegs. Indicia, such as “½,” are formed in the half barrel recesses 90 to indicate that the half barrel kegs should be placed there.

Referring specifically to the center half barrel recess 90, the center half barrel recess 90 is defined from its interior in part by the convex sides 52 of the outer tricurve projections 50 and by the convex sides of the inner pentacurve projections 60. The outer half barrel recesses 90 are defined interiorly in part by elongated curved projections 64, which each have a convex side oriented toward the near long, side edge of the pallet 10. The outer half barrel recesses 90 are also defined in part exteriorly by the short concave sides of the four irregular tricurve projections 66.

All the projections have a height that is sufficient to retain the kegs (interiorly or exteriorly), but are short enough to be received within the circumference of a chime of a keg, i.e. a keg can be placed over the projections without interference. Alternatively, the side projections 56 could be taller than the chimes because they are not received within a chime of a keg, but preferably they are the same height as the other projections.

In FIG. 4B, quarter barrel recesses 92 are highlighted. The quarter barrel recesses 92 are each configured to receive a lower chime of a standard quarter barrel keg. The centers of the four quarter barrel recesses 92 are aligned along a longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the quarter barrel recesses 92 keep the lower chime of the standard quarter barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 8 can accommodate four standard quarter barrel kegs. Indicia, such as “¼,” are formed in the quarter barrel recesses 92 to indicate that the quarter barrel kegs should be placed there.

The two inner quarter barrel recesses 92 are defined on the exterior in part by the equal concave sides 54 of the outer tricurve projections 50. The two quarter barrel recesses 92 are also partially defined on the exterior by the four irregular tricurve projections 66. Each of the four irregular tricurve projections 66 has a convex side oriented toward the near long side edges of the pallet 10, a large inner concave side partially defining the exterior of one of the two inner quarter barrel recesses 92, and a small inner concave side.

The two outer quarter barrel recesses 92 are partially defined on the exterior by concave sides of the elongated curved projections 64. The inner pentacurve projections 60 and end tricurve projections 68 are received within the circumference of the chimes of the quarter barrel kegs without interference.

In FIG. 4C, sixth barrel recesses 94 are highlighted. The sixth barrel recesses 94 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard sixth barrel keg. The ten sixth barrel recesses 94 are arranged in a 2×5 arrangement, with five on each side of the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the sixth barrel recesses 94 keep the lower chime of the standard sixth barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 8 can accommodate ten standard sixth barrel kegs. Indicia, such as “⅙,” are formed in the sixth barrel recesses 94 to indicate that the sixth barrel kegs should be placed there.

The sixth barrel recesses 94 are each partially defined on the exterior by the plurality of concave sides 58 of the side projections 56. The plurality of concave sides 58 also provide retention of the outermost kegs along the short ends of the pallet assembly 8. Some of the sixth barrel recesses 94 are partially defined on the exterior by the small concave sides 62 of the inner pentacurve projections 60. Some of the sixth barrel recesses 94 are partially defined on the exterior by the equal concave sides 63 of the inner pentacurve projections 60. Some of the sixth barrel recesses 94 are defined on the exterior by one of the concave sides of the end tricurve projections 68.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly 8 with three half barrel kegs 100 received in the half barrel recesses 90. FIG. 7 is a top view of the pallet assembly 8 and three half barrel kegs 100 of FIG. 6. As shown, two of the three half barrel kegs 100 may slightly hang off the ends of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the half barrel recesses 90 help retain the three half barrel kegs 100 in place on the pallet assembly 8.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the three half barrel kegs 100 are half barrel straight kegs. Half barrel belly kegs, which have larger diameter center portions, could also fit in the half barrel recesses 90, with the centers of the two outer kegs positioned further outward (away from one another) and with more overhang off the ends of the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly 8 with four quarter barrel kegs 102 received in the quarter barrel recesses 92. FIG. 9 is a top view of the pallet assembly 8 and four quarter barrel kegs 102 of FIG. 8. As shown the four quarter barrel kegs 102 fit completely within the envelope of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the quarter barrel recesses 92 help retain the quarter barrel recesses 92 on the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pallet assembly 8 with ten sixth barrel kegs 104 received in the sixth barrel recesses 94. FIG. 11 is a top view of the pallet assembly 8 and ten sixth barrel kegs 104 of FIG. 10. As shown four of the ten sixth barrel kegs 104 may slightly hang off the ends of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the ten sixth barrel kegs 104 help retain the sixth barrel recesses 94 on the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 12 shows a two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper surface and the lower surface of the two-sided interlock panel 180 are identical to the upper surface of the interlock panel 80, but without the plurality of openings 86 (FIG. 1). Therefore, the recesses and projections of the two-sided interlock panel 180 will not be described in detail again and the description of the interlock panel 80 above is incorporated by reference here for the two-sided interlock panel 180. The two-sided interlock panel 180 includes handle openings 182, stacking projections 184, and stacking recesses 185. Again, the two-sided interlock panel 180 includes the same projections that define half barrel recesses 90, quarter barrel recesses 92, and sixth barrel recesses 94 as the interlock panel 80 of FIG. 1.

