Interlocking interference-fit post system for interconnecting thermoplastic platforms

Abstract

A thermoplastic resin molded post system for joining two thermoplastic molded platforms by means of interference fitting a single cell post half protruding from the inner side of a top platform with a single cell post half protruding from the inner side of a bottom platform, each post half having walls asymmetrically stepped to create a male-female fitting when joined, each post half having a convex round at its free edge and a concave round where the wall is stepped wherein the convex round of the free edge and the concave round of the post half protruding from the underside of the top platform correspondingly engage the concave and the convex rounds of the protrusion form the inner side of the bottom platform. Also, a thermoplastic resin molded pallet employing the interconnecting post system described above.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A thermoplastic molded post system for interconnecting two thermoplastic molded platforms consisting of a top platform having an outer side and an inner side and a bottom platform having an outer side and an inner side by means of a fastener-free interference-fit of two single cell thermoplastic post halves, one half of which protrudes downward from the inner side of the top platform and the other half protrudes upwards from the inner side of the bottom platform, each post half having drafted walls asymmetrically stepped to create a male-female fitting when joined with each free edge of said post half having a convex round and concave round where the wall is stepped wherein the convex round of the free edge and the concave round of the post half protruding from the inner side of the top platform engage the concave and the convex rounds, respectively, of the protrusion from the inner side of the bottom platform.  
     
     
         2 . The thermoplastic molded post system of  claim 1  where in each said post half is monolithically molded with the thermoplastic platform.  
     
     
         3 . The thermoplastic molded post system of  claim 1  wherein the walls of each post half protrusion has walls drafted to enhance interference-fit.  
     
     
         4 . The thermoplastic post system of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic employed is an aromatic polycarbonate.  
     
     
         5 . The thermoplastic post system of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic employed is a polyester carbonate polymers.  
     
     
         6 . The thermoplastic post system of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic employed is an aromatic polycarbonate in combination with at least one other thermoplastic polymer.  
     
     
         7 . The thermoplastic post system of  claim 1  wherein the thermoplastic resin has in combination a reinforcing filler.  
     
     
         8 . The thermoplastic post system of  claim 7  wherein the reinforcing filler is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers and mineral reinforcing fillers.  
     
     
         9 . A multi deck load carrying thermoplastic structure comprised of a top and a bottom thermoplastic platform interconnected by interference fit with the post system of  claim 1 , said load carrying multi-deck thermoplastic structure has increased rigidity and resists bending, shear, compression and tension under externally applied loading.  
     
     
         10 . The load carrying multi-deck thermoplastic structure of  claim 9  wherein the thermoplastic is an aromatic polycarbonate.  
     
     
         11 . The load carrying multi-deck thermoplastic structure of  claim 9  wherein the thermoplastic is a polyester carbonate polymer.  
     
     
         12 . The load carrying multi-deck thermoplastic structure of  claim 7  wherein the thermoplastic is aromatic polycarbonate in combination with at least on other thermoplastic polymer.  
     
     
         13 . The load carrying multi-deck thermoplastic of  claim 9  wherein the thermoplastic resin has in combination a reinforcing filler selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, mineral reinforcing fillers, and mixtures thereof.