Reinforced air cargo pallet

Abstract

An air cargo pallet includes a base metal sheet and extruded edge rails. A metal reinforcing strip is attached to a top surface of the metal base sheet and can run substantially across the entire width of the base sheet. The reinforcing strip divides the unsupported area of the base sheet, thereby reducing the effects of “oil canning” on the base sheet. Lower cost metals may be used for forming the base sheet.

1 . In a cargo pallet of the type having a base sheet and edge rails attached at edges of the base sheet, the improvement comprising: 
 at least one reinforcing strip attached to a top surface of the base sheet and extending substantially across the width of the base sheet, and with the base sheet having a yield strength less than aluminum alloy 7076T6.    
   
   
       2 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  with the base sheet having a thickness of about 0.16 to about 0.25 and with the reinforcing strip having a thickness greater than the thickness of the base sheet.  
   
   
       3 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  with the base sheet divided into two separate sections, and with the separate sections attached together via the reinforcing strip.  
   
   
       4 . The cargo pallet of  claim 3  wherein the separate sections have equivalent dimensions.  
   
   
       5 . The cargo pallet of  claim 4  wherein the reinforcing strip runs substantially across the length of each of the base sheet sections and with the sections abutting each other.  
   
   
       6 . The cargo pallet of  claim 3  wherein reinforcing strip has angled or radiused sides.  
   
   
       7 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  with the reinforcing strip extending parallel to the shorter edges of the pallet.  
   
   
       8 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing strip is located substantially at the lengthwise midpoint of the first base sheet.  
   
   
       9 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of reinforcing strips are attached to a top surface of the base sheet.  
   
   
       10 . The cargo pallet of  claim 9  wherein the plurality of reinforcing strips are substantially equidistantly spaced from one another.  
   
   
       11 . The cargo pallet of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing strip runs substantially across the length of the base sheet.  
   
   
       12 . A cargo pallet, comprising: 
 a first metal base sheet;    a second metal base sheet abutting to the first base sheet; and    a reinforcing strip attached to a top surface of the first base sheet and to a top surface of the second base sheet; and    first and second edge rail extrusions attached to outer edges of the first base sheet, and third and fourth edge rail extrusions attached to outer edges of the second base sheet.    
   
   
       13 . The cargo pallet of  claim 12  wherein the reinforcing strip runs substantially across the length of each of the first and second base sheets where the first base sheet abuts the second base sheet.  
   
   
       14 . The cargo pallet of  claim 12  with the first and second metal base sheets comprising an aluminum alloy having a yield strength less than alloy 7076T6 and having a thickness greater than about 0.16 inches.  
   
   
       15 . The cargo pallet of  claim 12  wherein the first and second base sheets are riveted to the edge rails and to the reinforcing strip.  
   
   
       16 . The cargo pallet of  claim 12  wherein the first and second base sheets each have approximately the same length and width.  
   
   
       17 . In a cargo pallet of the type having a base sheet and edge rails attached to the edges of the base sheet, the improvement comprising: 
 the base sheet comprising an aluminum alloy having a yield strength less than aluminum alloy 7076T6; and    reinforcement means for reinforcing the base sheet, with the reinforcement means attached to a top surface of the base sheet.    
   
   
       18 . The cargo pallet of  claim 17  with the reinforcement means dividing the base sheet into two or more substantially equal areas.