BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed generally to a pallet with adjustable posts. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a pallet with adjustable posts capable of being stacked either while loaded or empty.
2. Background Art
As is well known to those well versed in the palleting art, the quality of palleting devices has important bearing on initial palleting costs, shipping costs and safe delivery of goods. Many pallets are not stackable, necessitating large areas on decks of transport trucks, ships, aircraft and trains to accommodate pallets disposed at a single level. Further, structures that are custom constructed for stacking such as shelves may involve wasted spaces and are unsuitable for loading and unloading of contents of pallets due to rigid supporting structures being in the path of such activities. An attempt has been made as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,807,581 to Nichols (hereinafter Nichols) to provide a collapsible pallet for transporting cargo which has adjustable height stacking posts positioned at each of the four corners. Each post is pivotably attached about a fixed post portion and is rotatable to vertical locked positions to be stacked above the stationary post portion and provide adjustable height to the pallet. Although Nichols provides adjustable height posts, it fails to provide a pallet having posts which can be substantially moved out of the way to allow convenient loading and unloading of the contents of the pallet while the posts stay attached to the pallet even when the posts are disposed in the position allowing loading and unloading of the contents of the pallet.
Thus, there arises a need for a pallet capable of easy loading and unloading of the contents of the pallet even when the pallet includes features which protect the contents of the pallet that are still in place and attached to the pallet. There also arises a need for a pallet capable of allowing stacking of a pallet atop another and leaving the features attached to the pallet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pallet 2 for supporting and protecting materials to be stored or transported, the pallet including:
- (a) a base 6 having a plurality of corners;
- (b) a plurality of adjustable posts, each adjustable post including:
- (i) a base segment 8 having a first width, a top end, a bottom end attached to one of the plurality of corners and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the base segment 8 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of the base segment 8;
- (ii) a post extension 12 having a second width, a top end, a bottom end and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the post extension 12 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of the post extension 12;
- (iii) a knuckle 10 having a top end, a bottom end, a top cavity disposed on the top end of the knuckle 10, the top cavity having a top width greater than that of the second width, a bottom cavity disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle 10, the bottom cavity having a bottom width greater than that of the first width, a top pin 34 disposed on the top end of the knuckle 10, a bottom pin 34 disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle 10, the knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected about the bottom pin 34 to the elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8 such that the knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a first plane when the top end of the base segment 8 becomes disengaged from the bottom cavity and the knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected about the top pin 34 to the elongated slot 32 of the post extension such that the knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane when the post extension 12 becomes disengaged from the top cavity and the plurality of adjustable posts become erected when the top end of the base segment 8 is inserted in the bottom cavity and the bottom end of the post extension 12 is inserted in the top cavity,
whereby when the materials are to be loaded on the base 6, the plurality of adjustable posts are configured such that each knuckle 10 is disposed in the first plane and extends outwardly from the base to provide space for loading of the materials and when the pallet 2 is to be transported without the materials, the plurality of adjustable posts are configured such that each knuckle 10 is disposed in the first plane and extends inwardly toward the base to provide a compact pallet.
In one embodiment, the base 6 is substantially rectangular.
In one embodiment, the pallet 2 further comprises a plurality of bumpers 22, each bumper 22 disposed on one post extension 12 to prevent inadvertent contact of the materials with extraneous items, e.g., walls, etc.
In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a cradle having a cross-sectional profile including a curvature adapted for supporting a roll.
In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a cradle having a cross-sectional profile including a curvature having a radius of from about 6 inches to about 16 inches where the cradle is adapted for supporting a roll.
In one embodiment, a top end of the post extension 12 further comprises a cavity and a bottom end of the base segment 8 further comprises a foot 30 configured for insertion into a cavity of a top end of a post extension 12 of a second pallet disposed below the pallet.
In one embodiment, the base 6 comprises a surface capable of receiving fasteners, e.g., nails and screws.
An object of the present invention is to provide a pallet capable of receiving another pallet disposed atop the pallet or stacking another pallet below the pallet while the contents of the pallet can be loaded and unloaded with ease.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pallet having adjustable posts which remain attached to the pallet regardless of the position of the adjustable posts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pallet having adjustable posts that can be disposed out of the way not only for loading and unloading of the contents of pallet but also for the ease of working around the pallet, e.g., via the availability of toe clearances and absence of trip hazards.
Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a partially transparent top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of the pallet.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of the pallet.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet is stacked onto a bottom pallet.
FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in a loading or unloading position.
FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in a loading or unloading position with a portion of the knuckle removed to reveal construction details of the knuckle, base segment, and post extension.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position.
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position and a roll being positioned to be supported on the base of the pallet.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment the present pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed position convenient for compact stacking.
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present unloaded pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet is stacked onto a bottom pallet.
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of the pallet.
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment the present pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed position convenient for compact stacking.
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of according to another embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position.
FIG. 13 is one embodiment of the knuckle, depicting the use of tabbed pads as limiters for securely engaging the engagement portions of a base segment and a post extension.
FIG. 14 essentially depicts the knuckle of FIG. 13 with one of the halves of the knuckle removed to reveal the pads attached within the space created within the halves constituting the knuckle.
PARTS LIST
2—pallet with adjustable posts
4—platform
6—base
8—base segment
10—knuckle
12—post extension
14—receptacle or cavity
16—fastener
18—roll
20—location control detent
22—bumper
24—forklift pockets
26—cradle
28—radius of cradle profile
30—foot
32—slot
34—pin
36—sleeve
38—board
40—structural support frame
42—end board
44—limiter
46—radius of roll
48—single forklift fork
50—double forklift fork
52—cutout for accommodating tab
54—tab
56—half of knuckle
58—band where profile curvature transitions to horizontal surfaces
60—width of pallet
62—height of pallet
64—length of pallet
Particular Advantages of the Invention
The present pallet includes posts which can be moved out of the way to facilitate loading or unloading of the contents of the pallet while the posts remain attached to the pallet. As the posts remain attached, the possibility of losing the posts in storage and transit is eliminated. The means by which the posts are made adjustable enables the posts to be adjustable while providing sufficient strength to support another stacked pallet either while loaded or unloaded.
The present pallet includes posts which can be collapsed and disposed in a compact fashion while the posts remain attached to the pallet. Again, as the posts remain attached, the possibility of losing posts in storage and transit is eliminated. Again, the means by which the posts are made adjustable enables the posts to support another stacked pallet either while loaded or unloaded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term “about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).
FIG. 1 is a partially transparent top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of the pallet. FIG. 2 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll already loaded on the base of the pallet. The present pallet 2 is useful for holding rolls of material with or without cores, equipment or components, finished goods, palletized fresh produce, frozen foods in sea containers, eggs on pallets, and any other materials that are prone to damage by direct top loading. Disclosed herein is a pallet 2 for supporting and protecting materials to be stored or transported. The pallet 2 includes a base 6 and a plurality of adjustable posts. In the embodiment shown, the base 6 includes a plurality of corners. In the embodiment shown, the base is substantially rectangular and includes four corners. Such a shape enables efficient use of space as there will be minimal amounts of gaps between adjacently placed pallets. However bases of other shapes, e.g., oval and circular, etc., may also be used provided that the posts substantially envelope the contents loaded on the base. In one example shown, the contents include a roll of materials supported on a platform 4 or cradle having a cross-sectional profile of a curvature suitable to support a portion of the cylindrical surface of a roll 18. In one embodiment, the cradle 4 is replaceable. Therefore, a suitable cradle having a suitable profile curvature radius may be selected to support a roll. Referring to FIG. 2, it shall be noted that when disposed on the pallet, the roll 18 is disposed within an envelope delineated by the base 6 and the posts, each post including a base segment 8, a knuckle 10 and a post extension 12. For a rectangular base 6, a total of four posts are made available, each extending upwardly from a corner of the base 6. It shall also be noted that each post further includes a bumper 22 to ensure that an envelope delineated by the four bumpers 22 is sufficient to prevent inadvertent contact of the roll 18 with extraneous items, e.g., walls, etc. It may be argued that in order to avoid contact of the contents with extraneous items, the corners may be enlarged and the posts disposed around a larger area. However, disposing posts over a larger area typically requires the use of a larger base, platform and any structures functionally connected to the base and responsible for supporting the posts. Forklift pockets 24 are made available on front or rear faces of the pallet to facilitate engagement of the pallet with forklifts from the front or rear faces of the pallet. These pockets 24 also serve as the structures that support the pallet once laid on a floor. The pallet 2 may alternatively be lifted laterally using a forklift. Strapping may be used to further secure the roll 18 to the pallet 2. In one example, at least one strap may be threaded through the core of the roll 18 and secured to the base 6. Other means of tying down the roll or any contents may be used to limit shifting of the contents of the pallet relative to the pallet during transit or even in storage.