Pallet frame assembly

Abstract

A pallet frame assembly is designed to support and retain various loads with the interior of a commercial aircraft. Moreover, the pallet assembly maintains those loads in a manner which facilitates the removable but secure attachment of a load retaining cover or the like structure in overlying relation to the freight mounted on the base of the pallet. More specifically, the pallet frame assembly comprises a base formed preferably, but not necessarily, of a solid sheet of high strength, light weight material, such as, for example, metal. The base is connectable with a track assembly which forms a frame. The track assembly preferably comprises a plurality of track segments, and four segments are used for a pallet having a rectangular or square shape. Each of the track segments might also be formed of a light weight, high strength metal, or other suitable material. Each track segment terminates in a manner to abut another track segment in a perpendicular relationship, and each further comprises a channel to accept a substantially L-shaped bracket which is riveted, or otherwise securely fastened, to the adjoining track segments. Each track segment is configured to have an extended inner edge over which the interior of the bracket has a corresponding extension which overlaps the edge and thus secures each track segment together when the bracket is affixed to the respective segments. The track segment also has a channel near its outer edge into which a depending flange from the bracket is inserted. In this configuration the bracket securely fastens both the outer and inner edges of the track assembly once it is riveted in place.

1 . A pallet frame assembly comprising: 
 a base,    a plurality of track segments forming a track assembly, and    a corner bracket for securing said track segments together to form said track assembly, said bracket having a substantially L shape formed by two legs each having a rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top, whereby at least one flange depends from one rear edge substantially perpendicular to the top, and whereby at least one flange depends from one forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, said bracket further comprising an interior having in part an extension of said top such that the length of said top along said extension is greater than the length of said top section having no extension.    
   
   
       2 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said track segments comprise four in number for forming a square or rectangular track assembly, said track assembly being secured together by a plurality of corner brackets.  
   
   
       3 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 2 , wherein said corner brackets number four.  
   
   
       4 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said bracket further comprises at least one aperture for receiving a fastening device.  
   
   
       5 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said fastening device comprises a rivet.  
   
   
       6 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said track segments further comprise a channel for receiving the said flange depending from the said forward edge.  
   
   
       7 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 6 , wherein said extension of said bracket rests on top of a narrowed portion of said channel.  
   
   
       8 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein two flanges depend from the rear edge of the legs.  
   
   
       9 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein two flanges depend from the forward edge of the legs.  
   
   
       10 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 8 , wherein each of said track segments is further defined by an outer periphery and terminating in an end having a slot that is dimensioned to receive the said flanges when two track segments are adjoined.  
   
   
       11 . A pallet frame assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said base terminates with edges that are matably securely fitted within the recess of the inner edge of said track assembly.  
   
   
       12 . A frame assembly comprising: 
 a plurality of track segments forming a track assembly, and    corner brackets for securing the track segment corners to form the track assembly, said brackets having a substantially L shape formed by two legs each having a rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top, whereby at least one flange depends from one rear edge substantially perpendicular to the top, and whereby at least one flange depends from one forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, said bracket further comprising an interior having in part an extension of said top such that the length of said top along said extension is greater than the length of said top section having no extension.    
   
   
       13 . A bracket having a substantially L shape formed by two legs each having a rear edge and a forward edge, and having a top, whereby a flange depends from each rear edge substantially perpendicular to the top, and whereby at least a flange depends from each forward edge substantially perpendicular to the top, such that said flange depending from said forward edge is shorter than said flange depending from said rear edge, said bracket further comprising an interior having in part an extension of said top such that the length of said top along said extension is greater than the length of said top section having no extension.