Again, the two-sided interlock panel 180 has a lower surface that is identical to the upper surface. As shown, this allows the two-sided interlock panel 180 to interlock with the upper chimes of various kegs. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the two-sided interlock panel 180 is received on the upper chimes of four quarter barrel kegs 102. The upper chimes of the four quarter barrel kegs 102 are received in quarter barrel recesses on the underside of the two-sided interlock panel 180. Another layer of kegs (of any of the accommodated sizes) could then be stacked on top of the two-sided interlock panel 180. The two-sided interlock panel 180 is integrally molded as a single piece of plastic or could be formed as two identical halves subsequently joined together.

In FIG. 13, the two-sided interlock panel 180 is received on the upper chimes of the ten sixth barrel kegs 104, with the upper chimes of the ten sixth barrel kegs 104 received in sixth barrel recesses 94. As shown in FIG. 14, another ten sixth barrel kegs 104 can then be received in the sixth barrel recesses 94 on the upper surface of the two-sided interlock panel 180.

As shown in FIG. 15, any size kegs could be stacked on top of the two-sided interlock panel 180. In FIG. 15, three half barrel kegs 100 are received in the half barrel recesses 90 of the two-sided interlock panel 180. The three half barrel kegs 100 are straight kegs, but as before, half barrel belly kegs could also be received in the half barrel recesses 90.

In FIG. 16, four quarter barrel kegs 102 are stacked on top of the two-sided interlock panel 180. The four quarter barrel kegs 102 are received in the quarter barrel recesses 92 of the two-sided interlock panel 180.

As shown in FIG. 17, another two-sided interlock panel 180 can be stacked on top of the second level of kegs of any size, with the upper chimes received in the channels. In this case, the four quarter barrel kegs 102 are received in the quarter barrel recesses 92 on the underside of the two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the four quarter barrel kegs 102 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another. Straps can be added over the upper two-sided interlock panel 180 and around the underside of the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 18 shows a lower layer of ten sixth barrel kegs 104, a lower two-sided interlock panel 180, a second layer of ten sixth barrel kegs 104 and an upper two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the ten sixth barrel kegs 104 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another. Straps can be added over the upper two-sided interlock panel 180 and around the underside of the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 19 shows a lower layer of ten sixth barrel kegs 104, a lower two-sided interlock panel 180, a second layer of three half barrel kegs 100, and an upper two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the three half barrel kegs 100 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another.

FIG. 20 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100, a lower two-sided interlock panel 180, a second layer of three half barrel kegs 100, and an upper two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the three half barrel kegs 100 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another.

FIG. 21 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100, a lower two-sided interlock panel 180, a second layer of ten sixth barrel kegs 104, and an upper two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the ten sixth barrel kegs 104 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another.

FIG. 22 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100, a lower two-sided interlock panel 180, a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs 102, and an upper two-sided interlock panel 180. The upper two-sided interlock panel 180 increases the stability of the four quarter barrel kegs 102 by retaining the upper ends thereof to one another.

FIG. 23 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100 on the pallet assembly 8, a two-sided interlock panel 180, and a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs 102.

FIG. 24 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100 on the pallet assembly 8, a two-sided interlock panel 180, and a second layer of ten sixth barrel kegs 104.

FIG. 25 shows a lower layer of three half barrel kegs 100 on the pallet assembly 8, a two-sided interlock panel 180, and a second layer of four quarter barrel kegs 102.

Certain combinations of different size kegs can be received in their assigned recesses on the same interlock panel 80. FIG. 26 shows two half barrel kegs 100 and two sixth barrel kegs 104 received in their associated recesses 90 and 94, respectively, on the same pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 27 shows six sixth barrel kegs 104 and one half barrel keg 100 received in their associated recesses on the same pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 28 shows two sixth barrel kegs 104, one quarter barrel keg 102, and one half barrel keg 100 received in their associated recesses on the same pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 29 shows two quarter barrel kegs 102 and one half barrel keg 100 received in their associated recesses on the same pallet assembly 8