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the width 60 of the pallet 2 measures from about 24 inches to about 72 inches, the height 62 of the pallet 2 measures from about 30 inches to about 78 inches and the length 64 of the pallet 2 measures from about 24 inches to about 72 inches.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet is stacked onto a bottom pallet. In order to save floor or horizontal space, the present pallet is capable of being stacked atop a structure having four posts having receptacles configured to receive the four feet 30 of the present pallet. The structure can be any construction having such parts or any floor or another such pallet. When erected, the top end of a post extension 12 of a post includes a receptacle 14 for receiving a foot 30. In order to stack two pallets, the top pallet is first aligned such that the posts of the top pallet are roughly aligned with the posts of the bottom pallet. Upon satisfaction that the top pallet has been properly aligned with the bottom pallet, the top pallet is dropped gently onto the bottom pallet such that each foot 30 of the top pallet is nested in the receptacle 14 of a post extension 12. The ability to stack loaded or empty pallets eliminates the need for fixed steel racking systems in warehouse spaces as the configuration which enables it to protect its contents in transit also allows it to be stowed away safely and efficiently.
FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in a loading or unloading position. FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of a post according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the post being disposed in a loading or unloading position with a portion of the knuckle removed to reveal construction details of the knuckle 10, base segment 8, and post extension 12. Each joint connecting the base segment 8 and knuckle 10 or the knuckle 10 and the post extension 12 is essentially a combined slideable and rotatable joint. Each adjustable post includes a base segment 8 having a first width, a top end, a bottom end attached to one of the plurality of corners and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the base segment 8 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of the base segment 8. Each adjustable post also includes a post extension 12 having a second width, a top end, a bottom end and an elongated slot 32 disposed on a portion of the post extension 12 and aligned in the lengthwise direction of the post extension. Each adjustable post also includes a knuckle 10 having a top end, a bottom end, a top cavity disposed on the top end of the knuckle 10 and having a top width greater than that of the second width, a bottom cavity disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle and having a bottom width greater than that of the first width, the bottom cavity disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle, a top pin 34 disposed on the top end of the knuckle, a bottom pin 34 disposed on the bottom end of the knuckle. The knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected about the bottom pin to the elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8 such that the knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a first plane when the top end of the base segment becomes disengaged from the bottom cavity and the knuckle 10 is pivotably and slideably connected about the top pin to the elongated slot 32 of the post extension 12 such that the knuckle 10 is capable of rotation in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane when the post extension 12 becomes disengaged from the top cavity. The plurality of adjustable posts become erected when the top end of the base segment 8 is inserted in the bottom cavity and the bottom end of the post extension is inserted in the top cavity. The dimensions of the engaging portions of a knuckle 10 and the engaging portions of the corresponding post extension 12 and base segment 8 are preferably configured such that these parts fit snuggly while engaged. Referring to FIG. 6, the knuckle 10 includes a sleeve 36 which acts as a location control detent for the engaging portions of the base segment 8 and the post extensions within the bottom and top cavity, respectively to ensure that the engaging portions square up against one another to produce accurate erected posts.
In another embodiment, one or more elongated slots may be disposed on a knuckle to replace one or more pins disposed on the knuckle 10 shown in FIG. 4 to replicate the relative sliding and pivoting motions between the knuckle 10 and the post extension 12 and/or base segment 8. In such configurations, the matching pin/s may then be disposed on the post extension 12 and base segment 8 to replace the elongated slot/s.
In yet another embodiment, an elongated slot configured for use with a matching pin may be disposed on a first part, e.g., base segment 8, knuckle 10 and post extension 12 provided its matching pin is disposed on a second part, e.g., base segment 8, knuckle 10 and post extension 12, that is configured to interface with such first part.
