Modular pallet display system

Abstract

A modular pallet system is provided for storing and displaying merchandise and other items. The modular pallet system uses a pallet as its support base. The pallet has at least one socket for receiving an upright to support stretchers that are adjustable to different heights along the upright. The stretchers may join multiple pallets and support shelving in a variety of configurations. Shelves or other retail fixtures may be supported by the stretchers or the upright for multiple tiers and may run between pallets. The modular pallet system offers greater versatility and customization, as compared to previously known systems.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A pallet assembly, the pallet assembly comprising: 
 a pallet having a deck supported by a footing;    an upright; and    a bracket coupled to the pallet, the bracket at least partially defining a socket oriented to receive the upright substantially vertically.    
     
     
         2 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is coupled to the deck and the footing.  
     
     
         3 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is L-shaped.  
     
     
         4 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the upright is releasably coupled to the bracket.  
     
     
         5 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a stabilizer bar coupled to the bracket for reinforcing the socket.  
     
     
         6 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a stretcher, wherein the stretcher is releasably coupled to the upright and adjustable to different vertical locations along the upright.  
     
     
         7 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein a distal end of the stretcher includes fasteners that releasably couple to the upright.  
     
     
         8 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the fasteners include one of a peg, a pin, a post, a key, a finger, a protrusion, a bolt, and a wedge.  
     
     
         9 . The pallet assembly as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the stretcher is permanently secured to the upright.  
     
     
         10 . A shelving system comprising: 
 two racks, each rack including 
 a pallet having a deck supported by a footing,  
 an upright, and  
 a bracket coupled to the pallet, the bracket at least partially defining a socket oriented to receive the upright substantially vertically; and  
   a shelf extending between and releasably coupled to the racks.    
     
     
         11 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising a stretcher extending between the racks and releasably coupled to each of the uprights, and wherein the shelf is releasably coupled to the stretcher.  
     
     
         12 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising a panel coupled to the rack.  
     
     
         13 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the bracket is coupled to the deck and the footing.  
     
     
         14 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the bracket is L-shaped.  
     
     
         15 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the upright is releasably coupled to the bracket.  
     
     
         16 . The system as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising a stabilizer bar coupled to the bracket, and wherein the stabilizer bar reinforces the socket.  
     
     
         17 . The system as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the stretcher is adjustable to different vertical locations along the upright.  
     
     
         18 . The system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein a distal end of the stretcher includes fasteners that releasably couple to the upright.  
     
     
         19 . The system as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the fasteners include one of a peg, a pin, a post, a key, a finger, a protrusion, a bolt, and a wedge.  
     
     
         20 . The system as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein the stretcher is permanently secured to the upright.  
     
     
         21 . The system as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising a hang rod coupled to the stretcher.  
     
     
         22 . The system as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising auxiliary display elements coupled to one of the stretcher and the upright.  
     
     
         23 . The system as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the auxiliary display elements include one of a basket, a shelf, a hanger, a post, a panel, a clip, and a wall.  
     
     
         24 . A display system comprising: 
 a pallet having a deck supported by a footing;    an upright;    an L-shaped bracket coupled to the pallet, the bracket at least partially defining a socket oriented to receive the upright substantially vertically;    a stretcher releasably coupled to the upright; and    a shelf releasably coupled to the stretcher.    
     
     
         25 . The display system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the bracket is coupled to the deck and the footing.  
     
     
         26 . The display system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the upright is releasably coupled to the bracket.  
     
     
         27 . The display system as claimed in  claim 24 , further comprising a stabilizer bar coupled to the bracket, and wherein the stabilizer bar reinforces the socket.  
     
     
         28 . The display system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the stretcher is adjustable to different vertical locations along the upright.  
     
     
         29 . The display system as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein a distal end of the stretcher includes fasteners that releasably couple to the upright.  
     
     
         30 . The display system as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the fasteners include one of a peg, a pin, a post, a key, a finger, a protrusion, a bolt, and a wedge.  
     
     
         31 . The display system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the stretcher is permanently secured to the upright.  
     
     
         32 . A method of assembling a modular shelving system, the method comprising: 
 providing a first pallet having a deck supported by a footing;    coupling a bracket to the pallet, the bracket at least partially defining a socket oriented to receive an upright substantially vertically;    coupling the upright to the bracket;    coupling a stretcher to the upright; and    coupling a shelf to the stretcher.    
     
     
         33 . The method as claimed in  claim 32 , further comprising adjusting the stretcher to different vertical locations along the upright.  
     
     
         34 . The method as claimed in  claim 32 , further comprising providing a second pallet having a foot and an upper portion, an upright, a bracket coupled to the second pallet, the bracket at least partially defining a socket oriented to receive the upright substantially vertically, a stretcher coupled to the upright, and a shelf coupled to the stretcher.  
     
     
         35 . The method as claimed in  claim 34 , further comprising coupling the second pallet to the first pallet.  
     
     
         36 . The method as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein the second pallet is coupled to the first pallet via an interconnecting lateral support member.