FIG. 30 shows an empty pallet assembly 8 stacked on another pallet assembly 8, with the feet 14 of the upper pallet assembly 8 received in the openings 16 of the lower pallet assembly 8 through the plurality of openings 86 of the interlock panel 80. FIG. 31 is a side view of the pallet assemblies 8 of FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is an end view of the pallet assemblies 8 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is an end view and FIG. 34 is a side view of the pallet assembly 8 with the two-sided interlock panel 180 received thereon. The stacking projections 184 and stacking recesses 185 of the two-sided interlock panel 180 mate with the stacking recesses 85 and stacking projections 84 of the pallet assembly 8 to help retain the two-sided interlock panel 180 on the pallet assembly 8.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the two-sided interlock panel 180. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the two-sided interlock panel 180 stacked on an identical two-sided interlock panel 180. The stacking projections 184 and stacking recesses 185 of the upper two-sided interlock panel 180 mate with the stacking recesses 185 and stacking projections 184 of the lower two-sided interlock panel 180.

FIG. 37 is an exploded upper perspective view of a pallet or pallet assembly 208 according to another embodiment. The pallet assembly 208 includes the pallet 10 (the nestable half pallet 10 of FIG. 1) and an interlock panel 280, each molded as a separate piece of plastic and subsequently joined (as described below).

The example pallet 10 shown is a half pallet. The pallet 10 is integrally molded as a single piece of plastic, such as by injection molding. Pallet 10 includes a deck 12 having an upper planar portion 18 defining an upper support surface upon which goods can be supported. Feet 14 or columns project downward from the deck 12 to support the deck 12 above the floor. Openings 16 are formed in the upper planar portion 18 of the deck 12 above each of the feet 14. The openings 16 can receive the feet 14 of an identical pallet 10 stacked thereon and partially received in the deck 12 for stability. The deck 12 further includes a peripheral rib 20 extending downward from a periphery of the upper planar portion 18. A pair of handle openings 22 may be formed through the deck 12 as shown.

The interlock panel 280 includes a pair of handle openings 282 therethrough sized similarly to and aligned with the handle openings 22 of the pallet 10. The interlock panel 280 may include a plurality of sets of stacking projections 284 and stacking recesses 285. The interlock panel 280 includes a plurality of openings 286 therethrough that are sized similarly to and aligned with the openings 16 in the pallet 10. The interlock panel 280 has an upper surface with a plurality of projections defining a plurality keg-retaining recesses for interlocking with various sizes of kegs, as will be explained further below.

FIG. 38 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the pallet assembly 208. The pallet 10 includes a plurality of intersecting ribs 30 extending downward from the upper planar portion 18 (FIG. 37) of the deck 12. The ribs 30 extend downward to a plane containing the lowermost edge of the peripheral rib 20. A plurality of interlocking projections 288 project downward from a lower planar surface of the interlock panel 280. The plurality of interlocking projections 288 are sized and positioned to be received in openings between exposed ribs on the upper surface of the pallet 10 (FIG. 37).

Alternatively, the bottom surface of the interlock panel 280 is substantially flat and can be secured to the upper surface of the deck 12 of the pallet 10 by welding, adhesive, fasteners (e.g. screws driven through the interlock panel 280 and into the deck 12 or Christmas tree connectors inserted through holes drilled through the interlock panel 280 and deck 12), or other methods. Alternatively, the interlock panel 280 can be formed with integrally molded clips projecting downward and which snap-fit into holes molded or drilled in the upper surface of the deck 12. As another option, the upper surface of the deck 12 can be formed integrally with the interlock panel 280, i.e. the deck 12 can be molded to have the recesses and projections of the interlock panel 280 that will be discussed below.

FIG. 39 shows the pallet assembly 208 assembled, with the interlock panel 280 placed on the pallet 10 (plurality of interlocking projections 288 received in the openings in the deck 12 of the pallet 10—FIGS. 37 and 38). The plurality of openings 286 in the interlock panel 280 are aligned with the openings 16 in the pallet 10. The handle openings 282 of the interlock panel 280 are aligned with the handle openings 22 of the pallet 10.

FIGS. 40A-C are top views of the pallet assembly 208.