In yet another embodiment, a cavity is alternatively disposed on the top end of the base segment 8 and configured to receive the bottom end of the knuckle 10 which has a smaller width and configured to be removably inserted in the cavity of the base segment 8. Similarly, the bottom end of the post extension 12 may alternatively be made a cavity and the top end of the knuckle 10 be configured to have a smaller width such that it can be removably inserted in the bottom end of the post extension 12.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position. When a material is to be loaded on the base, the plurality of adjustable posts are configured such that each knuckle is disposed in the first plane and extends outwardly from the base to provide space for loading or unloading of the material. In disposing a post in this configuration, its knuckle is lifted from its engaged position with a base segment 8. Such action is permissible as the bottom pin of the knuckle which ensures that the knuckle 10 remains attached to the base segment 8 slides along the elongated slot 32 of the base segment 8. As the bottom cavity of the knuckle 10 clears the top end of the base segment 8, the knuckle 10 can now be rotated in a plane to a desired position. At one location, the knuckle 10 comes in contact with a location control detent 20 which prevents the knuckle 10 from traveling further, leaving sufficient toe space below the knuckle 10. At this knuckle 10 position, the post extension 12 is then pulled against the knuckle 10 such that the bottom end of the post extension 12 becomes disengaged and cleared from the top cavity of the knuckle 10. The knuckle 10 then becomes capable of being rotated in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the knuckle 10 is configured to rotate, to be as compact as possible and out of the way of loading and unloading activities of the pallet. In disposing the post in a configuration shown in FIG. 8, the knuckle 10 is simply rotated within its rotation plane such that the knuckle 10 and post extension 12 can now rest on the platform of the pallet. If desired, another location control detent 20 may also be opposingly along a side wall of the knuckle 10 to prevent a resting knuckle 10 and its corresponding post extension 12 from contacting the platform 4. In returning disengaged post components (base segment, knuckle and post extension) to their erected configuration, the post extension 12 is preferably first engaged with the knuckle 10 by aligning and inserting the bottom end of the post extension into the top cavity of the knuckle 10. The bottom cavity of the knuckle 10 of the now-engaged post extension 12 and knuckle 10 is now ready to receive the top end of the base segment. Upon lifting and aligning the bottom cavity of the knuckle 10 of the now-engaged post extension 12 and knuckle 10, the now-engaged post extension 12 and knuckle 10 are dropped onto the top end of the base segment 8. It has now been demonstrated that a highly articulated post that is capable of being configured to provide access to the contents of pallet is also capable of supporting a large load disposed on it when erected. No extraneous locking mechanisms are required. It shall be noted that, the posts remain attached in all configurations, removing the need to locate the posts when they are required.
In one example, in loading a roll onto a present pallet, a single fork 48 of a forklift is placed within the core of the roll 18 and raised to lift the roll 18. The forklift is then maneuvered such that the axis of winding of the roll 18 becomes roughly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pallet. In another example, double forks are used instead to lift a roll directly, e.g., forks 50 are positioned roughly at about 4 o'clock and about 8 o'clock positions with respect to the roll 18 for lifting the roll 18. For roll palleting, the curvature 26 is provided to assist loading by automatically centering the roll 18 about the longitudinal edges of the pallet. The practice of centering the roll 18 about the transverse edges of the pallet is also important and care must be taken so that the end (flat) surfaces of the roll 18 are correctly placed within the space delineated by the posts.
FIG. 7 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position and a roll being positioned to be supported on the base of the pallet. It shall be noted that, upon disposing the adjustable posts in the configuration shown, an operator responsible for maneuvering the roll 18 will only need to be concerned with clearing the base segments 8. In one embodiment, the radius of the curvature profile includes a radius 28 of from about 6 inches to about 16 inches. The radius 46 of a typical roll 18 supported on such a cradle, ranges from about 6 inches to about 16 inches. If a cradle having a profile curvature radius not matching the radius of a roll to be supported must be used, the radius of the roll is preferably smaller than the profile curvature radius such that roll is not inadequately supported, i.e., at only two bands 58 where the profile curvature transition to horizontal surfaces. It shall be noted that, for each post, there is provided a location control detent 20 disposed on a travel limit of a knuckle 10 within the plane of rotation of the knuckle with respect to a base segment 8. During loading or unloading, a corner moved out of the way of the contents of the pallet will stay parallel to the floor. This provides for toe clearance when working close to the pallet. The location control detents 20 also maintain the posts at an easy-to-reach height and position.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view according to one embodiment the present pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed position convenient for compact stacking. When the pallet has been unloaded, the plurality of adjustable posts can be disposed such that each knuckle 10 is disposed in the first plane and extends inwardly toward the center of the base 6 to provide a compact pallet 2.