Referring to FIG. 40A, the upper surface of the interlock panel 280 includes a plurality of projections defining overlapping barrel recesses of different sizes and placements. For example, the plurality of projections includes a plurality of tricurve projections including outer tricurve projections 250. Each tricurve projection is generally in the shape of a tricurve, i.e. a “triangle” with one convex side and two concave sides. The outer tricurve projections 250 each include a convex side 252 oriented outward, i.e. toward the near long side of the pallet assembly 208. The outer tricurve projections 250 each include a pair of equal concave sides 254. The outer tricurve projections 250 are aligned along a lateral centerline of the pallet assembly 208.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 280 further includes side projections 256 extending along the side edges of the pallet assembly 208. The side projections 256 define a plurality of concave sides 258. Each side projection 256 may be a single contiguous projection that is scalloped to provide the plurality of plurality of concave sides 258, as shown. Alternatively, there could be interruptions in the side projections 256 as long as sufficient retention of the kegs is provided.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 280 further includes four irregular tricurve projections 266. Each of the four irregular tricurve projections 266 has a convex side oriented toward the near long side edges of the pallet assembly 8, a large inner concave side oriented inward and a small inner concave side oriented toward the near short ends of the pallet assembly 8.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 280 further includes four narrow projections 270 spaced just inside the equal concave sides 254 of the outer tricurve projections 250. The four narrow projections 270 each have two vertices connected by convex sides.

In FIG. 40A, half barrel recesses 290 are highlighted. The half barrel recesses 290 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard half barrel keg. Centers of the half barrel recesses 290 are aligned on a longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 208. Projections defining the half barrel recesses 290 keep the lower chime of the standard half barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 208 can accommodate three standard half barrel kegs.

Referring specifically to the center half barrel recess 290, the center half barrel recess 290 is defined from its interior in part by the convex sides 252 of the outer tricurve projections 250. The outer half barrel recesses 290 are defined interiorly in part by elongated curved projections 264, which each have a convex side oriented toward the near long, side edge of the pallet assembly 8. The outer half barrel recesses 290 are also defined in part exteriorly by the short concave sides of the four irregular tricurve projections 266.

All the projections have a height that is sufficient to retain the kegs (interiorly or exteriorly), but are short enough to be received within the circumference of a chime of a keg, i.e. a keg can be placed over the projections without interference. Alternatively, the side projections 256 could be taller than the chimes because they are not received within a chime of a keg, but preferably they are the same height as the other projections.

In FIG. 40B, quarter barrel recesses 292 are highlighted. The quarter barrel recesses 292 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard quarter barrel keg. The centers of the four quarter barrel recesses 292 are aligned on the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 8. Projections defining the quarter barrel recesses 292 keep the lower chime of the standard quarter barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 208 can accommodate four standard quarter barrel kegs.

The two inner quarter barrel recesses 292 are defined on the exterior in part by the equal concave sides 254 of the outer tricurve projections 250 and on the interior in part by the outer concave sides of the four narrow projections 270. The two inner quarter barrel recesses 292 are also partially defined on the exterior by concave sides of the four irregular tricurve projections 266. The two outer quarter barrel recesses 292 are partially defined on the exterior by concave sides of the elongated curved projections 264.

In FIG. 40C, sixth barrel recesses 294 are highlighted. The sixth barrel recesses 294 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard sixth barrel keg. The ten sixth barrel recesses 294 are configured in a 2×5 arrangement, with five on each side of the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 208. Projections defining the sixth barrel recesses 294 keep the lower chime of the standard sixth barrel keg in place. In this example, the pallet assembly 208 can accommodate ten standard sixth barrel kegs.

The sixth barrel recesses 294 are each partially defined on the exterior by the plurality of concave sides 258 of the side projections 256. The plurality of concave sides 258 also provide retention of the outermost kegs along the short ends of the pallet assembly 208. The two center sixth barrel recesses 294 are each partially defined on the interior by two of the inner convex sides of the four narrow projections 270.

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the pallet assembly 208.

FIG. 42 is a top view of a pallet or pallet assembly 308 according to another embodiment. Again the pallet or pallet assembly 308 may include an interlock panel 380 secured to or formed integrally with the pallet 10 (the nestable half pallet 10 of FIG. 1). The interlock panel 380 has an upper surface with a plurality of projections defining a plurality of keg-retaining recesses for interlocking with various sizes of kegs, as will be explained further below.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 380 includes a plurality of projections defining overlapping barrel recesses of different sizes and placements. For example, the plurality of projections includes a plurality of tricurve projections including outer tricurve projections 350. Each tricurve projection 350 is generally in the shape of a tricurve, i.e. a “triangle” with one convex side and two concave sides. The outer tricurve projections 350 each include a convex side 352 oriented outward, i.e. toward the near long side of the pallet assembly 308. The outer tricurve projections 350 each include a pair of equal concave sides 354. The outer tricurve projections 350 are aligned along a lateral centerline of the pallet assembly 308.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 280 further includes side projections 356 extending along the side edges of the pallet assembly 308. The side projections 356 define a plurality of concave sides 358. In this embodiment, each side projection 356 has a central contiguous portion that is scalloped to provide the plurality of plurality of concave sides 358, and corner portions 357 are spaced away from the contiguous portions and positioned in the corners of the pallet assembly 308.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 380 further includes four irregular tricurve projections 366. Each of the four irregular tricurve projections 366 has a convex side oriented toward the near long side edges of the pallet assembly 308, a large inner concave side oriented inward and a small inner concave side oriented toward the near short ends of the pallet assembly 308.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 380 further includes four elongated projections 372 spaced just inward of the long sides of the pallet assembly 308 and between the corner portions 357 and the center portion of the side projections 356. The four elongated projections 372 each have a large convex side oriented toward the near long side of the pallet assembly 308 and an adjacent short concave side oriented substantially toward a centerpoint of the pallet assembly 308. Adjacent that short concave side is a second short concave side and a long concave side.

The upper surface of the interlock panel 380 further includes two elongated curved projections 364 spaced inward from each short end of the pallet assembly 308, each having a convex side oriented toward the near long side of the pallet assembly 308 and a concave side oriented toward the far long side of the pallet assembly 308.

FIG. 43A highlights five quarter barrel recesses 392 and two sixth barrel recesses 394 on the upper surface of the interlock panel 380. The centers of the five quarter barrel recesses 392 are offset from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308 in an alternating manner, and all the quarter barrel recesses 392 overlap the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308. The two sixth barrel recesses 394 fit into the remaining space in the corners of the interlock panel 380.

As shown three of the quarter barrel recesses 392 are defined in part exteriorly by the plurality of concave sides 358 of the side projections 356. Two of the quarter barrel recesses 392 are defined exteriorly in part by the corner portions 357, the side projections 356 and the small inner concave sides of the two of the irregular tricurve projections 366.

The two sixth barrel recesses 394 are defined in part exteriorly by two of the corner portions 357 and by the long concave sides of two of the elongated projections 372.

Thus the pallet assembly 308 of this embodiment can accommodate a greater number of quarter kegs than the previous embodiments and another two sixth kegs at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 43B, the pallet assembly 308 also has four quarter barrel recesses 392 having their centers aligned on the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308. The two inner quarter barrel recesses 392 are partially defined along their exterior by the equal concave sides 354 of the outer tricurve projections 350 and the large inner concave sides of the four irregular tricurve projections 366. The outer quarter barrel recesses 392 are each partially defined along their exterior by the concave sides of the two elongated curved projections 364. The outer quarter barrels will hang slightly over the short ends of the pallet assembly 308.

As shown in FIG. 43C, the pallet assembly 308 also has six sixth barrel recesses 294 in a 2×3 arrangement (three on each side of the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308) that can be used along with two quarter barrel recesses 392 at the ends of the pallet assembly 308. The sixth barrel recesses 394 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard sixth barrel keg. The quarter barrel recesses 392 are each sized to receive a lower chime of a standard quarter barrel keg. The quarter barrel recesses 392 have centers aligned on the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308.

The sixth barrel recesses 394 are each partially defined on the exterior by the plurality of concave sides 358 of the side projections 356. The quarter barrel recesses 392 are defined at ends of the pallet assembly 308 and aligned on a longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308. The quarter barrel recesses 392 are partially defined on their exterior by the concave sides of the two elongated curved projections 364.

FIG. 43D shows that eight of the ten sixth barrel recesses 394 (in a 2×4 arrangement) could be used and the pallet assembly 308 could still accommodate a quarter barrel keg in one of the end quarter barrel recesses 392. The two end two sixth barrel recesses 394 are partially defined on their exterior by the corner portions 357 and long concave sides of two of the four elongated projections 372. The quarter barrel recess 392 is again defined on its exterior by the concave sides of the two elongated curved projections 364. Of course, that quarter barrel could also be replaced by two more sixth barrels (just like at the opposite end of the pallet assembly 308) for a 2×5 arrangement.

FIG. 43E shows three half barrel recesses 390 defined in the upper surface of the interlock panel 380. The center half barrel recess 390 is partially defined on its exterior by a series of small projections. Centers of the half barrel recesses 390 are aligned on the longitudinal centerline of the pallet assembly 308. The outer three half barrel recesses 390 are partially defined on their exteriors by the four irregular tricurve projections 366, the four elongated projections 372, and the corner portions 357. As shown, the three half barrel recesses 390 are spaced apart from one another such that they can accommodate straight half barrel kegs or half barrel belly kegs. The half barrel kegs hang over the short ends of the pallet assembly 308 slightly.

As before, the upper surface of the interlock panel 380 could be incorporated into the upper and lower surfaces of a complementary two-sided interlock panel that could be used as described above with respect to two-sided interlock panel 180.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

KEG DELIVERY PALLET

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