FIG. 9 is a front elevational view according to one embodiment of the present unloaded pallets, depicting the means by which a top pallet 2 is stacked onto a bottom pallet 2. It shall be noted that the top end of each base segment 8 includes a receptacle 14 configured to receive a foot 30 of a pallet 2 above it. The process for stacking an empty pallet 2 is similar to the process of stacking a loaded pallet 2 as shown in FIG. 3 although it may be easier to stack an empty pallet 2 as it is lighter and the empty pallet 2 may be handled with increased stability. In one example, ten empty pallets 2 can be safely stacked to amount to a total height of less than 103 inches, i.e., high density return ratio, enabling cost effective trucking cost.
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment of the present pallet, depicting a roll 18 already loaded on the base of the pallet. In this embodiment, the base is essentially constructed from a structural support frame 40 with the exception of the longitudinal ends where boards 38 suitable to receive screws, e.g., wood screws, and nails etc., are provided so that a roll already loaded onto end boards 42 may be secured to the boards 38 using fasteners 16. An end board 42 is essentially a right-angled structure with a first plane having a substantially centrally disposed hole to support one end of a roll and a second plane having apertures through which fasteners can be disposed to hold the end board 42 to a board 38. The boards 38 may be constructed from wood or plastic and preferably secured to the base using a plurality of fasteners, e.g., screws. It is also possible to construct an underlying portion of the boards from a suitable load bearing material, e.g., steel and overlaying the underlying portion with plastic or wood top surfaces. As fasteners may be directly embedded in the boards 38, they are treated as consumables and made replaceable, enabling the use of fresh and structurally sound support. In this example, the end boards 42 can simply be secured onto the boards 38, e.g., with fasteners 16, without requiring strapping or tie-downs. It is conceivable that multiple units of such end boards-roll combination can be arranged laterally and/or vertically and loaded onto this embodiment of the present pallet.
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view according to another embodiment the present pallet, depicting the posts being disposed in the stowed position convenient for compact stacking. It shall be noted that, in this embodiment, the post extensions 12 are too long to be arranged to point at one another and therefore may be staggered. Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the posts remain attached to the pallet, eliminating the possibility of misplacing posts. This is especially useful when the pallet needs to be sent back to its place of origin where contents had been previously loaded. If posts are detachable, the chance of losing the posts can be high and the chance of recovering lost posts can be low.
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of according to another embodiment of the present pallet, depicting the posts disposed in a loading or unloading position. Again, the post extensions 12 are too long to be arranged to point at one another and therefore may be staggered to prevent trip hazards and produce a pallet 2 with the smallest footprint possible when the pallet is configured for loading or unloading. Note that the posts are now disposed outside of the platform area.
FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the knuckle 10, depicting the use of tabbed pads as limiters 44 for securely engaging and squaring the engagement portions of a base segment 8 and a post extension 12. When a post has been erected, the top end of its limiter 44 comes in contact with the bottom end of the post extension 12 and the bottom end of the limiter 44 comes in contact with the top end of the base segment 8. FIG. 14 essentially depicts the knuckle 10 of FIG. 13 with one of the halves of the knuckle 10 removed to reveal the pads attached within the space created within the halves constituting the knuckle 10. The knuckle 10 is essential a composite of two halves 56, each half being a bracket having two staggered right angled pieces. Cutouts 52 are strategically placed in the halves 56 such that when they are combined, the cutouts 52 can readily receive the tabs 54 of two limiters 44, each dimensioned to be disposed perpendicularly to the interior walls of the combined halves 56. The engaging edges of the halves are preferably interlocking, much like the means by which puzzle pieces are assembled. In constructing the knuckle 10, the limiters 44 are positioned in one half 56 such that the tabs 54 are inserted in their corresponding cutouts 52 before the other half 56 is assembled to enclose the limiters 44. The tabs 54 are welded onto the halves 56 and the halves 56 are welded together at their interlocking edges, leaving the limiters 44 and the interior walls that come in contact with the limiters 44 not welded and free from any weld beads or artifacts which can compromise the fitment of the knuckle 10 relative to the base segment 8 and the post extension 12.
The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon studying the above description. The scope of the present disclosed embodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of the above structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of the embodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Patent Application
20150360810
